Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Emergency services are currently attending a single truck crash on Tirau Rd (SH1), Cambridge.
While there are no reports of any serious injuries, the road is blocked and traffic is building.
Please avoid the area if possible, or expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: US Government research organizations
A team of paleontologists recently discovered that an ancient seascape known for its diverse assemblage of exceptionally preserved fossils represents an unexpected oceanic setting, placing the fossils in an environmental context that is dramatically different from other fossil assemblages of the Cambrian age. The team published their findings in the journal, ScienceAdvances.
The team explored the Emu Bay Shale, exposed across a sea cliff in South Australia, and found its strata — the layers of material settled over time — were deposited in an energetic fan river delta at the edge of a tectonically active rift basin, which forms as two continents move apart from each other. These unique features mean gravel and cobbles were catastrophically deposited into the ocean by debris flows that originated on land.
“It’s not where you would expect to see delicate, soft-bodied creatures preserved,” Robert Gaines, a professor at Pomona College, said. “The shale’s unique setting hosted a diverse ecosystem with extraordinary fossil preservation, and now we know that the environmental setting exerted a strong influence on the structure of this early animal community.”
These findings help to explain why the bottom-dwelling fauna was dominated by endemic species, likely inhabiting niche habitats, while swimming species that were unaffected by conditions on the seafloor include cosmopolitan forms seen elsewhere during the same time, like Anomalocaris — a large predator with acute vision and big claws. Emu Bay Shale fossils are associated with the Cambrian Explosion, which marked a massive jump in animal evolution over 500 million years ago that led to all the major animal groupings we have today.
The Emu Bay Shale and its more studied counterpart, the Burgess Shale in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, are Cambrian Lagerstätten, a German term noting well-preserved organic remains in a rock layer.
Before these findings, the research community debated whether the Emu Bay Shale represented a shallow or deep environment. The rift basin promoted the short-lived development of deep-water conditions regionally. Specific features associated with the fan river delta, like murky sediment-rich water, helped explain the lack of certain species, like sponges, which are frequently found in the Burgess Shale.
“At Emu Bay, we see a smorgasbord of sedimentary structure; it told us something different is happening there,” Gaines said.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On October 26, 2024, at approximately 10:55 am, RCMP officers were called to attend to the screening area at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport on a report of a suitcase containing a large quantity of Canadian currency.
Officers then attended to the departure area and located the owner of the suitcase.
A 30-year-old male, from Calgary, who was destined for Toronto, was arrested for Possession of Proceeds of Crime and later released from custody for a court appearance scheduled for February 3, 2025, in Winnipeg.
RCMP continue to investigate.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Saint-Quentin RCMP is seeking the public’s help to locate a stolen snowmobile from Kedgwick, N.B.
The theft is believed to have occurred between September 14 and 29, 2024, at a residence on Route 17 in Kedgwick.
The snowmobile is described as a sable 2024 Ski-Doo Summit X850 with vehicle identification number 2BPSTDRL5RV000008.
If you have seen the snowmobile since September 14, or if you have information that could help further the investigation, please contact the Saint-Quentin RCMP at 506-235-2149. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — White House National Cyber Director, CEOs, Key Financial Services Companies, Congressional and Executive Branch Experts will discuss industry priorities for 2025 and beyond
The American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC) Cyber Council will convene “The Tie that Binds: A 21st Century Cybersecurity Dialogue,” on October 31, 2024, at the Bank of America Financial Center Tower’s Convention Hall in Atlanta. This event will feature leading cyber experts from the financial services sector, Federal agencies, the White House, and Congress to focus on pressing cybersecurity issues and ways the financial services sector is addressing these issues. It will include discussions on evolving technologies that will influence the path forward, the role of AI, supply chain security needs, and more.
“Cybersecurity is the backbone of the payment processing industry,” said H. West Richards, ATPC executive director. “The work of the ATPC Cyber Council is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our financial ecosystem and fostering a collaborative approach to tackling the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow.”
Key Speakers and Highlights:
The forum will conclude with a fireside chat focused on “A Look to the Future: 2025: Top Cybersecurity and Critical Technology Priorities for the ATPC Cyber Council,” featuring Rick Van Luvender from Fiserv and Norma Krayem, the ATPC Cyber Council director, focusing on future cybersecurity and critical technology priorities.
Conference details are available at https://atpcoalition.com/atpc-cyber-forum/.
ATPC is a leading voice for America’s payments processors, consisting of the world’s largest, global payment processors, banks, credit card companies and financial services companies. ATPC member companies are uniquely positioned to ensure global payments move seamlessly across the world, while empowering broader and more diverse participation within the financial services system. In the race for a better tomorrow, technology solutions can advance faster than companies can keep up with cybersecurity risks. As a result, the ATPC is one of the few coalitions that created a standalone Cybersecurity Council to prioritize these key cybersecurity issues across its member companies. The ATPC Cyber Council is a unique group made up of only CISOs, CSOs, CIOs and CTOs who are on the front lines every day dealing with the operational impacts of cybersecurity. These U.S. based companies serve hundreds of millions of customer businesses across the globe daily and process hundreds of billions of transactions per year.
About the ATPC
The ATPC is a leading voice for America’s payments processors, driving awareness of the industry and its value to consumers, businesses, and the economy with legislators and regulators at federal, state, and international levels. The ATPC is rooted in Georgia’s Transaction Alley where electronic payments and the fintech industry began. Yet, our members enable payments in states across the nation and in every corner of the globe. The ATPC has a rich history of economic development, thought leadership, and engagement on legislative and regulatory topics like cybersecurity, privacy, financial inclusion, fraud, as well as emerging themes like open banking, AI, and stable coins.
About the ATPC Cyber Council
The American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC) established a dedicated Cyber Council to galvanize the efforts of the ATPC member companies in addressing cybersecurity risks. The Cyber Council’s mission is to identify best practices and areas of shared risk to help ATPC members address the evolving cyber threat across America’s payments processing system to strengthen industry’s ability to identify, protect, detect, respond to and recover from cyberattacks.
Contact
Alison Watson
Golin
awatson@golin.com
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chris Greenough, Professor of Social Sciences, Edge Hill University
Hollywood actor Luke Evans writes candidly in his memoir about his experience growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness – and having to deal with religious and homophobic prejudice.
Evans describes a childhood where he was taunted by peers as a “Bible-basher”, and how he endured homophobic bullying. He writes:
I was bullied for being gay before I even understood what it meant. The worst nickname was “Jovey Bender”, because it combined two aspects of my identity that could never be reconciled. It wasn’t possible to be a “Jovey” and a “Bender” because being gay was strictly forbidden by the religion.
As an academic who works on religion and sexualities, my latest research focuses on gay ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses, known for their door-knocking evangelising, pique interest because of the closed nature of their group. They are a fundamentalist and apocalyptic religious group organised into congregations, overseen by male elders – women are not permitted to be elders.
They refer to their beliefs and teachings as “the Truth”. There is a governing body, known as The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, which establishes all doctrine.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have a distinctive social world. It’s an exclusive religious group that tries to set itself apart from contemporary society and culture. Research refers to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a “high cost” religious group, which means it demands a high level of obedience from its followers – and homosexuality is condemned.
Evans’s interview follows two other memoirs by gay ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 2020, Mendez’s semi-aut0-biographical book Rainbow Milk was released to critical acclaim. Three years later, Daniel Allen Cox’s memoir detailed the ways growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness shaped him: “I spent eighteen years in a group that taught me to hate myself. You cannot be queer and a Jehovah’s Witness – it’s one or the other.”
Cox has a point. The reason these gay men are considered ex-Witnesses is that technically, one cannot be LGBTQ+ and a Jehovah’s Witness. As the official means of sharing Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, the magazine The Watchtower explains:
They gladly conduct Bible studies with homosexuals so these can learn Jehovah’s requirements, and such persons may attend meetings of the Witnesses to listen, but no one who continues to practice homosexuality can be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Evans’s interview recounts how he was terrified to go door knocking with his parents, in case one of his school bullies answered and hurled abuse at him. The teachings from the Witnesses affected his wellbeing. He recounts:
Every night in the congregation they read scriptures saying terrible things about the way I was feeling and who I was possibly turning into. All that was in my head was: if I don’t sort this out, I’m going to lose my mum and dad. I’m going to lose everything I’ve ever known and I’m also going to die at Armageddon, so I’m giving myself a death sentence unless I sort this out.
The only documented experiences we have about growing up LGBTQ+ as a Jehovah’s Witness comes from former members, like Evans, who have left – or been forced to leave.
But there’s a double bind here. There is a history of resistance to accounts from those who have been forced to leave, often referred to as “apostates” by the Witnesses. Ex-member testimony has often – and wrongly, I argue – been discredited among scholars of religion, as I highlight in my recent research.
Most importantly for LGBTQ+ people, ex-member testimony is the only glimpse we get into the effect of religious teaching that is hostile to non-heterosexual identities.
For LGBTQI+ former Witnesses, biography and memoir is a tool that allows them to write themselves into existence. Others, who are negotiating or navigating an exit from a high-cost religion, need these stories to help make sense of their own lives and experiences.
The method of exit is important. The terms “disfellowshipping”, “disassociation”, and “fading” represent different methods of exiting a religious organisation. Disfellowshipping involves the forced removal of a congregation member, often resulting in their ostracism and shunning by the community.
Jehovah’s Witness teachings describe disfellowshipping as a “loving provision” that “protects the clean, Christian congregation”.
Disassociation is when a Witness voluntarily resigns from the organisation, typically through a formal written request. For LGBTQ+ people, disfellowshipping or disassociation often leads to being labelled as “sexually immoral”, resulting in their expulsion and subsequent shunning by the congregation, including their close friends and family.
In contrast, fading is a more gradual and discreet approach, allowing Witnesses to distance themselves without going through the formal processes of disfellowshipping or disassociation. This method can be especially important for those who wish to maintain relationships with family and friends still involved in the organisation, as it does not involve an official removal.
Exit – forced or voluntary – for LGBTQ+ former Witnesses results in a number of vulnerabilities relating to housing, finance, emotional and psychological distress among other risks to wellbeing. Psychologists, such as Heather Ransom, have researched the cumulative effect on wellbeing for those who leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses, describing this process as “grief”.
In an interview with the Guardian, Evans recounts how he didn’t see a viable option in reconciling his faith and sexuality. This sentiment underpins the urgency for research about how strict, conservative religious frameworks can stifle personal identity, especially for children and young people who are LGBTQ+.
Chris Greenough does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Luke Evans’ memoir shows why there’s no such thing as a gay Jehovah’s Witness – https://theconversation.com/luke-evans-memoir-shows-why-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-gay-jehovahs-witness-242435
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael C. Edwards, Senior Research Fellow in Public Health, UCL
All young people need to have access to high-quality climate education because, when not overwhelming, emotional engagement with the climate crisis can motivate action.
We recently surveyed more than 2,400 school students aged 11-14 in England about their views on climate change and sustainability education. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds were less likely to experience negative emotions related to climate change. Children from more advantaged backgrounds were more likely to want to learn about climate change and sustainability, to want to do more to look after the environment and to believe that adults are doing enough to look after the planet.
The variation in climate literacy and educational opportunities demonstrated through our survey is highly concerning. These inequalities are particularly concerning as children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. But these children’s limited capacity to engage with climate issues is also understandable considering the state of child poverty in the UK and the more immediate challenges they are probably facing.
