WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, announced $25,018,750 in federal funding for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) Terminal Planning Project. The investment comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects (INFRA) grant program.
“I am thrilled today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded over $25 million for the Port of Coos Bay Intermodal Project,” said U.S. Representative Val Hoyle. “This project has the potential to bring over 8000 jobs to Southwest Oregon’s coastal communities and to strengthen our nation’s supply chain. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to rebuilding the South Coast as an economic engine for the state and introduces more pathways to the middle class.” She added, “I would like to thank Secretary Buttigieg, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the White House, and my partners in Congress for their support and persistence to help bring this project closer to fruition.”
“Today’s $25 million announcement takes a significant step forward to landing this Port of Coos Bay project that will ultimately generate thousands of good-paying jobs on the South Coast and extend huge economic and environmental benefits throughout Oregon,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “There’s still more work to be done, and I am committed to keep pressing the case along with Congresswoman Hoyle and Senator Merkley to provide all the federal investment this project has earned and fully deserves.”
“This $25 million federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic win for Oregon’s rural South Coast and our entire state and is the kickstart that Coos Bay’s transformative container port project needs. This project will create thousands of good-paying union and permanent local jobs, boost the economy, and help address bottlenecks in the national supply chain, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. “I have long championed this critical project alongside Representative Hoyle, Senator Wyden, Port leadership, and a diverse community of stakeholders, and together we advocated to the highest levels of the Biden administration to ensure this federal commitment. Today’s win moves the Port of Coos Bay forward toward the vision of becoming the first fully ship-to-rail port facility on the West Coast and is a testament to the power of collaboration and never giving up—the Oregon Way.”
In addition to creating thousands of jobs in a rural area that has been too often overlooked, the PCIP project will benefit the nation’s supply chain by easing congestion at West Coast Ports. It will also be the nation’s first ship-to-rail port on the West Coast, meaning the facility will not need to rely on trucks to move cargo. The project is also anticipated to use renewable energy sources to provide green electricity, which will allow for the use of electric-powered cargo handling equipment, vehicle charging, and onshore power. The Port will be fitted with electric power plug-ins to power ships at berth (known as “cold ironing”) during the process of unloading.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
THOMASVILLE, Ga. –Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced that several counties in Georgia’s Second Congressional District were added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene. The counties include:
Thomas County– Individuals and households are now eligible to apply for financial and direct services (FEMA Individual Assistance)
Dooly County, Grady County, Mitchell County, and Thomas County – local governments are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance for repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities (roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, parks, recreational, other facilities)
Before and since Hurricane Helene hit Georgia and the southeast United States, Congressman Bishop has been in contact with the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA. He and his staff have also been in regular contact with the Georgia Governor’s office, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA), and nongovernmental partners as they prepared for and responded to fallout from the hurricane.
“I have worked with federal, state, and local officials to make sure our efforts are coordinated to expedite assistance to our families, farmers, business owners, cities, and counties,” said Congressman Bishop. “Working with Congressman Austin Scott, Senators Ossoff and Warnock, the entire Georgia Delegation, and our Georgia state government partners we helped guide President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other federal emergency agencies through our Georgia communities that were hit hard by this storm.”
“Seeing the impact, first-hand, is crucial in understanding the challenges we face and appreciating the resilient spirit of Georgians as we rebuild,” added Congressman Bishop. “I will continue working to assure that Congress provides the needed resources to Georgia communities impacted by this hurricane.”
In response to Hurricane Helene, Congressman Bishop, along with his congressional colleagues urged President Biden to issue an expedited major disaster declaration for Georgia counties significantly impacted by the storm. That request was honored within 24 hours. He also sent a letter to U.S. House and U.S. Senate leadership asking for appropriations to be made available as soon as possible to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs.
Over 8,500 federal personnel have been on the ground, working side-by-side with state and local officials, to help survivors get what they need to begin their recovery. As of today, FEMA has approved over $860 million, which includes $507 million in assistance for individuals and communities affected and over $351.5 million for debris removal and activities to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent damage to public and private property.
Georgia residents that need emergency or immediate assistance should contact GEMA viahttps://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-heleneor apply for financial assistance atdisasterassistance.gov. These websites provide updated information on resources and shelters.
Georgia residents that need farm or ranch assistance can reach out to the USDA either by calling 877-508-8364 or visitinghttps://www.farmers.gov. For personalized assistance for your individual operation, use theDisaster Assistance Discovery Tool (https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/disaster-tool) to determine eligibility.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
FORT VALLEY, Ga. –Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) is happy to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $6,134,765 to the Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council, $7,186,306 to the Fort Valley State University, and $705,440 to the Enrichment Services Program, Inc. in Columbus, GA to support their Head Start programs. The Head Start program supports disadvantaged families by providing early learning and development, health, and well-being to newborns and children up to five years of age.
“The years leading up to primary school are crucial in setting children up to be successful throughout their education and eventually finding good-paying jobs. The Head Start program enriches youngsters by providing a quality preschool experience, while also providing working parents with affordable, reliable childcare,” said Congressman Bishop. “It is so important that these funds are made available to dependable organizations in every community to support for family activities and childhood development.”
“The funds provided will be utilized to purchase a facility that will serve over 160 children in the Chattahoochee Valley. And with this purchase it will allow us to provide a safe location for children to gain school readiness skills and set them up to be successful in school and life,” said Enrichment Services Program, Inc. CEO Belva Dorsey-Mott. “We thank Congressman Bishop for his ongoing support to ensure that funds are available to help children prepare for school and support families which are the foundation for strong communities.”
“This is exciting news, and we are very honored to have been named recipient of this federal grant award,” said Ms. Sarita R. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council. “This substantial funding is designated for the construction of our new Head Start building in Macon, tentatively scheduled for completion in December 2025. The 32,000 sq. ft. building will provide 24 classrooms that will accommodate up to 384 children. This will have a meaningful impact on the many lives of those we support by increasing the invaluable services provided by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.”
“Fort Valley State University’s Head Start program will create a safe and innovative learning environment that empowers families, supports mental health, and promotes school readiness.” Said Ms. Nikkia Mosley, Executive Program Director at Fort Valley State University. “Together, we will make a lasting impact on our community and foster the growth and well-being of every child.”
Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Middle and Southwest Georgia provide comprehensive, high-quality family and community services to eligible children. Head Start programs help prepare young children, infants to school aged, to succeed in school and throughout the rest of their lives through individualized learning experiences in a creative environment.
Congressman Bishop is a strong supporter of the Head Start Program. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, he has worked to establish substantial funding that meets the changing needs of the program each year.
16 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The 2024 Cremer-Passy Prize, the MP of the year award, has been awarded to Dr. Haroun Kabadi, former President of the National Assembly of Chad (2011 to 2021) in recognition of his exceptional work in promoting peace and security.
Currently, Dr. Kabadi heads Chad’s National Transitional Council, which is playing the role of legislative body as the country returns to constitutional order following the death of the President in 2021.
Born in 1949, Dr. Kabadi holds a doctorate in agronomy and a master’s degree in rice genetics.
His extensive political career includes serving as a Minister, Special Advisor to the President, Secretary-General of the Presidency and Prime Minister.
During his tenure as President of the National Assembly, Dr. Kabadi worked tirelessly to strengthen peace, security and socio-political stability in Chad, the Sahel region, Central Africa and internationally.
He contributed to the adoption of several legal instruments promoting peace and security within regional and sub-regional parliamentary organizations.
As President of the G5 Sahel Interparliamentary Committee, he mobilized efforts against terrorism and advocated for dialogue and socio-economic development.
In July 2022, Dr. Kabadi organized an international meeting on the role of parliaments in security and peace. He also met with members of the European Parliament to discuss the situation in the Sahel and seek their support for peace and security in the region.
Background
The Prize is named after the IPU’s two founders, parliamentarians Frédéric Passy and Sir William Randal Cremer, who created the IPU in 1889.
The Cremer-Passy Prize is open to any sitting parliamentarians who make an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of the IPU’s objectives, as well as those “who contribute to a more united, peaceful, sustainable and equitable world”.
Previous winners include Ms. Cynthia López Castro of Mexico and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2022), and Mr. Samuelu Penitala Teo of Tuvalu (2023).
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced and more innovative institutions. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
Good morning and it’s so great to be with you all this morning.
I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, and pay my respects to elders past and present.
And importantly, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge every carer in the room today – and the important role each of you play in caring for your family members and loved ones.
I would like to thank both Women’s Agenda and Carers Australia for inviting me to speak with you this morning, as we gather to recognise National Carers Week.
National Carers Week is a time where we celebrate and recognise all carers in Australia – many of you here today – who put their heart and soul into caring for someone close to them.
But it is more than this – it is also an important opportunity to raise awareness among the wider community around the important role of unpaid carers in our society, what caring looks like and who carers are – so that anyone who is providing care knows there is support out there.
I’m proud our Albanese Government has continued to fund and support this week in helping to foster a deeper understanding of our nation’s carers.
But as every carer in this room will know, the value and importance of the work unpaid carers do is something to be celebrated beyond just a single week.
Three million Australians provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend across the country according to the latest data.
