LEICESTER libraries are offering people a warm welcome over the winter months, with a range of free activities on offer.
The Warm Welcome programme runs from now until the end of March 2025, giving people the chance to use their local library as a ‘warm hub’ where they can enjoy a hot drink, meet new people, and try something new.
It has all been brought together by a collaboration of council services, including Leicester libraries, Leicester Adult Education and the council’s public health team.
For the first six weeks, there will be an activity at the same time and day at your local library or Warm Welcome location. All sessions are free of charge, and once signed up, people are welcome to attend as many sessions as they would like.
Activities include an introduction to art inspired by nature at St Barnabas Library, where you can get creative and learn a variety of techniques, including pebble art, watercolours and card printing.
At Beaumont Leys, Pork Pie and Highfields libraries, a series of sessions on sustainable crafting will include making cards and gift tags, recycling sari fabric and garlands, and creating seasonal wreaths.
The Brite Centre in Braunstone will run sessions on everyday cooking as well as a series of events exploring local history, while Sew to Save at New Parks library will help people to transform recycled materials into something new using a range of different techniques.
There will also be a programme of events on mindfulness at Leicester Central Library. For the full list of what’s going on where, ask at your local library or see leicester.gov.uk/warmwelcome
Assistant city mayor for culture, libraries and community centres, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “We know that for some people, winter can be really challenging. On top of dark evenings and social isolation, many people are still struggling with the cost of living and we want to support them to keep warm.
“Libraries and community centres are at the heart of our neighbourhoods. These sessions are a chance to learn something new in a warm and welcoming space, so that no-one need feel cold or alone through the winter months.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads on public health, said: “Our Warm Welcome programme has been really popular in recent years, helping people to get together during the long winter months in a friendly environment.
“As well as offering a chance to socialise, by bringing together specialists from across the council, we can offer expert advice and help to anyone who might be struggling this winter. A Warm Welcome can be the gateway to further support.”
Leicester Libraries also offer a vast range of free resources, including free wifi and use of computers, free weekly Toddler Time sessions for young children, and homework clubs for school-age children. There’s access to a vast range of books, plus online e-books and e-magazines through the new Bookfinder website, where you can also reserve, renew, search for and review books, as well as find out about events coming up in your local library.
Dozens of back-to-back terraced homes are set to receive energy efficiency upgrades as Leeds City Council continues its efforts to deliver the best possible housing standards for all local communities.
The improvements will be made to as many as 100 back-to-backs in the Cedars area of Armley during a £4.4m scheme that is due to get under way in January.
Planned measures include new insulation for external walls and attic rooms as well as the installation of replacement doors and windows where required.
The work is designed to make the homes easier and more affordable to heat, which should in turn lead to a reduction in fuel poverty and cold-related illness. A detailed technical study will also be carried out to assess the suitability of the area for the possible future use of carbon-cutting ground source heat pumps.
The scheme is being part-funded by the council, with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, central government and energy suppliers among those providing additional support. Energy and regeneration specialist Equans will act as delivery partner.
The Cedars was chosen as the location for the work due to its comparatively high levels of deprivation, with an above-average proportion of residents living in fuel poverty. Many of the back-to-back houses in the area are more than 100 years old.
Under current plans, just over half of the homes to be improved will be from the council’s housing stock. The remainder will be privately owned, with up to 25 per cent of the cost of changes to these properties being met by landlords or owner-occupiers.
The inclusion of a range of tenures will, it is hoped, allow the scheme to have a positive visual impact on whole streets and ‘clusters’ of housing rather than dispersed individual homes.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, the programme follows similar improvements to around 300 properties in Holbeck.
Hundreds of flats in tower blocks in Little London and Seacroft have also recently benefited from energy efficiency upgrades.
These projects, and others like them, underline the council’s commitment to addressing social and health inequalities and the part they play in causing illness and lower life expectancy.
They also show how the council is working with partners to tackle climate change as it seeks to make Leeds the first net zero city in the UK.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:
“As a council, we are determined to ensure that everyone in Leeds has a home that gives them the right foundation for leading a happy and healthy life.
“Schemes like the one which will soon be starting in the Cedars can move us another step towards achieving that hugely important goal.
“The work will make homes easier and cheaper to heat, a vital consideration at a time when many households are experiencing fuel poverty.
“There will also be environmental benefits, with improved energy efficiency for properties meaning a reduction in carbon emissions.
“We’re grateful to our partners for supporting a scheme that will have a really positive impact on this community.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“Our region is home to some of the oldest houses in the country, including our famous back-to-back terraces in Leeds.
“In this cost of living crisis, it’s vital that we invest now to upgrade these homes for the long term, saving some households hundreds of pounds a year off their energy bills.
“By working with Leeds City Council and providing free support through our Home Energy West Yorkshire initiative, we’ll build a greener, more secure region with warmer homes and brighter communities for all.”
The provision of good quality housing is a key objective of Leeds’s ongoing Marmot programme, which aims to reduce health inequalities using an approach developed by leading epidemiologist Professor Sir Michael Marmot.
Launched in June last year, the programme is being spearheaded by the council alongside University College London’s Institute of Health Equity.
Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, at a local dentist clinic in Montréal alongside the business owners.
Montréal, Quebec – October 31, 2024 – Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, at a local dentist clinic in Montréal alongside the business owners. He will also be accompanied by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont.
The location of the media availability will be confirmed only to accredited media representatives who have registered with Media Relations for Environment and Climate Change Canada at the following address: media@ec.gc.ca.