Much has been written about young people’s fears about the climate crisis and the associated mental health effects. We know far less about how to introduce these challenging topics to children who are less engaged. How can we reach these young people so they’re not isolated or sent into a panic, but empowered to act? Our research suggests that schools are a critical place to start.
Read more:
Ten years to 1.5°C: how climate anxiety is affecting young people around the world – podcast
In our survey, students of all socio-economic backgrounds told us that they learned about climate change and sustainability in secondary school. Conversely, children from disadvantaged backgrounds were less likely to have learned about these topics in the news and media, from their families and from extracurricular activities.
These findings are somewhat unsurprising given the algorithms limiting engagement with online content that challenges our existing perspectives. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds also experience many barriers to participating in nature-based activities outside school. These include lack of availability, cultural exclusion and safety concerns.
Based on our survey and earlier research (for example, the pioneering work of psychology professor Maria Ojala), we have identified three ways that schools can address inequalities to reach and connect with all children to deliver quality climate and sustainability education.
First, the education sector should include climate and sustainability learning within a broader range of subjects. Climate change intersects with nearly all aspects of our lives. Therefore, all school subjects offer unique learning opportunities.
If climate and sustainability education was integrated throughout the formal and informal curriculum, children could learn about the issues as part of the subjects that most interest them.
For example, our colleagues at UCL are developing a new type of crafting activity in schools. It involves combining materials from nature and paper circuits which bring nature to life through light. Through integrating nature, technology and art, these hybrid nature crafts align with many subjects and could appeal to children of all ages.
We must also develop emotionally responsive teaching practices. Building climate awareness is emotionally challenging, particularly for children with little prior knowledge of the issues. It can also be emotionally draining for teachers.
Time for emotional reflection should be included in lesson plans. Students should be encouraged to share their emotions, be it sadness, anxiety or anger. These are valid and natural responses when learning about climate change.
Creative practices can encourage emotional engagement with climate learning. For example, arts-based activities and storytelling. Our research found that students felt happier with their life, spent more time outdoors and were more optimistic about the future after taking part in arts-in-nature experiences.
Schools should also give students opportunities to combat the climate crisis and other environmental issues. This supports their sense of agency which is critical to motivating action. Engaging students in collective action can be particularly effective for empowering them and instilling hope.
In our survey, one student highlighted the benefits of whole-school projects for climate and sustainability education. She said that “a whole community feels more empowered when they know everyone is working towards a goal and therefore, it helps [us] understand the depth of global warming and the long-term and short-term changes we can make.”
However, a word of caution. Limiting climate action to activities that don’t challenge existing power structures (through recycling or buying eco-friendly products, for example) does not go far enough. Instead, we advocate for transformative actions that encourage students to critically evaluate the norms and practices around them. This could include partnerships with local organisations, student-driven whole-school approaches and political activism.
It is essential that schools provide high-quality climate and sustainability education that engages all students and avoids causing disengagement and despair. The strategies we’ve outlined here will help schools do so, thereby equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge and agency to tackle climate change.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Three ways for schools to make climate education inclusive for all children – https://theconversation.com/three-ways-for-schools-to-make-climate-education-inclusive-for-all-children-242059
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas Gift, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre on US Politics, UCL
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are promising big initiatives if elected: tax cuts (and hikes), lots of giveaways, and major pieces of legislation bearing on issues such as abortion, healthcare, the environment and foreign military assistance. Regardless of who wins the presidency, the one thing all these items have in common? They can’t pass without Congress, which comprises the House of Representatives (the lower body) and the Senate (the upper body).
The Senate is currently controlled by Democrats, 51 to 49, while Republicans hold a majority in the House of Representatives, 220 to 212. Website FiveThirtyEight, which aggregates polls, forecasts that the Republicans are far more likely to win the Senate 2024. In the House, the race is expected to be much closer.
Given the numbers, it’s the Senate that most worries Democrats and excites Republicans. Democrats are likely to lose representation in Republican-leaning West Virginia, and could lose additional seats in Ohio, Montana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. There’s a chance for Democrats to pick up seats in Florida and Texas, but both races are still trending Republican.
Who wins the Senate could constrain the next president, if the party of opposition is in control. In the Senate, the filibuster, a tactic to delay or block legislation, can make it hard to enact many new laws with a simple majority (51 votes). In theory, a simple majority is enough to pass a bill, but if a Senator introduces a filibuster, an extra 60 votes are needed to override it and stop debate so a vote on legislation can be held.
Still, just having a Senate majority is crucial, particularly if there is a tie-breaking vote. (The vice-president is president of the Senate and only has a vote if the vote is tied).
Here are four key ways in which who wins the Senate matters.
Both the Harris and Trump campaigns have laid out sweeping proposals, especially for the economy, much of which will require Senate backing. While a filibuster-proof 60 votes is usually needed to pass laws, a special process called “budget reconciliation” can (with the consent of the official in charge of the rules, the Senate parliamentarian) be used to approve some budgets – relating to specific tax, spending and debt bills – with a minimum of a tie-breaking majority.
Harris’s plan focuses on building what she calls an “opportunity economy,” which includes US$25,000 (£19,200) in down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, US$6,000 tax credits for families with newborns, and federal bans against excessive prices for food and other groceries. Harris has also pledged to raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, and floated taxing unrealised gains – such as the appreciation in equities, real estate and other assets – for the very rich, a 25% minimum tax on total income exceeding US$100 million.
Trump’s economic blueprint includes making his 2017 tax cuts permanent. He’s called for the elimination of taxes on tips, overtime, and social security benefits. Additionally, Trump has vowed to slash the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15%. Perhaps Trump’s most consequential economic proposal – imposing 10-20% tariffs on all imports into the US and 60% tariffs on goods from China – could be done unilaterally without Congress.
Some of the biggest battles over the next four years are likely to be fought in, and over, the federal judicial system. The Senate must consent to Supreme Court appointments. During his first term, Trump pushed through three court appointments – Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett – which helped solidify a six-three conservative supermajority on the bench. Biden named one justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
While no justice has signalled an intent to step down soon, either Trump or Harris could have the opportunity – planned or unplanned – to install one or more new justices. The two oldest-serving members of the court are conservatives Clarence Thomas, 76, and Samuel Alito, 74. For Republicans, the next presidential term could offer an opportunity to cement a right-leaning bench for decades to come.
If Trump wins and the Senate goes Republican, there will be pressure from conservative corners for the older right-leaning justices to retire and to replace them with young blood. By contrast, if Harris wins and the Democrats control the tiebreak, they could begin to redirect a court that’s been drifting rightward for years.
Left-wing Congress members have advocated for ending the filibuster throughout President Joe Biden’s term. This “nuclear” option would mean doing away with a Senate rule, which was used in the first Congress in 1789. Ending the filibuster would signal an all-out partisan war that would have wide-ranging ramifications on Capitol Hill not only for the next presidency, but further into the future.
The filibuster has already been diluted in recent years by both Democrats and Republicans. In 2013, Democrats removed the 60-vote threshold to confirm many executive branch nominations, a move they said was necessary due to Republican blockading. In 2017, Republicans responded by killing the filibuster over Supreme Court appointments.
If elected, Harris has indicated that she would support ending the filibuster to reinstate reproductive rights that were eliminated after the overturning of Roe v Wade. However, she has talked little about the issue since becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It’s also unclear that more centrist Democrats would support the move.
While there’s bipartisan support in Washington for both aiding Israel’s military and taking a “tough on China” approach, the incoming Senate will be essential in determining if the US approves additional funds to Ukraine.
With the retirement of Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell, a vocal advocate for supporting the war, it’s unclear if such a measure would even come up for a vote under Republican leadership. But a Harris administration or a Democrat-led House or Senate, or both, would continue to lobby for US funding.
One important, but less-discussed, issue that may also arise before the Senate is the ratification of a defence pact between the US and Saudi Arabia. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have envisioned a Saudi-Israel deal normalising relations between the two countries, with a US security pact for Saudi Arabia to back the agreement.
Any future treaty would require a two-thirds Senate majority, a high bar to clear. Twenty Democratic senators raised concerns to Biden about the potential deal in 2023, while Republican senators voted to block Trump’s proposed armed sales to the Saudis in 2019.
Both at home and abroad, it’s not just who wins the White House that will determine the political trajectory of the United States. Races in the Senate could have far-reaching implications under either a President Harris or President Trump.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. US election: how control of Congress will matter for the new president – https://theconversation.com/us-election-how-control-of-congress-will-matter-for-the-new-president-242246
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amanda Ellison, Professor of Neuroscience, Durham University
Up to a third of people diagnosed with depression do not respond to antidepressants or therapy.
In such cases, patients may be prescribed neuromodulation therapy, which modulates brain activity in order to reduce depression symptoms. One promising form of neuromodulation therapy that researchers are investigating is transcranial direction current stimulation (tDCS).
Transcranial direct current stimulation delivers a weak electrical current to the brain through electrodes that are held to the head by a band or strap. This changes the excitability of the brain tissue located beneath the electrodes. Reducing the excitability of overactive areas and increasing the excitability in underactive areas, especially in regions connected to emotion, can help to improve depression symptoms.
TDCS is a safe, effective treatment, which, in some studies, has been shown to help patients achieve remission and stay symptom-free for up to a month. However, previous clinical trials of tDCS have required patients to visit a clinic or hospital in order to receive the treatment, despite the equipment being quite portable.
But a recent randomised controlled trial has now shown that tDCS – which was delivered by the patient in their own home with online virtual support – can lead to significant reductions in depression.
To conduct their study, the researchers recruited 174 patients in the UK and US who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Around 63% of these participants had been classed with having treatment-resistant depression.
Half the participants received an at-home tDCS treatment. This was delivered for 30 minutes a day, five times a week for three weeks to begin with. Then, they dropped down to three sessions per week for seven weeks. Because these sessions were carried out in the patient’s own home with remote support, this meant no doctor or nurse visits were required.
The other half of the patients were in a control group. These participants were given a sham condition, where they wore the electrode strap but did not receive any electrical stimulation.
After the initial ten-week study, patients in the tDCS group were give the option to continue receiving the treatment three times a week. Those in the sham condition were also offered the active protocol.
The at-home treatment was generally well tolerated. There were only a few reports of adverse reactions (mainly linked to irritation around the stimulation site).
Patients in both groups filled out a depression assessment scale at the start and end of the study. This assessment asks patients a series of questions, then provides them a score.
Any score above ten indicates depression. Both the active tDCS and sham groups improved – however the active tDCS group’s scores decreased significantly more, showing an over a two-point decrease in depression scores compared to the control group.
This study has found home-based tDCS shows enormous promise as a cost-effective, convenient and safe means of providing treatment to patients with treatment-resistant depression.
This gives it an advantage over other forms of neuromodulation therapy – such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS modulates brain activity by delivering magnetic pulses via an electromagnetic coil held to the skull.
TMS is shown to be effective 50% of the time for patients with treatment-resistant depression when paired with psychotherapy. But a downside of TMS therapy is that it can only be delivered in a clinic or hospital with patients needing to have 30-minute treatments at least five times a week for up to six weeks for TMS to have any effect.
Transcranial direct current stimulation therapy also has significantly fewer side-effects compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which also passes an electric current through the brain. ECT is also far more invasive than tDCS as it requires anaesthesia to perform. In contrast, tDCS passes a weak electrical current through two points of contact in the brain.
However, the authors raise an important point relating to the treatment-resistant status of some of the participants.