Time and time again, we see the incredible dedication and resilience of unpaid carers, including many women who provide unwavering support to their families and loved ones.
The importance of your role in supporting a family member or friend to achieve their daily tasks, as well assisting them through daily challenges cannot be overstated.
Carers provide a sense of connection and stability for the loved ones in our lives.
Carers remind us every day that the spirit of support and compassion knows no bounds.
Some people might not even recognise that they are carers – they are simply getting on with helping someone they love or care for who needs support.
Our Government deeply respects and appreciates the immense work of Australia’s unpaid carers who provide support. We recognise that these efforts often come at a personal expense.
Better supporting carers is something – as the Minister responsible for this area – I’ve been focused on since coming to Government.
We know there is a diverse range of carers. From young carers, caring for a parent, grandparent or sibling, to carers who look after a partner, an elderly parent or a child. There are carers who work, study or volunteer along with their caring roles and there are carers who focus solely on caring.
There are carers who have just become carers and carers who have been caring for decades.
We recognise that every carers’ experience is different, some may be caring for someone day in and day out, and others may be providing occasional care. And we know that the type of support carers need will differ depending on the stage of their caring journey and who they are caring for.
Whatever your caring situation, or the situation of someone you know or love, we want every carer to feel recognised, valued and supported to fully participate in society and in their caring roles.
One area in particular we are doing that is through our Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative, which was something developed as a result of the Jobs and Skills Summit we convened shortly after coming to Government.
At the Summit a clear theme emerged that carers often struggle to balance their caring role with employment.
The Initiative recognises that employers have a crucial role to play in creating carer-inclusive workplaces, through the adoption of flexible work arrangements and creative inclusive workplace cultures.
Carers often work fewer hours than they may want to, with under-employment, unfortunately, much more common among unpaid carers than the general population.
I have heard from carers time and time again about the frustration of unpredictable rostering, and how that prevents carers from taking on employment.
Something as simple as a predictable roster is an easy change for employers to make which could have significant benefits for carers.
These supports of course do not only benefit the staff. The research is clear. Carers bring important skills and experience to the workplace that any employer should find valuable: organisation, resilience, leadership to name a few.
Carer-inclusive practices are leading to employers having an increase in productivity and reduction in turnover rates.
That’s exactly why our Government partnered with Carers Australia to develop the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative – which we launched last year. And also to promote the Initiative through this partnership with them and Women’s Agenda.
The Initiative helps employers develop and adopt practices that support employees with caring responsibilities, making their workplaces more inclusive for carers.
Employers who participate can be recognised as committed to carer inclusivity and receive a Government-endorsed carer inclusive workplace logo to display at their place of business and in their marketing materials.
And today, a year on from when we launched the Initiative, I am pleased to share an update.
In just 12-months there are:
Over 580 subscribers to the Carers Inclusive Workplace Initiative newsletter; and
A total of 256 businesses registered, with 164 completing self-assessments and 117 businesses receiving a high inclusivity score.
This is a fantastic achievement. Please let others know about this initiative as we look to increase registrations.
The recent webinar by Women’s Agenda on understanding and supporting carers in Australia did a fantastic job at amplifying how we can build better supports policies and practices that can be modelled and implemented daily in the workplace.
It is efforts such as these that are supporting us to shift towards a culture of understanding and meaningful support for carers.
Carer Payments are another way our Government provides a safety net to carers and we provide around $11 billion per year to Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.
Another step we have taken to help support carers to more easily work is changing the participation rules for Carers Payment.
The legislation that I introduced and has now passed the Parliament means that Carer Payment recipients will be able to work 100 hours over a four week period rather than the current 20 hour per week limit from 20 March next year.
The changes I put forward in our last Budget mean Carer Payment recipients will be able to work 100 hours over a four-week period rather than the current 25 hour per week limit.
We know that around 31,000 Carer Payment recipients currently work and may benefit from the ability to work more flexibly as their caring duties fluctuate.
The changes to remove travel, education and volunteering from the participation limit will make a huge difference for many carers who either have to travel long distances to get to work or may travel to different jobs they may be employed in.
All who want to upskill to look at other opportunities through education, or to connect to their community through volunteering.
I met one carer who, while providing unpaid care to someone close to them, also utilised her skills to work as a paid carer.
She told me that excluding the time she travels between jobs would make a huge difference for how much she could actually work before her carer payment was affected.
She also said that a result of these changes, she was planning to take up further study in the new year.
There are also changes to the flexibility surrounding Temporary Cessation of Care days starting 20 March.
As many carers can attest to, these Temporary Cessation of Care days provide great respite and a chance for carers to prioritise their own wellbeing or engage in other activities including paid work. With our changes, carers will be able to use single days rather than the current requirement to take these in week long blocks. This means that carer can take on last minute shift work for a day, without having to use up 7 of their 63 respite days.
Combined, these changes allow greater flexibility for carers to balance their caring duties and employment responsibilities.
As well as providing greater flexibility, the changes will also include a six-month suspension period for recipients who work over the new flexible limit, meaning if their circumstances change they won’t need to reapply to access Carer Payment during that six month period.
Aside from the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative and investment and flexibility with the Carer Payment, our Government has listened to what carers have been asking for and delivered a range of other supports.
We provided more than $343 million to extend Carer Gateway for two years, to ensure carers have access to supports, knowing they don’t always seek help when caring for a loved one.
That means more carers will be able to access tailored support packages to support them in their caring role day-to-day.
This includes in-person or phone counselling, to ensure their mental wellbeing is supported. Or potentially emergency respite, to ensure that when they become ill, the person they care for can continue to receive care.
We have also doubled the support for young carers to continue their education with a funding boost of almost $10 million for the Young Carer Bursary Program.
In 2024 more than 2000 young carers received a bursary, reducing the need for them to undertake part-time work while studying and managing caring responsibilities.
These initiatives aim to make life for carers easier where we can, while recognising that the experiences of carers are all different.
But we’re also working with the carer community to chart a vision for a society where all carers are recognised, valued, and empowered.
The Albanese Government is committed to delivering a National Carer Strategy.
The previous Strategy – introduced by the Gillard Government in 2011 – lapsed in 2015 and has not been replaced since.
We’ve been working to develop a new National Carers Strategy since coming to Government and today I am pleased to announce that, during National Carers Week, we have released the draft National Carer Strategy for public consultation.
The new National Carer Strategy is being developed in consultation with carers across Australia to ensure it reflects their diversity and the diversity of challenges they face.
Over the last six-months to put together the draft, we have held over 70 consultation activities across Australia held in-person, online and over the phone.
Public consultations and engagements have been held across all states and territories in metropolitan, regional, and remote locations, as well as online, and through a public submission process.
During consultation to inform the draft strategy we heard clearly that:
There are low levels of community awareness about carers, and what caring is which contributes to a lack of self-identification of people in caring roles, and a lack of identification in the community.
A Lack of self-recognition as a carer leads to people either not accessing support or accessing support late, and at a time of crisis.
Carer supports and services can be difficult to access and navigate and may not be effective or fit for purpose.
The caring role impacts carers’ health, safety, financial security and wellbeing.
The draft Strategy outlines a vision of “an Australian community in which all carers are recognised, valued and empowered with the support they need to participate fully in society and fulfil their caring role”.
There are five principles in the draft Strategy which will guide how carer-related policies will be delivered, and a roadmap for supporting carers long into the future.
It will be a framework for coordination of carer policy across Commonwealth portfolios including health and aged care, disability, veterans’ affairs and mental health.
So much has changed since 2015 when the last Strategy lapsed.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out. Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 was released. Reforms to aged care have been rolled out following the Aged Care Royal Commission and the Disability Royal Commission has concluded.
The people carers care for often interact with these systems and unpaid carers play a role in navigating them. Carers have told us that they often feel invisible when trying to navigate these systems and the Carer Strategy seeks to elevate their role.
A new National Carer Strategy is important to reflect the new world carers operate in.
But it’s also important to ensure the voices of carers are elevated. That we have their experiences and input into policy development that impacts them.
Thank you to those of you here today who have provided invaluable contributions to the Strategy.
The public consultations carried out over this year have informed the draft strategy, developed with the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee.
Now we want everyone to play a role in refining the Strategy. We want to hear from carers, the people they care for, and organisations in the sector about the draft strategy.
Consultation will be open from today through to 3 November. So if you haven’t provided feedback already or if you have and you want to provide some more – please do so.
I look forward to sharing the Strategy with you all when it is finalised, and seeing the positive changes it will inspire.
As we celebrate National Carers Week, the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to supporting unpaid carers is stronger than ever.
Together, with the involvement of employers, advocates, and all levels of government, we can create a society where every carer feels valued, supported, and empowered to continue their important work.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to making a difference.
Let us continue to work together to ensure that no carer is left behind.
With the recent establishment of a new Social Investment Agency – described as a “driving project” for the government by Finance Minister Nicola Willis – it seems New Zealand has come full circle on this approach to social welfare.
First championed by then finance minister Bill English in 2015, social investment was rebranded “social wellbeing” by Labour-led governments between 2017 and 2023. But Willis signalled before last year’s election that its time had come again.
