Secretary of the Commonwealth Details Election Safeguards
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt held the third in a series of daily media briefings leading up to the Nov. 5 general election.
“Nonpartisan election officials are doing their jobs all across Pennsylvania and – together with law enforcement – they’re working to ensure we have a free, fair, safe and secure election,” Schmidt said. “There are safeguards built into the election administration process at every step to identify any efforts to undermine election integrity.”
The multiple safeguards range from verifying that every person who applies to register to vote is eligible to vote and ensuring that only registered voters are able to vote on Election Day to conducting two post-election audits of the results, Schmidt said.
For more information on the extensive laws that every election official in Pennsylvania is following visit vote.pa.gov.
Speakers Include: Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
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What’s most important now is not being first but rather being right. In recent decades, Americans have gotten used to media organizations declaring the winners of races in the hours or days after the polls close, but those are not official results. They are projections based on the available unofficial information. The formal results of the election are checked and certified through a process that takes weeks to months – and potentially longer, if lawsuits are filed.
A wrong call could spark violence, particularly because Donald Trump has yet to say that he will accept the results of the 2024 election if he loses.
Media figures and election officials are preparing Americans for the fact that we might have to wait some time to get an accurate call. As in 2020, they’re using metaphor to shape public expectations. But this year, they’re also explicitly trying to define the nation’s perceptions of time, in terms of which results count as on time or as delayed.
A metaphor is a linguistic device that describes something in terms of something else, usually to highlight an important idea. If we see a football team as the Bears, we know they’re not literally animals, but they are ferocious. As a scholar of presidential rhetoric and political campaigns, I know it’s important to notice metaphors because they often shape public perceptions.
As members of the media prepare themselves and the public for an uncertain election night, they’re worried that Americans will be misled by false or incomplete information in the early returns. Fredreka Schouten and Sara Murray of CNN Politics write, “Election officials worry that delays in counting could give the public a false sense of who’s winning the election.” The Republican Pennsylvania secretary of state adds, “It’s obviously a concern.” And so, as they did in 2020, they’re again using the metaphor of “mirage.”
A mirage is an optical illusion, something that looks real but is not. Old adventure movies would show a mirage of water in a desert. Lost explorers with empty canteens would run excitedly toward a sparkling oasis, only to find nothing but sand.
In 2020, no one was quite sure whether the early results would show a red or a blue mirage and so they suggested it could vary by state. For example, some states, such as Florida and Arizona, counted mail ballots as they arrived, even before Election Day. In those states, Vox reported, the early “results might look overwhelmingly favorable to Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates.”
In 2024, the overwhelming expectation is that early returns in this year’s key states will look better for Republicans. Reporter Nick Corasaniti of The New York Times wrote that “Democratic operatives” have come to expect “‘the red mirage,’ the result of far more Democrats than Republicans opting to vote by mail, leading to Democratic votes being counted later.” The editorial board of The Washington Post fretted in September 2024 that Trump “used this so-called red mirage in 2020 to declare victory and insist that the counting stop.” The implication was clear: a fear he might do so again.
People tend to see what they want to see. Those lost explorers want and need water, much as Trump yearns for victory. And mirages are partly self-deception. Partisans want that beautiful picture of triumph, blue or red seas cascading across screens on election night. These feelings explain why the mirage metaphor works well for the media: It signals that campaigns and the public see what they hope for, not what’s there. Wait, the metaphor tells us. Wait until we know it’s real.
To make the waiting easier, the media has also explicitly tried to shape the public’s perceptions of time. This is not a new idea: The ancient Greeks used the term “kairos” to talk about timing in public speech – when we should speak, how we define time in that speech, and what sorts of times we live in.
For example, an NBC report catalogs changes various states have made since 2020 to speed up the counting, but nonetheless notes “in the event of a close race, a handful of key battleground states could keep Americans waiting well beyond Election Day.” In early October 2024, Arizona’s secretary of state told a group at Harvard the results would take “thirteen days and we’re not doing it any sooner because we’re going to get it right.”
At that same Harvard meeting, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt disputed the concept that taking time to count votes constituted a “delay.”
“It’s not a delay at all. It takes time to count millions of votes, with integrity, especially when you can only start at 7 a.m. on election morning,” Schmidt said.
Taken together, the two persuasive strategies urge patience. A mirage will appear, but it is false, alluring and dangerous. It does not reflect reality. Reality will come in time, the proper time, in its season. This isn’t a delay, because it takes time to get things right. This election poses enough dangers, these officials and the media believe. All Americans need to take – or give – the time to get the count right.
Some of the material in this article was previously published on Nov. 3, 2020.
John M. Murphy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The formal recognition of the Council’s support for the sanctuary-seeking population follows a comprehensive evaluation by UK City of Sanctuary.
Perth and Kinross has been a place of sanctuary for people for many years, and since at least the outbreak of World War I in 1914 when a group of Belgian refugees came to Perth. In more recent times, people of all ages from countries around the world, including the Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan, have received vital help and multi-agency support for positive integration and resettlement within the community.
Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, Councillor Grant Laing said: “Our vision is for Perth and Kinross as a place where ‘everyone can live well free from poverty and inequalities’. For refugees and people seeking asylum this can be a challenge, however we will continue to work creatively across our services and with our public sector and community partners to make the area as safe and welcoming as possible.”
Equalities Lead, Councillor Peter Barrett said: “Our sanctuary seeking population have come from wide-ranging and difficult circumstances in their own countries from war to persecution. This national recognition of what we have done to make a difference to their lives, from families to unaccompanied children and young people, is something we all warmly welcome at the Council and the link with the UK City of Sanctuary organisation also opens up new avenues of support, advice and good practice we can access for the benefit of those most in need.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement regarding reports of an attack on Iran by Israel:
“America stands with Israel as it exercises its right, and responsibility, to defend its citizens and protect its borders.
Israel is now targeting military sites in Iran in direct response to Iran’s massive attack involving approximately 200 ballistic missiles fired at Israel earlier this month.
I’m proud of the U.S. troops throughout the CENTCOM region who are bravely working to help defend Israel at this critical moment. Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen have ceaselessly attacked the people of Israel virtually every day since last year’s barbaric October 7 attack by Hamas. Over the past year, Hamas and Hezbollah have launched more than 25,000 rockets into Israel.
In two separate attacks from Iranian territory, Iran has launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and more than 320 ballistic missiles towards Israel.
Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have targeted global shipping through the Red Sea, as well as fired missiles and drones and Israel. And Iranian-backed militia in Syria and Iraq have targeted both Israel civilian populations and U.S. troops and interests in the region.
