Thousands more high school students are passing the foundational literacy and numeracy assessments required for NCEA, clear evidence the Government’s relentless focus on the basics is delivering results, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“The latest NCEA co-requisite assessment results show a marked improvement in student achievement in numeracy and reading, especially in Year 10 for those sitting the assessments for the first time. The Government’s $2.2 million investment in 2024 to provide targeted support to students in 141 lower decile schools has resulted in more students achieving assessments,” Ms Stanford says.
Numeracy:
57 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – up from 45 per cent in May 2024.
68 per cent of Year 10 students passed the numeracy assessment, 95 per cent of whom were sitting it for the first time.
34 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the numeracy assessment in May 2025 compared to 19.8 per cent in May 2024.
Reading:
61 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – up from 58 per cent in May 2024.
72 per cent of Year 10 students passed the reading assessment, over 95 per cent of were first time participants.
41 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the reading assessment in May 2025 compared to 34 per cent in May 2024.
Writing:
55 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – holding steady from May last year.
66 per cent of Year 10 students passed the writing assessment, 95 per cent of whom were sitting it for the first time.
35 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the reading assessment in compared to 34 per cent in May 2024.
More than half of this year’s Year 12 students who did not meet the co-requisite while in Year 11 last year have now achieved it — and around a third of these students will now be awarded NCEA Level 1. This takes the pass rate for NCEA level 1 in 2024 from 71.5 per cent to 79.6 per cent.
“These early improvements are the result of a comprehensive reform package focused on lifting academic achievement. We have introduced a new year-by-year, knowledge-rich and internationally benchmarked English and maths curriculum, restored a focus on structured literacy and structured maths, and provided schools with hundreds of thousands of high-quality resources — including over 830,000 maths textbooks, workbooks and teacher guides.
“We’re investing significantly in teacher professional development, mandated an hour a day of reading, writing and maths and banned the use of cell phones in schools to ensure every student gets the focused instruction they deserve.
“While these results are positive, there are still too many students who don’t have the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills they need to thrive. That’s why this Government is unapologetically reforming the education system to prioritise improving student outcomes. As our back-to-basics approach beds in, more children will be better equipped when taking these assessments in the future,” Ms Stanford says.
The Government has put an end to building open-plan classrooms, ensuring all new classrooms are designed in a flexible way to ensure better student outcomes.
“Overwhelming feedback I’ve received from schools across New Zealand is open-plan classrooms aren’t meeting the needs of students. While open-plan designs were originally intended to foster collaboration, they have often created challenges for schools, particularly around noise and managing student behaviour,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“This Government is focused on raising achievement and closing the equity gap and an important part of our reform package is ensuring learning spaces are designed to improve student outcomes.
“In many cases, open-plan classrooms reduce flexibility, rather than enhance it. We have listened to the sector and new classrooms will no longer be open plan.”
The Government has not designed and built open plan classes since being in office other than classrooms that have been specifically requested.
All new classrooms will be built using standard designs that prioritise flexibility over open-plan layouts. For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles.
“We are ensuring school property delivery is efficient and sustainable. We’ve lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28 per cent so we could deliver 30 per cent more classrooms last year compared to 2023. We’re continuing to drive down costs so more Kiwi kids can access them, faster. In 2025, new classrooms cost on average $620,000 compared to $1.2 million at the end of 2023.”
Wellington is the latest region to benefit from this, with a $25 million targeted investment into areas experiencing population growth.
The schools receiving new classrooms are:
Newlands Intermediate – 10 classrooms Aotea College – 16 classrooms
“Aotea College is a prime example where existing open-plan classrooms did not support learning outcomes. The lack of functionality of the open design meant spaces could not be shared or multipurpose due to disruption and noise. This investment will deliver new, standard teaching spaces that better meet the needs of both students and staff.
“Delivering these classrooms through repeatable designs and offsite-manufactured buildings also ensures we are achieving maximum value for money. Planning is already underway for these projects, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months,” Ms Stanford says.
Parents will know more about how their children are doing at school with the confirmation of a new assessment tool in Years 3-10 classrooms from 2026, the latest part of the Government’s plan to teach the basics brilliantly.
Janison Solution Pty Ltd will deliver the Student, Monitoring, Assessment and Report Tool (SMART) which will enable twice-yearly assessment of reading, writing and maths in schools nationwide.
“Last year the Auditor General found there was no consistent and comprehensive summary of student achievement and progress in New Zealand, and what information the Ministry of Education had was more detailed for some students than for others. This new tool changes that,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“The check-ins will be low stakes measures of student progress and provide teachers with information on next steps in learning. They’ll give parents confidence as to how their children are progressing so they can support learning at home. It will also provide crucial information to the Government to know where to invest more resource to help accelerate learning.”
SMART will be modern, flexible and curriculum aligned. It will also be bilingual to cover pānui, tuhituhi and pāngarau in kura. Years 9 and 10 have been included so parents and teachers know how ready students are for NCEA.
“This builds on our new suite of classroom tools that help parents and teachers understand more about student progress. The Phonics Checks undertaken at 20 weeks of schooling and repeated at 40 weeks identifies a child’s reading ability early and wrap around support if needed. A similar approach is being taken with maths, from 2026 every child will have their maths ability checked in Year 2.
“I am committed to helping parents clearly understand their child’s progress at school, because when parents are informed and involved, students are more likely to reach their full potential,” Ms Stanford says.
A new Regional University Study Hub officially opened today on King Island, bringing university closer for local residents.
Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. On King Island, only around 22 per cent of young people have a degree.
The evidence shows that where Regional University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.
This new Study Hub, co-located in the new King Island Community Hub, will provide support and facilities for students who are studying a university or VET course without having to leave their community.
Study King Island is part of the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country.
The hub is operated by West Coast Heritage who operate the existing Study Hub West Coast with sites in Smithton and Zeehan, which has supported over 330 students since opening.
This is one of the ways the Albanese Labor Government is helping more people get a crack at going to TAFE or university, including:
cutting 20 per cent off of all student loans, wiping around $16 billion in student debt for three million Australians
fixing the indexation formula and wiping a further $3 billion in student debt, combined this will cut close to $20 billion in student debt
introducing a Commonwealth prac payment for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students
making free TAFE permanent.
For more information: Regional University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like King Island.
“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills.
“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.
“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.
“The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number of Hubs across the country.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart:
“Study King Island will offer both young and mature local students the opportunity to have a dedicated study hub with support on the Island and help raise education aspirations.
“The Hub will provide support to local students studying at any Australian University or VET provider, allowing students to stay on Island and remain near their support networks while completing their studies.”
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns with Acciona’s proposed acquisition of the East Rockingham Waste to Energy Project, which is currently in administration and receivership, in a Statement of Issues today.
Acciona owns 10 per cent of East Rockingham Project, is a creditor and is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor of the Project.
The East Rockingham Project is located in East Rockingham, Western Australia and will process residual putrescible waste for energy recovery once operational.
Acciona also owns and operates a waste-to-energy facility in Kwinana, Western Australia which will process residual waste for energy recovery.