In a speech in 2022, she argued taxpayer money wasn’t being spent responsibly by the Labour administration, and that a targeted social investment approach was needed. During the 2023 election campaign, the National Party promised social investment would return.
Essentially, the policy involves using data to calculate which groups of people cost the government the most over a lifetime. Interventions aimed at reducing that cost are then targeted at those people. The idea is that early investment saves later social costs.
Right now, however, we don’t know the finer details of how Willis intends to implement the policy. But we do know how it worked in the past – and what lessons might be drawn from its earlier, short-lived implementation.
An actuarial approach to welfare
In New Zealand, the idea of social investment can be traced back to the fifth National government which held office for three terms between 2008 and 2017.
In September 2015, English outlined his approach in a Treasury lecture, explaining how the government had commissioned Australian actuary firm Taylor Fry to calculate the lifetime welfare cost to the state of people on benefits.
Typically, actuaries use statistics to calculate risk for insurance companies, information that is then used to set premiums. English said the Taylor Fry calculations would identify which beneficiary “is going to cost us the most money”.
The answer was single parents receiving a benefit. Consequently, they were deemed most in need of direct government intervention, including giving an approved mentor control of their money.
According to English’s version of social investment, data enabled the government to calculate the “forward liability” of its citizens, and target interventions accordingly.
This is not the only way to define social investment, however, and other countries often adopt a more universal approach. For example, European models tend to focus on social equality and inclusivity rather than targeting specific groups.
English’s model focused on applying benefit sanctions and conditions. The aim was to “reduce the lifetime public cost of the welfare-recipient population, thereby offering fiscal returns-on-investment, absorbed into public coffers”.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis: social investment is a ‘driving project’ for the National-led government. Getty Images
No accounting for structural disadvantage
Official thinking about social investment predates the establishment of the unit and agency. In 2015, the second of two reports produced by an expert panel review of the Child, Youth and Family agency (now Oranga Tamariki) recommended a new child-centred social investment agency be created.
The report’s analysis and advice focused on intervening early to reduce the risk of vulnerable children growing up to be beneficiaries, teen parents, substance users or prisoners (among other negative outcomes).
It was suggested these potential future behaviours almost always stemmed from the actions (or inactions) of parents. Māori were identified as being especially costly due to their over-representation in child protection statistics. They were described as a “forward liability associated with poor outcomes”.
The proposed response was early intervention and social investment. That would include the removal of very young children from whānau/families where they were perceived to be at high risk. The reasoning was that the predicted damage might then never eventuate, thereby saving taxpayer dollars.
As my doctoral research found, no consideration in the report was given to the effects of systemic conditions such as poverty and the legacies of colonisation.
Costs to the state
The social investment model, with its emphasis on financial liability to the state, became a major influence on Oranga Tamariki’s practice.
It led to an increase in the early removal of tamariki Māori, especially babies, from their birth families – as demonstrated in the 2019 Hawkes Bay “uplift” case, where social workers attempted to remove a Māori baby soon after birth.
In 2017, the new Labour government promised a review of the Social Investment Agency, renaming it the Social Wellbeing Agency in 2020. The social development minister at the time, Carmel Sepuloni, said the agency would have a more holistic approach. Data would be only one of a number of considerations when delivering social services.
But with the agency now reverting to its original name, the idea of using data to guide early intervention seems to be central again. It’s unclear, however, whether the actuarial approach of Bill English’s earlier model will return.
Nicola Willis does seem to be aware of the criticism of the English-era model’s apparent focus on fiscal risk and returns. She has stressed that measuring other outcomes is also important.
As yet, though, there is no indication the policy’s highly targeted approach to welfare will account for structural factors such as colonisation and poverty.
Given the government’s drive to remove any special policy considerations based on te Tiriti of Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi, the risk remains that some Māori will again come to be viewed as a “cost” to the state.
Eileen Joy 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.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)
WASHINGTON, D.C. –On Wednesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) lednine of his House GOP colleagues in joining with the Mountain States Legal Foundation to file an amicus brief on the harms of proxy voting to the U.S. Fifth Circuit of Appeals in Texas v. DOJ.
The brief supports the State of Texas’ position – which the U.S. District Court’srulingaffirmed – that the passage of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill for FY 2023 violated the Constitution’s physical quorum requirement.
“Our government is one of checks and balances. For our constitutional structure to work, however, it must be followed. While it may be easy to adopt legislative shortcuts or turn a blind eye to the Constitution in times of crisis, our Framers ensured that no such measures could be taken,”the brief adds.
Wednesday’s brief follows Senator Mitch McConnell’s (KY) recent defenseof the House’s proxy voting practice in an amicus brief for the case arguing that courts should not interfere with Congress’ voting practices — despite his previous warnings to Democrats against the practice.
“This about-face is alarming,”the brief contends. “If Senator McConnell—one of the Nation’s most powerful political leaders—is willing to suddenly turn a blind eye to the House’s constitutional transgressions, it underscores the urgent need for this Court’s robust statement about the confines of Congress’s legislative power.”
Signers of the amicus brief also include Representatives H. Morgan Griffith (VA-9), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Clay Higgins (LA-3), Warren Davidson (OH-8), Gary Palmer (AL-6), Matt Rosendale (MT-2), and John Rose (TN-6).
CASE BACKGROUND:In December 2022, 226 Members of the House of Representatives voted by proxy on final passage of the omnibus spending bill – marking the first time in American history that a chamber of Congress passed a bill without a physical majority present.
MORE FROM WEDNESDAY’S FILING:
“[C]onstituents rely on their Representatives hearing their concerns, and being able to consider these concerns when voting, even up to the moment when a vote occurs”
“Consistent with the principles surrounding representative government, the Constitution does not permit the House of Representatives to adopt an exception to the rule that one must vote in person.”
“In short, to do business, Congress must have a quorum physically present in the House.”
“Now, the District Court has appropriately answered that question below—legislation that is not enacted through an unconstitutional process is not valid merely because the government says that it’s really important. This Court should this affirm, holding that Plaintiff is correct that the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 is unconstitutional because Congress lacked a quorum when the House voted to accept the Senate’s amendments on December 23, 2022.”
The full text of the amicus brief may be viewed here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)
WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday after the Department of Transportation approved American Airlines’ application to fly a non-stop flight between San Antonio International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.:
“Today’s announcement is a long-awaited and well-deserved victory for the people of San Antonio, the surrounding region, and our nation’s military and veterans. This nonstop flight between San Antonio and Washington Reagan Airport is the direct result of a yearslong, hard-fought battle to secure the legislative language necessary to make this happen in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
For far too long, residents of America’s seventh-largest city — including the tens of thousands of active duty servicemembers and veterans in Military City USA — were denied a direct, nonstop flight to our nation’s capital for no other reason than outdated legislation and crony protectionism.
I have relentlessly fought for a nonstop flight between San Antonio and Washington Reagan Airport in the House of Representatives. In April 2023, I led a bipartisan letter signed by every member of the San Antonio delegation in support of securing the legislative language ultimately signed into law. In the Rules Committee, I made sure the House considered an amendment to add seven flights at Washington Reagan. While that amendment came up short, it paved the way for the compromise struck by Senator Cruz and included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which I proudly supported. In July 2024, Senator Cruz and I led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 36 Texans urging the DOT to approve American Airlines’ application to fly this route.
I am grateful for Senator Ted Cruz and his steadfast leadership, members of the San Antonio congressional delegation, and American Airlines for working to break through the gridlock and deliver this much-needed improvement for San Antonio.“
Background:
Rep. Roy leads 7 Texans in supporting authorization of non-stop flight from Military City USA to nation’s capital
Rep. Roy issues statement on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
Sen. Cruz, Reps. Roy, Castro, Mayor Nirenberg Outline Next Steps for Nonstop Flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.
Texas Delegation Letter to the Department of Transportation
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Raymond Anthony Rabago Montoya, 23, of Phoenix, was sentenced on October 2, 2024, by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $3,000 to the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. His co-defendant and mother, Griselda Guadalupe Montoya-Gastelum, 50, of Sonora, Mexico, was previously sentenced by Judge Lanza on July 8, 2024, to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montoya-Gastelum pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Lacey Act on April 25, 2024, and Rabago Montoya pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 26, 2024.
Defendants coordinated the illegal importation of exotic and protected wildlife from Mexico, including tigers, panthers, monkeys, and exotic parrots, into the United States, concealed through ports of entry, for financial gain. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began investigating the defendants in August 2022 after receiving a report from a person who believed that the four exotic parrots they had purchased from Rabago Montoya had been illegally imported. This report and further investigation led to the January 2023 execution of a search warrant at the home of Carlos Castro, where a tiger cub, an alligator, 12 snapping turtles, 6 tortoises, and boxes of other reptiles were found. Snapchat messages revealed that Montoya-Gastelum and Castro discussed illegal exotic animal sales and trades. Castro was subsequently convicted of Unlawful Sale of Wildlife in the Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County.
After federal agents observed advertisements for the sale of spider monkeys on Facebook, they conducted two undercover purchases of monkeys from the defendants for $6,000 each, one in April and one in May 2023. In June and August 2023, Rabago Montoya was encountered by law enforcement with dozens of endangered parrots concealed in his vehicle, many of which were deceased. Defendants were indicted on September 12, 2023, and arrested the following day.