I am monitoring the situation closely. I pray Israel’s operation is successful and the Iranian regime will at last understand it will not be allowed to continue to sponsor terror and threaten Israel or the broader region without severe consequence. My thoughts are with our troops in the region and their continued safety and success. I hope today’s actions will, in time, help move the region forward in a constructive direction.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced that his office has secured over $3.6 million in federal casework funds for residents of Virginia’s First District since May 2023.
Casework dollars are secured by advocating for constituents facing backlogs and bureaucratic delays with a federal agency, program, or benefit. The Office of Congressman Rob Wittman works to resolve issues ranging from Social Security and Medicare benefits to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and IRS tax refunds.
“I am committed to delivering real results for the people of Virginia’s First District, whether that be through working with my colleagues in Congress, federal agencies, or localities,” said Rep. Wittman. “Whether you need assistance with a VA claim, renewing your passport, or checking on your Social Security benefits, please do not hesitate to contact my team. I am proud of the quality constituent services my office provides — we will always be happy to assist you.”
Since the beginning of the 118th Congress, the Office of Congressman Rob Wittman has closed over 4,000 cases for Virginia’s First District residents.
Below are testimonials from constituents who contacted Congressman Wittman’s office for assistance with an issue involving the federal government:
“Congressman Wittman, my wife and I would like to thank you for your assistance in getting things straightened out concerning our cases with the USCIS. Your assistance could not have been faster or more efficient. Our cases were resolved within two weeks, instead of two years. Thank you!” – Ray, Poquoson
“In April 2024, SSA committed an enrollment error and canceled my Medicare benefits. After numerous attempts to resolve this issue on my own, I contacted Congressman Wittman’s office to seek intervention on my behalf with the SSA. What a blessing that Ms. Gale was the individual assigned to my case!
“She continued to stay in contact to keep me abreast of her progress with SSA and never seemed bothered by my continued ‘pestering.’ Needless to say, SSA is a frustrating bureaucratic agency to deal with and Ms. Gale kept me sane throughout the process while remaining caring and professional at all times.” – Marie, Williamsburg
“Looks like I’ll be going before the review board after all! Rob Wittman’s office has helped me so much in pursuing my dream of becoming an officer in the Air Force. I appreciate the support.” – Tallie, Yorktown
For assistance with a federal agency inquiry, constituents can contact Congressman Wittman’s casework team here or by calling one of his offices: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-4261 Glen Allen Office: (804) 401-4120 Yorktown Office: (757) 527-6270 Tappahannock Office: (804) 443-0668
NASA pilot Joe Walker sits in the pilot’s platform of the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) number 1 on Oct. 30, 1964. The LLRV and its successor the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV) provided the training tool to simulate the final 200 feet of the descent to the Moon’s surface. The LLRVs, humorously referred to as flying bedsteads, were used by NASA’s Flight Research Center, now NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, to study and analyze piloting techniques needed to fly and land the Apollo lunar module in the moon’s airless environment. Learn more about the LLRV’s first flight. Image credit: NASA
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Marklin Mayle, age 67, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 130 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers stopped Mayle’s vehicle and found nearly two pounds of methamphetamine. Mayle, also known as “Mark Mayle,” was transporting methamphetamine from Ohio into Barbour County.
Mayle has a criminal history that includes drug possession, battery, assault, burglary, passing counterfeit money, and domestic violence.
Mayle will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Mountain Region Drug Task Force. The Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
BOSTON – A Boston woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to the armed robberies of United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers on Nov. 29, 2022 in Mattapan, Mass. and Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park, Mass.
Myesha Lewis, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States, aiding and abetting and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Feb. 10, 2025. In May 2023, Lewis was indicted by a federal grand jury along with co-defendant Kenneth Demoshane.
USPS has seen a rise in the use of arrow keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An arrow key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These arrow keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 23 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and surrounding cities and towns. These incidents included the attempted or successful robbery of USPS arrow keys from letter carriers. Additionally, of these 23 incidents, 15 of the robberies were instances where the perpetrators were reportedly armed with a knife, firearm, or both.
On Nov. 29, 2022, in Mattapan, Lewis and Demosthene forcibly robbed a USPS letter carrier of an arrow key. Demosthene approached the letter carrier and said, “I’m going to need your master key,” before reaching into the letter carrier’s mail satchel and grabbing the arrow key. The key was secured around the letter carrier’s belt with a brass chain. The force used to physically break the brass chain caused the letter carrier to be pulled off the front steps. Lewis and Demosthene then fled the scene in a rental vehicle.
On Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park, Lewis and Demosthene robbed another USPS letter carrier of an arrow key at knife point. Demosthene approached the USPS letter carrier and said, “Give me your f****** arrow key.” The letter carrier put their hands in the air as the defendants attempted to remove the arrow key, at first by force pulling at the chain. Lewis and Demosthene then attempted to cut it with the knife, eventually breaking it loose and fleeing the scene on foot.
In October 2024, Demosthene was sentenced to three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The charges of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States each provide for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court 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 and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Edgardo Quinones-Hiraldo, age 35, of Ponce, Puerto Rico, pled guilty today to escape and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Quinones-Hiraldo served 51 months at a federal corrections facility in Florida for a firearms trafficking conviction in Puerto Rico. He was released to Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Quinones-Hiraldo failed to report to the facility and was arrested in Clarksburg. He had a revolver and a pistol with him at the time of his arrest.
Quinones-Hirado faces up to five years in prison for the escape charge and faces up to 15 years for the firearms charge. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated.
CHARLESTON, S.C. —Ibrahim Shedid, 29, and Ahmed Shedid, 35, of Summerville, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and traffic counterfeit goods for selling counterfeit Viagra pills in a $35 million scheme.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Ibrahim Shedid owned and operated Big Boss Puff Stuff and Ahmed Shedid owned and operated A2Z Warehouse. The brothers worked together to distribute and sell counterfeit Viagra to convenience stores, knowing the pills were counterfeit.
In January 2024, law enforcement intercepted a shipment of 19 bottles of counterfeit Viagra, which was being delivered to Big Boss Puff Stuff. After the delivery, more counterfeit Viagra was seized from a storage unit associated with both Ahmed Shedid and Ibrahim Shedid. The retail value of all counterfeit Viagra seized from the defendants was in excess of $35 million.
Ibrahim Shedid faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and Ahmed Shedid also faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Both also face a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.
U.S. District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence Shedid and Shedid after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 17-count indictment charging MARLENIN VITO, 45, of Waterbury, with fraud offenses.
The indictment was returned on October 22, 2024. Vito appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $25,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, from approximately 2018 to May 2021, Vito was employed as Medicaid Coordinator at an assisted living facility located in Stamford, referred to in the indictment as “Company A.” Vito’s responsibilities included assisting the residents in applying for nursing home level Medicaid reimbursements, monitoring the residents’ patient trust accounts, and ensuring compliance with Medicaid regulations. She was also responsible for keeping journal entries for the residents’ trust accounts and to credit their accounts when funds were received, and for debiting patient accounts when payments were made on behalf of the residents or when cash was given to residents for incidental expenses.