Both the Kwinana and East Rockingham facilities offer putrescible waste disposal services to municipal and commercial and industrial customers. Once operational, the East Rockingham and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities will be the only waste-to-energy facilities in Western Australia.
“The proposed acquisition removes competition between the only two waste-to-energy facilities in the Perth and Peel region of Western Australia,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.
“Our preliminary view is that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the supply of putrescible waste disposal services in the region.”
Market feedback received by the ACCC has identified that the two facilities compete closely with each other, given their near-identical services and geographic proximity.
“We consider that East Rockingham and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities are each other’s closest competitor. We are concerned that Acciona would be able to increase prices or reduce service quality at the East Rockingham and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities following the proposed acquisition,” Dr Williams said.
The ACCC is considering whether the facilities’ capacity constraints and significant committed capacity may limit Acciona’s ability to increase prices or reduce service quality.
The ACCC is also continuing to examine the extent to which other putrescible waste disposal facilities, such as landfills, may constrain waste-to-energy facilities.
“We understand that establishing waste-to-energy facilities requires substantial time, money and regulatory approvals. This means that no other waste-to-energy facility is likely to become operational in Western Australia within the next decade,” Dr Williams said.
The ACCC invites submissions from interested parties in response to the Statement of Issues by 31 July 2025.
Waste-to-energy facilities receive and thermally treat residual putrescible waste (which cannot be reused or recycled and so would otherwise be disposed of at landfill) to generate electricity for wholesale energy markets.
‘Putrescible waste’ is solid waste that contains organic material capable of being decomposed by microorganisms.
Background
Acciona is a global infrastructure developer publicly listed in Spain. In Australia, Acciona has various subsidiaries and is currently developing several infrastructure projects across the transport, water and energy sectors.
Acciona holds a 10 per cent non-controlling equity interest in the East Rockingham Project, is a creditor of the Project under a loan agreement and is the current engineering, procurement and construction contractor. The East Rockingham Waste to Energy Project is located in East Rockingham, south of Perth, and is approved to process 300 kt/year of residual waste and generate 29 MW of electricity to the grid.
Acciona also owns and operates the Kwinana Waste-to-Energy facility located in the south of Perth. It is the first utility scale facility in Australia that will process residual waste for energy recovery, and is approved to process up to 460 kt/year of residual waste and generate approximately 38 MW of electricity to the grid. It is still in the commissioning process and is expected to be fully operational this year.
The East Rockingham Project and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities overlap in the supply of putrescible waste disposal services to municipal and C&I customers in the Perth and Peel region. Once operational, they will be the first waste-to-energy facilities in Western Australia, with no other waste-to-energy facility likely to be established within the next decade.
The East Rockingham Project is currently in voluntary administration and receivers are undertaking a sale process.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a man with sexual offending against a child in Ludmilla last month.
On 14 June 2025, police received a report of a suspected sexual assault against a young child at a residence in Ludmilla.
Police and forensics attended and declared a crime scene.
Further investigation was able to confirm a sexual assault had occurred and on 15 July 2025, detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit, Fugitive Taskforce and general duties, arrested a 34-year-old man at a location in Yarrawonga.
The offender was not known to the victim.
He has now been charged with Sexual Intercourse with a Child under 10 and remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Toby Wilson said “This has been a complex, confronting investigation that has involved a very young victim. The behaviour exhibited against this child is nothing short of horrendous.”
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04)led 32 of her colleagues to introduce a resolution calling on Congress to acknowledge and address the threat extreme weather poses to children’s health and well-being.
H.Res. 585 urges Congress to develop solutions that account for children’s unique developmental vulnerabilities as they relate to extreme weather conditions and highlights enforceable and adaptive measures, such as timely and accessible public extreme weather alerts; education and training for health care professionals, educators and caregivers; and expanded access to safe places for children and families during extreme weather events.
“Just in the past month, extreme weather events have utterly devastated communities across the country — and we know that climate change only accelerates the frequency and intensity of these events,” said Congresswoman McClellan.“As a mother, I am fighting to advance climate and environmental policies that ensure a safe, habitable planet for our children and future generations to thrive. My resolution calls on Congress to implement solutions to comprehensively protect the health and well-being of our nation’s children, who have the most at stake in the decisions we make today.”
The resolution lays out specific impacts of extreme weather on child and adolescent health, including:
Children’s disproportionate exposure to pollutants in the air, increasing levels of wildfire smoke, and changing dust patterns that negatively impact children’s developing bodies and behavioral patterns;
Extreme heat’s link to impairment in children’s cognition, making it harder for them to learn at school, and an increase in schools across the country closing for heat days, disrupting academic performance; and
The disproportionate impact of life-altering trauma due to extreme weather disasters, including separation from or harm to caregivers, interruption in education, and other adverse mental health impacts that exacerbate the mental health crisis children and adolescents already face.
McClellan’s resolution is endorsed byMoms Clean Air Force, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Association of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Informatics Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Association of Public Health Nurses, Children & Nature Network, Children’s Environmental Health Network, Climate Mental Health Network, Climate Psychiatry Alliance, Climate Psychology Alliance, Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, ecoAmerica, Environmental Defense Fund, First Focus on Children, Green Schoolyards America, Mothers Out Front, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National League for Nursing, OneGreenThing, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sierra Club, Society of Behavioral Medicine, Trust for America’s Health, Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action, and ZERO TO THREE.
“Extreme weather events, supercharged by climate pollution, are going to become more frequent, more intense —and more dangerous,” said Dominique Browning, Founderof Moms Clean Air Force. “We are indebted to Representative McClellan for her leadership in protecting our children. With the weather on steroids, we must consider children’s unique vulnerabilities as we create and fund adaptations. Moms Clean Air Force will continue our fight against climate and air pollution. But we must also adapt to the damaging effects now baked into our weather systems, so we can keep our children safe.”
Youths arrested over alleged assault in Hobart CBD
Thursday, 17 July 2025 – 9:55 am.
Police have arrested two 14-year-old boys in connection with the alleged assault of a teenage boy in Hobart’s central business district on Wednesday. The incident happened about 2:05pm, on the grassed area of Mather’s Lane. It is alleged a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and had his iPhone stolen during the altercation. He was subsequently transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment of facial injuries. One of the alleged offenders was arrested on Wednesday evening and will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act. The second youth remains in custody and is assisting police with ongoing inquiries. Police are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward. A group of up to eight youths was seen leaving the area via Criterion Lane immediately following the alleged assault. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au (quote Offence Report 780149).
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 16 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday presided over a State Council executive meeting that studied the implementation of key policy measures aimed at strengthening domestic economic circulation and reviewed measures to enhance the regulation of market order in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector.
The meeting emphasized the need to advance the special initiatives to boost consumption, improve trade-in policies for consumer goods, and provide diversified services that meet various consumption needs of residents.
It called for efforts to expand investment in new quality productive forces and emerging services to fully unleash the potential of domestic demand.
During the meeting, a briefing was heard on the preliminary rectification of problems identified in the audit of the implementation of the 2024 central budget and other fiscal revenues and expenditures.
To spur the high-quality development of the NEV sector and curb irrational competition, the meeting called for stronger regulation of market order, strengthening cost survey and price monitoring, and improving long-term mechanism on regulated competition.