“Once again we see Arizonans profiting from the concealment of contraband through the Nogales and Lukeville Ports of Entry,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Here, in lieu of controlled substances we have mistreated protected animals: and the sentences imposed send strong messages both of deterrence and of the importance of robust environmental protections.”
“Wildlife trafficking is illegal and immoral, as countless animals that are taken from the wild are smuggled across borders in inhumane conditions,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “In the case of spider monkeys, many trafficked animals perish due to inadequate care, while those that survive face a life of captivity. We hope this case emphasizes that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our partners will continue to ensure that those engaged in wildlife trafficking are brought to justice.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Zander and Lisa Jennis, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01305-PHX-DWL RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-138_Montoya et al.
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZfor the latest news.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2024.
Corbin Mudlin, age 31, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mudlin was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 1, 2024.
In January of 2024, a Rapid City Police Officer observed Mudlin walking in Rapid City and knew that Mudlin had an active warrant for his arrest. The officer contacted Mudlin and arrested him on his active warrant. At the time he was arrested, Mudlin had a SIG Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his waistband with an extended magazine containing 20 rounds of ammunition. Mudlin knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2016 felony conviction.
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. 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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Mudlin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
A man with fifteen prior felony convictions who used a stolen motorcycle to drive from Minnesota to Iowa and broke into a Winneshiek County home to steal firearms and other items pled guilty on October 15, 2024, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Steven Michael Current, age 58, from Canton, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of possession of firearms as a felon and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle.
In a plea agreement, Current admitted that he had fifteen prior felony convictions, and on September 26, 2022, he broke into a rural Winneshiek County home and stole eight firearms. Current also admitted that he drove a stolen 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle from Canton, Minnesota, to the burglary scene in Iowa on September 26, 2022. This motorcycle was stolen from a home in Rochester, Minnesota, on June 9, 2022. Current admitted that, during the burglary, he dropped two unscratched Minnesota lottery tickets from his pocket. Current was identified by images captured on a home camera system, and by images from the Minnesota store where Current purchased the lottery tickets.
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. 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Current remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Current faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by Winneshiek County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore County, Minnesota, Sheriff’s Office, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Organization Distributed Deadly Narcotics to Middle Georgia from Atlanta Supplier
MACON, Ga. – A member of an armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization operating in Middle Georgia was sentenced to serve more than 19 years in prison for his crime.
Travis Warthen aka “Trap,” 40, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Warthen previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Sept. 28, 2023. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal handed down the sentence on Oct. 16. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Travis Warthen is a repeat armed drug trafficker who put the community at additional risk when he dangerously attempted to outrun law enforcement at high speeds, which he’s done before,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and our law enforcement partners are focused on combatting dangerous armed drug trafficking organizations, which heighten violent crime in our communities.”
“Violent and dangerous drug traffickers are enriching their lives by profiting off someone else’s pain and addiction,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Travis Warthen will now face significant federal prison time for his crime.”
“This organized criminal network peddled poison onto the streets of our community,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry W. Deese. “Most law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources to handle investigations to combat organizations like this one. We are fortunate to have federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia that recognize the benefit of working together to keep our communities safe.”
The following codefendants have been sentenced to prison:
Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison on Aug. 14. Breland previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting others to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023;
Randall Heath, 64, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison on Aug. 13. Heath previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023;
Raiford Reeves aka “RH,” 44, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison on May 15. Reeves previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on March 29, 2023;
Jeremiah Kaleta, 47, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 77 months in prison on July 23. Kaleta previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 3, 2023;
Lucretia Snellgrove, 52, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison on Jan. 24. Snellgrove previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 12, 2023;
Kendall Howard, 32, of Centerville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison on Jan. 24. Howard previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 12, 2023;
Luis Acosta, 36, of Centerville, was sentenced to time served on Jan. 24. Acosta previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 16, 2023; and
Kenneth Maddox, 32, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve four years of probation on Oct. 16. Maddox previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 15, 2023.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between Oct. 2021 and June 2022, DEA agents and local law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by co-defendant Reeves and several of his criminal associates including Warthen and Breland. Breland—the supplier to this DTO—was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics, primarily methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Reeves out of her condominium located in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from cell phones belonging to Breland and Reeves and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reeves. Reeves would supply other co-defendants, including Warthen, with some of the narcotics to sell.
On May 25, 2022, Reeves obtained methamphetamine from Breland in Atlanta and met with Warthen in Warner Robins to supply him with the illegal narcotic. After the transaction, agents followed Warthen and attempted a traffic stop. Warthen fled from authorities, driving into oncoming traffic and reaching speeds more than 100 miles per hour. The defendant lost control and wrecked before exiting the vehicle and running on foot. Warthen fell to the ground and was eventually detained. Agents seized a stolen 9mm caliber handgun under the front passenger seat and found a blue plastic container holding 274.2 grams of methamphetamine in the rear floorboard area. Warthen has a lengthy criminal history including prior felony convictions in both state and federal courts for illegal drug distribution.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley Travels to Buncombe and Henderson Counties
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley Travels to Buncombe and Henderson Counties stonizzo
North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will travel to Buncombe and Henderson counties tomorrow with Senator Jim Burgin to survey damage and meet with people impacted by Hurricane Helene in these counties. They will first stop in Henderson County at the Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP) Assistance Center in Hendersonville and then travel to the Henderson County Health Department to discuss recovery efforts and hold a brief media availability. Later, they will travel to Buncombe County with stops at the General Public Shelter at the Western NC Agricultural Center and Beloved Asheville, where there will be a brief media availability.
WHAT: NC Health and Human Services Secretary travels to
Buncombe and Henderson Counties
WHO: Kody H. Kinsley, Secretary, NCDHHS
Jim Burgin, NC State Senator, R-District 12
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
WHERE: D-SNAP Assistance Center
Blue Ridge Commons Shopping Center
2111 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Tour and Media Availability
12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.
BeLoved Asheville
32 Old Charlotte Hwy
Asheville, NC 28803
Tour and Media Availability
2:30– 3 p.m.
MEDIA: Credentialed media should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov for each stop they plan to attend.
Headline: Governor Cooper Visits Yancey and Mitchell Counties to Survey Storm Damage as Federal, State, Local and Non-profit Partners Continue Unprecedented Response to Helene
Governor Cooper Visits Yancey and Mitchell Counties to Survey Storm Damage as Federal, State, Local and Non-profit Partners Continue Unprecedented Response to Helene mseets
Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Pensacola and Bakersville where he was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe and Commander of the State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddie Johnson to assess storm damage, witness relief operations and speak with those affected by Helene. In Pensacola, the Governor visited a supply distribution center operating at the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department. In Bakersville, the Governor joined Mayor Charles Vines for a walking tour to see areas that sustained damage during the storm.
“Today I was on the ground in Pensacola, Yancey County and Bakersville, Mitchell County, talking with folks affected by Helene and seeing how hard people are working to rebuild from this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and we will keep working with them to surge resources and to recover and rebuild their communities.”
The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes the following North Carolina counties and designations which were added Tuesday night:
Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union, and Yadkin counties for Individual Assistance,
Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
Swain County for permanent work (already designated for Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
The Major Disaster Declaration already includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Also today, Governor Cooper issued an emergency Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, to increase the amount of weekly unemployment payments available to North Carolinians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As a result of this Order, weekly unemployment benefits will increase from a maximum of $350 a week to a maximum of $600 a week. Prior to the executive order, many low-income and part-time workers would have received less than the $350 weekly maximum. To ensure that these workers receive necessary benefits in the wake of Helene, the order will also increase benefits by $250 a week (up to the $600 cap) for all eligible workers. This order is tied to the State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene, and will remain in effect until the end of the Emergency or until it is rescinded.
Law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of responders amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA officials remain in communities and are conducting operations to help people impacted by these storms recover as quickly as possible following reports of threats on the ground. Governor Cooper has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to identify specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure the safety and security of all involved as this recovery effort continues.
North Carolina National Guard and Military Response
Nearly 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.
National Guard and military personnel are operating 12 aviation assets and approximately 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.
FEMA Assistance
More than $102 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 181,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 2,000 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.
Approximately 1,400 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.
North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.
Help from Other States
More than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 142 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.
Beware of Misinformation
North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.
Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.
Storm Damage Cleanup
If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.
Power Outages
Across Western North Carolina, approximately 11,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.
Road Closures
Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.
NCDOT currently has approximately 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on approximately 7,000 damaged road sites.
Fatalities
Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.
Volunteers and Donations
If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc
Additional Assistance
There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.
If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.
For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.
Headline: Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. Charles Parish
Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. Charles Parish
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in New Sarpy will close permanently at3 p.m., today, Oct. 16.
The center is located at the Alan Arterbury Building, 14564 River Road, New Sarpy LA 70078.
Additional locations in Ascension,Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishesare open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Residentsin all nine parishescan visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center.
The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).
You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.
Additional options when applying include:
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.