Contacts
Hermine Landry Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change 873-455-3714 Hermine.Landry@ec.gc.ca
Media Relations Environment and Climate Change Canada 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free) media@ec.gc.ca
Significant advances in the development of arts and culture
OTTAWA, October 31, 2024
Showcasing Francophone artists and their work strengthens the vitality of Canada’s official language minority communities. More than ever, it is crucial to be collaborative and inclusive in increasing the visibility and outreach of minority artists, arts and culture organizations and industries.
With these goals in mind, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, met with the leaders of the National Arts Centre, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the National Film Board of Canada and Telefilm Canada at the annual forum of the network of members of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française. They announced the renewal of the Collaboration Agreement for the Development of Arts and Culture in the Francophone Minority Communities of Canada. Minister Boissonault took part in the signing ceremony on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Agreement aims to strengthen consultation and collaboration among stakeholders, while allowing each of them to meet their obligations under the Official Languages Act. It proposes to implement concrete positive measures to ensure the sustainable cultural development of Canada’s Francophone minority communities as well as the vitality of Francophone minority culture.
This agreement was signed 25 years ago and was recently renewed as part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. It plays an essential role in the promotion and support of arts and culture in Canada’s Francophone minority communities.
Quotes
“Arts and culture, like language, promote people’s expressions, shape their identity and contribute to the vitality of their communities. That’s why, today, we are renewing this Collaboration Agreement for the Development of Arts and Culture in the Francophone Minority Communities. This agreement will give Francophone minority communities across the country the tools they need to continue grow, learn and innovate through the arts.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
“By renewing this agreement, we’re empowering the arts and culture sector to drive economic growth and celebrate the rich diversity of Francophone Canada—amplifying its voice at home and around the world.”
– The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“The National Arts Centre has been part of this important agreement since its very beginning. Our commitment to artists from Francophone minority communities remains just as strong, as demonstrated by the renewal of this agreement. We will remain actively engaged in supporting expressions of Francophone culture and the French language across the country, and in partnering with Francophone performing arts organizations and artists.”
– Christopher Deacon, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Arts Centre
“I am extremely proud to sign the renewed Collaboration Agreement until 2028. This new version reflects the full extent of legislative improvements resulting from the modernization of the Official Languages Act, including the duty to implement positive measures to support the development of our communities and promote their growth.”
– Nancy Juneau, President of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française
“In collaboration with our partners, the Canada Council for the Arts is proud to renew this agreement, which celebrates and develops the essential links between culture, official languages and identity. Artists from Francophone minority communities across the country help shape a rich and diverse artistic scene. Their contributions embody and strengthen Canada’s unique linguistic tapestry.”
“With its firm roots in the communities it serves, particularly those in linguistic minority settings, Radio-Canada plays an active role in expanding the reach of French-language culture and bringing Francophones across the country together. The renewal of this agreement gives us an additional tool to promote dialogue and collaboration with the federations and associations that, like us, are committed to securing the future of the French language and Francophone arts and culture in their rich diversity.”
“With the renewal of this agreement, the NFB is renewing its commitment, in collaboration with its valued partners, to showcasing French culture and ensuring it thrives throughout Canada. This is another concrete action in supporting and showcasing rich French culture, and the diversity of our communities where it originates, throughout the country.”
– Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson, National Film Board of Canada
“The unifying power of cinema resonates naturally within communities evolving in minority settings across Canada. This collaborative agreement allows us to maximize our impact in order to support the growth of artists in these communities and ensure that their stories are heard here and around the world. Telefilm Canada remains committed to achieving concrete results in implementing the Official Languages Act and actively pursues collaboration with cultural partners and key players in the audiovisual industry.”
– Julie Roy, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Telefilm Canada
Quick facts
In June 1998, a first Collaboration Agreement for the Development of Arts and Culture in the Francophone Minority Communities of Canada was signed to encourage structured dialogue and concerted action between federal agencies and Francophone communities. It is a pillar in the implementation of the Government of Canada’s official language commitments, supporting community development and cultural outreach through concrete projects.
The Action Plan for Official Languages 2023‑2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration represents a $4.1-billion investment in support of seven government departments and 33 new or enhanced initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting the country’s official languages.
This action plan is the fifth five-year official languages plan in 20 years. The 33 initiatives included in the plan have been structured around four pillars. In addition, they are inspired bygovernment priorities and issues raised by Canadian communities during the Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations 2022, which was the basis for theReport on the consultations – Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations 2022.
On June 20, 2023, the Government of Canada received Royal Assent forBill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages. Among other goals, the Act aims to address the decline of French in the country and to clarify and strengthen the promotion of official languages, while supporting official language minority communities.
Every province and territory has official language minority communities, each with its own particular reality and needs. The Action Plan is designed to address the unique challenges facing Francophone communities outside Quebec and English-speaking communities in Quebec.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
John Fragos Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages john.fragos@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Peter Dutton has chosen a dark horse in naming David Coleman for the key shadow foreign affairs portfolio, in a reshuffle that also seeks to boost the opposition’s credentials with women.
Coleman has been communications spokesman. He led the opposition’s campaign for an age limit on young people’s access to social media – a policy that was later adopted by the government and now has been legislated by the parliament.
He is one of the opposition’s small band of moderates although not seen as a factional player.
Coleman, who holds the Sydney marginal seat of Banks, has done extensive work with Middle East communities and the Chinese community. He is a former minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services and multicultural affairs.
The foreign affairs job, previously held by Simon Birmingham, who is departing parliament, was keenly sought by a number of frontbenchers. One of the aspirants was deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, whose position entitles her to choose her portfolio, at least in theory.
Dutton has also brought Julian Leeser back onto the frontbench, as shadow assistant minister for foreign affairs. Leeser quit the shadow ministry to fight for the yes case in the 2023 Voice referendum.