It also reviewed and approved a draft regulation on the entry and exit of foreigners.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 16 — As the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing on Wednesday, global business executives and officials voiced a collective need to reinforce supply chains through open markets, innovation, and multilateral engagement.
“This event is much more than an expo. It is a forest of connections between economies, industries, and people,” John Denton, the secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, said in his speech. “We are here together to advance our shared prosperity.”
Denton’s remarks echoed a widespread consensus among attendees that building trust and deeper integration — spanning AI innovation to global manufacturing collaboration — is essential for effectively navigating the increasing global uncertainties.
Held from July 16 to 20, the 2025 CISCE gathered more than 650 companies and institutions from 75 countries, regions and international organizations, along with over 500 of their upstream and downstream partners.
Foreign exhibitors made up 35 percent of the total participation — an indicator of enduring business interest in the face of rising geopolitical and economic headwinds.
Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the expo is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated exclusively to supply chains.
In the lead-up to the event, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said that active engagement from multinational firms reflects the “continued momentum and irreversibility of globalization.”
Wang noted that China, with the world’s most complete and largest industrial system, is playing a growing role in driving global development through digital and green transformation — and is increasingly seen as an innovation lab.
China’s expanding role in global innovation ecosystems, especially in AI, was underscored by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who delivered a speech during his first CISCE appearance.
Calling China’s supply chain “a miracle,” Huang highlighted the country’s fast-growing AI technologies and its global reach. “China’s open-source AI is a catalyst for global progress,” he said, as it enables broader access to innovation and supports international cooperation on standards and safeguards.
In an interview on the sidelines of the expo, Huang reaffirmed Nvidia’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market. “If you want to maintain, you have to invest,” he said. “The market is moving so fast and it’s so competitive — we have to continue to advance ourselves.”
He added that China’s technology market is growing rapidly and remains a key focus for the company, calling it “a very important market with dynamic, innovative customers.”
The expo comes on the heels of China’s announcement of a 5.3 percent economic growth for the first half of the year despite rising challenges and external uncertainties.
“China is entering a new cycle of market opportunity,” said Lin Chunmei, president and general manager of Corning Greater China, in an interview with Xinhua. “With the rise of AI and cloud technologies, the AI infrastructure market is growing faster than ever.”
She noted that China’s steady and resilient economy, along with its stable and open business environment, continues to support the growth of enterprises. “Over the past few decades, we’ve seen consistent improvements in China’s business climate,” she added.
At the opening ceremony, the CCPIT and global business representatives issued a joint initiative calling for supply chain stability and security, digital and green transformation, and stronger international cooperation.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the CCPIT, said the expo has become a platform for China’s high-standard opening up, urging collective efforts to safeguard multilateralism and build a more interconnected future.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Eyeing China opportunities, multinational giants seek closer supply chain collaboration with Chinese partners
BEIJING, July 16 — As the third China International Supply Chain Expo opened Wednesday in Beijing, multinational companies are looking to strengthen supply chain collaborations in a move that will inject more certainty into the world economy.
The five-day event has attracted 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitors account for 35 percent, a three-percentage-point increase from last year. Among the first-time multinational participants are major players such as Nvidia, Schneider Electric, L’Oreal, Louis Dreyfus and Medtronic.
The growth in global participation highlights mounting confidence in the Chinese market and supply chain. The participating companies see China as both a stabilizing force and an innovation driver in the global supply chain.
“The expo is an important gathering for innovation and collaboration, helping to strengthen the sustainable development of global manufacturing and international supply chains,” said Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PwC.
CLOSER COLLABORATION
The expo comes on the heels of China’s announcement of a 5.3 percent economic growth for the first half of the year despite rising challenges and external uncertainties.
China’s steady economic growth, coupled with its robust supply chain and commitment to further opening up, positions it as a key partner for multinational companies.
Jensen Huang, CEO of U.S. tech giant Nvidia, on Tuesday praised China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) during his visit to Beijing, describing the Chinese market as both “large” and “dynamic.”
While speaking at the opening ceremony of the expo on Wednesday, Huang lauded China’s supply chain as a “miracle.” China’s open-source AI is a catalyst for global progress, giving every country and industry a chance to join the AI revolution, he said.
“China is a very important country where the development of AI will continue to be very fast and we hope to be part of that,” Huang told reporters on Wednesday, adding that there’s so much opportunity and confidence in the Chinese market.
Huang confirmed on Tuesday that Nvidia’s H20 chips will soon be available in the Chinese market again, following the U.S. government’s approval of the company’s filing licenses for shipping H20s to China.
The expo has become a key venue for global firms to forge and expand supply chain collaborations.
The expo serves as a platform for expanding McDonald’s supply chain partnerships, Xu Jansen, head of Impact Strategy at M (China) Co., Ltd. The fast food chain attended the expo for a second straight year, teaming up with 11 suppliers this year.
Xu emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, noting that half of the 2,000 new McDonald’s stores opening each year globally are located here.
The company has built a network of local suppliers and also helped many of them ship products overseas. China serves as a stabilizer to the global supply chain and global economic growth, Xu said in an interview.
For French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, the expo is also an opportunity to showcase its ecosystem and build collaborations.
“Here, we explore innovative collaborations with our global partners, from R&D to production and patient accessibility enhancement, and share the latest results of localized practices,” said Wayne Shi, president of Sanofi Greater China. Sanofi will continue to support the Healthy China initiative with innovative drugs and vaccines, Shi said.
RESILIENCE
Business executives and experts assert that, given the current global economic climate, no single country can fulfill every role in industrial and supply chains. It is essential for countries to work together to achieve win-win results.
Global firms view China as a pivotal destination for enhancing and diversifying their supply chains, owing to the country’s vast manufacturing capacity, robust industrial ecosystem, and improving business environment.
Xiao Song, chairman, president and CEO of Siemens China, said that at a time when the global industrial landscape is undergoing rapid restructuring, the expo is becoming an important platform to promote the deep integration of all sections of the industrial chain.
Siemens aims to help Chinese firms upgrade with digital and low-carbon technologies, helping build a green competitive edge globally as well as a more resilient and sustainable global industrial and supply chains, Xiao said.
As the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo is an internationally shared public product. First held in 2023, the expo has contributed to building more secure, stable, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains.
With over 70 special events and new alliances for exhibitors in each of the six supply chains showcased at the expo, the expo helps enterprises find partners, application scenarios and solutions, according to Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the event’s organizer.
Ren called on global business leaders to work together to uphold the multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization at its core.
Xu Jiabin, a professor at the Business School of Renmin University of China, said that as a manufacturing and trading powerhouse, China has made significant contributions to the stability and resilience of the global supply chain.
“The expo will help mitigate the negative effects of trade barriers and safeguard the global international economic and trade order,” Xu said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Israeli warplanes intensified their air campaign across southern Syria on Wednesday, striking the Syrian Army General Command headquarters and the presidential palace area in central Damascus.
The Syrian health authorities said one civilian was killed, and 18 others injured in the strikes on the capital, which included at least five separate air raids targeting central Damascus. Footage aired on local TV showed smoke billowing from Umayyad Square, where the army’s main command building is located.