NASA research pilots are experts on how to achieve the right flight-test conditions for experiments and the tools needed for successful missions. It is that expertise that enables pilots to help researchers learn how an aircraft can fly their technology innovations and save time and money, while increasing the innovation’s readiness for use. NASA pilots detailed how they help researchers find the right fit for experiments that might not advance without proving that they work in flight as they do in modeling, simulation, and ground tests at the Ideas to Flight Workshop on Sept. 18 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. “Start the conversation early and make sure you have the right people in the conversation,” said Tim Krall, a NASA Armstrong flight operations engineer. “What we are doing better is making sure pilots are included earlier in a flight project to capitalize on their experience and knowledge.” Flight research is often used to prove or refine computer models, try out new systems, or increase a technology’s readiness. Sometimes, pilots guide a research project involving experimental aircraft. For example, pilots play a pivotal role on the X-59 aircraft, which will fly faster than the speed of sound while generating a quiet thump, rather than a loud boom. In the future, NASA’s pilots with fly the X-59 over select U.S. communities to gather data about how people on the ground perceive sonic thumps. NASA will provide this information to regulators to potentially change regulations that currently prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land.
“We have been involved with X-59 aircraft requirements and design process from before it was an X-plane,” said Nils Larson, NASA chief X-59 aircraft pilot and senior advisor on flight research. “I was part of pre-formulation and formulation teams. I was also on the research studies and brought in NASA pilot Jim Less in for a second opinion. Because we had flown missions in the F-15 and F-18, we knew the kinds of systems, like autopilots, that we need to get the repeatability and accuracy for the data.” NASA pilots’ experience can provide guidance to enable a wide range of flight experiments. A lot of times researchers have an idea of how to get the required flight data, but sometimes, Larson explains, while there are limits to what an aircraft can do – like flying the DC-8 upside down, there are maneuvers that given the right mitigations, training, and approval could simulate those conditions. Less says he’s developed an approach to help focus researchers: “What do you guys really need? A lot of what we do is mundane, but anytime you go out and fly, there is some risk. We don’t want to take a risk if we are going after data that nobody needs, or it is not going to serve a purpose, or the quality won’t work.”
Sometimes, a remotely piloted aircraft can provide an advantage to achieve NASA’s research priorities, said Justin Hall, NASA Armstrong’s subscale aircraft laboratory chief pilot. “We can do things quicker, at a lower cost, and the subscale lab offers unique opportunities. Sometimes an engineer comes in with an idea and we can help design and integrate experiments, or we can even build an aircraft and pilot it.” Most research flights are straight and level like driving a car on the highway. But there are exceptions. “The more interesting flights require a maneuver to get the data the researcher is looking for,” Less said. “We mounted a pod to an F/A-18 with the landing radar that was going to Mars and they wanted to simulate Martian reentry using the airplane. We went up high and dove straight at the ground.” Another F/A-18 experiment tested the flight control software for the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis missions. “A rocket takes off vertically and it has to pitch over 90 degrees,” Less explained. “We can’t quite do that in an F-18, but we could start at about a 45-degree angle and then push 45 degrees nose low to simulate the whole turn. That’s one of the fun parts of the job, trying to figure out how to get the data you want with the tools we have.”
SPEECH BY MDM RAHAYU MAHZAM, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION, ON RESPONSE TO ADJOURNMENT MOTION ON “ENHANCING THE WELL-BEING OF WOMEN: A GENDERED INFORMED RESPONSE TO MENOPAUSE” ON 16 OCTOBER 2024
1. Sir, Assoc Prof Razwana spoke about enhancing the well-being of women going through perimenopause or menopause, and gave suggestions that the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Ministry of Education (MOE) could consider to better support women through this critical phase in their lives. I thank her for her speech and suggestions. I agree with many of the points raised by Assoc Prof Razwana. She shared about the health impact of menopause on women and how we can address this impact with training of healthcare providers, research into contributing factors and management, public education and social support. I will now address her points in my speech.
Health Impact of Menopause on Women
2. Every woman’s experience during menopause is different. Some may experience significant impact to their health and well-being, beyond the more common symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and insomnia. For example, cardiovascular health may be affected. This is because as the protective effects of oestrogen on the heart diminish, this can potentially lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Changes in metabolism during menopause can also result in weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, which may increase the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Assoc Prof Razwana also highlighted that women undergoing menopause can experience changes in mood, which can impact their mental well-being.
3. It is important to note that while these health impacts are of concern, they can be managed. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, eating well, and finding ways to relax can help. Simple things like using moisturisers for dryness and choosing appropriate clothing to manage hot flushes can also make a difference. For significant symptoms impacting quality of life, women should see their doctor to explore suitable interventions to manage the impact on both physical and mental health.
The role of training and research for the healthcare system
4. We agree that educating our medical students and medical practitioners on menopause is important, and we have been doing so. In our three local medical schools, knowledge of symptoms, diagnosis and management of menstrual disorders, including menopause, is one of the core learning outcomes for the medical students. Postgraduate family medicine programmes such as the Family Medicine residency programme and the Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine include training on common women’s health conditions, including menopause, in the curriculum. Professional bodies such as the College of Family Physicians Singapore also run skills courses on a variety of topics relevant to primary care practice.
5. These efforts enable our primary care doctors to be a source of support to women in managing the health issues that may arise during this life transition. Under Healthier SG, the relationship between the primary care doctor and enrolee is central. Women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms can inform their primary care doctor, who would be well-placed to assess the symptoms, the patient’s needs and make recommendations on further management. The member also mentioned KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and the KK Menopause Centre. This multi-specialty practice comprising gynaecology, family medicine, dermatology and mental health specialists, has been trained to support a range of needs of women with menopausal-related health issues. Mental health services are also available in various care settings to identify women who may be experiencing psychological symptoms and provide interventions when required.
6. Research into menopause would provide more insight into how it affects women’s overall health and well-being, and enable better ways to manage menopause symptoms and its impact. The National University Hospital currently conducts the Integrated Women’s Health Programme (IWHP) which is a cohort study looking at health issues experienced by Singaporean women. Issues studied include the associations between menopause and age-related health issues such as osteoporosis and sleep disturbances. The research team plans to conduct follow-up studies, and we look forward to further insights that the IWHP and other researchers can provide on women’s health in general, as well as menopause specifically.
Empowering women through better support and awareness
7. Women should not feel ashamed, misunderstood or embarrassed to speak openly about menopause. As a society, we should work to remove the stigma surrounding menopause, and we are already taking steps to educate the public. Reliable information on menopause can be found on HealthHub and the websites of our public healthcare institutions (PHIs). KKH has also launched the Women In all Stages Empowered (WISE) Health Guide, which highlights important health advice for women, including advice on menopause. Education about menopause is important to help women understand what to expect and how to manage the changes to their body. We will continue to empower women to approach menopause with confidence and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
8. To truly enhance women’s well-being during menopause, we must address not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological and social impacts. This includes combating stigma, promoting open dialogue, and ensuring that women have access to accurate information and supportive resources. Civil society and community organisations are well-placed to participate in this effort. They can play a critical role in providing support for women, and creating platforms for the public in general, to discuss and better understand issues surrounding menopause. MOH is supportive of such efforts.
9. In addition, many women who are going through menopause are concurrently taking on caregiving responsibilities. We support caregivers to balance caregiving while pursuing their aspirations and caring for their own health. We are enhancing options to make childcare and eldercare more accessible, affordable and available, for example, by scaling up childcare and eldercare capacity, and providing multiple layers of financial support. These, in tandem with other moves to support women at work, will support women to better balance their responsibilities and their own health and well-being.
Educating the young and supporting women in the workforce
10. Assoc Prof Razwana also spoke about suggestions for MOE and MOM, touching on educating people about menopause in schools, and workplace policies that better support women with menopause.
11. In MOE’s Sexuality Education and Science curriculum, students learn about menstrual health in women. Primary 5 students learn about the physiological changes that occur during puberty, such as menstruation. Students are also educated on human reproduction and issues related to menstrual health in Lower Secondary Science and Upper Secondary Biology. In Upper Secondary Biology, students will also learn about changes to the menstrual cycle as a female ages, leading to menopause.
12. On workplace policies, women who experience severe menopausal symptoms can already seek subsidised medical treatment at PHIs, and take sick leave to rest and recover, just like any other medical need. There have been calls for menopause leave or reproductive leave in other countries. Most recently in the UK, the Government rejected a call by the Women and Equalities Committee to conduct a trial of menopause leave last year. Like the UK, our preferred approach is to support women to remain in the workforce and be well-supported at work. Introducing specific menopause leave may inadvertently negatively impact the employability of women in this age group rather than helping them, which we should be careful to avoid.
13. In addition, flexible work arrangements (FWAs) can help employees with other medical conditions to balance the care needs for their condition with work responsibilities, including women experiencing perimenopause or menopause. The upcoming Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests, which will take effect on 1 December this year, aim to cultivate a norm where employees feel it is acceptable to request for and use FWAs. We encourage employers to use these Guidelines to engage their employees in conversations and find mutually beneficial arrangements.
14. The government will continue to work with Tripartite Partners to foster supportive workplaces so that all employees can participate fully at work while managing their own personal needs such as family responsibilities and medical conditions.