While his return will be welcomed by many on merit grounds, it also reflects the high profile that Leeser, who is Jewish, has taken in demanding more action against the wave of antiseminism in Australia. Announcing his reshuffle on Saturday, Dutton described Leeser as “a powerhouse of support for Australia’s Jewish community”.
The new shadow cabinet has 11 women, the same number as in the Albanese cabinet.
Melissa McIntosh, from NSW, has been promoted to the shadow cabinet and takes Coleman’s previous job of communications. She stays shadow minister for Western Sydney.
Claire Chandler, from Tasmania and the right, is promoted to shadow cabinet as shadow minister for government services and the digital economy and shadow minister science and the arts. Chandler was in the headlines before the last election for her campaigning against trans women’s access to female sports.
The high profile Jacinta Price receives a promotion. In shades of Elon Musk’s role in the United States, in addition to her current responsibility as shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, she has been given a new role as shadow minister for government efficiency.
Tony Pasin, from South Australia and the right faction, joins the shadow ministry as spokesman on roads and road safety. The government is emphasising its roads program in its campaigning, this month announcing $7.2 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway.
Matt O’Sullivan, a senator from Western Australia, joins the outer shadow ministry as shadow assistant minister for education.
Ted O’Brien adds energy affordability and reliability to his key role as the opposition’s energy spokesman, in which he is prosecuting the nuclear debate. It has been speculated that the government is likely to do more to give people relief on their power bills.
Kerrynne Liddle adds Indigenous health services to her responsibilities as shadow minister for child protection and the prevention of family violence.
Victorian senator James Paterson, who as home affairs spokesman has been regarded as one of the opposition’s best performers, joins the Coalition leadership group.
Michael Sukkar becomes manager of opposition business in the House of Representatives, the position that has been held by Paul Fletcher, who is retiring at the election.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Washington, D.C. – Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) are invited to meet with a member of his staff during the month of November in Wilber.
A staff outreach event is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith’s staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.
Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location:
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Saline County Courthouse 204 High Street, Wilber 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CT
For additional information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, D.C. – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell, U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05), elected officials, family and friends, all gathered today at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport for the naming ceremony of the Columbia Airport Expressway in honor of Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02).
Earlier this year, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Commission voted to name the section of highway after Wilson in appreciation for his many years of dedicated service to the Palmetto State.
“I am beyond grateful to SCDOT for naming Columbia Airport Expressway theCongressman Joe Wilson Expressway and will always fight for the people of South Carolina and the United States,” said Congressman Wilson.
Congressman Wilson is joined by family members (L to R) Addison, Lauren, Hunter, Julian, Roxanne, Anna Grace, Jennifer, and Alan at the naming ceremony.
The European Union expresses its deep concern over Israeli-adopted legislation affecting UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank, emphasizing the agency’s critical role in providing humanitarian services and reaffirming its commitment to support UNRWA’s mandate as essential until a sustainable solution to the conflict is achieved.
This summer, Samsung Electronics South Africa is giving you the ultimate reason to elevate your home and lifestyle with the return of its ever-popular Buy & Get promotion under the theme ‘Get More This Summer’. Celebrating its 10th year, this annual event is more exciting than ever, offering customers the chance to transform their homes with premium Samsung home appliances while reaping rewards designed to enhance their summer experience.
Running from 20 October 2024 to 12 January 2025, this year’s promotion invites customers to dream bigger, live better, and experience more. With rewards valued at up to R10,000, you can indulge in travel and/or lifestyle experiences that make your summer unforgettable. When you purchase participating Samsung home appliance products such as refrigerators or washing machines from top retailers like Hirsch’s, Game, Makro, Tafelberg, Expert, and Takealot, Samsung Store, Samsung Online, you open the door to a world of rewards that cater to your lifestyle needs.
Elevate Your Home with Samsung’s Latest Innovations
Samsung’s cutting-edge appliances, designed to fit seamlessly into your life, are at the heart of this promotion. From the beautifully crafted Bespoke AI Four Door Fridge, with its See-thru Door and Beverage Centre, to the powerful yet efficient Bespoke AI 16kg Front Loader with Eco Bubble technology, Samsung’s range of products allows you to bring both innovation and style into your home. These premium appliances aren’t just functional; they’re designed to enhance the way you live, turning your home into a sanctuary of comfort and convenience.
Why you should choose Samsung
Samsung appliances are engineered to make your life easier, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. This summer, investing in Samsung’s top-tier appliances means more than just upgrading your home—it’s an opportunity to enrich your lifestyle. With a focus on modern living and sustainability, Samsung ensures you can do more, save more, and live more. Whether it’s enjoying refreshingly cold and flavoured water from your Beverage Centre or experiencing energy-efficient laundry days, Samsung makes everyday life simpler, smarter, and more enjoyable.
Rewards Tailored to Your Lifestyle
This year, the Buy & Get More promotion offers a personalised rewards system with three exciting tiers: Gold, Silver, and Blue. The flexibility of these tiers allows you to choose rewards that perfectly match your lifestyle, whether you’re planning a holiday getaway, indulging in a shopping spree, or treating yourself to self-care experiences.
Gold Tier: For those who want it all (rewards worth up to R10,000):
A Flight Centre travel voucher valued at R5,500, plus a R4,500 voucher for a stay in luxury at Marriott/Protea, or
A R4,500 Retail voucher, and a R5,500 Sorbet voucher to pamper yourself.
Silver Tier: A taste of the finer things (rewards worth up to R6,000):
A R3,000 Flight Centre travel voucher plus a R3,000 voucher for a stay at Marriott/Protea’s premium locations, or
A R3,000 Retail voucher, and a R3,000 Sorbet voucher for your day of indulgence.