Smoke is seen near the Syrian Army General Command headquarters in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said parts of the headquarters and the defense authorities were destroyed, and additional strikes hit buildings in the upscale al-Malki neighborhood and near the Tishreen Palace. The fate of senior officials inside the facilities remained unknown.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the operation, saying that “the military headquarters in Damascus is the location from which Syrian regime commanders direct combat operations and deploy regime forces to the Sweida area.”
In a statement, the spokesperson added that also “a military target in the area of the Syrian regime’s presidential palace in Damascus was struck.”
A fire truck is seen near a structure damaged in an Israeli airstrike at the Syrian Army General Command headquarters in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
In southern Syria, Israeli strikes also targeted government forces’ convoys and positions in Sweida province, killing at least three senior officers in the village of al-Majimer, according to the observatory. Earlier raids in the region had killed at least seven others, bringing the total toll among government forces to 10.
Additional air raids late Wednesday struck multiple locations in and around Daraa city, including the governor’s palace, the military intelligence branch, and the civil registry office, the observatory said. Further strikes hit the 189th regiment in Jabab and the 132nd brigade west of Daraa, prompting ambulances to rush to the scene.
In the Damascus countryside, Israeli jets also bombed the town of al-Kiswah, though no casualties were immediately reported.
Photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a building of the Syrian Army General Command headquarters damaged in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, Syria. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
The strikes came after the collapse of a ceasefire between Syrian government forces and armed Druze groups in Sweida, the heartland of the Druze community in Syria. The war monitor said at least 248 people have been killed in the area since Sunday.
The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority originating from Islam, living primarily in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, with smaller communities in Jordan and elsewhere.
Israel carried out several waves of strikes in Damascus and Sweida, with the stated aim of preventing the Druze minority from being harmed.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China used a balanced offense to ease past New Zealand 85-51, advancing to the semifinals as the top finisher in Group A at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Wednesday.
The reigning champion completed the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record and will await its semifinal opponent emerging from Japan and New Zealand, who will meet on Friday.
“As our team was just formed three months ago, we aimed to try different lineups through these group games,” China head coach Gong Luming said at a postgame news conference. “We feel that it has taken an initial shape now, but still needs fine-tuning on some details.”
“We hope that in future training, players can build better chemistry and be more familiar with our style of play, to be more creative in our play,” he added.
China took the early initiative with seven unanswered points. Amid the rousing ovation at Shenzhen Sports Center, 18-year-old Zhang Ziyu was subbed in at the 3:46 mark and wasted no time opening her account, scoring a layup eight seconds into her appearance. A 14-2 run propelled China to a 25-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The host began to pull away, leading by 22 points early in the second period. The Tall Ferns tried to respond but never seriously threatened China’s advantage the rest of the way.
After an 11-0 run, the game was all but decided when China raced ahead 53-28 midway through the third quarter.
All 12 Chinese players got on the scoreboard, with Zhang and Yang Shuyu each finishing with 12 points.
“We didn’t start well in these three matches. Hopefully we can improve that in our next game,” Yang said.
“Zhang is our advantage. The opponents will deploy specific defenses against her, and we need to address that,” she added.
Earlier in the day, South Korea cruised past Indonesia 95-62 to finish second in the group with a 2-1 record.
Competing in Division A for the first time, Indonesia showed its grit against the 12-time champion, trailing just 25-22 after the first quarter.
South Korea upped its game with signature 3-pointers in the second, as Lee Myung-kwan and Shin Ji-hyun combined for three consecutive shots from long range to build a 12-point cushion.
With a 48-34 halftime lead, South Korea continued to strengthen its hold on the game. A 24-14 third quarter extended the lead to 24 points, while Indonesia could not mount a comeback.
South Korean guard Park Ji-hyun contributed a game-high 18 points along with seven assists, and Shin added 15. Kim Pierre-Louis led Indonesia with 16 points.
“We didn’t start the game very well. We had a tough first half,” South Korea coach Park Soo-ho said. “But after halftime, our players came back. The next game will be the most important, and we will prepare well for it.”
In Group B, the Philippines notched its first win with a nail-biting 73-70 victory over Lebanon. Naomi Natalie Panganiban scored 15 points, leading five Philippine players in double figures, including Jack Animam’s double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds. Jillian Archer’s game-high 23 points were not enough for Lebanon.
“This win represents everything that we’ve been working hard on for the last 10 years or so,” Philippines coach Patrick Henry Aquino said. “We are glad to be competing, not just staying in Division A, but we still have to improve and we hope that we level up again soon.”
Gilas Pilipinas will vie for a semifinal spot against South Korea on Friday. The winner will face Australia, which advanced with three straight wins in group play.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China finished second in the women’s 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship on Wednesday after a goalless draw with Japan in the final round, while South Korea beat Chinese Taipei 2-0 to win the event’s title for first time in 20 years.
The clash between China and Japan kicked off in rain. China applied high pressing and quick attacking from the start, but neither side could break the deadlock in the first half.
Yoshida Riko (2nd R) of Japan vies with Jin Kun (1st L) of China during the women’s football match between Japan and China at the EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final in Suwon, South Korea, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
The second half saw both teams continue to push forward, but heavy rain affected performances of both sides. In stoppage time, Japan’s Takahashi Hana had two chances to score but narrowly missed both. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
With one win and two draws each, China, Japan and South Korea all finished with five points. Chinese Taipei was at bottom after three defeats. The three top teams were tied in points, head-to-head results and goal difference. According to the EAFF competition rules, rankings were then determined by the number of goals scored among the tied teams.
South Korea secured the championship with three goals, followed by China with two and Japan one. It marked South Korea’s second East Asian Cup title, the first since 2005.
China head coach Ante Milicic said after the tournament that he was proud of his team for their effort under difficult weather conditions. “Both teams worked hard despite the climate. I’m proud of the way my team played and fought,” he said.
Reflecting on the last-minute goal conceded against South Korea on July 9, Milicic admitted, “Conceding in the final minute cost us the title. It’s a lesson we must learn — we can’t afford to lose focus in the closing moments of a match.”
Chinese player Wang Shuang told Xinhua that the team improved with each game during the tournament. “Our teamwork and understanding got better throughout the tournament. Today, some of the younger players really impressed with their bravery and confidence,” she said.