Patients that had a history of depression and had been resistant to three or more therapies were excluded from the study. This means future studies will need to investigate the threshold of efficacy when it comes to at-home tDCS – and whether it can also work for patients with more severe forms of treatment-resistant depression.
Another factor that will be important for future studies to investigate is whether the patient’s at-home environment and social support network affect the efficacy of the treatment. The next steps for researchers will be to take into account the variability of why depression occurs, how it manifests itself as well as the differences in terms of acceptance and how it’s dealt with.
It will also be important for future studies to account for the physiological differences related to age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and many other factors that can influence the progression of depression.
Still, this study has shown that at-home tDCS delivery leads to significant improvements in mood for people diagnosed with depression who have failed to respond to other treatments.
Amanda Ellison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Electrical currents delivered to the brain at home may lead to significant reductions in depression symptoms – new research – https://theconversation.com/electrical-currents-delivered-to-the-brain-at-home-may-lead-to-significant-reductions-in-depression-symptoms-new-research-241949
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anastasia Denisova, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, University of Westminster
Here they come: an apron and tattoos that make you look like chef Carmy from The Bear, or weird insect-like accessories resembling the infamous Paris Fashion Week bedbugs – new year, new over-the-top inventive Halloween trends. Thanks to the proliferation of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, we’re in for a treat for this year’s online Halloween extravaganza.
What used to be a traditional holiday celebrated with reverence by the people remembering the religious meaning of All Hallow’s Eve, or simply an excuse for phantasmagorical parties by those who didn’t, Halloween is now exhibiting a whole new digital layer.
Last year, the hashtag #Halloween was viewed three billion times in a week. We live in a time of “information fatigue”, “information anxiety” or even “infobesity”, as some academics call our oversaturated media environment, with plentiful, often unpleasant stimuli coming from the news and social media.
No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.
Read more from Quarter Life:
Why are ‘photo dumps’ so popular? A digital communications expert explains
Should I post photos of my children online? Here’s what new parents need to know about sharenting
Three steps for getting over social media envy – advice from a psychologist
All this badly affects our biological systems, which have not developed as fast as the media environment. As a result, we are overwhelmed, anxious, overstimulated and struggling with processing so much information. It is hard to cut through this noise, whether you’re a journalist, politician, influencer or just someone having fun in a pumpkin latte costume.
In my research on viral journalism, I discovered that even professional communicators struggle to keep up with the changes in social media algorithms and various new functions of these platforms. Many feel discouraged by the non-transparency of social media giants and prefer to rely on classic principles of strong reporting and creative presentation formats. But what are the triggers for media virality for those who still want their posts to explode online?
Halloween, like St Valentine’s Day and other annual celebrations, presents a chance to be the new viral sensation, simply because using the hashtag #Halloween instantly grants additional visibility.
Virality stands on two pillars – the opaque algorithms of social networks, and people’s emotional reactions. Unlike viruses, from which the word “viral” originates, virality online is not a malady, but a choice. People instinctively choose content that will satisfy their needs. These can be having something to think about, or a distraction, so we don’t have to think about other things going on in the world.
Engagement with stories online is seldom rational – research has shown that emotions dominate our relationship with news and social media. The feelings of awe, anger and anxiety are the strongest predictors for a post to go viral.
So how, when creating content, do we achieve the coveted reaction of “awe”? This feeling can be described in a variety of ways, from a religious epiphany, to deep appreciation because we’re impressed, to the sense of calm experienced through nature. This is where the theory of memes can help.
Halloween costumes on social media are, essentially, wearable and broadcastable memes. These, as my book Internet Memes and Society explains, are half-baked jokes and weird cryptic artefacts that tempt users to figure out why they are supposed to be funny.
Memes are used as everyday language, political tools, and “fast-food” media. Will a costume based on Only Murders in the Buildings’ Christmas fitness influencer make it to viral stardom? Will it be another take on the brat summer? Or perhaps some twisted commentaries on the cost-of-living crisis?
I predict that virality this season will demand either to go full-on maximalist, or be understated and minimalist. The theories of humour stand on three pillars: humour as release, humour as aggression, and humour as incongruity.
Perhaps we will also see the manifestations of what Plato called comedy as scorn: “Taken generally,” the ancient Greek philosopher mused, “the ridiculous is a certain kind of evil, specifically a vice.” Expect the highest-earning or most influential celebrities to be shoved off their pedestal and roundly mocked in a Halloween costume.
What about incongruity? Some of the more absurd costumes from last year featured a drink coaster and a paper bag, or a man dressed as a ULEZ street camera. These examples generate a reaction of awe, surprise and glee, making the posts worthy of sharing.
And finally, release. Humour is invaluable when it comes to dissipating worries or letting off steam. The recent viral sensation from the music band The Kiffness’ “Eating the cats” ft Donald Trump hilariously reimagined a phrase from the US presidential debate as a soft reggae hit – and a hit it has become, amassing eight million views in a matter of weeks.
This Halloween will surely see a couple of TikTokers dressed as cats, or dogs, or even “a catalogue of other things to eat”. Humour allows us to reveal the ridiculousness of certain political claims, and therefore serves as a soothing tool that unites people and challenges those in power through mockery.
Virality – memes included – forms the modern mythology. The media informs our collective identities and often the things we think about, which means the themes of this Halloween will most likely reveal what people are scared of as a way to release those fears.
Who will people mock because they feel intimidated by a particular public figure’s power, wealth, talent, influence, looks or profile (aggression). Or who or what do people find awe-inspiring or puzzling this year (incongruity)?
After all, Halloween is the one time of the year that reminds people of the medieval carnivals of the 14th century – the only time jesters and critics could come to the main square and have a go at the king. The digital carnival (as academics like myself sometimes call the digital mockery of the elites) is not limited to a specific time in the year.
The never-ending flow of ridicule, sarcasm and dressing up online never ceases to amaze viral studies academics. But the end of October sees a particular concentration of this subversion, attracting the attention of the digital crowds seeking to laugh at the rich, famous and powerful.
People form and negotiate cultural codes through viral cultures, by choosing what posts to share, like, and comment on. Through these interactions, valuable meanings and identities emerge, and it will be fascinating to see which meanings the collective beehive wants to focus on this Halloween 2024. Whether that’s Carmy Berzatto in his blue apron or the cats and dogs of Springfield.
Anastasia Denisova does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Want to go viral this #Halloween? It’s all about tapping into fun, fears and alogorithms – https://theconversation.com/want-to-go-viral-this-halloween-its-all-about-tapping-into-fun-fears-and-alogorithms-242166
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Military Voter Overseas Technical Enhancement (VOTE) Act, legislation to improve access to the ballot for military voters stationed overseas.
“Our service members – who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms — currently face far too many unnecessary barriers that limit their ability to consistently vote,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “It’s past time we make sure the Department of Defense takes reasonable steps to ensure that members of the Armed Forces have reliable ballot access.”
Since 1986, military members on active duty stationed away from their voting residence have been covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), which requires that states allow these military members, their eligible families, and overseas citizens to vote absentee in federal elections.
However, members of the Armed Forces often face barriers to full participation as voters, particularly as they move between duty sites domestically and around the world. In 2020, 49% of military voters participated in the election, as compared to 66% of all voting-eligible Americans, with many reporting that they either didn’t receive their ballot in time, or the ballot never arrived.
To remedy this issue, the Military VOTE Act takes the following steps:
The Military VOTE Act has been endorsed by FairVote.
Text of the legislation can be found here.
# # #
Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Media Contact 202-226-8467
Washington, D.C. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul released the transcribed interview of Setareh Sieg, a senior official at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which was conducted after more than six months of stonewalling by USAGM and Ms. Sieg. In June of 2024, Chairman McCaul released his report into the culture of corruption and mismanagement at USAGM; the report detailed fabrications to Ms. Sieg’s resume, such as her educational credentials, which the agency admitted were false after years of committee oversight. Despite this, USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett — a political appointee — still refuses to acknowledge her own subordinates’ findings and has “condemned” Chairman McCaul’s investigation rather than apologize to USAGM whistleblowers or publicly commit to reforming the agency.
The transcribed interview is minimally redacted.
Read Ms. Sieg’s entire transcribed interview here.
Background:
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Source: NASA
[embedded content]
NASA’s Perseverance rover captured the silhouette of the Martian moon Phobos as it passed in front of the Sun on Sept. 30, 2024. The video shows the transit speeded up by four times, followed by the eclipse in real time. NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS/SSI
The tiny, potato-shaped moon Phobos, one of two Martian moons, cast a silhouette as it passed in front of the Sun, creating an eye in Mars’ sky.
From its perch on the western wall of Mars’ Jezero Crater, NASA’s Perseverance rover recently spied a “googly eye” peering down from space. The pupil in this celestial gaze is the Martian moon Phobos, and the iris is our Sun.
Captured by the rover’s Mastcam-Z on Sept. 30, the 1,285th Martian day of Perseverance’s mission, the event took place when the potato-shaped moon passed directly between the Sun and a point on the surface of Mars, obscuring a large part of the Sun’s disc. At the same time that Phobos appeared as a large black disc rapidly moving across the face of the Sun, its shadow, or antumbra, moved across the planet’s surface.
Astronomer Asaph Hall named the potato-shaped moon in 1877, after the god of fear and panic in Greek mythology; the word “phobia” comes from Phobos. (And the word for fear of potatoes, and perhaps potato-shaped moons, is potnonomicaphobia.) He named Mars’ other moon Deimos, after Phobos’ mythological twin brother.
Roughly 157 times smaller in diameter than Earth’s Moon, Phobos is only about 17 miles (27 kilometers) at its widest point. Deimos is even smaller.
Rapid Transit
Because Phobos’ orbit is almost perfectly in line with the Martian equator and relatively close to the planet’s surface, transits of the moon occur on most days of the Martian year. Due to its quick orbit (about 7.6 hours to do a full loop around Mars), a transit of Phobos usually lasts only 30 seconds or so.
This is not the first time that a NASA rover has witnessed Phobos blocking the Sun’s rays. Perseverance has captured several Phobos transits since landing at Mars’ Jezero Crater in February 2021. Curiosity captured a video in 2019. And Opportunity captured an image in 2004.
By comparing the various images, scientists can refine their understanding of the moon’s orbit to learn how it’s changing. Phobos is getting closer to Mars and is predicted to collide with it in about 50 million years.
More About Perseverance
Arizona State University leads the operations of the Mastcam-Z instrument, working in collaboration with Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, on the design, fabrication, testing, and operation of the cameras, and in collaboration with the Niels Bohr Institute of the University of Copenhagen on the design, fabrication, and testing of the calibration targets.
A key objective for Perseverance’s mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet’s geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).
Subsequent NASA missions, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.
The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, built and manages operations of the Perseverance rover.
Space Science Institute produced this video.
For more about Perseverance:
https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020
News Media Contacts
Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
DC Agle Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-393-9011agle@jpl.nasa.gov
2024-150
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MIAMI – A felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced to 144 months in prison, following a shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall (The Gardens Mall) on Valentine’s Day.
Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon imposed an upward variance in sentencing Devon Jamal Graham, 29, to 144 months in prison. Graham previously pled guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance containing fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Kamarcio Mitchell, 29, a second man who was arrested following the shooting at The Gardens Mall, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Cannon in Fort Pierce, Fla. Mitchell previously pled guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On Feb. 14, both Mitchell and Graham were at The Gardens Mall, both separately in possession of a firearm. Mitchell was on the second level of The Gardens Mall near a retail store. Mitchell followed Graham onto the escalator and was manipulating an object under his shirt. Mitchell was then fired upon by Graham and shot. Mitchell fled the mall to the parking lot, leaving a trail of blood. A loaded firearm that had been disassembled was found in the parking lot by police, near the blood trail. Mitchell was later treated for his injury at a local hospital. Upon his later arrest on a federal warrant, authorities discovered Mitchell in possession of a distribution quantity of fentanyl after he unsuccessfully tried to toss the drugs.
Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle Graham used to travel to the mall, along with a bag containing 35 capsules with a mixture containing fentanyl and a pill bottle with approximately 16 grams of cocaine.
The recovered firearms had previously travelled in interstate commerce.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service, Chief Dominick Pape of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the sentencing.
The Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg for the 15th Judicial Circuit – Palm Beach County provided invaluable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John McMillan and Shannon O’Shea Darsch are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-80022.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading crypto exchange HTX announced a limited-time boost to the interest rates of its Flexible Earn products for 13 major crypto assets starting from October 29, 2024.This latest update, following recent enhancements to the Earn products, is part of HTX’s ongoing effort to expand user earnings opportunities and diversify investment options.
Prioritizing Leading Assets: Up to 700% APY Increase for Flexible Products
This update highlights the profitability boost of 11 popular Proof-of-Stake (PoS) crypto assets, including ETH, TRX, DOT, TON, SOL, ATOM, CSPR, POL, NEAR, ADA, and EOS. Notably, the APY for ETH subscriptions beyond the 0.2 ETH threshold has risen from 1.25% to 3%, while TRX has leapt from a meager 0.5% APY to a lucrative 4% APY for holdings exceeding 3,000 TRX.. The rate for SOL has increased from 1.2% to 6%, and ATOM has jumped from 1.5% to 12%. These adjustments place HTX’s Flexible products for the mainstream assets among the highest rates in the market, even rivaling on-chain staking yields.
Additionally, interest rates for two popular stablecoins, USDT and USDC, have also increased. USDT holdings beyond the 1,000 USDT tier now earn 4% interest per year, up from 2.25%, while the USDC rate has climbed from 1.1% to 4%. This means users can earn higher returns simply by holding their assets, maximizing capital efficiency.
For more details on the new rates, visit HTX Website
Continuous Flexible Product Enhancements Aim to Optimize User Experience
HTX has recently rolled out a series of major enhancements to its Flexible Earn products, designed to strengthen product functionality and elevate the user experience. These enhancements feature hourly interest calculations, instant earnings upon subscription, fast arrival of redeemed assets, and automatic interest reinvestment. Additionally, Flexible products boast robust risk management to ensure asset security, allowing users to deposit and withdraw assets at any time.
As a vital component of exchange services, flexible investment products have long been a focus for HTX. Through product enhancements and interest rate increases, these products have gained market competitiveness. Users can benefit from both stable earnings and the flexibility to shift between trading and yield-earning as desired. Moreover, by directing funds into the Flexible products, users not only benefit from these attractive returns, but also contribute to a more liquid and efficient crypto market, ultimately fueling the industry’s long-term growth.
HTX is dedicated to enhancing its asset growth services and providing users with an ever-expanding range of financial opportunities. Adhering to its user-first philosophy, HTX is set to present continuous product upgrades with innovation, offering users richer investment opportunities to appreciate their support.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, we harbor global capabilities that enable us to provide users with safe and reliable services.
Our growth strategy – “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance”, underpins our commitment to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
For more information on HTX, please visit the HTX Square, or https://www.htx.com/, and follow X, Telegram, Discord. For further press enquiries, please contact contact@htx.com or HTX@ruderfinn.com
Disclaimer: This content is provided by HTX. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18e1c4ef-16ac-4b11-ae8c-c96b4aabd0f8
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f36593cb-0a90-4b08-a2fa-4a3f90bbb663
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Linda Yueh, Fellow in Economics/Adjunct Professor of Economics, University of Oxford
For the first time in 14 years, it was a Labour chancellor who delivered the UK budget. And for the first time ever, that chancellor was a woman. But Rachel Reeves faces an almighty task: plugging a £40 billion spending gap in the knowledge that pre-election promises not to raise the main taxes are still fresh in people’s memories.
Growth was the buzzword of the election campaign – Reeves now had to lay her cards on the table. So here’s what our panel of experts made of the plans:
Shampa Roy-Mukherjee, Associate Professor in Economics, University of East London
The budget introduces £40 billion in tax hikes and, in some areas, spending cuts that will put pressure on the economy and business in particular. But it also reflects the government’s focus on economic growth, with policies intended to stabilise finances while addressing some of the concerns of small businesses.
The chancellor has retained her commitment to preserve the rates of income tax, employee national insurance and VAT. But a notable change is the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs) from 13.8% to 15%.
There was also a reduction in the secondary threshold, which is the amount at which the employer starts paying NI on each employee, from £9,100 to £5,000. Altogether this will raise £25 billion annually but will significantly impact many businesses that will now face higher wage bills.
The national living wage is also rising by 6.7% to £12.21 per hour in April 2025, boosting incomes for about three million workers but again increasing costs for many businesses. These rising taxes and wage increases, alongside incoming employment regulations, will strain businesses, particularly in sectors with high labour demands.
To offset some of these pressures, the employment allowance, which allows some smaller employers to reduce their NICs, has been raised from £5,000 to £10,500. The chancellor said that over 1 million employers will not see their NICs bill rise as a result.
Small businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure, where profits have been hit as consumers struggle with the cost of living, will benefit from a 40% business rate relief on properties up to £110,000. Other supportive measures include a continued freeze on fuel duty, which will aid logistics and transport costs. Corporation tax remains fixed at 25%.
Rachel Scarfe, Lecturer in Economics, University of Stirling
The biggest change for those on low incomes was an increase in the national minimum wage (for 18 to 20-year-olds) of 16.3%, from £8.60 to £10 an hour, and an increase in the national living wage (for employees aged 21 and over) of 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21, from April 2025. This will lead to a pay rise for more than 3 million workers.
Business associations warn that this will cause job losses, particularly in hospitality and the care sector, where many employees earn the minimum wage. But a large body of research has not found a negative effect of minimum wages on employment.
There is some evidence that earlier minimum wage rises caused an increase in the number of zero-hours contracts in social care, as firms tried other ways to reduce wages. However, the new employment rights bill introduced earlier in October would limit the use of zero-hours contracts in this scenario.
The budget could have an indirect effect on pay packets though. The effect of the change to employer NICs will be greater in sectors with more low-paid workers, such as hospitality, and employer associations have warned that it will risk jobs. There is also some evidence that in the long term, firms pass some of these costs on to employees by reducing their wages.
However, the minimum wage increase will reduce the capacity for firms to reduce wages. And any long-term effect would also be offset by lower income taxes that will come after 2028 when the chancellor has said she will increase the threshold at which people starting paying tax.
So if wages and profits fall because of increased contributions, then the amount Reeves raises will be lower than expected, because income and corporation tax receipts will be hit.
Another indirect factor affecting incomes is the cost of getting to work. The fuel duty freeze will continue, but the bus fare cap will increase from £2 to £3. Lower-paid workers and jobseekers are much more likely to use the bus than those with higher incomes, who are more likely to drive, but the cost of bus travel increased much more than the cost of train travel or petrol over the last parliament.
The fare cap reversed some of this increase, and some evidence shows that it led to more people travelling by bus. But the new £3 cap will only last until the end of 2025, which may be too soon to see much effect.
Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance, The Open University
As expected, the budget targeted several wealth taxes, including capital gains tax (CGT), which is charged on profits you make when you “dispose of” (sell or give away) an asset. The first slice of such profits (£3,000 in 2024-25) is tax-free. Profit above that is added to your income to determine what rate will apply: a lower rate for profit covered by the basic income tax rate band and a higher rate on anything more.
Reeves announced that CGT rates on financial assets – things like shares – will immediately increase from 10% to 18% (for the lower rate) and from 18% to 24% (for the higher rate). Financial assets account for around 85% of all disposals within the scope of CGT, but only around 350,000 people a year pay the tax.
This brings the rates on financial assets into line with residential property, such as a second home. (There is no CGT when you sell or give away your only or main home.) But this still leaves wealth taxed less heavily than income.
The government says it is committed to tackling the UK’s housing shortage. So to deter multiple home ownership, it has raised stamp duty for people buying a second (or third or fourth) home. Purchases completed will now incur an extra 5% tax (currently 3%) over and above the normal stamp duty rates.
There were also changes to inheritance tax (IHT). Pension savings left unused at death have in recent years been passed on tax free. But from April 2027, the savings will count as part of the estate and be subject to IHT at a rate of up to 40%.
The first slice of the estate a person leaves, called the nil-rate band, is IHT-free, and that band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2010. Reeves extended the freeze until April 2030.
As a result of these changes, the government expects almost 6% of estates to pay IHT this year, up from fewer than 5% in recent years. People in London and the south east are more likely to be IHT-payers, largely due to higher property values in those areas.
Linda Yueh, Adjunct Professor of Economics, University of Oxford
The chancellor declared that the government will “invest, invest, invest”. This is an important enabler of economic growth.
But, the country’s creditors need reassuring, so Reeves also announced two new fiscal rules that aim to achieve that balance of allowing the government to borrow to invest (and generate growth), but not to pay for day-to-day spending.
Specifically, the investment rule permits borrowing to invest and the stability rule requires day-to-day spending to be paid for by taxes. Both rules support the government’s growth aims while trying to reassure the country’s creditors that the borrowing will pay off by generating future growth – and also higher tax receipts with which to repay that borrowing.
But spending watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has downgraded the UK’s GDP growth outlook from 2% to 1.8% in 2026, and to 1.5% in 2027 and 2028. The OBR’s forecast of slower growth highlights the impact of the £40 billion of tax increases, which dampens economic activity.
This underscores the government’s challenge of investing to grow while at the same having to raise taxes to balance the books when it comes to its daily spending. In particular, the OBR’s assessment of slowing growth towards the middle of this parliament raises questions about how long it will take for the investment-fuelled growth to materialise.
It may be that five years is still too short a period. Many physical investments require planning and those reforms could also take a while. Moreover, getting investment projects under way requires scoping, and private investors will want time to assess before joining the government in energy projects.
But this budget is certainly a start on a much-needed growth strategy.
Phil Tomlinson, Professor of Industrial Strategy, University of Bath
The key budget change related to the chancellor’s fiscal rules. By redefining how public debt is calculated, Reeves has been able to increase public investment by around £100 billion. The new fiscal rules have gone not as far as some economists have advocated – but they are a welcome step in the right direction.
Investment was the core focus of the budget. For decades, the UK has suffered from low investment and weak productivity compared to other leading economies. Since 1990, the UK’s investment gap with the average across rich countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has been around £35 billion a year – the UK now ranks 28th of 31 OECD countries on business investment. British workers are using outdated kit and so are less productive. This has meant a stagnant economy and lower living standards.
So, the budget’s plans to boost investment in the UK’s crumbling infrastructure and public services and to support the new industrial strategy are a positive move. The latter should see additional funding to support emerging tech industries, such as artificial intelligence, cyber and clean energy. And this public investment should “crowd in” additional private investment.
In the long run, these investments should pay for themselves. For instance, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that a sustained increase in public investment of 1% of GDP increases that GDP by 0.5% after five years and more than 2% after ten to 15 years.