Blue Tier: Small luxuries that make a big difference (rewards worth up to R4,000):
A combination of both travel and lifestyle with a R1,000 Flight Centre travel voucher paired with a R2,000 a stay at Marriott/Protea voucher, and a R1,000 Sorbet voucher to relax and unwind.
Imagine using your travel voucher to explore South Africa’s stunning landscapes or enjoying a quick urban escape, all while knowing your home is equipped with the best technology on the market. Samsung’s reward tiers allow you to tailor your summer experience to suit your personal tastes and desires.
Seamless Reward Redemption
Redeeming your reward is as effortless as your new Samsung appliance experience. We’ve simplified the process to ensure you can access your rewards with ease:
BUY
Simply purchase any participating product. Purchase on or before 12 January 2025.
SCAN
Use your phone to scan the QR Code or WhatsApp “Hi” to +27 60 042 6197 to start your redemption process. Redeem before 28 February 2025.
REDEEM / REGISTER
Start your registration process on WhatsApp before the 28 February 2025, simply follow the prompts and share your information (ID, proof of purchase and product serial number found on the product).
REWARD
Once validated, you will receive a Reward Registration Pin Code, call our concierge on service to select your reward package.
Bringing More Joy to Summer Living
“We’re delighted to bring back our Buy & Get More promotion, now in its 10th year, as a way of thanking our loyal customers,” said Mark Mackay, Head of Product: Home Appliances at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “Our focus is on helping our customers enjoy more than just the best technology—this summer, we want to enrich their lifestyle. Whether it’s planning a much-needed getaway, indulging in retail therapy, or pampering themselves, we believe these rewards resonate with our customers’ desires to create lasting memories during this season.”
With Samsung’s premium appliances, you can enjoy the convenience of next-gen technology while creating a home that’s a haven of relaxation, joy, and connection. This summer, let Samsung help you do more, live better, and enjoy every moment.
For more information on the Buy & Get promotion, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/buy-and-get/
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Office of Customer Education and Outreach today released a customer advisory alerting messaging app users to beware of schemes to defraud them of assets, specifically crypto assets.
Fraudsters are exploiting the default settings of commonly used messaging apps, telephone networks, and mobile devices to lure users into cryptopump-and-dump schemesand other scams.
The customer advisory, Use Caution Responding to Messaging Apps, informs users of the default settings of WhatsApp, Telegram, and other popular messaging apps that allow scammers to add random or targeted phone numbers to group chats that are used for fraudulent activity. Similarly, default SMS text settings on smart phones allow for a greater number of spam texts that can result in fraud.
“People who use these apps may not be familiar with the risks and frauds commonly associated with crypto assets,” said Melanie Devoe, director of the CFTC’s Office of Customer Education and Outreach. “Receiving agroup message promising 300% or 1,000% returns with zero risk or getting in on a supposed crypto opportunity, can be enticing, but it is best to not engage.”
The customer advisory, provides easy actions app users should take if they receive a message from an unfamiliar person or number saying “you’ve been added to a messaging app’s group chat”:
Do not reply.
Delete the messages or group discussions, block the senders and send text messages to junk or forward it to7726 (SPAM).
Change your privacy settings to protect your information and reduce future spam.
Most apps, mobile carriers and devices provide ways to restrict who may contact you or block specific numbers. Check each messaging apps’ settings. Next, check your carrier’s account app settings, and your device settings. Many major carriers also offer free SMS spam-blocking or call filtering apps that can be added to your phone.
About the Office of Customer Education and Outreach
OCEO is dedicated to helping customers protect themselves from fraud or violations of the Commodity Exchange Act through the research and development of effective financial education materials and initiatives. OCEO engages in outreach and education to retail investors. The office also frequently partners with federal and state regulators as well as consumer protection groups. The CFTC’s full repository of customer education materials can be found at:cftc.gov/LearnAndProtect.
Customer Advisory: Use Caution Responding to Messaging Apps is available in full below andHERE
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Customer Advisory: Use Caution Responding to Messaging Apps
Fraudsters are contacting potential victims on their phones to try to lure them into cryptocurrency scams with promises of guaranteed returns. Spot the fraud by remembering all trades involve a risk of loss. Be suspicious of any messages you receive via WhatsApp, Telegram, SnapChat, WeChat, SMS texts, or other apps that promise guaranteed oversized returns. If you receive a suspicious message:
Do not reply.
Delete the messages or group discussions and block the senders. Send text messages to junk.
Review your privacy settings to protect your information and reduce future spam.
Deception in the Palm of Your Hand
By default, messaging apps allow anyone with your phone number to call or add you to a discussion group. Scammers use this vulnerability to add random or targeted phone numbers to WhatsApp groups or Telegram chats. You might see a message that you’ve been added to a group, then other messages follow. They might talk about trading crypto futures with leverage, “cooperative trading projects” (also calledpump-and-dump schemes), 100, 500, 1,000 percent profits,advanced artificial intelligence, can’t-miss investment programs, or other supposed opportunities. You might also see testimonials from other group members. It’s all fake, lies designed to steal your money.
Don’t Talk to Strangers
Stranger dangerapplies to your mobile device too. Responding or complaining confirms to scammers that your number is active and will only lead to more fraud attempts. The same is true for answering unknown callers. Scammers sometimes use robocalls to identify working numbers.
Caller ID can be easily faked. If you don’t recognize the phone number, or message sender, do not respond. If you receive an urgent message about a financial account, or from law enforcement,the CFTC, or other government agencies, visit the entity’s official website and confirm the message with customer service staff. Do not use phone numbers or links provided in the message.
You should only trade futures with regulated individuals and firms that follow strict qualification, supervision, and customer protection requirements. Learn more about registration atcftc.gov/check. Taking financial advice from unregistered, random people online or trading with unregistered companies that don’t have a physical presence in the United States substantially increase your fraud risk.