“I think the experience we gained from this tournament is more valuable than the results themselves. I believe these younger teammates will grow stronger and more confident as they gain more playing opportunities in the future,” she added.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 16, 2025 FDA Publish Date: July 16, 2025 Product Type: Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description Sprouted Moong (sprouted mung beans)
Company Name: CHETAK LLC GROUP Brand Name:
Brand Name(s) Deep
Product Description:
Product Description Sprouted Moong (sprouted mung beans)
Company Announcement Chetak New York LLC, Edison, NJ Chetak San Francisco LLC, Union City, CA Chetak Chicago LLC, Streamwood, IL Chetak Orlando LLC, Kissimmee, FL Chetak Los Angeles LLC, Pico Rivera, CA Zeenat Inc., Sugarland, TX Are recalling Frozen ‘Deep Sprouted Mat(Moth) 16 oz. and Deep Sprouted Moong 16oz. because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune system. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illness such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms) endocarditis and arthritis The Recalled Sprouted Beans were distributed nationwide in retail stores under following Lot numbers
Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) 16 oz.LOT CODE- printed on back side of bag- IN24330, 25072,25108,24353,25171,24297,25058,25078,24291,25107,24354 AND 24292 Deep Sprouted Moong 16 oz. packetLOT CODE- printed on back side of bag- IN24330, 25072,25108,24353,25171,24297,25058,25078,24291,25107,24354 AND 24292
No illness have been reported to date in connection with this problem to company The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by FDA Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem. Consumers who have purchased 16 oz. packet of “Sprouted Mat (Moth) and Sprouted Moong” are urged to return them to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the Company at 908-209-8878
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo McDonald, Professor, Director of Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, The University of Western Australia
Senior Ranger, Mardudunhera man Peter Cooper, oversees the Murujuga landscapeJo McDonald, CC BY-SA
On Friday, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in northwest Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We were in Paris to see Murujuga become Australia’s 21st world heritage property, but only our second property listed exclusively for its Indigenous cultural values.
Murujuga, meaning “hip bone sticking out”, is an ancient rocky landscape rising out of the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia.
Murujuga is shaped by the Lore and the presence of Ngarda-Ngarli – the collective term for the Traditional Owner groups of the coastal Pilbara – since Ngurra Nyujunggamu, when the earth was soft, the beginning of time.
Murujuga includes the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago’s 42 islands and the listed property covers almost 100,000 hectares of land and sea country. Across this cultural landscape are between one to two million petroglyphs – rock art – created by carving designs into rock surfaces. The petroglyphs record Ngarda Ngarli’s attachment and adaptation to a changing environment through deep time.
The UNESCO listing recognises the “outstanding universal value” of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. This value lies in the traditional system governing it, in tangible and intangible attributes that attest to 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli using and caring for the land and seascape.
The Ngarda-Ngarli have campaigned for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for more than 20 years.
Murujuga Board and Circle of Elders members in Sydney at the ICOMOS General Assembly, where they hosted a Symposium on the Cultural Landscape nomination. Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA
A controversial nomination
While the outstanding universal values of this place were not in question, the nomination became mired with broader climate concerns.
Industrial development began at Murujuga in the 1950s and was established before Traditional Owners had decision-making authority. The Dampier Archipelago, as well as housing petroglyphs across 42 islands, is also home to one of the largest industrial hubs in the southern hemisphere.
The recent approval for the North-West Gas Hub has elevated climate change concerns and raised questions about whether the government is serious about protecting Murujuga.
While acidic pollution has been suggested by some, our work on the monitoring program found rain and dust at the site was pH neutral, and there is no acid rain impacting on the petroglyphs.
Other criticism included that the air quality at the site is compromised by local gas production. The research found the air quality at Murujuga is “good” to “very good” by international standards. We also found average annual nitrogen dioxide levels − the emission under most scrutiny − is five times lower than World Health Organisation guidelines.
According to MRAMP research, Murujuga’s air quality is well within national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is 16 times lower than the national standard, and sulphur dioxide never exceeding 10% of the national standard.
Importantly, the research program is ongoing and will transition to monitoring led by the Ngarda-Ngarli with support and training from the scientists. And this ongoing monitoring will be part of the management regime in place to protect Murujuga as a world heritage listed site.
The MRAMP monitoring team in action at Murujuga. Ben Mullins, CC BY-SA
Ngard-Ngarli leadership
Traditional Owners and Custodians led the world heritage nomination, supported by State and Commonwealth governments.
Traditional Owners consider the listing will better protect Ngarda-Ngarli knowledge, lore and culture as expressed through the landscape and in the petroglyphs.
World heritage recognition will support Ngarda-Ngarli decision-making and ongoing management across the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This global recognition is a mechanism to help Ngarda-Ngarli do what they have always done: protect their culture and decide what is right for Country for future generations.
The inscription is a testament to the old people who started this quest decades ago, many of whom have not lived to celebrate this victory.
The Australian delegation on the floor of UNESCO during the inscription session. Jo McDonald, CC BY
Australia’s deep time heritage
Australia now has two places on the World Heritage List which are exclusively listed as Indigenous sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity.
The Murujuga Cultural Landscape joins on the list the southwestern Victorian site Budj Bim, one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.
Murujuga Aboriginal Custodians celebrate the Word Heritage listing decision in Paris this week. Jo McDonald, CC BY
By this listing, the world has recognised the deep time creative genius and ongoing connection of Ngarda-Ngarli to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This international acclaim recognises the extraordinary resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples and should be a source of pride and celebration for all Australians.
Jo McDonald is an employee of the University of Western Australia and receives funding from the Australian Research Council.The Centre for Rock Art Research and Management receives funding for its research and training operations from Rio Tinto. Jo was a member of the World Heritage committee and contributed to the writing of the dossier.
Amy Stevens is an employee of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which receives funding from the Australian Government, the WA Government and industry and was a lead author on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination.
Belinda Churnside serves as Deputy Chair. Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Ben Mullins is the lead scientist on the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Project, which is funded by the Government of Western Australia.
Peter Hicks is the Chair of the Board of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Terry Bailey is a World Heritage advisor to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and WA Government and was lead editor and co-author of Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination. His appointment is funded by the WA Government.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo McDonald, Professor, Director of Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, The University of Western Australia
Senior Ranger, Mardudunhera man Peter Cooper, oversees the Murujuga landscapeJo McDonald, CC BY-SA
On Friday, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in northwest Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We were in Paris to see Murujuga become Australia’s 21st world heritage property, but only our second property listed exclusively for its Indigenous cultural values.
Murujuga, meaning “hip bone sticking out”, is an ancient rocky landscape rising out of the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia.
Murujuga is shaped by the Lore and the presence of Ngarda-Ngarli – the collective term for the Traditional Owner groups of the coastal Pilbara – since Ngurra Nyujunggamu, when the earth was soft, the beginning of time.
Murujuga includes the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago’s 42 islands and the listed property covers almost 100,000 hectares of land and sea country. Across this cultural landscape are between one to two million petroglyphs – rock art – created by carving designs into rock surfaces. The petroglyphs record Ngarda Ngarli’s attachment and adaptation to a changing environment through deep time.
The UNESCO listing recognises the “outstanding universal value” of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. This value lies in the traditional system governing it, in tangible and intangible attributes that attest to 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli using and caring for the land and seascape.
The Ngarda-Ngarli have campaigned for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for more than 20 years.
Murujuga Board and Circle of Elders members in Sydney at the ICOMOS General Assembly, where they hosted a Symposium on the Cultural Landscape nomination. Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA
A controversial nomination
While the outstanding universal values of this place were not in question, the nomination became mired with broader climate concerns.
Industrial development began at Murujuga in the 1950s and was established before Traditional Owners had decision-making authority. The Dampier Archipelago, as well as housing petroglyphs across 42 islands, is also home to one of the largest industrial hubs in the southern hemisphere.
The recent approval for the North-West Gas Hub has elevated climate change concerns and raised questions about whether the government is serious about protecting Murujuga.