The rise in employer national insurance contributions will increase business’s operating costs, especially those in the care and hospitality sectors. But paradoxically, in the long run, it may encourage some businesses (in sectors where it is feasible) to invest in new labour-saving capital equipment.
Read more:
Rachel Reeves is the UK’s first female chancellor. Here’s why that’s so significant
Karen Bloor, Professor of Health Economics and Policy, University of York
Amid all the gloomy pre-budget talk of tough choices and economic problems, would the government’s plans to improve the NHS cheer up the country (England, at least)? Not entirely.
On the plus side, the chancellor promised a generous spending increase of £22.6 billion in the year 2025 to 2026, with £3.1 billion on capital investment. But solving the problems of the NHS is not just about money, and there will be difficult decisions to come.
Meanwhile, increases in employers’ national insurance contributions, while raising funds, will also have a big impact on the NHS, which employs over 1.5 million people. So the additional spending may be less than it appears.
The new government has said it has three main priorities for healthcare in England: moving care from hospitals to the community, moving resources from treatment to prevention, and changing systems from analogue to digital. None of these ideas are new, and there are good reasons why they haven’t happened already.
Expanding primary and community care often does not translate into reduced demand for hospital services – in fact, it can do the opposite, by uncovering previously unmet needs. And successive governments have failed to address long-standing problems in social care, which is crucial to addressing pressures on the NHS. A successful NHS means people living longer, but often with long-term health problems.
Returns on investment in preventing illness can be substantial, but they vary widely, and can be difficult to achieve. This is particularly true when it comes to interventions needing individual behaviour change, such as increasing exercise or cutting down on alcohol. Even when clearly positive, they take a very long time to generate cost savings.
And there are other aspects of the chancellor’s plans which could arguably harm public health. Abolition of winter fuel payments for example, could affect the health of older people on low incomes.
Rising bus fares could affect people’s ability to attend appointments, and the controversial two-child benefit cap, which can affect child health remains in place.
Finally, while technology should improve the efficiency of services, people need care from people. Capital investment – in scanners, radiotherapy machines and diagnostics – will need to be matched by the cost of the professionals who operate them and interpret their findings.
Karen Bloor receives funding from the NIHR policy research programme to conduct responsive analysis for the Department of Health and Social Care,
Phil Tomlinson receives funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation.
Rachel Scarfe is a member of the Labour Party.
Jonquil Lowe, Linda Yueh, and Shampa Roy-Mukherjee do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. What Labour’s first budget means for wages, taxes, business, the NHS and plans to grow the economy – experts explain – https://theconversation.com/what-labours-first-budget-means-for-wages-taxes-business-the-nhs-and-plans-to-grow-the-economy-experts-explain-242509
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Larisa Yarovaya, Director of the Centre for Digital Finance, Associate Professor in Finance, University of Southampton
Crypto traders are waiting anxiously to see whether it will be the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, or his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, who will be sitting in the White House come January 2025.
Harris leads Trump by a slender margin in the national polling averages, but some betting markets have Trump as the favourite to win. According to election gambling site Polymarket, the chance of Trump winning the election is 67% at the time of writing.
These odds will certainly be welcomed by cryptocurrency investors. Trump has previously shown support for crypto, most notably at a Bitcoin conference in Nashville in July, where he vowed to turn the US into the “crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world”.
Indeed, Bitcoin’s price approached a three-month high in October in anticipation of a Trump victory. And cryptocurrency investors believe Bitcoin’s price could surge again, reaching a new high if Trump wins.
It may well be an opportune moment to invest in crypto. But cryptocurrency markets are notorious for their volatility and are prone to several behavioural anomalies that any prospective investor should be aware of.
Buying crypto stocks that have recently performed well and short selling (selling shares that are falling in value, and then buying them back later at a reduced price) those that have performed poorly is often considered a potentially profitable strategy.
When buying high-performing stocks, investors anticipate that the positive trend will continue, leading to further price increases. And, in the same vein, investors expect prices to continue declining when short selling those that are performing badly. In crypto circles, as well as in finance more generally, this is called the momentum effect.
However, finance theories suggest that the complete opposite strategy can, in some instances, yield even better returns. Stocks that are performing well could also be seen as close to exhausting their growth potential, suggesting that a decline is likely to follow.
So, some investors may instead buy poorly performing stocks in the expectation that their price will rebound. This strategy, which is called the reversal effect, aims to generate substantial profits as the market corrects itself.
By targeting poorly performing cryptocurrencies, large investors in particular can help increase liquidity for these assets. Liquidity can be measured simply by trading volume – the more active traders there are in the market, the easier it is to buy or sell the asset. This should enable greater growth potential.
Bitcoin is performing well in anticipation of a Trump victory. But amateur investors should be aware that larger institutional investors may employ different tactics. It is also important to consider that even robust-looking trends can be reversed at any moment.
Events like a US presidential election attract the attention of investors, partly due to something called salience bias. Various studies suggest that crypto investors, in particular, tend to focus on a prominent event or a piece of information that is emotionally striking.
Rational investment decisions should be based on a balanced assessment of the risk and return of investment assets. But, during an election, crypto investors’ attention is likely to be narrowly focused on polling data or media coverage of the candidates.
For newer and less mature markets like cryptocurrency, a reliance on easily accessible information is more common than conducting sophisticated analysis of the underlying financial metrics or economic indicators (fundamentals). This is risky, as all other less prominent yet important information can be easily ignored.
The history of cryptocurrency shows numerous collapses, demonstrating the vulnerability of cryptocurrency as an asset class. In November 2022, for example, the collapse of FTX, a leading crypto exchange, triggered a major collapse across the entire crypto market. This included a significant decline in Bitcoin’s price.
Cryptocurrency markets are subject to significant speculation. Investors hope for big wins, even if the chances are slim. Similar to buying a lottery ticket, investors may buy assets driven by the illusion of lucrative future profits.
This is, of course, also true for some investments in traditional markets. But stories of Bitcoin millionaires and how they quickly made their fortunes create the illusion of the possibility of becoming rich quickly.
Such successes are not necessarily replicable in current market conditions. Regardless of the election outcome, cryptocurrency markets will remain highly volatile, speculative and risky. Just because some people win the lottery does not mean that you will.
Another behavioural anomaly typical of cryptocurrency markets is the anchoring effect. This is where investors accept and cling to the “anchor” of the first piece of information they receive. For example, if they read an article stating that Bitcoin’s price will rocket after Trump’s victory, they will hold on to this idea regardless of what other sources or information may suggest.
This is, again, because the analysis of fundamentals in crypto markets is very challenging. Unlike traditional stocks, which can be evaluated based on factors such as earnings reports and revenue growth, cryptocurrencies often lack similar financial metrics. Hence, crypto investors are particularly susceptible to believing in discussions in the media and various online forums.
There have been no details on how Trump’s promise to make the US the Bitcoin superpower of the world will be delivered. However, it would be hard for crypto investors to change their minds if they are already anchored to this idea.
Investing is not gambling. Even if you think your decision is entirely rational, it is essential to triple check to ensure you are not subject to any of the aforementioned behavioural biases. You’ll probably be subject to all of them, as will any other human being.
Larisa Yarovaya is affiliated with the British Blockchain Association.
– ref. Crypto gains momentum as markets eye Trump election – four things to consider before you invest – https://theconversation.com/crypto-gains-momentum-as-markets-eye-trump-election-four-things-to-consider-before-you-invest-241731
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stuart Harrad, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of Birmingham
News reports of so-called forever chemicals in drinking water have left people worried about the safety of tap and bottled water. But recent research has shown there are ways to significantly reduce the levels of these harmful chemicals in our water.
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a wide range of synthetic chemicals that are used in many everyday products such as cosmetics, fabrics and food packaging (where they are used to make products resistant to water and grease), as well as in fire-fighting foams.
Unusually in the chemical universe, the structures of PFAS include groups of atoms within the same molecule that imbue them with both water-hating and water-loving properties. They are also resistant to degradation.
While this latter characteristic can improve the quality of the products we buy, it also means it is nearly impossible to break these chemicals down once they escape into the environment. Some PFAS chemicals are are also toxic. For example, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been classified as carcinogenic to humans, and has been found to lower immune response to common childhood vaccines.
PFAS can penetrate human skin and have been found in our drinking water, air, food, and even in human milk.
Concerns about their safety has led numerous jurisdictions to set limits on levels of some PFAS in drinking water. Nevertheless, many news stories have reported on research finding dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals in drinking water sources in England.
With this in mind, my colleagues and I measured concentrations of ten key PFAS in 41 samples of tap water from the West Midlands of the UK and 14 samples from Shenzhen, China. We also measured the same PFAS in 112 samples of bottled water.
We sampled 87 different brands from 15 countries that we bought either from shops or online in the UK and China. The PFAS we tested included many of those regulated in drinking water as well as some others we have found previously in indoor air and dust.
We compared concentrations of PFAS in plastic and glass bottled water, as well as in sparkling versus still water. In neither case did we find significant differences in concentrations of PFAS. In contrast however, in China we found significantly higher concentrations of PFAS in natural mineral water than in bottled purified water.
Crucially, while we found PFAS in every sample analysed, the maximum concentration limits set recently by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for some PFAS were only exceeded for PFOA in some samples of tap water from Shenzhen.
Concentrations of PFAS were lower in bottled water than in tap water from the same locality. This finding is in line with studies conducted in other countries like Spain.
It may be reassuring to some extent but our study only examined a relatively small number of tap water samples from two municipalities and cannot be taken as representative of the UK or China overall. There is no room for complacency as the USEPA’s target concentration limits for two of the PFAS we measured are zero.
So, taking note of the lower concentrations we saw in bottled purified water, we examined the effectiveness of boiling and filtration using activated carbon jug filters.
Boiling in a regular kettle reduced concentrations of all ten of the PFAS we tested. The level of reduction varied between different PFAS though. For PFOA and the three other PFAS that we measured for which there are USEPA concentration limits, concentrations reduced by 11%−14% but were much greater (61%-86%) for the more volatile and non-regulated PFAS we examined that are more easily evaporated.
Reductions were greater for all the PFAS we tested (81%−96%) when we passed the water through an activated carbon jug filter. Boiling the water after activated carbon filtration, as sometimes happens in China, reduced concentrations a little further to between 81 and 99.6%.
These results suggest that using a jug water filter can substantially reduce concentrations of some regulated PFAS in our tap water. Boiling water before drinking also reduces PFAS concentrations but is less effective.
Our findings add to those of a 2024 study in Montreal, which suggested that using a filter fitted to the kitchen tap reduced concentrations of 75 PFAS in tap water.
Our findings are a small first step towards reducing our exposure to PFAS. But we should not lose sight of the need to reduce and eliminate such forever chemicals. There’s still a lot we don’t understand about these chemicals but what we’ve learned so far shows that some of them present an urgent threat to the health of both humans and wildlife.
Stuart Harrad has received funding from the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland and the European Union.
– ref. Forever chemicals are in our drinking water – here’s how to reduce them – https://theconversation.com/forever-chemicals-are-in-our-drinking-water-heres-how-to-reduce-them-241645
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward Edgerton, Reader in Psychology, University of the West of Scotland
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged £1.4 billion to meet a target of rebuilding 50 schools in England a year. The funding boost follows the news of slow progress on the government’s school rebuilding programme. This effort began in 2020 but has been under particular scrutiny since the closure of school buildings made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in 2023.
A 2023 report from the National Audit Office estimated that 700,000 students in England are learning in schools that the Department for Education believes require major rebuilding or refurbishment.