Tighten your Security
Most apps let you adjust your privacy settings to only allow your contacts or specific numbers to message you or see your personal information, including your picture, location, and activity status. Check and adjust your settings in each app you use. Delete unwanted groups, block the admins, and report the groups and admins to the platform.
For SMS and phone messages, check your carrier’s apps and account settings. Most major carriers offer free SMS spam and call blockers. Next, adjust phone and message settings on your device, including blocking unwanted callers or silencing spam calls. Activate options to filter unknown senders and junk. If you have the option to “delete and report junk,” use it. If not, forward unwanted messages to 7726 (SPAM). Both options help filter and block bad actors systemwide.
Headline: Five Steps to Keep Your Disaster Recovery on Track
Five Steps to Keep Your Disaster Recovery on Track
Recovering from a disaster is a continuous process with many options and it is important for disaster survivors to know the resources available to support their recovery efforts. Depending on your particular needs and the steps you’ve already taken, there are several additional steps you can take to recover from your losses and mitigate your property against future damage.Here is a checklist to ensure you’ve taken all the steps in your federal assistance process:Visit a temporary Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you. A DRC is a place where you can receive in-person support, speak with FEMA and other federal representatives, upload documents, review the status of your application and submit appeals. Get answers to your questions while the DRC is open. Survivors of the August 18-19, 2024 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides in Connecticut can visit the following DRC: Until 6 p.m. November 4 – at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Closed. Note: This DRC will CLOSE permanently at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 4. NOTE: There will be no DRC service on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6.Beginning 8 a.m. November 7 – at Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Closed. Note: This DRC will be OPEN on Monday, November 11. Apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan. SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. Homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations may also apply. Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed in a disaster event. Know that you are never obligated to accept a loan.To apply with the SBA: visit www.SBA.gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Survivors of the August 18-19, 2024 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides in Connecticut can visit the following SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs): Oxford Town Hall, 486 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT 06478, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday Closed.Monroe Police Department, 7 Fam Hill, Monroe, CT 06468, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday Closed.NOTE: On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the SBA Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new SBA Disaster loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available. Request continued temporary rental assistance forms. If you received initial rental assistance and remain unable to return to your pre-disaster primary residence due to a disaster declared event, make sure to apply for FEMA’s Continued Rental Assistance. If you did not receive a form by mail, you may request one by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Stay in touch with FEMA. Disaster survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA are asked to please stay in touch with the agency to review their application status, update their contact information and provide required documentation as needed. It is critical to keep in touch with FEMA. Missing or out of date information could slow much needed disaster assistance. Let FEMA know if your address or phone number has changed. Download and use the FEMA Mobile App, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Know your appeal options. If you disagree with FEMA decisions, you have the option to submit additional documentation such as your insurance settlement or prove home ownership or documentation to prove your identity to have your case reconsidered. The appeal should be submitted within 60 days of the initial FEMA decision and include supporting documentation, such as a copy of a verifiable contractor’s estimate for repairs.For questions about federal disaster assistance, call the FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. adrien.urbani Thu, 10/31/2024 – 16:41
Update and information on the policing operation for events in London this weekend.
An event has been organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in central London on Saturday 2 November. Officers will also be policing international sporting events, several football fixtures and a presence at large public events and fireworks displays throughout the weekend.
In relation to the PSC event, our goal has been to protect the lawful right to protest whilst minimising the impact of these events on those who live, work and visit London.
We have engaged with the PSC and agreed a route and timings of the event. To help provide clarity to those taking part and to assist their travel plans we have imposed conditions on the protest to minimise any disruption.
The PSC march will form up in Whitehall from midday and commence at 12.45, proceeding across Vauxhall Bridge to Nine Elms where a rally will take place near the US Embassy, concluding by 16.00.
‘Stop The Hate UK’ will hold a counter protest on the corner of Millbank and Vauxhall Bridge to voice opposition to the PSC march. Replicating the approach to the PSC, we have engaged and agreed the location and conditions to their protest to minimise disruption to the public.
A large ticketed fireworks event in Battersea Park is taking place in the early evening. We call on participants of the PSC march to conclude promptly at 16.00 and all protestors to consider their travel plans carefully as public transport and venues throughout the area will be extremely busy.
We encourage participants of the ‘Stop The Hate UK’ protest to head towards Pimlico and Victoria Stations, and those on the PSC march to head away from Battersea and towards Vauxhall when leaving the area and to check online for the latest travel information.
Officers are engaging in advance with businesses, residents and venues along the route to help minimise disruption and respond to any concerns on the day.
Commander Adam Slonecki, who is leading this weekend’s policing operation, said: “Ahead of the weekend we have been in regular discussions with the PSC as well as residents, partners, community groups and businesses. It’s a busy weekend of events across London and we have worked with organisers to seek to minimise disruption and balance the right to protest.
“Officers will be highly visible along the protest route and wider area to ensure the events take place safely and deal with any offences.”
Conditions
The Public Order Act gives the police the power to impose conditions on a procession or assembly of two or more people who are deemed to have a common purpose.
Conditions can be imposed either in advance of an event or by the senior officer present during an event.
On Saturday 2 November the following conditions will be in place relating to the PSC event.
Section 12(3) of the Public Order Act 1986:
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign procession must commence no later than 12.45.
Procession participants forming up at Whitehall must commence proceeding along the prescribed route by 12.45.
Procession participants must not deviate from the prescribed route specified on the attached map.
Procession participants must proceed continuously along the prescribed route and not form up into static assemblies until reaching the final assembly point on Nine Elms Lane.
Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign assembly in preparation for the planned procession must be held within the specified location on Whitehall, SW1 (see Map) and assembly participants must remain within that area.
Assembly participants must remain within the shaded area of the attached map until such time that the procession commences, which must be no later than 12.45, in accordance with the ‘Procession’ conditions imposed.
Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986:
Any person participating in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign post-procession assembly must remain within the shaded area (purple) of Nine Elms Lane, SW11 on the map below.
Any stage erected for the assembly must be in the specified area (blue) on the map below.
The use of the stage and amplified noise equipment must cease by 16.00 and the assembly must conclude, including removal of stage and infrastructure by 1700hrs.
On Saturday 2 November the following conditions will be in place relating to the ‘Stop The Hate UK’ assembly:
Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986
Any person participating in the ‘Stop the Hate UK’ assembly must remain in the shaded area on the map below, on the corner of Millbank and Vauxhall Bridge.
Warning regarding expressing support for proscribed organisations
London is global city and with people joining events from across the country and around the world it is important to reiterate that expressing support for a proscribed organisation in the UK is a criminal offence.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT), the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and it is proportionate to do so.
Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support for a proscribed organisation through chanting, wearing clothing or display articles such as flags, signs or logos.
Hamas and Hizballah are proscribed by the UK Government and expressing support for them is a criminal offence.
Hamas has been proscribed since 2021 – both political and military wings are proscribed under UK jurisdiction.
Hizballah has been proscribed since 2019.
It is a criminal offence to:
belong, or profess to belong, to a proscribed organisation in the UK or overseas (Section 11 TACT)
invite support for a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to (Section 12(2) TACT)
wear clothing or carry or display articles in public in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that the individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation (Section 13 TACT)
publish an image of an item of clothing or other article, such as a flag or logo, in the same circumstances (Section 13(1A) TACT)
Officers policing events will deal with any offences. If you have any concerns during an event speak to a police officer or event steward.
If you see material supporting terrorism online report it – visit www.gov.uk/ACT
You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321
In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.
Headline: Microsoft names Jay Parikh as a member of the senior leadership team
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, shared the below communication with Microsoft employees this morning.
When I look to the next phase of Microsoft, both in terms of our scale and our massive opportunity ahead, it’s clear that we need to continue adding exceptional talent at every level of the organization to increase our depth and capability across our business priorities – spanning security, quality, and AI innovation.
Jay Parikh
With that context, I’m excited to share that Jay Parikh is joining Microsoft as a member of the senior leadership team (SLT), reporting to me. Jay was the global head of engineering at Facebook (now Meta) and most recently was CEO of Lacework. He has an impressive track record, with a unique combination of experiences building and scaling technical teams that serve both commercial customers and consumers. His deep connections across the start-up and VC ecosystems, coupled with his leadership roles at Akamai and Ning, will bring valuable perspective to Microsoft.
Over the years I’ve known Jay, I’ve admired him as a technology leader and respected engineer with a deep commitment to driving innovation and striving for operational excellence. His focus extends beyond technology, with his passion for and dedication to developing people, fostering a strong culture, and building world-class talent, all in service of delivering faster value to customers and driving business growth. In fact, there are very few leaders in our industry with Jay’s experience in leading teams through the rapid growth and scale required to support today’s largest internet businesses.
As he onboards, Jay will immerse himself in learning about our company priorities and our culture and will spend time connecting with our senior leaders and meeting with customers, partners, and employees around the world. We will share more on his role and focus in the next few months.
Headline: How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today
As we approach the end of support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 20251, we want to ensure you are well-prepared for the transition to Windows 11. This milestone marks an important step in our mission to provide the most modern and secure computing experience possible for everyone whether at work, school, or home, and our commitment to continually improving Windows security as part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI). We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty and passion for Windows 10, and we are working hard to make it easy to move to Windows 11.
This blog post is intended to help you prepare for Windows 10 end of support by outlining considerations for moving to Windows 11 today. Including:
Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11
Checking if your current Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11
Resources for purchasing a new Windows 11 PC
Information on the purchase of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations of all sizes as previously announced in April of this year and, for the first time, an ESU option for consumers, available for a one-year option for $30.
Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11
Windows 11 builds upon the strengths and familiarity of Windows, offering you a modern, secure and highly efficient computing experience that meets the current demands for heightened security by default and by design. With integrated and enhanced security features, high customer satisfaction and notable productivity improvements — be it for work, school or play — new Windows 11 PCs are more secure, more productive and higher performing than Windows 10 PCs.
And Copilot+ PCs, our fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever, take this capability a step further, embodying the ultimate Windows 11 experience with cutting-edge security measures, optimized performance and innovative AI-powered features that redefine what’s possible on a PC.
Windows 11 features include:
Even more secure by default: Modernizing to Windows 11 provides a secure environment with advanced security features like TPM 2.0, virtualization-based security and the vulnerable driver block list enabled by default, as well as Smart App Control which is available on new installations of Windows 11 on any PC. New Windows 11 PCs are more secure, with a reported 62% drop in security incidents and 3x reported reduction in firmware attacks.4 At a premium price, Copilot+ PCs deliver even more protection, including memory-based integrity, Secured-core PC capabilities, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the built-in Microsoft Pluton Security processor.
Trusted Windows experience: Windows 11 maintains a familiar user experience from Windows 10, with a consistent layout and functionality, while introducing a more modern and streamlined UI design. Key elements like the Start menu and taskbar have been updated for a cleaner look, but the overall navigation and usability remain intuitive and user-friendly, like Windows 10.