While acidic pollution has been suggested by some, our work on the monitoring program found rain and dust at the site was pH neutral, and there is no acid rain impacting on the petroglyphs.
Other criticism included that the air quality at the site is compromised by local gas production. The research found the air quality at Murujuga is “good” to “very good” by international standards. We also found average annual nitrogen dioxide levels − the emission under most scrutiny − is five times lower than World Health Organisation guidelines.
According to MRAMP research, Murujuga’s air quality is well within national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is 16 times lower than the national standard, and sulphur dioxide never exceeding 10% of the national standard.
Importantly, the research program is ongoing and will transition to monitoring led by the Ngarda-Ngarli with support and training from the scientists. And this ongoing monitoring will be part of the management regime in place to protect Murujuga as a world heritage listed site.
The MRAMP monitoring team in action at Murujuga. Ben Mullins, CC BY-SA
Ngard-Ngarli leadership
Traditional Owners and Custodians led the world heritage nomination, supported by State and Commonwealth governments.
Traditional Owners consider the listing will better protect Ngarda-Ngarli knowledge, lore and culture as expressed through the landscape and in the petroglyphs.
World heritage recognition will support Ngarda-Ngarli decision-making and ongoing management across the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This global recognition is a mechanism to help Ngarda-Ngarli do what they have always done: protect their culture and decide what is right for Country for future generations.
The inscription is a testament to the old people who started this quest decades ago, many of whom have not lived to celebrate this victory.
The Australian delegation on the floor of UNESCO during the inscription session. Jo McDonald, CC BY
Australia’s deep time heritage
Australia now has two places on the World Heritage List which are exclusively listed as Indigenous sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity.
The Murujuga Cultural Landscape joins on the list the southwestern Victorian site Budj Bim, one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.
Murujuga Aboriginal Custodians celebrate the Word Heritage listing decision in Paris this week. Jo McDonald, CC BY
By this listing, the world has recognised the deep time creative genius and ongoing connection of Ngarda-Ngarli to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This international acclaim recognises the extraordinary resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples and should be a source of pride and celebration for all Australians.
Jo McDonald is an employee of the University of Western Australia and receives funding from the Australian Research Council.The Centre for Rock Art Research and Management receives funding for its research and training operations from Rio Tinto. Jo was a member of the World Heritage committee and contributed to the writing of the dossier.
Amy Stevens is an employee of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which receives funding from the Australian Government, the WA Government and industry and was a lead author on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination.
Belinda Churnside serves as Deputy Chair. Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Ben Mullins is the lead scientist on the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Project, which is funded by the Government of Western Australia.
Peter Hicks is the Chair of the Board of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Terry Bailey is a World Heritage advisor to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and WA Government and was lead editor and co-author of Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination. His appointment is funded by the WA Government.
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business to Talk About Fed Chairman Jerome Powell
Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Elizabeth McDonald on Fox Business’ The Evening Edit to discuss Jerome Powell’s tenure at the Federal Reserve, why interest rates need to come down for the good of the country, and concerns about the overspending on the Federal Reserve HQ renovations.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
On whether President Trump will fire Jerome Powell:
“I don’t see the president firing him, but Jay Powell should resign. That’s what he should do. He’s lost the confidence of the President and the American people. There’s a reason the President calls him ‘too late.’ He was too late when we saw Bidenflation just jump through the roof; they told us it would be transient, [but] he was so late that inflation was persistent.
“Then, a month before the November election, he suddenly, without good reason, he drops the interest rate. And now we just had a quarter of 2.1% inflation numbers, and he refuses to drop them. It just seems to me that Jay Powell has a blind spot. That he’s too much emotionally invested in the situation. Now it probably be best if he resigned. Gave us give us some notice, though, and let America’s economy get on the way here. We need to drop the interest rates.”
On the ongoing costs of the Federal Reserve HQ Renovations:
“We certainly need an inspector general, or the Government Accounting Office, to go in there and figure this out. This building costs $2,000 a square foot. It has a theater, it has wellness centers, and I don’t know if it’s gold-plated or not, but it’s way over budget. Did we even need a new one to start with? There’s much better things we could do with this money, and I do expect to see more of this as we go through some type of congressional hearing.”
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal crime to assault first responders.
“Last month’s evil attack on first responders in North Idaho is a stark reminder of the dangers our brave men and women in uniform face every day,” said Risch. “The Graham Hoffman Act is commonsense legislation to properly punish those who assault the men and women who keep our communities safe. Vicki and I continue to pray for the victims of the North Idaho ambush, their loved ones, and all affected by this reprehensible act.”
“The devastating loss of Idaho firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood and severe injury of David Tysdal during a premeditated, deadly ambush last month in Coeur D’Alene remind us of the real dangers and sacrifices first responders make every day to protect our families and communities,” Crapo said. “Their loss impels us to strengthen the law and deter further violence to ensure justice is fully meted on any individual who attacks our law enforcement or first responders.”
“Graham Hoffman was a courageous firefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the attack. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities. This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law,” said Schmitt.
Risch and Crapo are joined by U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).
On June 29, 2025, two North Idaho firefighters—Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Hardwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison—were killed in an ambush while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Another first responder, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Engineer Dave Tysdal, was seriously injured and remains in recovery.
This legislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City, Mo., who was attacked and killed in the line of duty by a known criminal on April 27, 2025.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which would make it a federal crime to assault first responders.
“The devastating loss of Idaho firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood and severe injury of David Tysdal during a premeditated, deadly ambush last month in Coeur d’Alene remind us of the real dangers and sacrifices first responders make every day to protect our families and communities,” Crapo said. “Their loss impels us to strengthen the law and deter further violence to ensure justice is fully meted on any individual who attacks our law enforcement or first responders.”
“Last month’s evil attack on first responders in north Idaho is a stark reminder of the dangers our brave men and women in uniform face every day,” said Risch. “The Graham Hoffman Act is commonsense legislation to properly punish those who assault the men and women who keep our communities safe. Vicki and I continue to pray for the victims of the north Idaho ambush, their loved ones and all affected by this reprehensible act.”
“Graham Hoffman was a courageous firefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the attack. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities. This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law,” said Schmitt.
Crapo and Risch are joined by U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) and Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire).
On June 29, 2025, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Hardwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison were killed in an ambush while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Another first responder, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Engineer Dave Tysdal, was seriously injured and remains in recovery.
This legislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City, Missouri, who was attacked and killed in the line of duty by a known criminal on April 27, 2025.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers on President Trump’s promise to seniors, providing significant tax relief to low- and middle-income seniors with a bonus exemption on top of other significant tax relief.
“This legislation reflects our commitment to care for our seniors, ensuring low- and middle-income senior citizens receive a crucial tax break and are able to keep more of the money they have earned over the course of their lives,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
Key wins:
Provides a $6,000 bonus exemption to millions of low- and middle-income seniors, slashing their tax burden.
Permanent lower tax rates, letting Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.
Permanent increased and enhanced standard deduction, claimed by over 90 percent of taxpayers.