Conclusion
15. In conclusion, supporting women through menopause is not just a medical issue, it is also about awareness and empowerment. The Government is committed to building a society where all Singaporeans have full and equal opportunities to flourish and achieve their aspirations. Civil society and community organisations have an important part to play as well. Together, by providing education and support, we hope to take a whole of society approach to enable women to navigate this transition with confidence, maintaining their well-being and full participation in all aspects of life.
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 16 OCTOBER 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
MP for Hougang
Question No. 6578
To ask the Minister for Health in view of studies linking uncorrected hearing loss with dementia, whether the Ministry will consider allowing seniors to use MediSave for the purchase of their hearing aids.
1 Seniors who require hearing aids can tap on the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, which provides eligible Singaporeans with means-tested subsidies of up to 90%. Those with severe hearing loss requiring hearing implants such as bone conduction hearing or cochlear implants, can tap on subsidies, MediSave and MediShield Life. The Agency for Integrated Care can also provide additional support. While it is understandable that many Singaporeans wish to use more of their MediSave, we also need to ensure that Singaporeans have adequate MediSave balances to support their medical expenses for major health episodes, which tend to happen when they are in an advanced age.
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 16 OCTOBER 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim
Nominated MP
Question No. 6649
To ask the Minister for Health in light of the Ministry’s statement on 19 September 2024 that findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study affirmed the approach under the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy to tackling youth mental health issues and that many of the measures under the Strategy are already in place while others will be progressively rolled out across the next few years (a) what are the measures that are yet to be rolled out; and (b) what is timetable for their introduction.
1 We will be designating first-stop touchpoints to enable individuals to receive support early and to facilitate access to higher-tier services when needed. For instance, a new national mental health helpline and text line service will be introduced in mid-2025 to offer psychological first-aid for those facing mental distress. Those who require additional support including crisis management will be referred to the relevant services.
2 Our other upcoming measures include The Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media which will be ready in the first half of 2025. It will guide healthy and positive uses of technology and social media, and provide recommendations to mitigate their potential negative impact. In addition, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and the Infocomm Development Authority are studying whether further requirements such as age assurance are needed to prevent children and youths from accessing age inappropriate content on relevant online communication services.
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 16 OCTOBER 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang
MP for Nee Soon GRC
Question No. 6660
To ask the Minister for Health whether any schemes are available to encourage administrative and support healthcare workers to stay and build their careers in the public healthcare sector.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) actively works with the public healthcare clusters and community care organisations to ensure that they are able to recruit and retain sufficient staff to meet their needs. This includes ensuring competitive salaries, career development opportunities and safe working environments.
2 For administrative and support healthcare workers, we pay special attention to redesign their roles and career pathways so that they have more development and career progression opportunities. MOH has worked with the clusters to develop the Care Support Associate and Patient Service Associate roles, which incorporates an expanded mix of patient caregiving, administrative and operations tasks. This is currently being rolled out, with training support available, to enable existing staff to take up the expanded roles.
The Government has today released targeted actions to improve road safety that are focused on increasing road policing and enforcement, targeting the highest contributing factors to fatal crashes, and delivering new and safe roading infrastructure, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.
Increased alcohol breath testing and introducing roadside drug testing
Reviewing penalties for traffic offences
Identifying opportunities to improve the driver licensing system
Building and maintaining our road network to a safe standard
“Motorists and freight should be able to travel around our road network, quickly and safely. Improving road safety is a priority for our Government to keep Kiwis safe and increase productivity to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.
The road safety objectives build on the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024, outlining several road safety actions over the next three years that target the highest contributors to DSIs.
“Alcohol and drugs are the highest contributing factor to fatal crashes on our roads, and that’s why we have set clear targets to ensure Police are focussed on the most high-risk times, behaviours, and locationsto crack down on this reckless behaviour.
“Over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were undertaken on our roads in 2023/24 compared to the previous year, saving 37 lives across the country. We know that alcohol breath testing and drug testing are incredibly effective at saving lives.
“We all have a part to play in improving road safety. While we are prioritising road policing and enforcement to improve road safety, road users also need to take personal responsibility for their actions on the road. That’s why this plan includes reviewing penalties for traffic offences to ensure they reflect the seriousness of putting other drivers at risk, and identifying opportunities to improve the driver licence system.”
Building new Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and increasing road maintenance through a proactive approach will also achieve a safer road network.
“The RoNS built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s safest roads. Road fatalities in the Kāpiti District have reduced by 71 percent since the opening of the Mackays to Peka Peka section of the Kāpiti Expressway in 2017. We are continuing this track record with investment in 17 safe RoNS across the country to enable Kiwis to get where they want to go, quickly and safely.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
October 16, 2024
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Coal Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA) released a statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement their power plant greenhouse gas rule.
“While we are disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision not to stay the EPA’s power plant greenhouse gas rule, we are hopeful that the Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will overturn this illegal rule. This rule unfairly targets coal and gas-fired power plants and furthers the Biden-Harris administration’s far left agenda. The United States produces energy cleaner and more efficiently than any other developed nation in the world, and stifling American energy production will only empower our adversaries. As the co-chairs of the coal caucus, we will do everything in our power to stop this illegal rule from hurting American workers and consumers,”said the Congressional Coal Caucus Co-Chairs.
The Congressional Coal Caucus is the voice of American coal communities in Congress. It represents both eastern and western mining states, along with all of the types of coal produced throughout the country.
Background:
The Congressional Coal Caucus joined in sending a bicameralresolution highlightinghow unrealistic these emissions requirements are on existingcoal-fired power plants and newly constructed gas-fired power plants. This attempt to force the closure of power plants that supply America’s baseload electricity was previously tried under President Obama and overturned by the Supreme Court in West Virginia v. EPA.
The EPA finalized the Power Plant Rule on April 25th, 2024, which will create a devastating impact on our electric grid, current coal-fired power plants, new natural-gas fired power plants, and U.S. energy production.
These rules are in violation of the Clean Air Act and will increase energy prices, the cost of living for Americans, and will shut down the majority of U.S. coal producers by 2032.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Oct. 17 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang returned to Beijing on Thursday aboard a chartered plane after attending the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Pakistan and paying an official visit to the country.
Li was seen off from the airport by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.
Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)
The award is from the CHIPS and Science Act, which was negotiated by Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly to bring microchip manufacturing back to America, create jobs, and strengthen national security.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) will receive $1.7 million to expand training programs for microchip manufacturing jobs in Arizona. The funding is a part of the CHIPS and Science law, led by Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly.
The funding was awarded through the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program – established by Sinema and Kelly’s CHIPS and Science law – and will enable MCCCD to continue leading transformative workforce development programs in Arizona aimed at closing crucial workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry.
“This investment from our bipartisan CHIPS and Science law will ensure Maricopa Community Colleges can continue providing talented Arizonans with the tools and training to thrive, protect our national security, and strengthen Arizona’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Sinema.
“As Arizona’s microchip industry continues to grow, there will be even more demand for a trained workforce ready to work the jobs of the future,” said Kelly. “This funding will allow Maricopa County Community College District to expand their Quick Start semiconductor technician training program—preparing more Arizonans with the skills they need to start great-paying careers without a four-year degree. By investing in our workforce, we’re strengthening Arizona’s position as a leader in microchip manufacturing and ensuring our nation’s competitiveness and security.”
Currently offered at three of the system’s 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Mesa Community College – this funding will allow MCCCD to expand its Semiconductor Technician Quick Start training to Glendale Community College, ensuring geographic coverage for individuals seeking training throughout the Valley. Additionally, MCCCD will develop and implement the Maricopa Accelerated Semiconductor Training (MAST) program, building on the Quick Start program to provide course training for in-demand positions.
As the largest workforce training provider in the state, MCCCD’s expanded programming will prepare an additional 300 individuals for careers as semiconductor technicians in Arizona’s booming microchip industry, addressing the region’s growing demand for highly skilled workers and reinforcing Arizona’s position as a global microchip leader.
Sinema and Kelly worked for nearly two years to negotiate and champion the CHIPS and Science Act, a $52 billion plan to boost domestic microchip manufacturing. Thanks to their leadership, Arizona is well positioned to become a global hub for microelectronics research, development, testing, manufacturing, and packaging. With new semiconductor facilities being constructed in Maricopa County, Arizona workers are already feeling the impact of this historic law.
In June 2020, Sinema first introduced the CHIPS for America Act with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States. The CHIPS and Science Act included the funding to make Sinema’s CHIPS in America Act operational. Sinema was instrumental in passing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law, partnering with Republican Senator Todd Young (Ind.) to prevent the legislation from partisan collapse on the Senate floor.
Since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, more than $60 billion in private investment for 38 semiconductor industry projects have been announced in Arizona.
Police have completed all but one of the original requirements that were set out in a Compliance Notice issued by OPC in December 2021.
The notice was issued to require Police to stop unlawfully collecting photographs and biometric prints from members of the public, particularly young people, and to delete unlawfully collected material stored on their systems, including mobile phones. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says, Id like to acknowledge the significant work Police has done in the past two years to complete most of the notice requirements. I know from their regular reporting that theyve improved training and now have procedures and policies that help officers understand how sensitive these photos are.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.5 million to support three innovative projects promoting and encouraging healthy perceptions of masculinity among school-aged boys.