Optimized for speed and efficiency: Enhanced response time when in sleep mode, faster web browsing, intuitive navigation and improved, updated fundamentals all contribute to better performance on Windows 11. Leveraging the performance of Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs offer even more power and efficiency, and lightning speed when performing AI-powered productivity and creativity tasks. In fact, Copilot+ PCs are up to 5x faster than the most popular five-year old Windows PCs.3
Better multitasking: Features like Snap Layouts and Multiple desktops help you stay organized and productive. With Snap Layouts, you can organize your open windows and optimize your screen space, making multitasking easier and more efficient. Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized — or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting.
Built-in accessibility features: Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed and most accessible version of Windows yet. Windows 11 includes a host of accessibility improvements designed for and with people with disabilities: calmer, more appealing sound schemes; beautiful new contrast themes and closed caption customizations; and, a more responsive and flexible experience for working with assistive technologies.
Designed with energy efficiency in mind: Featuring energy saver capabilities and carbon-aware Windows Updates.
Copilot, your AI companion: With Copilot, you can get straightforward answers, learn, grow and gain confidence. Copilot breaks down complex concepts and helps you make sense of it all. Easily accessible right from the Windows taskbar or the Copilot key on new Windows 11 PCs.
Snap Layouts in Windows 11
Modern security starts with hardware
Starting Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware. Because of this, we designed Windows 11 to be the most secure version of Windows ever — by default and design — to help you stay ahead of those risks. Advanced security features include hardware-based protection through TPM 2.0, enhanced authentication methods and virtualization-based security fully enabled by default. Windows 11 also includes phishing protection, offering robust defense mechanisms, and provides an extra layer of security against common and persistent cyberattacks, like attempts to compromise login credentials or install malware.
Smart App Control in Windows 11
Notable Windows 11 security benefits include:
Microsoft Pluton security processor: Designed by Microsoft and our silicon partners, Pluton is embedded in the PC’s processor, enhancing many Windows 11 and all Copilot+ PCs with protection for user identity, data and apps accompanied by reliable updates from Microsoft distributed with safe deployment best practices.
Hardware and software integration: Features like secure boot, virtualization-based security, memory integrity, Secured-core PC, the vulnerable driver block list, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) defaults contribute to the additional security as compared with Windows 10 devices.
A safer app experience: Smart App Control in Windows 11 enhances security by automatically blocking untrusted or potentially harmful applications, ensuring a safer and more reliable computing experience. This proactive feature helps protect you from malware and other threats without compromising performance.
Windows Hello extended to protect passkeys: Passkeys are another secure step towards eliminating passwords entirely, making it much harder for hackers to exploit stolen passwords through phishing attacks.
Passkeys in Windows 11
Moving to Windows 11 is simple, here’s how
We’ve created a straightforward and secure migration process to Windows 11, beginning with checking whether your current Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11 or if a new, more secure PC is necessary.
Check if your PC can be upgraded to Windows 11
Check if your Windows 10 PC is eligible to upgrade for free to Windows 11 by selecting the Start button, then going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
To take advantage of the enhanced security Windows 11 provides, some customers may need a new PC. You can learn more about Windows 11 system requirements.
Windows 10 PCs will receive new in-product notifications to educate you about Windows 10 End of Support coming in October 2025. You will be able to learn more about options available and actions you can take to prepare for the move to Windows 11.
If you determine you need a new Windows 11 PC, there are tools available to help you prepare for your next device:
Reduce downtime and ensure that your personal files, settings and applications are securely moved from Windows 10 to Windows 11 exactly as you had them saved with Windows Backup. Learn more.
OneDrive enables offline file access and the ability to work with synced files in File Explorer, automatically updating once you’re online again. For Microsoft 365 customers, File Explorer also has significant improvements like Tabs, along with new improved views like an home page powered by the Microsoft graph for quick file access (e.g. recommendations (AAD only)), favorites and enriched Microsoft 365 file activity. You can also use the new and modern Gallery view to access your pictures, camera roll and other images like screenshots. Learn more.
Purchasing a new Windows 11 PC
If you find your current Windows 10 PC is ineligible to upgrade to Windows 11, we have a broad array of choices in new PCs you can purchase.
With new Copilot+ PCs and continued innovation on Windows 11 at every price, we invite you to see what’s new from top brands like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Surface and more.
Finding the right Windows 11 PC for you is easy with Help me Choose, a simple tool to help you find the right new PC for you.
When you are ready to purchase a new Windows 11 PC, we encourage you to leverage trade-in5 and recycling6 programs available at many of our Windows ecosystem partners including, OEMs such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and global retailers like Best Buy, Boulanger, Costco, Currys, Elkjøp, Fnac, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, MediaMarkt & SATURN, officeworks, Sharaf DG and Walmart. Our business customers have access to programs available through resellers such as Bechtle, CDW, ComputaCenter, Connection, SHI and more. In addition, you can find your nearest Microsoft recycling program here.
Accelerate business success with Windows 11
For organizations of every size, Windows 11 is built for game-changing AI, faster performance and layers of security enabled by default – with a 250% return on investment2. Designed to support any work environment and every employee, offering features that enhance multitasking and facilitate 50% faster workflows than Windows 104. It also introduces a multitude of new management controls, making it easier for organizations to move away from older systems, like Group Policy as well as new tools and policies to enable more secure corporate environments reducing the number of IT helpdesk tickets7. Features like Windows Autopilot for device setup, Intune for device management with Config Refresh, and Windows Hello for Business and other MFA authentication methods supported by Entra ID are available to our commercial customers.
We invite our commercial customers to join us in-person in Chicago or remotely on Nov. 19 at Ignite to learn even more about how Windows is empowering organization of all sizes.
Moving to Windows 11 is simple for organizations too
As we approach the end of support for Windows 10, we want to ensure organizations experience an easy and seamless transition to Windows 11. With 99.7% compatibility with Windows 10 apps8 the move is familiar to IT using the same tools and processes you use today which means organizations have been deploying Windows 11 25% faster2. A range of tools are available and designed to support this upgrade, ensuring minimal disruption to their operations and maximizing the benefits of Windows 11.