It is alleged that, between approximately December 2019 and May 2021, Vito defrauded Company A and its residents by generating checks from Company A’s system, forging a fellow employee’s signature on the checks, negotiating the fraudulent checks purportedly to give the cash proceeds to certain residents, and keeping the cash for her own use. Vito then made false entries into Company A’s accounting ledger by debiting the fraudulently obtained cash from the residents’ respective trust accounts. Many of the residents were not healthy enough or mentally capable of tracking their own expenses or monitoring the balances of their own trust accounts.
It is further alleged, in certain instances, Vito cancelled residents’ supplemental health insurance coverage, but continued to deduct funds from the trust accounts and took the funds for herself. Also, when certain residents’ trust accounts were credited with Economic Impact Payments (“COVID-19 stimulus payments”), Vito took the funds for herself and then debited the residents’ accounts at a rate of approximately $60 a day until the stimulus funds were depleted.
It is alleged that during the scheme, Vito fraudulently negotiated approximately 500 checks. When she was confronted by family members of certain residents, Vito created and provided to those family members false account statements that misrepresented the balances in the residents’ trust accounts.
The indictment also alleges that, between approximately May and July 2023, Vito was employed as a bookkeeper at a law firm in Hartford, referred to in the indictment as “Company B.” Vito took fraudulently generated checks drawn on Company B’s bank account and issued as “Pay to the Order of ‘Petty Cash, ’” forged the signature of an authorized employee on the checks, cashed the checks, and kept the funds for herself. She then recorded the fraudulently negotiated checks in Company B’s books and records as “Petty Cash.”
It is alleged that Vito stole a total of more than $200,000 through these schemes.
The indictment charges Vito with five counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and 12 counts of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
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.
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?
Not a virus, but a choice
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?
Theories of humour and Halloween costumes
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 as modern mythology
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.
The world’s first superstar hippo lives in a zoo in Thailand. Moo Deng shot to fame soon after she was born in July this year, thanks to viral videos that showed off her cute expressions and chirpy demeanour. Yet the story of her species is less happy, and reveals the close links between the extinction and climate change crises.
Moo Deng is a pygmy hippo, a species native to the forests of west Africa. Unlike their bigger and significantly scarier cousins (regular hippos), the pygmys are secretive creatures, who like to conceal themselves in swamps and dense vegetation.
Today, pygmy hippos are officially listed as endangered. Huanyuan Zhang-Zheng and Sulemana Bawa, conservationists at the University of Oxford, point out that 80% of their native forests have been lost. Just 2,500 remain in the wild.
“Cocoa production is probably the biggest cause of forest loss,” they write, “then gold mining and unsustainable logging. These activities now encroach on forest reserves and other supposedly protected areas.”
You probably didn’t want to hear this (I certainly didn’t) but it seems chocolate is helping wipe out the pygmy hippo. This pressure is unlikely to let up any time soon: the Ivory Coast, home of most of these hippos, is also the world’s number one cocoa exporter.
But it was another passage in their article which really caught my eye. Zhang-Zheng and Bawa wrote: “West Africa’s forest loss is particularly heartbreaking as research shows that a remaining patch may be the most productive on Earth, surpassing even the Amazon rainforest.” (Productive, in this context, refers to how much plant growth there is).
Before extensive fieldwork beginning in 2016, researchers had underestimated the value of west African forests, particularly their capacity to store carbon and thereby offset global warming. This oversight was partly the result of these forests being hidden by clouds, which makes satellite observation difficult, and their relative neglect by western researchers compared with other ecosystems elsewhere.
This made me wince. Has The Conversation been part of this neglect? After all, Jack and I have edited dozens of articles on the Amazon and its role in the climate system, but relatively few on forests in Africa.
Researchers are doing their best to highlight how important these forests are for the climate. Here’s one of them, Michele Francis of Stellenbosch University in South Africa, writing about her research on a “sacred forest” in Togo, west Africa: “My calculations showed that one hectare of forest [about two and a half football pitches] is able to permanently remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as is released by a power station burning nearly 16 tonnes of coal.”
African forest elephants, like this one in the Republic of Congo, are smaller than their cousins on the savanna. Roger de la Harpe / shutterstock
But Africa’s biggest forest by far is found a thousand miles to the south east, in the Congo Basin. The world’s second largest rainforest is almost half the size of the Amazon yet has only a small portion of its global fame.
As the forest is underresearched, there are still huge discoveries to be made. Back in 2017, Simon Lewis and Greta Dargie of the University of Leeds lead a UK-Congolese team who first mapped out an England-sized tropical peatland – the world’s largest – under marshy wetlands deep in the jungles of Congo. They wrote about this for The Conversation at the time:
After 17 days, covering just 1.5km a day, we finally reached the centre of the swamp between two of the major rivers. Our reward was not only the knowledge that these peatlands are indeed vast. We also found ever-deeper peat, reaching up to 5.9m, roughly the height of a two-storey building.
Peat is made of partially-decomposed plant matter and can store extraordinary amounts of carbon. Lewis and Dargie “found 30 billion metric tonnes of carbon stored in this new ecosystem that nobody knew existed. That’s equivalent to 20 years of current US fossil fuel emissions.”
This rainforest, and its huge carbon stores, are under threat. In 2022, Lewis, writing with his Leeds colleague Bart Crezee, warned that plans to drill for oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo could be “the beginning of the end for these peatlands”.
They updated their map of Congolese peatlands and overlayed it on a map of proposed oil concessions. They discovered:
The upcoming sale of rights to explore for fossil fuels includes close to 1 million hectares of peat swamp forest. If destroyed by the construction of roads, pipelines and other infrastructure needed to extract the oil, we estimate that up to 6 billion tonnes of CO₂ could be released, equivalent to 14 years’ worth of current UK greenhouse gas emissions.
In late 2023, DR Congo postponed its plans to drill for oil. It seems the scientists really were listened to – for the time being at least.
Yet oil drilling is only one threat, in one corner of a vast forest. Researchers lead by Judith Verweijen of the University of Antwerp have written about the armed conflicts and industrial mining affecting the eastern end of the same Congo Basin.
The mines, for instance, degrade the soil and pollute the water, and trees must be cleared to make way for them.
But Verweijen and colleagues say there are also indirect effects that “stem from the construction of new roads to make mining sites accessible, and population growth in the vicinity of mines. This leads to further natural resource exploitation, such as fuel and construction wood extraction, bushmeat hunting and shifting agriculture.”
None of this has caused the same global outcry as fires in the Amazon or palm oil deforestation in Indonesia. What might fix that?