These rebuilding programmes have promised to produce state-of-the-art schools. But I believe that the focus in the UK is still too much on the condition of the building, rather than the approach in countries like Finland where the focus is on the relationship between school design and teaching and learning practice.
In Scotland, recent figures highlight that 91.7% of school buildings are in a “good/satisfactory” condition, and 92.0% of pupils are now educated in school environments rated as “good/satisfactory” condition. Here, condition refers to the state of the school fabric – such as state of, the appropriateness of the design, and the health-and-safety requirements.
In the past, researchers have questioned whether there is any need to go beyond this minimum standard and suggested that schools might not need to be any more than adequate.
I believe there should be higher aspirations for the UK’s school estate. To understand why, we need to think about the role of the school environment. It is much more than simply providing a safe, weatherproof building for teaching children and young people.
Many studies have shown that teaching and learning activities can be impaired by environmental characteristics such as noise, ventilation, colour and furniture arrangement.
However, there is disappointingly little research that explores the whole school environment, how it is experienced by students and how it relates to important outcomes, such as exam results.
There are some notable exceptions. A report on primary schools in England, conducted by researchers from the University of Salford in 2015, showed that well-designed classrooms can boost children’s academic performance in reading, writing and maths.
A few aspects were of particular importance. They included naturalness (the light, temperature and air quality), individualisation (classrooms with varied floor plan shapes and breakout spaces, along with elements that pupils can personalise such as coat pegs) and stimulation (appropriate levels of complexity in use of colour and wall displays).
My own research with colleagues on secondary schools in Scotland showed that there were substantial improvements in students’ feelings of security and small improvements in behaviour and motivation for learning in newly built schools.
We found that these improvements were long lasting and were not due simply to the effect of their novelty. The improvements in feelings of safety and security seem to be linked to features such as more spacious corridors and staircases with natural daylight and good locker facilities.
Read more:
School concrete crisis: how Raac has been used well beyond its expiry date
We also found that how students experience and evaluate their school environment is related to their academic performance. Students with more positive perceptions of their school environment have better academic performance. This is especially true where pupils feel positive about the physical comfort of the social and teaching spaces in the school.
School rebuilding programmes provide a unique opportunity for educational experts, environmental psychologists and design professionals to collaborate to find out what works and why.
The need to recognise and learn about the role of school buildings in the education process is only likely to increase as we accommodate more students with additional support needs in mainstream schools and strive to create inclusive schools that respond to needs of neurodiverse students.
The government’s ambition for school rebuilding should go beyond simply fixing crumbling schools. As well as supporting learning and teaching, schools should provide an environment that encourages young people in their social development and aims to give them the best start in life possible.
Edward Edgerton received funding from East Dunbartonshire Council for a research project evaluating
its secondary school rebuilding programme (2006-2010).
– ref. The UK plans to rebuild its crumbling classrooms – but it should take this chance to transform the school environment – https://theconversation.com/the-uk-plans-to-rebuild-its-crumbling-classrooms-but-it-should-take-this-chance-to-transform-the-school-environment-241838
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Charles Z. Levkoe, Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems, Lakehead University
For more than a year, the Israeli state has been engaged in a massive incursion into Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack against Israel.
In March 2024, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, announced: “There are reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold indicating the commission of the crime of genocide…has been met.”
A core element of this apparent genocide includes food militarization and weaponization, a tactic that has also been used by Canada to exterminate, dispossess and control Indigenous populations.
We have come together as a group of critical food systems scholars to examine the parallels between the weaponization of food in Gaza and Canada to bring about the systematic destruction of Indigenous Peoples. But we’ve also observed that food has been a powerful tool of resistance and resurgence.
Throughout modern history, food has been deployed as a weapon by colonial regimes to control and displace Indigenous populations. The current crisis in Gaza has brought this into sharp focus as the Israeli state has engaged in the systematic destruction of Palestinian food systems, with devastating consequences.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, has cut off access to essential agricultural areas and restricted fishing activities. Gaza farmers are often unable to access their land, while fishers are constantly barred from accessing the coast, harassed, intimidated and even killed by Israeli forces.
This blockade, combined with military operations that destroy farmland, trees and infrastructure, has resulted in more than 95 per cent of people in Gaza facing severe food insecurity and a famine declared by the United Nations experts in the summer of 2024.
Read more:
Starvation is a weapon of war: Gazans are paying the price
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Canadian government employed similar tactics to restrict Indigenous Peoples’ access to land, food and water. Colonial policies like the Indian Act, the Homesteading Act and the Pass System confined Indigenous Peoples to reserves, prohibited hunting and fishing and forced reliance on inadequate government food rations.
This led to malnutrition and starvation, particularly in response to Indigenous resistance to settler expansion. The use of food as a weapon was part of a broader project to eliminate or otherwise undermine Indigenous identity and self-determination, a process that continues today.
From ongoing boil-water advisories to environmental degradation caused by mining, oil and gas extraction, forestry, agriculture and chemical production, settler governments and industries continue to dispossess Indigenous Peoples from their lands and undermine their livelihood.
These practices have severely and disproportionately impacted Indigenous health and well-being, as well as their food systems.
Read more:
Colonialists used starvation as a tool of oppression
In the occupied Palestinian territories, Israeli control over land and resources reflects a similar colonial dynamic. Laws like the Absentee Property Law of 1950 facilitated the expropriation of Palestinian land.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has systematically targeted Gaza’s food infrastructure and used starvation as a weapon of war, according to Human Rights Watch. Satellite imagery shows that 70 per cent of Gaza’s tree cover has been eliminated or damaged, and about one-third of greenhouses have been demolished.
Tanks and trucks have decimated orchards, field crops and olive groves.
An estimated 800,000 tonnes of asbestos among the debris of destroyed buildings will result in asbestos-related diseases for generations to come. Under the Geneva Conventions, destruction of civilians’ means of survival and starvation as a tool of warfare is strictly prohibited.
Food has also long been mobilized as a powerful tool of resistance. Among Palestinians, struggles for food sovereignty have played a critical role in self-determination.
Palestinians continue to cultivate their land under the rubble, grow olive trees despite ongoing violence and maintain food practices that connect them to their lands and their cultural heritage.
Similarly, Indigenous nations and communities across Canada have used food as a form of resurgence. Alongside land back movements, efforts to revitalize Indigenous food systems — such as hunting, fishing, growing and gathering — are central to movements for Indigenous sovereignty.
Learning about and enacting traditional food practices are important acts of resistance, as these practices sustain communities, strengthen connections to land and assert rights over the unceded territories Indigenous Peoples are fighting to reclaim. By reclaiming and rebuilding their land and food systems on their own terms, they continue to challenge colonial structures.
The destruction of food systems in Gaza and Canada is part of a larger effort of land dispossession and capitalist accumulation. By severing Indigenous Peoples’ connection to their food systems, settlers and colonial regimes have sought to control not only the land but also the people who depend on it.
Yet, through food sovereignty movements, these same populations are reclaiming their right to self-determination and building global networks of solidarity.
Read more:
Indigenous food sovereignty requires better and more accurate data collection
The struggle for food sovereignty is inseparable from broader struggles for land, justice and self-determination.
Connecting the dots between the Palestinian territories and Canada provides powerful examples of global colonial relations and struggles for justice and self-determination. It challenges us to critically examine the role of food in these struggles and demand government accountability.
We wish to acknowledge Mustafa Koç, professor emeritus at Toronto Metropolitan University, as a co-author and to thank Max Ajl, Yafa Al Masri and Justin Podur for contributions to this article.
Charles Z. Levkoe receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the the Government of Ontario.
Sarah Rotz receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Tammara Soma receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Martha Stiegman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Colonialism, starvation and resistance: How food is weaponized, from Gaza to Canada – https://theconversation.com/colonialism-starvation-and-resistance-how-food-is-weaponized-from-gaza-to-canada-241525
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin
Charleston, WV– Last night, Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, was honored with a reception for his decades-long service to West Virginia’s energy sector. The event was organized by energy producers and stakeholders from around the state.
“As I reflect on my time in public service, I think of all the good work we’ve done together,” said Senator Manchin. “Serving the state of West Virginia for more than 40 years has been the honor of my life.
“When I was elected to the Senate in 2010, I went to Washington with the goal of cutting through partisan gridlock to deliver common sense solutions for the people of West Virginia,” Senator Manchin continued. “Together with our state’s energy sector, I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished to advance our nation’s energy independence for generations to come and strengthen the Mountain State’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”
To view photos from the event, click here.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced the launch of the annual call for proposals for research and monitoring projects on contaminants originating from other parts of the world.
October 30, 2024 — Gatineau, Quebec — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
In the North and Arctic, traditionally harvested foods from the land and sea provide many health, economic, social, and cultural benefits to Northerners.
These foods, however, can potentially expose people to long-range contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals like mercury, microplastics, and others. Supporting research and monitoring of these contaminants is critical to improving and protecting the health and well-being of residents, animals, and ecosystems in the region.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced the launch of the annual call for proposals for research and monitoring projects on contaminants originating from other parts of the world. These contaminants are transported through air and sea currents to the North and Arctic.
As part of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern Contaminants Program, beginning in 2025-2026, close to $1 million will be available for projects for a duration of up to three consecutive years. This investment will support new projects related to human health, environmental and community-based monitoring and research, and associated public outreach initiatives.
Community members, Indigenous and territorial organizations, and governments are encouraged to work in partnership with university and federal government scientists to submit a proposal. Applicants have until January 20, 2025, to submit their proposals. Projects selected for funding will be announced in the summer of 2025.
“Contaminants from long-range, global sources continue to be a concern in the North and Arctic. Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and scientists are working together to better understand the levels of contaminants in foods and to implement co-developed solutions for reducing exposure to these contaminants. The projects will help policymakers, communities, and residents determine the safety of traditional country foods, which can affect the health and well-being of all those who make the North and Arctic their home.”
The Honourable Dan Vandal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Northern Affairs
You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
On October 29, 2024, Brody Robinson, an inmate from Millhaven Institution, died while in our custody.
October 30, 2024 – Bath, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada
On October 29, 2024, Brody Robinson, an inmate from Millhaven Institution, died while in our custody.
At the time of death, the inmate was 23 years old and had been serving a sentence of 4 years, which began on June 2, 2023.
The inmate’s next of kin have been notified.
As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances. CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner be notified.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Massachusetts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Two individuals also pleaded guilty to misbranding N95 masks and conspiracy to commit price gouging
BOSTON – A Florida company, and two individuals associated with the company, have pleaded guilty to charges associated with shipping facemasks that were misbranded as N95 respirators, and price gouging hospitals, during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
JDM Supply LLC (JDM) pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded devices into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Daniel Motha, 40, of Miami, Fla., and Jeffrey Motha, 36, of Norfolk, Mass., also pleaded guilty to one count of introduction of misbranded devices into interstate commerce and one count of conspiracy to commit price gouging in violation of the Defense Production Act. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Daniel Motha and Jeffrey Motha on March 4, 2025 and JDM on March 25, 2025. In August 2023, a third individual, Jason Colantuoni of Norfolk, Mass, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit price gouging in connection with this investigation.
In the spring of 2020, during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, JDM and a company identified as “Company 1” conspired to ship facemasks that were misbranded as National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved, N95 respirators. One hospital accepted and paid for hundreds of thousands of purported N95 masks that were manufactured by Company 1 and sold by JDM. Ultimately, the hospital did not use the masks, which were eventually returned to Company 1. JDM misled the hospital into believing that the Company 1 masks were NIOSH-approved N95s, when in fact they were not.