What they are saying:
“The bill’s broadest tax impact comes from making permanent the reduced income tax rates enacted during Trump’s first term and initially set to expire after this year. Another key provision, backed by AARP, provides targeted tax relief for older adults in the form of a $6,000 “bonus” deduction that could offset federal taxes on Social Security benefits.” – AARP
“The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will unleash the full potential of the U.S. economy. It locks in permanent, pro-growth tax cuts for families, workers, and job creators. The bill also enacts No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and new tax cuts for seniors. The OBBB will strengthen important programs for those who need them most and save taxpayer dollars by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. This consequential legislation cements the blue-collar boom and improves the lives of Americans on every rung of the economic ladder. As we saw after the passage of the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts, American businesses will hire, invest, and raise wages now that this Administration and the Republican Congress have delivered certainty and stability for the economy.” – Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
“Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, 51.4 million seniors – 88 percent of all seniors receiving Social Security income – will pay no tax on their Social Security.” – Council of Economic Advisers
Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)
WASHINGTON –Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Valadao’s (CA-22) bill, H.R. 1044. The existing permit for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County is set to expire in 2026, and this bill authorizes seven permit renewals to ensure it can continue operating.
“The Kaweah Hydroelectric Project is a critical source of clean, reliable, and affordable energy for California, and these permit renewals are the key to keeping it running,”said Congressman Valadao.“Without authorization, CA-22 ratepayers would see a dramatic increase in their energy costs and would be left to foot the bill for dismantling much-needed infrastructure. This is an issue that’s been a priority throughout my time in Congress, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.”
Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here or read as prepared below:
Mr. Speaker,
I rise to urge support for my bill, H.R. 1044, which authorizes seven permit renewals for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County, California.
Southern California Edison has operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899—marking well over a century of reliable, clean power.
For decades, Congress has allowed the continued use of federal lands for this purpose. But unless we act now, that authorization will expire in 2026.
Without authorization, Southern California Edison would be forced to dismantle critical infrastructure—costing ratepayers in the region tens of millions of dollars and eliminating a clean, reliable, and affordable source of energy.
This bill ensures that Kaweah can keep operating without disruption or unnecessary costs to families across California.
I want to thank Chairman Westerman and his staff at the Committee on Natural Resources for their work on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and protect the Central Valley’s clean energy future.
Thank you, and I yield back.
Background:
Southern California Edison (SCE) and its predecessor have operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899, providing reliable, renewable energy to Californians. Part of the project’s infrastructure—Kaweah #3—is located on National Park Service land. Since 1912, the federal government has authorized use of this land through a series of permits.
In 1986, Congress passed legislation allowing one 10-year permit with one 10-year renewal. When those expired, Congress again acted in 2005 to authorize two more 10-year extensions. Those extensions will expire in 2026. Without further congressional action, SCE will be forced to dismantle its infrastructure inside the park at a cost of tens of millions of dollars—costs that would fall directly on California ratepayers.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement after the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 passed out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence:
“The U.S. Intelligence Community and congressional intelligence committees play vital roles in keeping Texans safe and secure in an increasingly complex threat environment at home and around the globe,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will ensure our intelligence agencies are equipped with the tools to confront foreign espionage, enhance counternarcotics efforts, and bolster our cybersecurity all while prioritizing transparency and efficiency, and I was glad to support it.”
Sen. Cornyn’s Legislation Included in the Bill:
Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Act:Would enable the Intelligence Community (IC) to streamline acquisition processes and prioritize small business and nontraditional defense contractor solutions.
Counternarcotics Enhancement Act: Would direct the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit to the congressional intelligence committees an action plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.
Strengthening Prosecution Integrity for Espionage Statutes (SPIES) Act: Would help hold foreign spies who commit espionage crimes against the U.S. accountable by removing the statute of limitations for certain offenses such as gathering or delivering classified information to aid foreign governments.
Other Key Provisions Include:
Requiring the DNI to assess the counterintelligence vulnerabilities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA);
Requiring the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assess and share the counterintelligence risks to commercial spaceports;
Reforming and improving efficiencies and effectiveness within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader IC;
Requiring that visas be denied to certain nationals applying to work at the United Nations if they are known or suspected of being foreign intelligence officers or committing intelligence or espionage activities;
Prohibiting the IC from contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing;
Codifying tour and travel restrictions for Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and North Korean diplomats in the United States;
Enhancing protections for, and congressional oversight of, IC whistleblowers;
Prohibiting IC contractors from collecting or selling IC personnel location data;
And promoting transparency by requiring the DNI to conduct a declassification review and publish intelligence relating to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which will help keep this deadly drug off of Texas’ streets by permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, into law:
“This legislation is essential to stopping the flow of illicit fentanyl that has infiltrated our nation and taken hundreds of thousands of innocent lives,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I have heard heartbreaking stories from families across Texas who have lost loved ones to this deadly drug, and I commend President Trump for swiftly signing this bill into law to combat the fentanyl crisis and make our communities safe.”
Background:
Fentanyl is a controlled substance, tightly regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. Illicit drug manufacturers and traffickers sidestep the law by producing fentanyl-related substances – drugs that are substantially similar to fentanyl, but chemically tweaked ever so slightly – to push potent drugs into the U.S. on a technicality. Fentanyl-related overdoses account for nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths nationwide, and fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for 18-45 year olds.
To keep pace with rapidly evolving drugs and combat the epidemic of opioid-related deaths, in 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the leadership of President Trump, temporarily restricted all fentanyl-related substances. Since then, Congress has repeatedly extended President Trump’s temporary scheduling order. The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently extends the 2018 Schedule I classification for fentanyl-related substances, which expired on March 31, 2025.
The HALT Fentanyl Act passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Sen. Cornyn serves on, by a bipartisan vote of 16-5 earlier this year, and it passed the Senate in March and the House in June.
The HALT Fentanyl Act, now law, will:
Amend the Controlled Substances Act to permanently classify illicit fentanyl knockoffs, known as fentanyl-related substances, as Schedule I drugs, for which there is no accepted medical use;
Protect patients’ access to legitimate, FDA-approved fentanyl for medical purposes directed by a physician;
Support law enforcement and codify existing criminal penalties to ensure illicit manufacturers and traffickers can be fully prosecuted and victims and their families receive justice;
And advance scientific and medical research by streamlining registration processes and allowing more scientists to study fentanyl-related substances.
This law is supported by more than 40 major advocacy groups, as well as a coalition of more than 200 groups made up of families personally impacted by fentanyl.
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Veterans Burial Assistance Act, legislation to help expedite the process of certifying a veteran’s passing and minimize or avoid delays in benefits owed to their loved ones. Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN-06) introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Ensuring that a death certificate – an important legal document – is provided to a veteran’s loved ones in a timely manner after their passing is crucial not only for emotional closure, but necessary for a variety of legal, financial and administrative matters,” said Boozman. “Without one, it is difficult to access survivor and burial benefits and further assistance from the VA. Our bill ensures that veterans who pass away in VA care promptly receive this fully executed, vital document.”
“While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to veterans for their service to our country, we can help ensure that as their families work to lay their loved one to rest, they receive the support that they have earned and deserve,” said Hassan. “This commonsense legislation will help ensure that when a veteran passes away, their death certificate is processed quickly so that their loved ones can experience the closure and certainty that comes with a dignified burial.”