Back to Moo Deng. Many conservation academics will tell you that a single well-known species can be the key to saving an entire ecosystem and its often boring-but-crucial biodiversity. Protect the tigers, pandas or pygmy hippos, and you’ll also ensure the survival of the worms, ants and peat bogs.
If it takes a viral hippo to at least cast some attention on the disappearing rainforests of Africa, then so be it.
More than 34,000 members of the TWU-IAM Association, a union alliance of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) at American Airlines, have overwhelmingly ratified contract extensions that greatly increase pay, quality of life and more.
The Association’s negotiating committees had reached tentative agreements with the carrier after roughly a month of negotiations. IAM Districts 141 and 142 represent mechanic and related, fleet service and related, and stores workers at American Airlines.
The two-year extensions, from Jan. 1, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2027, includes: • Average wage increase for covered employees in January 2025 ranging from 10.8% to 16.7% and 18% to 26% over the life of the extension. • 3% out year increases in January 2026 and 2027 that also match the highest in the industry. • Several non-economic quality of life issues were also addressed. • Increases in License Pay, Skill Pay, and Crew Chief Pay. • Increases in IAM National Pension Plan contributions. • No concessions/givebacks.
“IAM members at American Airlines have more than earned this industry-leading contract,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “By negotiating quickly and efficiently to get the increases our members deserve, we have again delivered on our commitment to continuously improve the lives of all airline workers.”
“The IAM is the world’s most powerful airline union because of our numbers, strength and solidarity,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “Thanks to our success at American Airlines, airline workers across the industry will see further gains in future contracts.”
“American Airlines is successful because of the IAM members who operate the carrier each and every day,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “This agreement shows once again that IAM representation is the best way for airline workers to get their fair share.
“We would like to sincerely thank our members at American for your support, strength, and solidarity leading up to this vote,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. “We are proud that you have ratified this contract extension. You have earned this through your continuous hard work, professionalism, and dedication to your craft.”
“Your voices and commitment to ratify these proposals speaks volumes and carries tremendous weight,” said IAM District 141 President and Directing General Chair Mike Klemm. “This signifies that the right decisions were made considering the proposals, and further represents the times we live in today.”
After the IAM held in-person and virtual informational meetings on the extension, members voted electronically on the contracts.
The TWU-IAM Association, the largest union at the carrier, was formed after the merger of American Airlines and US Airways in 2012.
Key Resources Are Helping the Weatherization Workforce Provide Benefits for Low-Income Households
Two weatherization technicians carry a new furnace into a manufactured home. Photo from Energy Resource Center
The perfect winter coat should be comfortable to wear—not too warm and not too cold. It’s affordable, sturdy, and protects you well from the wind, rain, and snow.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps thousands of low-income families find the perfect coat for their homes every year. Installations and upgrades through weatherization services work to increase the energy efficiency and safety of homes—ensuring that they can stay comfortable through the changing seasons, with lower energy bills and health benefits for residents.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) supports WAP in strengthening the weatherization and home performance industry through robust, collaborative resources for building up a qualified workforce and quality work.
This Weatherization Day, NREL is celebrating its work on key resources developed over the past year to highlight and advance WAP’s impact across states and territories.
Telling the Story of Weatherization
An energy auditor chats with the owner of a home being weatherized. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL
As weatherization enhances homes through upgrades, it changes lives.
One homeowner in Utah was paying energy bills that were higher than her house payments. Once WAP worked on her home, not only were her bills reduced, but potential safety issues in her home were also addressed. “It’s a game changer,” the homeowner said.
NREL is working to compile stories like these in WAP’s Successes & Solutions Center, a database of short examples that WAP organizations can use to improve their own processes and celebrate positive impacts for clients. Stories include successes in workforce development, technical solutions, and more.
“There are so many innovative processes that WAP agencies across the country use every day, but not everybody knows about them,” NREL researcher Allison Moe said. “By highlighting these solutions, we aim to give the weatherization network more insight into new methods they can try out in their work.”
These examples provide useful details for replicable solutions—and photos can be just as helpful for inspiring better processes. Maintained by NREL, DOE’s Weatherization Image Gallery is a free-to-use resource with over 150 high-quality images. The gallery contains images of weatherization installations, mechanical equipment, and materials. These photos are vetted by NREL researchers for accuracy and compliance with the Standard Work Specifications, an industry guide to ensure home energy upgrade work is effective, durable, and safe. WAP organizations can use these images to enhance their field guides, presentations, marketing materials, and more to help visualize the impact of weatherization.
Supporting Weatherization Workers in the Field
An energy auditor inspects a refrigerator during the audit of a home. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL
Residential energy auditors are always on the go, providing in-depth house assessments and developing comprehensive scopes of work for upgrades needed in client’s homes. NREL’s Residential Energy Auditor Resource Repository gathers useful resources into one place for energy auditors in the field, so they can save time searching for the online tools needed to complete their assessments.
As part of this effort, NREL supported a makeover of DOE’s Refrigerator and Freezer Energy Rating Search Tool. With a variety of brands, model numbers, and manufacture years to search by, the tool allows energy auditors to quickly discover the energy consumption for these appliances in client’s homes.
“During a comprehensive energy audit, the accuracy of an energy auditor’s assessment is key,” said Cory Chovanec, NREL weatherization colead. “This resource repository aims to help energy auditors locate accurate information more quickly in support of data collection or analysis of residential buildings.”
This summer, NREL began work with the Association of Energy Engineers on another effort to support a qualified workforce: a virtual field exam. Historically, aspiring energy auditors must pass an online written exam and in-person field exam at an approved field-test site. By adding a simulated exam as an option, energy auditors will have more flexibility in pursuing their certification.
“Accessibility is important to support growing a diverse and equitable weatherization workforce,” NREL researcher Meredith Cummings said. “Introducing a simulated field exam provides trainees with a potentially more convenient option if needed.”
A pilot of the new simulated field exam is expected to launch in 2026.
Paving the Way for Technical Advances
More local and state WAP programs are using solar to help clients save money on energy bills. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL
In 2022, DOE issued guidance streamlining the inclusion of solar photovoltaics in weatherization services for clients. The number of local and state WAP programs utilizing solar is growing, and NREL research is helping these programs determine which solar pathways are right for them.
NREL developed a technical report, an online decision guide, and case studies to help programs make informed decisions about how to integrate solar into their work. These resources assist agencies with developing a plan for solar that works best for their service area. Solar technologies might include rooftop solar, community solar, or solar water heaters.
“WAP implementers can be key contributors in broadening solar energy access for low-income households,” said Juliana Williams, NREL weatherization colead. “These resources can help them maximize benefits for clients.”