In August 2020, a NIOSH lab tested a sample of the Company 1 masks that had been shipped to the hospital. The masks tested between 83.94% and 93.24% filtration efficiency, thus falling below the 95% minimum level of filtration efficiency required for N95 respirators.
Daniel Motha and Jeff Motha conspired to use JDM to exploit and profit off of the critical need of hospitals and healthcare workers for scarce N95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. They accumulated N95 masks from various sources and then sold the N95 masks through JDM to hospitals in Massachusetts, and elsewhere, at prices in excess of the prevailing market price.
The charge of conspiracy to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device with intent to defraud or mislead, brought against JDM, provides for a fine of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offense, whichever is greater and up to five years of probation. The charge of introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison; up to one year of supervised release; and a fine of $100,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit price gouging in violation of the Defense Production Act provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison; up to one year of supervised release; and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Brady and Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Source: US State of Colorado
The State will roll out the initial phase of rebates for cost-saving home energy upgrades through its Weatherization Assistance Program
STATEWIDE – In celebration of National Weatherization Day today, the Polis Administration is commemorating 48 years of saving households money on energy costs with the launch of Colorado’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program through the State’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The Biden Administration’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided funding for this initiative, which will expand access to energy efficiency improvements and high-efficiency electric appliances, saving Coloradans money across the state.
“We are focused on saving Coloradans money on energy bills by increasing access to high-efficiency heat pumps and better insulation for homes. Upgrades like these save Coloradans money on utilities, make homes more comfortable year-round, and protect our clean air,” said Gov. Polis.
Colorado is the first state in the nation to integrate HEAR funding into its weatherization program, further advancing the program’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills, and improve home comfort and safety. In the last year, Colorado’s weatherization program served nearly 4,000 people, reducing annual emissions equal to the energy used by 1,800 homes.
“Cutting emissions from building heating and energy use is essential to achieve our ambitious climate goals,” said Colorado Energy Office (CEO) Executive Director Will Toor. “Our weatherization program has helped Coloradans reduce their energy use and save money on utility costs for more than four decades. With this key funding from the IRA, our office is ready to extend the benefits of this program to even more hardworking Colorado families.”
WAP offers no-cost home energy upgrades to low-income residents, and by working with the program’s existing processes and service providers, it provides a strong foundation for rolling out the first HEAR rebates. In addition to expanding the reach of the program to more Colorado households, HEAR funding will allow WAP to provide electric appliances to clients who previously would not have been eligible for electrification upgrades.
Through WAP, the first phase of the HEAR program will be used to serve households with incomes below 60% of the state median income or 80% of their county’s area median income.
Colorado will dedicate a total of $7.6 million in HEAR funding to WAP. An additional $46 million from the HEAR program will fund direct-to-consumer rebates for eligible low- and moderate-income Coloradans who are not receiving WAP services starting sometime next year. HEAR funding through WAP and for direct-to-consumer rebates will be available until 2031 (or earlier if all the funds are used).
Low-income households interested in receiving weatherization services can learn more and apply on the WAP webpage. Those interested in direct-to-consumer rebates can learn more and sign-up for email updates on the Home Energy Rebate Programs webpage.
“From folks living in the Plains to those in the Rockies, big cost savings are coming for Coloradans looking to adapt their home’s energy needs to face the new challenges posed by climate change,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Colorado’s HEAR program presents a historic opportunity for residents in the state to save hundreds to thousands of dollars on energy-efficient upgrades and reduce energy bills for seasons to come.”
CEO also plans to launch the IRA-funded Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) program next year to support efficiency improvements in income-qualified multifamily buildings and mobile/manufactured homes.
To foster workforce development in Colorado’s rapidly growing energy industry, WAP is partnering with local weatherization service providers to offer a paid Energy Efficiency Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Through on-the-job training and experience, apprentices will learn the fundamentals of weatherization and building science principles, receiving certifications through the Building Performance Institute, Environmental Protection Agency, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration upon successful completion of the program. Learn more about the apprenticeship program and other weatherization career opportunities on the WAP Careers webpage.
###
Source: US State of New York
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 15 attorneys general urging Congressional leaders to support a ban on price gouging at the national level. While over 40 states ban price gouging, there is no federal law preventing businesses from raising prices to increase their profits on essential goods during an emergency. In a letter to Congressional leaders, Attorney General James and the coalition argued that a national ban on price gouging would give the federal government the power to crack down on price gouging that cannot be stopped by a single state, and allow states and the federal government to work together to stop illegal price gouging in national supply chains.
“Businesses should never be able to hike prices during an emergency just to increase their profits,” said Attorney General James. “When companies take advantage of major disruptions and raise prices of food and supplies that New Yorkers rely on, my office holds them accountable, getting people their money back and protecting their wallets. Our federal government should have the same power to protect Americans when disaster strikes and stop price gouging at the national level that threatens both hardworking families and small businesses.”
Bans on price gouging let businesses raise prices to cover costs but prevent them from raising prices further solely to increase their profits during an emergency. Attorney General James and the coalition argue in their letter that prohibiting price gouging benefits both consumers and businesses. First, it encourages much-needed production at critical times by only allowing businesses to make more money by selling more products, instead of by raising prices. Second, it prevents businesses from risking long-term harm and reputational damage by overreacting in an emergency and setting prices too high. Third, it discourages hoarding in an emergency, since rising prices can prompt customers to over-buy. Fourth, price gouging bans protect consumers from monopolists who can raise prices without worrying about consumers’ reactions or being undercut by a competitor.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of war in Ukraine disrupted supply chains at the national level, creating opportunities for price gouging that were sometimes out of reach from individual states. Attorney General James and the coalition argue in their letter that a federal ban would complement states’ anti-price gouging measures to help stop price gouging at the national level.
As Attorney General James and the coalition note, attorneys general have successfully stopped price gouging at the state level, demonstrating a clear need for national enforcement to complement these efforts. In New York, Attorney General James has secured decisive settlements with companies for illegally raising prices during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In March and April 2024, Attorney General James distributed over 9,500 cans of baby formula in Buffalo and New York City as part of a settlement with Walgreens for illegally raising prices of baby formula during the 2022 shortage. In May 2023, Attorney General James recovered $100,000 from Quality King for price gouging Lysol products at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, Attorney General James secured 1.2 million eggs for New Yorkers from Hillandale Farms Corporation as part of a settlement resolving a lawsuit brought by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in August 2020 for illegally gouging egg prices in the early months of the pandemic.
In March 2023, Attorney General James proposed new rules to protect consumers and small businesses by making it easier for OAG to investigate and combat price gouging. Throughout the pandemic, during major disruptions, and ahead of recent declared disasters, Attorney General James has issued consumer warnings against price gouging on essential supplies.
Joining Attorney General James in sending the letter to Congress are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
Source: US State of New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $12 million state grant to help the City of Poughkeepsie identify and replace lead service lines, improving drinking water safety, protecting public health, and enhancing residents’ quality of life. This funding is part of a $340 million statewide initiative, combining state resources with federal support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to remove lead pipes from water systems across New York. Additionally, as highlighted by U.S. Representative Pat Ryan at today’s announcement, Poughkeepsie is eligible for an extra $3.2 million federal grant to further ensure clean, safe drinking water for its residents.
“When it comes to New York’s water infrastructure, we’re getting the lead out,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re continuing to give municipalities the resources and support they need to replace lead water pipes and protect public drinking water.”
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Today’s announcement builds upon the Governor’s greater investment now totaling $100 million in state grants for lead service line inventory and replacement projects. Poughkeepsie is one of 12 municipalities to receive the state grant as well as federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grants and interest-free financing for lead service line replacement. The state grant will reimburse costs that were not fully covered by BIL grants, so the communities won’t have to pay back the financing for the associated projects.
To date, New York State has received $240 million for lead service line replacement through the BIL. Additional funding is expected over the next two years. Coupling state grants with federal funding takes the fiscal pressure off communities, allowing them to replace more lead service lines without incurring additional costs. The State’s comprehensive approach continues to provide communities with the resources they need to improve their water infrastructure without overburdening local ratepayers.
Representative Pat Ryan said, “Freedom means every American has the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water, and that’s why I’m pushing relentlessly to remove every last toxic lead pipe from the Hudson Valley. Today’s funding is a huge step towards ensuring that parents in Poughkeepsie never have to worry if the water coming out of the faucet is safe for their kids. I’m proud to work alongside Governor Hochul and Mayor Flowers in this fight – we will not rest until our communities are free from toxic lead pipes for good.”
We’re continuing to give municipalities the resources and support they need to replace lead water pipes and protect public drinking water.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
Including Poughkeepsie and previously announced awards, the full list of communities receiving nearly $100 million in state grants are:
This funding is specifically targeted for historically disadvantaged communities. The awards prioritize communities that meet one or more of the following criteria:
Lead is harmful to human health and can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State has made historic investments to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water which we know threatens public health. Most recently New York State provided communities across New York State with roughly $100 million that will help support projects like the ones announced today in Poughkeepsie and replace lead service lines in historically underserved neighborhoods. We look forward to working with our federal, state and local partners to protect the health of our communities, promote health equity, and ensure that clean drinking water is available for all New Yorkers now and for generations to come.”
State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Governor Hochul’s unprecedented investment in clean water is empowering communities to get the lead out of drinking water and reduce risks to public health. In administering these grant dollars, EFC and our partner agencies are providing crucial financial and technical assistance to get critical projects underway and help communities like Poughkeepsie advance the goal of delivering lead-free and safe drinking water.”
Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson said, “There is no acceptable level of lead in drinking water. We know lead contamination is a serious health hazard that causes developmental disorders in children, as well as cardiovascular and fertility issues in adults. That’s why I have long advocated for increased funding to replace lead service lines and helped facilitate Poughkeepsie’s application for this funding. We cannot fail another generation of children in Poughkeepsie or any other city.”
New York’s Commitment to Water Quality
New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY25 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $5.5 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Governor Hochul’s State of the State initiatives are ensuring ongoing coordination with local governments and helping communities to leverage these investments. The Governor increased WIIA grants for wastewater projects from 25 to 50 percent of net eligible project costs for smaller, disadvantaged communities. The Governor also expanded EFC’s Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC.
The funding, in addition to other substantial water quality investments, includes the voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 which is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities’ ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats; and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. The first round of funding under the Environmental Bond Act was awarded through the WIIA/IMG programs in December, when Governor Hochul announced $479 million in grants to 156 projects across New York State, including $309 million made available to disadvantaged communities. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.
About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Lead Service Line Replacement Funding
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion nationwide to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49 percent of DWSRF LSLR funds must be provided as grants or loan forgiveness to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for far too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead service lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help New York fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities in the states with the most need, LSLR allotments are based on need – meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more LSLR funding.
Source: US State of New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the completion of Sunset Ridge, an 84-unit, affordable housing development for seniors and older adults in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The energy-efficient development, which also houses a new education space, will preserve historic decorative elements from a church that used to be on the site and is the first affordable older adult housing built in Sunset Park in over 15 years.
“Sunset Ridge is the embodiment of a multi-generational and community-centered development — one that incorporates the neighborhood’s history with the need for growth and sustainability,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in new mixed-use projects, we are unlocking a future that is more affordable and more livable, opening up new opportunities for communities to thrive.”