The Healthy MaTE trial has been given to three projects:
Empowering Boys to Become Great Men – The Man Cave
The Common Ground Project: Future Fit Masculinities – a consortium led by the Foundation for Positive Masculinity
Active Respect – The Men’s Project (Jesuit Social Services)
Each of the projects will receive around $1 million in funding to trial activities that focus on influencing and changing attitudes and behaviours that may lead to gender-based violence by encouraging healthy, respectful relationships among school-aged boys.
This includes in-person workshops to build the emotional resilience of young men and boys.
The projects will begin from early 2025 and run through to 2026.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will today visit The Man Cave in Melbourne to see planning for the new projects in action and speak with young students about respect. She emphasised the importance of encouraging healthy understandings of masculinity for Australian youth.
“This funding is ultimately about creating safe, respectful and empowered communities – and that starts with our young people,” Minister Rishworth said.
“The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 specifically identifies the need to engage with men and boys to develop healthier and more satisfying positive relationships with their male peers.
“Through the delivery of positive, educational workshops in schools, such as Empowering Boys to Become Great Men by The Man Cave, we can evaluate and determine what approaches are effective in encouraging healthy expressions of masculinities among school-aged boys.”
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said these initiatives will help participants gain greater understanding of healthy forms of masculinity resulting in better outcomes for participants and their peers.
“Through initiatives like Healthy MaTE, we can challenge gendered social norms, and address the underlying values, attitudes and behaviours that can lead to healthier masculinities,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“I look forward to working with The Man Cave, Jesuit Social Services, and the Foundation for Positive Masculinity on how these initiatives contribute towards a whole-of-society approach to encouraging healthy masculinities among school-aged boys.”
CEO and Founder of The Man Cave, Hunter Johnson, said: “The Healthy MaTE initiative is a landmark investment into our school-based programs, and it means we can reach thousands more young men before negative attitudes, behaviours and belief systems take hold.”
“We know from experience, and the evidence, that this is the first critical step required to drive down rates of gendered violence, male suicide and mental ill-health,” Mr Johnson said.
Ray Swann, Executive Director at the Foundation for Positive Masculinity spoke about the broad approach that projects like these will take.
“We believe in a whole community approach, working together with parents/guardians, students (of all genders), and educators,” Dr Swann said.
“Focused on year levels 7 to 11 across four nationally representative schools, our plan, over the next two years, is to establish evidence-based activities and programs that encourage healthy expressions of what it means to be a man today and tackle social attitudes and behaviours that drive violence against women and children, stopping gender-based violence before it starts.”
Matt Tyler, Executive Director of Community and Systems Impact at Jesuit Social Services, said the trial will build on existing successful programs to promote positive and flexible ideas around masculinities and help young people to be their best selves.
“We know that by working directly with young people and those who support them – like sports coaches – we can shift behaviour and ultimately work to prevent gender-based violence,” Mr Tyler said.
“This project will equip young soccer players and their coaches across 30 Victorian soccer clubs to lead positive and tangible change on and off the pitch.”
More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit http://www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au
Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit http://www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.
Samsung Electronics, the world leader in advanced memory technology, today announced it has developed the industry’s first 24-gigabit (Gb) GDDR71 DRAM. In addition to the industry’s highest capacity, the GDDR7 features the fastest speed, positioning itself as the optimum solution for next-generation applications.
With its high capacity and powerful performance, the 24Gb GDDR7 will be widely utilized in various fields that require high-performance memory solutions, such as data centers and AI workstations, extending beyond the traditional applications of graphics DRAM in graphics cards, gaming consoles and autonomous driving.
“After developing the industry’s first 16Gb GDDR7 last year, Samsung has reinforced its technological leadership in the graphics DRAM market with this latest achievement,” said YongCheol Bae, Executive Vice President of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to lead the graphics DRAM market by bringing next-generation products that align with the growing needs of the AI market.” The 24Gb GDDR7 utilizes 5th-generation 10-nanometer (nm)-class DRAM, which enables cell density to increase by 50% while maintaining the same package size as the predecessor.
In addition to the advanced process node, three-level Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM3) signaling is used to help achieve the industry-leading speed for graphics DRAM of 40 gigabits-per-second (Gbps), a 25% improvement over the previous version. The GDDR7’s performance can be further enhanced to up to 42.5Gbps, depending on the usage environment.
Power efficiency is also enhanced by applying technologies that were previously used in mobile products to graphics DRAM for the first time. By implementing methods like clock control management2 and dual VDD design,3 unnecessary power consumption can be significantly reduced, leading to an improvement of over 30% in power efficiency.
To boost operational stability during high-speed operations, the 24Gb GDDR7 minimizes current leakage by using power gating design techniques.
Validation for the 24Gb GDDR7 in next-generation AI computing systems from major GPU customers will begin this year, with plans for commercialization early next year.
1 Graphics Double Data Rate 7 (GDDR7)2 Clock control management refers to methods used to regulate the clocks (timing signals) of chips.3 Dual VVD (voltage supply) design is a power management technique that supplies different voltage levels in the same chip.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
UK government accelerates “skills passport” and with Scottish Government strikes deal for Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies.
Energy Secretary visits Aberdeen as UK and Scottish Governments partner to make billions available in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry
UK and Scottish Governments strike new deal for Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies to support clean energy supply chains
UK Government also confirms the speeding up of delivery of a ‘skills passport’ to support oil and gas workers to move into offshore wind
The UK Government will take decisive action to help make available billions of pounds in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry, the Energy Secretary has pledged ahead of a visit to Aberdeen.
The Energy Secretary will visit Aberdeen with Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier for the first time since the city was announced as the headquarters for the UK’s new publicly-owned energy company.
Following the visit, the UK Government is set to sign a new agreement with the Scottish Government today (Thursday 17 October) to boost Great British Energy’s ambitions to support clean energy supply chains and infrastructure.
By developing partnerships with Scottish public bodies in the clean energy sector – including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – Great British Energy can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects.
Scotland has a strong pipeline of opportunities and is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and Great British Energy is in prime position to help accelerate this work by harnessing expertise in project development, investment and work with local communities.
Great British Energy has £8.3 billion of funding over this Parliament, and work is underway with the energy industry in Scotland to use this for public investment to create new private sector jobs and drive projects in Scotland.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
Scottish energy workers will power the United Kingdom’s clean energy future- including in carbon capture and storage, in hydrogen, in wind, and with oil and gas for decades to come as part of a fair transition in the North Sea.
Unlike in the past we’re also working closely with the Scottish Government with a new agreement to ensure our publicly owned company Great British Energy is primed to accelerate clean energy investment in Scotland.
This follows the announcement in the summer of a partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which could support the leveraging of up to £30-60 billion of private investment.
Ahead of the visit, the UK Government has also confirmed that oil and gas workers will be supported to move more easily into careers in the renewable sector, including offshore wind, as the UK government accelerates delivery of a ‘skills passport’.
The passport is an industry led initiative overseen by RenewableUK and Offshore Energies UK and supported by the UK and Scottish Governments which will align standards, recognise transferable skills and qualifications and map out career pathways for suitable roles. A digital tool for workers is set to be piloted by January 2025.
The UK Government’s Office for Clean Energy Jobs is working closely with Skills England to support other British workers on the energy transition, which by 2030 could create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the UK.
Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have transferable skills for offshore renewable jobs.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said:
I welcome this collaborative agreement committing Great British Energy to work with our public bodies to maximise investment into Scotland. Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and has a depth of knowledge and experience on community & local energy. We look forward to working with Great British Energy to ensure it delivers real benefits for the people of Scotland and a just energy transition.
To make sure that no offshore energy workers are left behind, the Scottish Government provided initial funding of £3.7 million between 2022 – 2024 for the development of the industry-led Skills Passport.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:
The UK government will support our world class, world leading offshore workforce with the recognition they deserve and support the transition to renewable jobs in the future.
This is an area the UK Government and Scottish Government can and should work in partnership to deliver for Scotland and harness the potential we have to truly lead the world in renewables jobs. That’s why we have set out to reset the relationship between Scotland’s two governments to deliver better outcomes for Scots.
It should be easier to switch between oil and gas and renewables work offshore. The present situation, where training in one industry isn’t recognised in the other, cuts off opportunities for oil and gas workers. The fact some workers are paying out of their own pockets is scandalous.
We need to cut that red tape and deliver a skills passport that allows offshore workers to move flexibly back and forth between both industries in the years and decades to come.
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said:
The clean energy transition is a huge opportunity for Scotland, which is already at the cutting edge of technology like floating offshore wind, and Great British Energy is well positioned to help accelerate the development of key supply chains and infrastructure.
By working closely with the Scottish Government, alongside The Crown Estate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we can help to drive forward investment and create jobs across the country.
RenewableUK’s Executive Director of Offshore Wind Jane Cooper said:
The upsurge in offshore wind jobs over the course of this decade and beyond creates excellent opportunities for highly-skilled oil and gas workers to bring their valuable experience to the clean energy sector. We’re working closely with our colleagues at Offshore Energies UK, and the UK and Scottish Governments, to make that transition as smooth as possible across all parts of the energy industry. The Energy Skills Passport is a great example of what we can achieve together and we’ll continue to look for other potential areas of work that can further support the transition of workers between sectors.
David Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer, Offshore Energies UK comments:
This package of announcements contains significant measures for firms, their workers and their supply chains across the UK. The skills passport is an important part of the toolkit industry is assembling in recognition of the integrated nature of the energy landscape. Those working in our domestic oil and gas sector have powered the country for the last fifty years and will play a critical role in our energy future. The sector is committed to working in partnership with government to leverage our industrial strengths to deliver a managed transition that creates opportunities for people and communities around the country.
In Wales, the UK Government is already discussing how Great British Energy could work in partnership with their publicly-owned renewable energy developer, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, and other public bodies to deliver on shared priorities with the Welsh Government.
The UK Government is also working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on opportunities for Northern Ireland, to help accelerate the clean energy transition across the United Kingdom.
Yesterday (Wednesday 16 October) the Energy Secretary also confirmed that Liz Ditchburn has been appointed as Chair of the North Sea Transition Authority, which regulates and influences the oil, gas, carbon storage and offshore hydrogen industries. Liz is a highly experienced public sector leader and will help to deliver the UK Government’s plans for a phased, responsible and prosperous energy transition in the North Sea.
Notes to editors
The skills passport will show how these offshore workers’ skills and qualifications can be recognised by employers across various sectors, facilitating their smooth transition into the renewable energy sector. It will identify where oil and gas health and safety standards will be recognised in the offshore wind sector and map out different career pathways into the wind industry.
A Kansas man was sentenced today to 80 months in prison for threatening multiple Black people in and around the Wichita area, and for interfering with the housing rights of a white woman because he believed that she was dating and associating with Black people.
Austin Schoemann, 31, of Wichita, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with federally protected activities, two counts of interstate threats and one count of interference with housing. In connection with the plea, Schoemann admitted that, in July 2022, he brandished a firearm and used racial slurs in order to threaten two Black juveniles while they were entering a QuikTrip gasoline station, and that he also used his firearm to threaten a Black adult who intervened to support the juveniles. Schoemann also acknowledged that, from January 2022 through August 2022, he interfered with the federally protected housing rights of a white woman by making threats to hurt or kill any Black people who visited her home. Schoemann further admitted that he sent videos and messages to the woman’s family members and others in which he repeatedly threatened to shoot and kill Black people.
“Racially-motivated threats of violence cannot be tolerated in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “For months, this defendant made threats to a woman and her family that he would shoot and kill any Black person who visited the woman’s home. After that campaign of terror, the defendant called two Black children racist slurs, and threatened the children and a Black woman with a gun when they happened to cross paths at a convenience store. This case should make clear that the Justice Department will not rest in bringing the perpetrators of racially-motivated hate crimes to justice.”
“Perpetrators of hate crimes inflict pain upon victims in furtherance of a larger goal of breeding fear and divisiveness within our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Justice Department is standing against racial violence and threats of racial violence by prosecuting offenders, but we need the public’s help. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas encourages those who are victims of or witnesses to hate crimes to report these incidents to law enforcement.”
The FBI Kansas City Field Office and Wichita Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorneys Thomas Johnson and Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Erosion-prone banks, sedimented estuaries and waterways smothered with all the worst weeds. This is the confronting riverscape in Doubtless Bay on Northland’s east coast.
Scratch below the surface though and you find secretive native fish, kōura and insects thriving in little pockets, excellent swimming holes, hapū who care deeply for their awa and whenua, and a community that totally supports work to restore the rivers. It’s for their children, mokopuna and future generations.
Climate change effects in the bay
DOC’s Ngā Awa river ranger Maddy Jopling lives in the area and has seen issues with flooding, erosion and pollution after storms and heavy rain first-hand. She’s not alone.
Farmers have come to fear heavy rain warnings, knowing they will be faced with costs to move and repair fences. Slips destabilise plantation forests and add to fine sediment being carried downstream. Hapū have noticed the loss of prime cockle beds near the Taipā River mouth in the last 20 years. Lifestyle block owners are concerned about the rivers nibbling away at their land and its value diminishing.
“We’re already seeing climate change happening here with more intense weather and more frequent, damaging floods,” says Maddy.
“And sadly, there are other things we’ll have to contend with in the future, such as worse droughts, increased risk of wildfires and sea-level rise affecting land around the coast.”
Taipā River estuary where hapū have noticed increased sediment and falling numbers of cockles in the last 20 years. Image credit: Sarah Wilcox.
Healthy rivers need healthy land
Maddy’s job as river ranger for Doubtless Bay is to work with hapū and community to restore the biodiversity of the rivers from source to sea. The bay’s three rivers and their tributaries are treated as a single catchment, so there’s a big area involved.
“It’s critical to think about the future when planting or restoring habitat for native species in Doubtless Bay. Otherwise we won’t get the improvements in river health and biodiversity that we all want.”
A local hapū collective and many local landowners, groups and agencies are interested in or are already involved in restoration work. There is also support from industry representatives.
“The hapū collective wanted to know more about how climate change is likely to affect their rohe and what they could do now to build resilience. I’d also heard a lot of people talk about how the trees they’d put in had collapsed or fencing that had been washed away by floods.”
River ranger Maddy Jopling pointing out locations of the day’s site visits. Image credit: Sarah Wilcox.
Equipping the community with best practice revegetation information
Maddy says she saw an opportunity for DOC to support future work by providing best-practice, practical information to help advise and prioritise restoration planting in the catchment.
“We wanted to help people make the best decisions about what to plant where and how to tackle the really difficult issues.
“People also told me about what had worked for them in the past. So when we were setting up the project, we knew it was going to be important to visit a whole range of different places, especially those that are typical of many places here. It makes sense that local people know their land better than anyone.”
Drawing on ecology and mapping expertise
The project started with hapū, community members and DOC science and technical staff taking forest ecologist Dr Adam Forbes and mapping specialist Dr Brad Case on a tour of the catchment. The group visited more than 20 diverse sites in the in the Awapoko, Oruru and Oruaiti subcatchments over 3 days in late summer.
Brad Case presenting maps at a community seminar before the site visits. Image credit: Sarah Wilcox.
Based on this information and the site visits, the pair have created treatments for 12 different types of habitat in the catchment. The treatments outline possible changes to the vegetation to take climate change and human preferences into account, protect the coast and freshwater and restore wetlands.
Adam says visiting all the different sites in Doubtless Bay was really important.
Adam Forbes discussing revegetation options on a site visit. Image credit: Sarah Wilcox.
“I couldn’t have done this without going to the sites and talking to everyone. It enabled me to find out what’s out there and what the issues are.”
He has mined a range of databases to create the treatments, drawing on list of plants for the area, planting densities, flammability ratings and listed options to tackle some of the catchment’s big issues.
“I’ve included a list of species that are relevant for restoration in these catchments for both the pioneer stage and the enrichment stage, once the canopy has been established. There are some neat regionally specific endemic species included, which provide options for people.”
Adam has helpfully provided information on timing, risks, management, maintenance and avenues of support.
Some examples of revegetation treatments
One suggested treatment is for sites in the lower rivers where īnanga spawn. The areas are currently open and weedy with willows and poplars that can keel over into the river during floods. Adam suggests getting light native forest established, including species that īnanga favour for spawning.
Alligator weed, crack willow and ginger are among the profilic weeds established at many sites in the lower rivers. Image credit: Sarah Wilcox.
Another treatment is for steep hill country with a tendency to slip. These areas are currently in pasture but establishing native vegetation would stabilise the hillsides and reduce erosion downstream.
Mapping reveals hotspots for priority work
Brad has created a series of catchment maps that show different information about the catchment such as susceptibility to erosion and flooding. Overlaying the maps highlights hotspots where multiple issues overlap.
Adam has included many of these areas in his 12 revegetation treatments.
Map of the Doubtless Bay catchment showing vulnerability to climate change effects from lowest (green) to highest (red).
Maddy continues, “When I saw the catchment mapping, I was really excited about the fact that it will help us prioritise restoration as a community at a landscape scale.”
“When you’re going out and doing your restoration work, the scale can be quite overwhelming. There’s so much to do! But the way Brad’s done the modelling makes it really obvious where we need to focus a bit more effort from a climate change perspective.”
“Adam and Brad have shared the report and discussed their findings with the community already. We’re really interested in feedback though and will continue to work with the community to put the information into practice.”
About Ngā Awa river restoration programme
Taking a whole catchment approach, Ngā Awa is working in partnership with iwi, hapū and communities to restore the biodiversity of 12 rivers from mountains to sea. The three rivers in Doubtless Bay are one of the restoration catchments.
The programme’s goal is to see river ecosystems and species thriving from mountains to sea, which enrich people’s lives. This is achieved by collaborating with others, co-designing and co-leading with iwi, hapū and whānau and recognising climate change. Planning the restoration work is underpinned by sound technical and scientific advice.
From left, Adam Forbes, Brad Case and Tiger Tukariri (Matarahurahu, Kenana) checking possible sites to visit in the upper Oruaiti catchment. Image credit: Sarah Wilcox.