NREL also contributed to a new toolkit with relevant guidance for installing heat pumps in homes. DOE’s Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Toolkit provides technology information, consumer information, weatherization and efficiency program partner resources, guidelines and training for contractors, and ongoing technology development and case studies.
Learn More About Weatherization
To learn more about how NREL supports weatherization work, visit NREL’s weatherization page or contact weatherization.support@nrel.gov.
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Consistent with longstanding Justice Department practices, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe is highlighting the office’s efforts to ensure all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots free of discrimination, intimidation, or criminal activity in the election process, and to ensure elections are secure against foreign malign interference.
“The Justice Department prioritizes ensuring fair elections, and our success will depend on the assistance we receive from the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “It’s critical for those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud to make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
U.S. Attorney Crowe designated Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed to lead the efforts in southern Illinois for the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.
AUSA Reed serves as the District Election Officer for the Southern District of Illinois, and in that capacity, is responsible for overseeing the handling of election day complaints for voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted due to a disability or inability to read or write in English.
AUSA Reed will be on duty while the polls are open and will be responsible for responding to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud and directing them to the appropriate authorities. He can be reached by calling (618) 977-3332.
In addition, the FBI has agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. You can reach the FBI online at www.tips.fbi.gov or dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Concerns for violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Report crimes of violence or intimidation by calling 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
On 30 October 2024, the Invictus Games Foundation briefed the NATO Military Committee at NATO Headquarters on the role of Invictus in supporting wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, addressed the Military Committee via VTC, with a delegation attending the meeting in person. The delegation included: Dominic Reid, Chief Executive of Invictus; Lord Allen, Chancellor of the Board of Trustees; and Richard Smith, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
The delegation briefed the Military Committee on the breadth and development of the Invictus programme and the progress it is making to expand the scope of its mission. The core purpose of Invictus is to support the recovery and rehabilitation of Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) Service Members through sport and adventure. The Invictus Games Foundation is working to continue establishing a global community where rehabilitation and recovery are better enabled and understood. This is primarily through the delivery of the Invictus Games, taking place in different host cities every two years around the globe, but also through a multi-layered programme beyond the games, which aims to build a network amongst global Wounded, Injured and Sick veterans and promote advocacy of Invictus.
Meeting with representatives of the Invictus Games Foundation provided a platform for the NATO Military Committee to explore and learn how Allied nations can establish or develop a relationship with the Invictus Games. Admiral Bauer emphasised the importance of protecting Allied wounded servicemen and women, veterans and their families. He highlighted the invaluable support and hope the Invictus Games Foundation provides to the unconquerable souls of inspirational wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans. ‘I believe the work of the Invictus Games Foundation to be very important – and it strikes at the heart of our shared values as military personnel’. Admiral Bauer conveyed the power of the Invictus Games Foundation in reaching far beyond the Games themselves, changing and sometimes even saving the lives of both the wounded soldiers and their families.
Today’s Military Committee session follows up a meeting between the Chair of the Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, and Prince Harry in May 2024, where Admiral Bauer attended a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The NFL has avoided overt political messages since former 49er Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protests against police brutality against Black Americans. But what are the implications of a white player displaying an overt political message right before the United States presidential election?
U.S. athletes Tommie Smith, centre, and John Carlos extend gloved hands skyward in racial protest during the playing of national anthem at the 1968 Olympics. (AP Photo)
In turn, Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality and historic inequalities was seen as unpatriotic, and faced significant criticism.
Will Bosa face a similar backlash? It seems highly unlikely, especially since Bosa’s support for Trump will probably be framed as patriotic due to the former president’s populist rhetoric about returning America to greatness.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) kneel during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
But when Bosa donned a piece of campaign merchandise on national television a little over a week out from a contentious presidential election, it was overtly political — arguably just as overtly political as taking a knee during the national anthem.
Rather, they don’t want to see political views they oppose being platformed in professional sports spaces.
If they agree with the politics, sporting events are seemingly just another stop on the campaign trail.
Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven 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.
One-third of patients with irritable bowel syndrome aslo have disordered eating habits and perceptions about food that may cause symptoms in and of themselves.(Shutterstock)
Many people find that wheat or gluten cause them to react in some way: Some people have a wheat allergy, some have the autoimmune condition celiac disease, but the majority find they have some sort of intolerance or sensitivity to wheat and gluten.
This is challenging to diagnose because there still aren’t any reliable biomarkers to confirm gluten or wheat sensitivity, and clinicians typically rely on patient self-reports.
In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms without any visible damage to the digestive tract. Many patients with IBS believe that specific foods, like gluten or wheat, trigger their symptoms, prompting them to exclude these foods from their diets without consulting a dietitian or their doctor.
Unsurprisingly, about a third of IBS patients develop disordered eating habits and perceptions about food that may cause symptoms in and of themselves, such as orthorexia, or an unhealthy preoccupation with healthy eating. This may cause a “nocebo effect,” where patients experience symptoms due to their beliefs and expectations about a substance they assume is causing their issues but is actually inert — a “nocebo.”
Identifying the true sensitivities for patients with IBS is a controversial research area, with some studies finding gluten avoidance to be beneficial versus others finding it to have [no significant effect. (Shutterstock)
As a nutrition researcher at McMaster University’s Farncombe Institute, I’m a member of a team that ran a clinical trial to find out whether wheat, gluten or a gluten-free nocebo caused symptoms in IBS. And the results were surprising: even though some patients experienced worse symptoms from gluten or wheat, they weren’t very different from the nocebo, with similar proportions of patients reacting to each.
These results are similar to other published studies. Identifying the true sensitivities for patients with IBS is a controversial research area, with some studies finding gluten avoidance to be beneficial versus others finding it to have no significant effect.
Researchers from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands published an innovative study from the Lancet medical journal. Patients with reported gluten sensitivity were divided into four groups: Two groups were given gluten-free bread, but one of these groups was told it contained gluten and one was told it didn’t. Two other groups were given bread that did contain gluten, with one group believing it was gluten-free and the other believing it contained gluten.
The results showed that the patients who ate gluten and were also told they were eating gluten had significantly worse symptoms than the other three groups.
Why are people concerned about gluten?
Patients with IBS are often left to navigate conflicting online resources and test new diets to treat their symptoms. (Shutterstock)
Given the controversial evidence that not only gluten, but other wheat components like fermentable carbohydrates or immune-stimulating proteins, may exacerbate IBS symptoms, it’s possible for this hot topic to get blown out of proportion or taken out of context, contributing to nutrition misinformation.
All of these factors — that it is often diagnosed by excluding all other options, the significant psychological component, the division in the scientific community and clinicians who often discount patients’ experiences — make treatment difficult for patients with this disorder.
As a result, patients with IBS are often left to navigate conflicting online resources and test new diets to treat their symptoms.