The entire $65 million development is reserved for persons aged 62 and older earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income. All units are supported by project-based vouchers, ensuring tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent. Reflecting a strong commitment to address housing insecurity among the city’s most vulnerable, 26 apartments are set aside for formerly homeless seniors who will receive social services including emergency assistance, recreational activities, case management, wellness support and benefits assistance.
The ground floor and first floor of the new building includes a community facility space for five pre-kindergarten classrooms that will be constructed by the New York City Schools Construction Authority starting in 2025, enhancing access to early childhood education for local families.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Sunset Ridge is giving 84 senior households affordable and modern homes where they can age in place, while also prioritizing the needs of families with a new education space. This $65 million investment will help residents decrease their carbon footprint and provide support for tenants who need it most. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her vision, as well as to Commissioner Carrion and all our partners for bringing this project to fruition.”
The project included the demolition of the Zion Lutheran Church and the construction of a new nine-story building, as well as the complete rehabilitation of two pre-existing townhouses which were combined into one building. Decorative elements of the original church were preserved and reused within the new building.
Both buildings feature energy-efficiency measures including all-electric heating and cooking. Additionally, a 19.8kW solar array was installed on the roof, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.
In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 7,700 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Sunset Ridge continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
Fifth Avenue Committee, a nonprofit comprehensive community development corporation, is the project sponsor, developer and manager. Bay Ridge Center provides on-site social services to the formerly homeless tenants. Metropolitan New York Synod is the owner of the Community Facility on the ground floor and first floor.
Sunset Ridge is supported by HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program that generated approximately $18.3 million in equity and its State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program that generated approximately $3.4 million in equity. All of the units benefit from a project-based Section 8 rental assistance vouchers. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided more than $100,000 in funding with $31,700 in tax incentives through NY-Sun, along with $73,600 in combined incentives through the Low-Rise New Construction and the Multifamily New Construction programs. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development provided $11.7 million through its Senior Affordable Rental Apartments program and $1.3 million in accrued interest. The project also received a $6 million discretionary capital grant from the Brooklyn Borough President in Fiscal Year 2017 and Fiscal Year 2020 administered by HPD.
The project was guaranteed by Fifth Avenue Committee and Moodna Creek, LLC. Chase Community Development Banking provided a $28 million construction loan. Tax credit syndicator Hudson Housing Capital and the Tax Oriented Investments unit of J.P. Morgan invested $23 million in tax credit equity to support the development. Freddie Mac through Greystone provided $15 million in permanent loan financing.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Sunset Ridge shows how sustainable new construction practices and retrofitting existing structures can uplift historically underserved communities by providing affordable, healthy and comfortable housing and community spaces. This all-electric, multi-use development powered by rooftop solar will ensure New Yorkers living in Sunset Park benefit from clean energy while advancing Governor Hochul’s commitment to tackling the housing shortage.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and project-based Section 8 rental assistance vouchers that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help build senior housing in Sunset Park, which will provide more seniors with an affordable, supportive and energy-efficient place to live. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to create and preserve affordable homes across the state, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources needed for more affordable homes in Brooklyn.”
New York City Schools Construction Authority President and CEO Nina Kubota said, “The SCA is excited to partner with the Fifth Avenue Committee, HCR, HPD, and Metropolitan New York Synod to leverage this high-quality opportunity to provide access to early childhood education for Sunset Park and Bay Ridge parents. We will begin work on this 13,314 square foot pre-kindergarten facility in early 2025 that will bring 90 new seats and an exterior play yard to this community. Thinking outside of the box by maximizing space in multi-use sites is part of the strategy we have been deploying to expand early childhood education throughout the City. Access to pre-k improves cognitive and social development, reduces achievement gaps, and supports working parents, providing them with affordable, reliable childcare. Today is a day to celebrate this truly unique partnership.”
Representative Dan Goldman said, “As housing costs in New York City rise to unprecedented levels, our seniors have been left behind. The Fifth Avenue Committee’s new affordable housing complex in Sunset Park is a crucial step toward providing our older New Yorkers with the homes they deserve, and I applaud the city, state, and Fifth Avenue Committee for ensuring that this vital project is completed. I look forward to continuing to work alongside FAC to ensure every New Yorker can access high-quality, stable, and affordable housing.”
State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “If we want Brooklyn to be a place where everyone can succeed, we need to create resources for everyone from young children to seniors. The Sunset Ridge development is exactly the kind of resource our communities need: affordable housing for seniors along with universal pre-k classrooms so families can more easily access childcare and education. Thank you to Fifth Avenue Committee for taking the opportunity to support working families and a thriving future for all Brooklynites.”
Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes said, “Fifth Avenue Committee and its partners have brought much-needed affordable senior housing to Sunset Park. Sunset Ridge is an example of how the intentional construction of housing can address the gaps that exist in New York State communities. AD51 needs more affordable units in environmentally friendly and community-oriented buildings under strong tenant protections.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “As we work to address housing insecurity in Brooklyn, it is critical that we consider the particular vulnerabilities faced by older adults in our community. Sunset Ridge confronts this disparity directly, and by combining affordable senior housing with universal pre-k, the project creates an intergenerational community resource and gathering place. I applaud NYS Homes and Community Renewal and NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development as well as the Fifth Avenue Committee for investing in the well-being of both the oldest and youngest members of the Sunset Park community, and I look forward to seeing residents and students thrive in their new space.”
New York City Councilmember Alexa Aviles said, “I applaud the Fifth Avenue Committee for bringing to fruition Sunset Ridge Apartments, a development that will deliver truly affordable housing for our older adults. Housing insecurity is the number one issue in my office with frequent visits from so many older adults who are facing displacement as a result of gentrification and unscrupulous landlords. Today however, we celebrate a move towards solutions, and am proud to have played a role in bringing this much needed housing to our community. I thank Fifth Avenue Committee under the leadership of Michelle de la Uz for their work in providing affordable housing to our district seniors.”
Fifth Avenue Committee Executive Director Michelle de la Uz said, “FAC is thrilled to be cutting the ribbon at Sunset Ridge, the first new affordable housing for seniors in the community in over 15 years and FAC’s 2nd new affordable housing project in Sunset Park to be completed in 2 years. Access to quality, affordable housing is crucial to our health and well-being, especially as we age. The project is especially gratifying because it will also have 90-Universal Pre-K seats in the future, representing an important intergenerational resource for the local community. We broke ground on the project just before the pandemic hit, so we never celebrated its start, making today’s ribbon cutting with our project partners and tenants all the more meaningful. On behalf of our tenants and the local community, thank you to the Metropolitan New York Synod, NYS HCR and NYC HPD and everyone who helped make this critical project possible.”
Bay Ridge Center Executive Director Todd Fliedner said, “At Bay Ridge Center, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults 60 and older in our vibrant community, through a variety of enriching programs and essential services, we strive to support our members in living active fulfilling lives.”
Chase Community Development Banking Head of East Region Dave Walsh said, “We are proud to support the redevelopment of Sunset Ridge, a project delivering essential affordable senior housing in Brooklyn. Providing housing with essential services not only fosters a sense of belonging but is vital to ensure our most vulnerable senior residents have the resources they need to flourish.”
Hudson Housing Capital Managing Director Sam Ganeshan said, “Hudson Housing Capital is proud to partner with Fifth Avenue Committee to finance high-quality, affordable housing for seniors at Sunset Ridge. This property will provide some of the City’s most vulnerable residents with a safe place to live independently and age in-place. We thank and commend all those involved in making this day possible, including our investor J.P. Morgan, and look forward to seeing this impactful housing development thrive for many years to come.”
Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 45,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.
The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. To date, more than 160 communities have been certified, including the City of New York.
Source: US State of Oregon
span>Halloween is a night filled with costumes, candy, and a whole lot of fun. But it’s also important to keep safety in mind to ensure everyone has a hauntingly good time without any real scares. Here are some essential tips for emergency preparedness and safety for kids on Halloween:
Costume Safety
Make sure costumes are flame-resistant and fit well to avoid tripping. Brightly colored costumes or reflective tape can help kids be seen in the dark.
Also, focus on comfort over style. Ensure costumes are comfortable and not too tight. Avoid masks that obstruct vision—opt for non-toxic face paint instead.
Dress warmly if it’s cold outside. Consider layering costumes to keep warm.
Trick-or-Treating Tips
Young children should always trick-or-treat with a trusted adult. Older kids should go in groups and stick to a familiar route. Everyone should stay in neighborhoods that are well-lit and avoid dark, unfamiliar areas. Give the kids flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility.
Talk to your kids about why it’s important to always use crosswalks and follow traffic signals. Remind kids to look both ways before crossing the street.
Establish a trick-or-treating route and set a curfew. Make sure kids know to check in periodically and never enter a stranger’s house.
Candy Check
Check all candy and treats for signs of tampering before allowing kids to eat them. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious items.
Be mindful of food allergies. Know if any children in your trick-or-treating party have allergies. Inspect ingredients if necessary and trade or discard treats that could cause allergic reactions. If your kids don’t have allergies, make sure they aren’t trading allergens to a kid who does.
Encourage kids to enjoy their treats in moderation. A fun idea is to have the kids keep 5-10 pieces of their favorite candies, then leave the rest out for the Switch Witch overnight. The Switch Witch then takes the remaining candy and leaves a toy in trade.
Home Safety
Ensure your walkway and front yard is clear of obstacles that could cause people to trip and fall. Use battery-operated candles in pumpkins instead of open flames to reduce the risk of fire.
Keep your pets indoors and away from the front door to prevent them from getting spooked or accidentally running outside or biting an unsuspecting trick-or-treater.
Avoid decorations that could pose a hazard, like hanging objects or loose wires that could cause people to trip, or scratch skin.
Emergency Preparedness
Discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Kids should know how to call 911 and what to do if they get separated from the group.
Make sure kids have a phone number to reach you. For younger kids, consider writing it on a piece of paper to carry with them, the bottom of their treat bag/pale or on their arm with grease make-up.
Carry water bottles to stay hydrated while trick-or-treating, especially if costumes are warm or restrictive.
Driving Safety
When out driving on Halloween, be mindful of the extra foot-traffic and that excited children are less aware of their surroundings. Be extra cautious and drive slowly in residential areas. Watch for children who may dart out into the street.
Keep your headlights on, even during daylight, to increase visibility for trick-or-treaters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more tips for driving afely on Halloween on their website.
Halloween is a night of magic and mystery, and with a little preparation, it can also be safe and fun for everyone. Following these tips can help ensure your kids have a spooky, safe adventure this Halloween.
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
October 30, 2024 – Hershey, PA
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) provided a progress report on the construction of a new Pennsylvania State Police Academy, a project to completely modernize the 64-year-old campus and ensure troopers are trained in the best possible environment for decades to come.
“Following months of site preparation, construction has begun on the most visible aspect of the project, the five-story Marquee Building overlooking East Hersheypark Drive,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Deputy Commissioner of Operations. “This world-class facility will serve as a reminder to all who see it that the Pennsylvania State Police is committed to providing the best and most professional police service possible to the residents of our Commonwealth.”
“This modernized facility is designed to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement training, ensuring PSP cadets are equipped with state-of-the-art resources for their critical roles in serving and protecting our communities,” said Greg Kirk, Deputy Secretary of Capital Programs for the Department of General Services (DGS), which is in charge of the project. “Through diligent planning and collaboration, we are transforming this site into a premier training environment that will benefit troopers and our Commonwealth for generations to come.”
Speakers:
Lt. Col. George Bivens – Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Pennsylvania State Police