“Our duty to our veterans must not end with their final breath,” Emmer said. “With this commonsense reform, no veteran family will be denied closure – or forced to endure uncertainty – when burying one of our nation’s heroes.”
The Veterans Burial Assistance Act would require the signing of a veteran’s death certificate by a VA doctor or nurse practitioner within 48 hours of notification for any veteran whose primary care doctor is employed by the VA, regardless of where the veteran passes. When the VA is unable to meet this timeline, the local coroner or medical examiner may sign the death certificate.
The signing of a death certificate for veterans who have died of natural causes has been delayed for as many as eight weeks, preventing loved ones from receiving death benefits in a timely manner and forcing local governments to pay for the veteran’s body to be stored until the death certificate is signed and a burial can be performed.
The bill is supported by AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and With Honor.
Drivers are advised the north side on-ramp to Highway 1 westbound from East 1st Avenue will close for two weeks, from Thursday, July 17, until Monday, Aug. 4, 2025.
The closure will allow City of Vancouver crews to safely continue work on sewer upgrades on East 1st Avenue. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit will advise if any further closures or extensions are needed.
During the closure period, the on-ramp will remain closed and there will be no right or left turn onto the Highway 1 westbound on-ramp from East 1st Avenue.
Drivers travelling westbound can detour through East Hastings Street or McGill Street and should plan additional travel time through the route.
Travellers are reminded to obey signage. Traffic updates will be available on www.DriveBC.ca.
As millions of Australians are preparing to lodge their tax returns, scammers are actively seeking new ways to exploit personal information. If successful, they can use stolen details not only to commit fraud against the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), but also carry out broader identity theft and financial crimes across the community.
The ATO has reported a sharp rise in impersonation scams, with a 150 per cent increase over the last 12 months. 90 per cent of ATO impersonation scams are currently being sent via email.
Scammers are constantly enhancing their methods to impersonate the ATO, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to recognise fraudulent messages. Staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting personal information.
To help keep your personal information safe and protected, the ATO’s app now has powerful new safety features designed to give users real-time control over their tax affairs through alerts and instant account locking to help stop fraudsters in their tracks.
The app enhancements bolster the ATO’s existing fraud controls that have been in place for some time to detect unusual or out of pattern behaviour on taxpayers’ accounts.
Quotes attributable to ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson
‘This is the time of year when people are awaiting their tax returns or expecting to hear from the ATO, and scammers know it.’
‘That’s why we’ve strengthened the ATO app with new security features. It’s fast, free, and puts security in your hands, giving you the power to monitor your account in real-time and instantly lock it if something doesn’t feel right.’
‘Downloading the ATO app is a simple and effective way to stay one step ahead.’
‘If you receive a notification and something doesn’t feel right, lock your account immediately in our app, and verify and report the interaction on the ATO website or by calling 1800 467 033 during business hours to discuss any suspicious activity.’
Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are the protective features in the app. The ATO app now includes new security features designed to help you stay protected, such as:
Real-time messages when changes are made to your ATO record.
Quick account locking when you receive a real-time message to prevent unauthorised access or fraudulent refunds.
These features provide peace of mind knowing your account is protected and you remain in control of your tax affairs anytime, anywhere.
The ATO works closely with the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), which operates under the ACCC, to protect Australian’s identity information from scams through awareness and education that focuses on three simple steps – stop, check, protect. This partnership strengthens our ability to detect and respond to scam threats, especially during peak periods like tax time.
Quotes attributable to ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe
‘If you receive an unsolicited contact claiming to be from the ATO and offering any of these options, it’s very likely a scam. Scammers may also use spoofed phone numbers, fake caller IDs, and convincing email templates to appear legitimate.’
‘Don’t let scammers pressure you. We urge all Australians to ‘stop, check and protect’ before reacting to an unexpected call or message and keep front of mind that the ATO and myGov do not use links in their messages.’
Fraudsters and scammers plan on you being distracted and thrive on weak security. Your first line of defence is the ATO app, followed by:
Using a digital ID like myID to securely access online services. It’s unique to you and helps protect you from identity theft and fraud across platforms like tax, education, and government services.
Knowing how to spot and report scams impersonating the ATO. It only takes a few seconds to stop and check an interaction is legitimate. Remember, the ATO will never send you a link asking for your personal information or for you to log into online services.
Turning on multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Using strong and unique passwords or passphrases.
Keeping your devices and software updated to block the latest threats.
And most importantly, never share your TFN, myGov login, or bank details even in private messages or emails. These are keys to your identity.
If you’ve received a suspicious call, SMS, email or social media message:
We’ve published a draft Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2025/D3Global and domestic minimum tax lodgment obligations – transitional approach and an update to Taxation Ruling TR 2006/11DCPrivate Rulings for Pillar Two for public consultation until 29 August.
The draft PCG 2025/D3 covers:
Pillar Two lodgment obligations and due dates
lodgment deferrals and suspension of lodgment enforcement action
our approach to failure to lodge penalties and statement penalties during the transition period (fiscal years beginning on or before 31 December 2026 but not including a fiscal year that ends after 30 June 2028).
Consistent with Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidance, we’ll adopt a soft-landing approach during the transition period, allowing taxpayers to take reasonable measures to meet their obligations.
Updates to TR 2006/11DC include an:
updated reference to the provisions that are relevant to rulings, including the new Pillar Two provisions
explanation that the Commissioner may decline to rule on a private ruling application on the Australian income inclusion rule, the undertaxed profits rule, or on domestic minimum tax, if it would be unreasonable to comply with the application, including examples where this might occur.
We’re inviting comments on these drafts from:
multinational enterprise groups in Australia that may be in-scope of Pillar Two
tax and legal professionals, advisers and consultants with clients in-scope for Pillar Two.
The consultation is open until 29 August. If you represent one of the above groups, you can provide comments directly to the contact person listed on the draft PCG and TR.
We’ll be making:
further updates to TR 2006/11DC to address recent case law developments and will release another draft for consultation at that time – we’ll share progress updates through our Advice under development program
routine updates to related lodgment and penalties practice statements and taxation rulings to cover Pillar Two – these will be published when available.
Keep up to date
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Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning May 1.
The declaration covers the Montana counties of Beaverhead, Carter, Cascade, Chouteau, Custer, Dawson, Deer Lodge, Fallon, Flathead, Garfield, Granite, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Madison, McCone, Meagher, Missoula, Powder River, Powell, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sanders, Silver Bow, Teton and Wibaux as well as Idaho counties of Clark, Fremont, Idaho and Lemhi, North Dakota counties of Bowman, Golden Valley, McKenzie, Slope and Williams, South Dakota counties of Butte and Harding, and the Wyoming county of Crook.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than March 9, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Wyoming to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning May 1.
The declaration covers the Wyoming counties of Campbell, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Lincoln, Niobrara, Park, Sublette, Teton and Weston as well as the Idaho counties of Bonneville, Fremont and Teton, the Montana County of Gallatin, and South Dakota counties of Custer, Lawrence and Pennington.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than March 9, 2026.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