How patients respond to evidence
When researchers challenge patients with gluten, wheat or a nocebo, they rarely report the personalized results back to the patients and see how this information impacts patient behaviour.
At McMaster University, we wanted to see how presenting personalized nutrition information would affect our patients. After providing them with personal results about their gluten and wheat reactions, we followed up with patients after six months or more to see how this impacted their beliefs, behaviours and symptoms.
Again, we were in for a surprise! Patients largely kept similar beliefs about gluten, maintained a gluten-free diet and had consistent symptoms even after learning that most of them did not react to gluten or wheat. This begs the question: when people more generally learn new information that conflicts with an existing belief, what may help them to change accordingly?
The role of psychology in treating IBS
IBS has been long understood as a disorder of the gut-brain interaction. Psychological treatments are being increasingly investigated to minimize patient fears of foods, or nocebo effects, and to treat IBS symptoms more generally. At Harvard, a recent study found that exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) showed promise to improve IBS symptoms in five sessions with a nurse practitioner.
However, IBS is a complex disorder which may be exacerbated due to many different causes, and psychological treatment will likely be only one component of an effective treatment plan for many patients.
Diet plays an important role in human health, but how it does so — especially among those with gastrointestinal diseases — becomes complicated by the emotional aspects of eating and the real needs for people to have nutritious, well-balanced diets without risking malnutrition. If you have concerns that certain foods, like gluten, trigger your symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Caroline Seiler receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Carrie Kagawa and military service recruitment leaders hold a panel on 2025 recruitment issues at the Pentagon on October 30, 2024.
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV vice chairman and East Londonderry representative Councillor Allister Kyle:
“Every agricultural business with assets, in buildings and land, over £1m will be hit further with 20% inheritance tax. Livestock and equipment were already taken into account for inheritance tax.
“£1m sounds like a lot of money, which it is, but with the Northern Ireland average farm size being 41 hectares (101 acres), if ground was valued at £12k per acre and a farmyard and house valued at £400k, this would leave a tax bill of around £100k, on top of the livestock and equipment values.
“One needs to remember that land is not tax deductible when being purchased. Therefore, if a farmer purchases land he pays tax. When his son or daughter inherits the farm, tax will be paid on the same land again. That is perverse.
“Many farmers will be forced to sell ground to clear this new tax bill which will then also trigger possible capital gains tax to be paid on the level that ground may have increased in value since the time it was bought.
“Currently 36% of farmers in Northern Ireland are 65 or over.
“When will the nation and its politicians start to respect those who put food on our tables?
“The agricultural sector isn’t generally a cash rich business, most profits are usually re-invested in ground, farmyards or equipment to have a lasting legacy for future generations to keep on stewarding the land, caring for livestock and keeping us fed.”
For weeks, IAM and other union members in Pittsburgh and from across the country have flocked to the Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council office to pick up materials before heading out to door-knock as part of the national AFL-CIO’s political program.
In the first stage of the program, political volunteers visited union members’ households to provide information about the candidates endorsed by their unions and to gauge union voters’ priorities.
Now, less than a week before Election Day, door-knockers are just trying to make sure registered voters get to the polls.
“It is imperative that we motivate our members to vote in the election of our lifetime,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Grand Lodge Representative Sean Ryan, who has been in and out of Pittsburgh to assist get-out-the-vote efforts.
IAM Political and Legislative Assistant Ty Richardson has also been on the ground speaking with union members in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
“We’re talking to union members to make sure they know how this election will directly affect their lives and livelihoods,” said Richardson.
IAM members are working with members of the other affiliate unions like the Ironworkers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, American Federation of Teachers, Association of Federal Government Employees, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and United Steelworkers.
The AFL-CIO’s political program has focused efforts on the seven “swing” states considered to be the states that will decide this election: Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona.
In Pittsburgh, the AFL-CIO affiliate unions are advocating for the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz presidential ticket, Bob Casey for re-election in the U.S. Senate, and Summer Lee for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
For information on the union-endorsed candidates, go tobetterinaunion.org.
In the ever-evolving aerospace industry, collaboration and mentorship are vital for fostering innovation and growth. Recent achievements highlight the positive impact of Mentor-Protégé Agreements (MPA) facilitated by Jacobs Engineering Group, now known as Amentum Space Exploration Group. Two standout partnerships have demonstrated remarkable success and expansion, underscoring the value of such initiatives. CODEplus and Amentum Space Exploration Group The 24-Month MPA between CODEplus and Amentum Space Exploration Group has proven to be a game-changer. Recognized as the FY24 Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Mentor-Protégé Agreement of the Year, this collaboration has significantly boosted CODEplus’s operations. Since the agreement’s inception on March 1, 2023, CODEplus has expanded its workforce to ten full-time employees and currently has two active job requisitions. This growth exemplifies the transformative potential of mentorship in nurturing small businesses within the aerospace sector. KS Ware and Amentum Space Exploration Group / CH2M Hill Another exemplary partnership involves KS Ware, which has benefitted from a 36-Month MPA with Amentum Space Exploration Group and CH2M Hill. This agreement has garnered accolades as both the FY23 NASA Agency Mentor-Protégé Agreement of the Year and the FY23 MSFC Mentor-Protégé Agreement of the Year. Through targeted business and technical counseling, KS Ware successfully launched a new drilling division in 2022 and expanded its offerings to include surveying services in 2023. The impact of this mentorship is evident, with a remarkable 30% growth rate reported for KS Ware. These success stories highlight the critical role of Mentor-Protégé Agreements in empowering small businesses in the aerospace industry. By fostering collaboration and providing essential support, Amentum Space Exploration Group has not only strengthened its partnerships but also contributed to the broader growth and innovation landscape. As the aerospace sector continues to evolve, such initiatives will be essential in driving future success. Published by: Tracy L. Hudspeth
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), with support from The Gary and Mary West Health Institute and John A. Hartford Foundation, implemented the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program to recognize those emergency departments that provide excellent care for older adults. We are excited to announce that UConn John Dempsey Hospital Emergency Department has achieved the silver standard — Level 2 GEDA accreditation, the only hospital in Hartford County to hold this accreditation.
Led by a remarkable team of interdisciplinary leaders, including Dr. Matthew Babcock, Geriatric ED Physician Champion, Shannon Curtis, RN, Geriatric ED Nurse Champion, Beata Labunko, Wendy Martinson, RN and Jan Marie Anderson, as well as many other colleagues; UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s accreditation signals to the public that our institution is focused on the highest standards of care for our communities’ older adults.
The GEDA program is the culmination of years of progress in the emergency care of older adults. In 2014, ACEP along with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Emergency Nurses Association, and American Geriatrics Society, developed and released geriatric ED guidelines, recommending measures ranging from adding geriatric-friendly equipment to specialized staff to more routine screening for delirium, dementia, and fall risk, among other vulnerabilities.
“I am so proud of and grateful to the team and the hard work that went into the accreditation,” says Caryl Ryan, COO, UConn John Dempsey Hospital, CNO, Vice President, Quality and Patient Care Services and Interim Vice President, Patient Experience. “This is tremendous for the hospital and the patients who are cared for here.”
Babcock, with support from the chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Dr. Robert Fuller, played a key role in formalizing guidelines and data tracking-focused efforts to standardize practices and improve the quality of emergency care for elderly patients. Curtis’s focus had a big impact on geriatric care and staff education.
Older adults visit emergency departments at a high rate, they often present with multiple chronic conditions and face more social and physical challenges than the general population.
“No one wants to have their senior loved one in an Emergency Department. Knowing that the UConn ED has made a special effort to build a space and put into practice systems which can support a geriatric ED visit, should make families feel better. The GED accreditation reflects our commitment to make the care sensitive to the special needs of the senior members of our community,” says Fuller.
“Our focus is to take excellent care and improve outcomes for the geriatric population who often have complex health issues that require specialized approaches,” says Curtis.
The voluntary GEDA program, which includes three levels similar to trauma center designations, provides specific criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators to target. The accreditation process provides more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care, and the level of GEDA accreditation achieved depends upon how many of these best practices an emergency department can meet. A Level 2 emergency department must incorporate many of these best practices, along with providing interdisciplinary geriatric education and having geriatric-appropriate equipment and supplies available.
To improve patient outcomes, we must provide standardized approaches to care that address common geriatric issues, ensure optimal transitions of care from the ED to other settings (inpatient, home, community-based care, rehabilitation, long-term care), improve emergency department throughput, make a positive impact on the bottom line, and support geriatric-focused quality improvement.
“As an Accredited Geriatric Emergency Department, John Dempsey Hospital’s protocol-driven approach to geriatric care allows us to provide superior, tailored care,” says Babcock “Seniors who visit our emergency department can be assured that the facility has the necessary expertise, equipment, and personnel in place to provide optimal care. We’re excited that our dedication to this population has been recognized and look forward to many more years of building the best geriatric emergency department.”
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
The FBI Atlanta Division is warning the public that cybercriminals are gaining access to email accounts by stealing cookies from a victim’s computer. A “cookie” is a small piece of data that a website sends to your computer, allowing the website to remember information about your session, such as login details, preferences, or items in your shopping cart. “Remember-Me cookies” are tied specifically to a user’s login and often last for 30 days before expiring. This type of cookie helps a user login without having to keep putting in their username, password, or their multifactor authentication (MFA). Typically, this type of cookie is generated when a user clicks the “Remember this device” checkbox when logging in to a website:
If a cybercriminal obtains the Remember-Me cookie from a user’s recent login to their web email, they can use that cookie to sign-in as the user without needing their username, password, or multifactor authentication (MFA). For these reasons, cybercriminals are increasingly focused on stealing Remember-Me cookies and using them as their preferred way of accessing a victim’s email. Victims unknowingly provide their cookies to cybercriminals when they visit suspicious websites or click on phishing links that download malicious software onto their computer
Here are tips to protect yourself from putting yourself at risk:
Regularly clear your cookies from your Internet browser.
Recognize the risks of clicking the “Remember Me” checkbox when logging into a website.
Do not click on suspicious links or websites. Only visit sites with a secure connection (HTTPS) to protect your data from being intercepted during transmission.
Periodically monitor the recent device login history from your account settings.
Anyone who is a victim of an account takeover or Internet scam should report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
The Chaleur Region RCMP is seeking the public’s help locating a stolen flat deck trailer in Big River, N.B.
The theft is believed to have occurred sometime in the overnight hours of October 28, 2024, at an open field near Route 430 and Highway 11 in Big River.
The flat deck trailer is described as a beige 1984 Travel Taurus, with New Brunswick licence plate TAS 688, and vehicle identification number 27129.
If you have seen the trailer since October 28, or if you have information that could help further the investigation, please contact the Chaleur Region RCMP at 506-548-7771.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 atwww.crimenb.ca.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Defendant Forfeits 194 Firearms, More Than Three Tons of Ammunition,
Nearly $470,000 in Cash, and a Machinegun Conversion Device
OKLAHOMA CITY – PHILLIP NILES MARTIN, 69, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for firearms trafficking and unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, Martin was the subject of two previous Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigations for similar conduct. In 2013, Martin received a verbal warning for dealing firearms without a license and was advised that even with a license he could not deal firearms at an Oklahoma City swap meet. In 2020, he acknowledged receipt of an ATF cease-and-desist letter after a firearm that he had purchased was recovered at a crime scene in Mexico.
Public record further reflects that in June 2022, ATF received multiple tips that Martin was illegally dealing in firearms at an Oklahoma City swap meet. An investigation revealed that Martin was still dealing firearms without a license and sold firearms at significantly inflated rates – approximately double retail price – without completing the background checks required by law.
Pursuant to a search warrant executed at Martin’s residence, agents seized 194 firearms, approximately 6,100 pounds of ammunition, approximately $469,520 in cash, and a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch,” which when installed, converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Possession of these devices violates federal law.
On February 16, 2024, Martin was charged by Information with a conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms and with unlawful possession of a machinegun.
Martin pleaded guilty to the Information on March 11, 2024, and admitted he knowingly conspired with others to traffic firearms and that he illegally possessed a machinegun conversion device. Martin also agreed to forfeit all 194 firearms, the ammunition, approximately $469,520 in cash, and the machinegun conversion device.
At the sentencing hearing on October 23, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Martin to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years in supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Dishman noted the seriousness of the offenses and the fact that Martin had not been deterred from such conduct by prior warnings from law enforcement.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted 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 violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
AIKEN, S.C., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Federal Corporation (the “Company”) (OTCBB: SFDL), the holding company for Security Federal Bank (the “Bank”), today announced earnings and financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $2.0 million, or $0.62 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.1 million, or $0.65 per share, for the third quarter of 2023. Year-to-date net income available to common shareholders was $5.9 million, or $1.83 per common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $6.6 million, or $2.02 per common share, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Both the quarterly and year-to-date decreases in net income available to common shareholders were primarily due to increases in the provision for credit losses and non-interest expense, as well as the payment of preferred stock dividends during 2024, which were partially offset by increases in net interest income and non-interest income.
Third Quarter Comparative Financial Highlights
Net interest income increased $964,000, or 10.2%, to $10.4 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $9.4 million during the third quarter of 2023.
Total interest income increased $2.7 million, or 16.1%, to $19.5 million while total interest expense increased $1.7 million, or 23.7%, to $9.1 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter the prior year. The increase in interest income and interest expense was the result of higher market interest rates and increased average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
Non-interest income increased $457,000, or 21.1%, to $2.6 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to $263,000 and $74,000 increases in trust income and gain on sale of loans, respectively.
Non-interest expense increased $389,000, or 4.4%, to $9.3 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense.
Quarter Ended
(Dollars in Thousands, except for Earnings per Share)
9/30/2024
9/30/2023
Total interest income
$
19,531
$
16,822
Total interest expense
9,121
7,376
Net interest income
10,410
9,446
Provision for credit losses
580
–
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
9,830
9,446
Non-interest income
2,625
2,168
Non-interest expense
9,313
8,924
Income before income taxes
3,142
2,690
Provision for income taxes
732
568
Net income
2,410
2,122
Preferred stock dividends
415
–
Net income available to common shareholders
$
1,995
$
2,122
Earnings per common share (basic)
$
0.62
$
0.65
Year to Date (Nine Months) Comparative Financial Highlights
Net interest income increased $1.8 million, or 6.1%, to $30.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Total interest income increased $10.5 million, or 22.5%, to $57.1 million while total interest expense increased $8.7 million, or 49.0%, to $26.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Non-interest income increased $780,000, or 11.8%, to $7.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to a $480,000 increase in trust income.
Non-interest expense increased $1.8 million, or 6.5%, to $28.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in Thousands, except for Earnings per Share)
9/30/2024
9/30/2023
Total interest income
$
57,071
$
46,593
Total interest expense
26,497
17,780
Net interest income
30,574
28,813
Provision for credit losses
1,090
221
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
29,484
28,592
Non-interest income
7,400
6,620
Non-interest expense
28,617
26,863
Income before income taxes
8,267
8,349
Provision for income taxes
1,878
1,775
Net income
6,389
6,574
Preferred stock dividends
512
–
Net income available to common shareholders
$
5,877
$
6,574
Earnings per common share (basic)
$
1.83
$
2.02
Credit Quality
The Bank recorded a $1.2 million provision for credit losses on loans and a $110,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments, resulting in a total provision for credit losses of $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $376,000 in provision for credit losses on loans and a $155,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments, resulting in a total provision for credit losses of $221,000 for the first nine months of 2023.
Non-performing assets were $6.8 million at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, compared to $6.3 million at September 30, 2023.
The allowance for credit losses to gross loans was 1.95%, 1.98% and 2.03% at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, respectively.
At Period End (dollars in thousands):
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Non-performing assets
$
6,770
$
6,825
$
6,339
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.43
%
0.44
%
0.43
%
Allowance for credit losses
$
13,604
$
12,569
$
12,348
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans
1.95
%
1.98
%
2.03
%
Balance Sheet Highlights and Capital Management
Total assets were $1.6 billion at September 30, 2024, a year-over-year increase of $99.0 million, or 6.7%.
Total loans receivable, net were $686.7 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $64.2 million during the first nine months of 2024 and a year-over-year increase of $88.7 million.
Investment securities decreased $28.7 million during the first nine months of 2024 to $672.1 million at September 30, 2024, as maturities and principal paydowns of investment securities exceeded purchases during the nine-month period.
Deposits were $1.3 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $62.3 million, or 5.2% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and a year-over-year increase of $71.3 million, or 6.0%.
Borrowings decreased $49.1 million, or 28.9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 to $121.0 million due to the repayment of borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program.
Dollars in thousands (except per share amounts)
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Total assets
$
1,576,326
$
1,549,671
$
1,477,330
Cash and cash equivalents
132,376
128,284
84,224
Total loans receivable, net
686,708
622,529
598,029
Investment securities
672,054
700,712
705,558
Deposits
1,257,313
1,194,997
1,186,053
Borrowings
120,978
170,035
119,898
Total shareholders’ equity
185,081
172,362
158,996
Common shareholders’ equity
102,132
89,413
76,047
Common equity book value per share
$
31.97
$
27.69
$
23.46
Total risk-based capital to risk weighted assets (1)
19.21
%
19.49
%
19.33
%
CET1 capital to risk weighted assets (1)
17.96
%
18.24
%
18.08
%
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio (1)
10.27
%
9.83
%
10.11
%
(1) – Ratio is calculated using Bank only information and not consolidated information
Security Federal Bank has 19 full-service branches located in Aiken, Ballentine, Clearwater, Columbia, Graniteville, Langley, Lexington, North Augusta, Ridge Spring, Wagener and West Columbia, South Carolina and Augusta and Evans, Georgia. A full range of financial services, including trust and investments, are provided by the Bank and insurance services are provided by the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Security Federal Insurance, Inc.
Forward-looking statements:
Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding the Company’s mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market area or other aspects of the Company’s business, operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession or slowed economic growth; economic conditions in the Company’s primary market area; demand for residential, commercial business and commercial real estate, consumer, and other types of loans; success of new products; competitive conditions between banks and non-bank financial service providers; changes in management’s business strategies, including expectations regarding key growth initiatives and strategic priorities; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the ability to attract and retain deposits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; technology factors affecting operations, including disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform critical processing functions for us; pricing of products and services; environmental, social and governance goals and targets; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business; and other risks detailed in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. These factors should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake any responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) are advancing bipartisan oversight to tackle improper payments and fraud in federal government programs. In a letter to the Comptroller General at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Gene Dodaro, they request information on how federal agencies are identifying root causes of improper payments and implementing corrective actions and ask GAO to provide recommendations to help reduce improper payments across federal agencies.
“The Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce recently held its third hearing related to improper payments and fraud in the federal government. The goal of that hearing was to discuss agencies’ progress preventing improper payments and fraud in the federal government’s lifesaving programs,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Subcommittee seeks to continuously evaluate whether agencies are getting better or worse at ensuring the levels of fraud seen during the pandemic will “never happen again.” Unfortunately, because of limited or unreliable information maintained by federal agencies, the Subcommittee has been unable to adequately assess agencies’ progress.”
The Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce recently held a hearing where the GAO highlighted improper payments and fraud across government, totaling $2.7 trillion in improper payments since 2003. Witness testimonies at prior hearings made clear that continuing to do the same things to address improper payments is not fully addressing a long-term problem. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has identified a list of high priority programs, which are those with the highest dollar value or rate of improper payments or those with the highest risk of improper payments.
“Federal law requires [high priority] programs report information such as the root causes of their improper payments, mitigation strategies, and corrective action measures. However, the amount of improper payments within these programs continues to grow,” continued the lawmakers. “We ask that GAO regularly update Subcommittee staff on the progress of this review and provide periodic briefings on known practices that have helped prevent improper payments and fraud.