Microsoft offers App Assure, a service to help with any Windows 11 software or browser application compatibility issue that you may discover. We’ll assist in remediating custom apps, ISV applications or Microsoft products; learn more at https://aka.ms/appassure.
The Windows Pro PC Help me Choose tool can guide organizations to find the best Windows 11 computers.
The new Forrester EOS calculator can help build a business case and prepare for the transition by estimating the potential costs and savings associated with upgrading your organization to Windows 11, allowing ITBDMs to make informed decisions about their upgrade timelines.
The Windows 11 Security Book is an essential resource that provides a detailed exploration of the security enhancements that make Windows 11 our most secure OS, and offers insights into how businesses can protect their organizations effectively.
To help our SMB customers migrate to Windows 11, we have created an assessment tool to communicate the steps they need to take to mitigate the risks of Windows 10 End of Support as well as resources to help.
Education customers can use the tools summarized above, and we are excited to support our students and teachers on Windows 11 with easy-to-use, secure and accessible tools in Windows 11, enabling educators to personalize learning for all students. Learn more about the options available.
Extended security updates for individuals and organizations of all sizes
We understand that some of you may require additional time while moving to a new Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you may wish to take steps to help secure your existing PC. As previously announced, we will offer our Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Enrolled PCs will continue to receive Critical and Important security updates for Windows 10; however, new features, bug fixes and technical support will no longer be available from Microsoft.
Moving to a modern computing experience with confidence
We are committed to protecting you and your PC with the most advanced security possible. With Windows 11 we took a significant step forward across silicon, hardware and software to significantly raise the security, performance and productivity of Windows PCs. With the Windows 10 End of Support moment, now is the time to move to Windows 11 with confidence. We understand change is never easy, but we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for your passion and loyalty for Windows.
Learn more about Windows 10 End of Support.
1 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases are subject to different lifecycle support policies. Check out the Microsoft lifecycle website for more information.
2 Microsoft-commissioned study delivered by Forrester Consulting: “The Total Economic Impact of Windows 11 Pro Devices”, December 2022. Note, quantified benefits reflect results over three years combined into a single composite organization that generates $1 billion in annual revenue, has 2,000 employees, refreshes hardware on a four-year cycle and migrates the entirety of its workforce to Windows 11 devices.
3 Windows Copilot+ PC Performance Claims – May 2024 – Copilot+ PC performance details | Microsoft Learn.
4 Windows 11 Survey Report. Techaisle LLC, September 2024. Commissioned by Microsoft. Windows 11 results are in comparison with Windows 10 devices.
5 Trade-in available only through the Microsoft Store in the U.S. See site for details.
6 Available in select countries only. See site for details.
7 Microsoft-commissioned study: “Improve your day-to-day experience with Windows 11 Pro laptops,” Principled Technologies, February 2023.
8 Microsoft App Assure program data from October 2018 to February 2022.
After the crowd erupted with cheers and applause, Carlson continued:
“Dad comes home and he’s pissed. Dad is pissed. He’s not vengeful. He loves his children. Disobedient as they may be, he loves them. Because they’re his children. They live in his house. But he’s very disappointed in their behavior. And he’s going to have to let them know.”
Initially, to a political communication scholar like me who studies gender and political leadership, the riff sounded like it was shaped by a political philosophy identified by linguist George Lakoff in the 1990s. That philosophy embraced the “strict father” model of governance, in which the government is akin to a stern patriarch who enforces obedience through punishment and cultivates the self-reliance necessary for people to live without a social safety net.
But Carlson’s strict father departed from Lakoff’s version in an important way. According to Lakoff, the strict father’s moral authority is rooted in a personal ethic of self-discipline, temperance and restraint – characteristics he seeks to impart to those he is charged with protecting.
Carlson’s strict father morphed into an unrestrained leader who takes pleasure in the pain of those he subordinates. As the crowd egged him on, Carlson role played:
“And when Dad gets home, you know what he says? You’ve been a bad girl. You’ve been a bad little girl and you’re getting a vigorous spanking, right now. And, no, it’s not going to hurt me more than it hurts you. No, it’s not. I’m not going to lie. It’s going to hurt you a lot more than it hurts me. And you earned this. You’re getting a vigorous spanking because you’ve been a bad girl.”
In Carlson’s re-telling, the MAGA Republican patriarch becomes a sadist who achieves pleasure by inflicting pain on an infantilized, feminized and vulnerable Democratic opponent. It was a perversion of an already sexist theory of governance.
Tucker Carlson at a Turning Point rally on Oct. 23, 2024, in Duluth, Ga., said that when ‘dad gets home,’ he’ll tell his daughter ‘You’ve been a bad little girl, and you’re getting a vigorous spanking right now.’
‘Sexism, sadism and sexualization’
In my research, I’ve examined how sexism, sadism and sexualization often coalesce in mainstream political discourse aimed at women candidates and women voters.
On October 25, Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC posted an ad to the @America X account that Musk commandeered, with the warning: “America really can’t afford a ‘C-Word’ in the White House right now.”
The ad opens with a content advisory: “WARNING: THIS AD CONTAINS MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF THE ‘C WORD.’ VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.”
The narrator announces, “Kamala Harris is a C word,” as an off-screen audience gasps. The voice continues: “You heard that right. A big ole C word.”
The ad accuses Harris of being a “tax-hiking, regulation-loving, gun-grabbing” – then the narration pauses to reveal a cat in a Soviet military uniform against a bright red background. The cat swiftly transforms into a picture of Harris in a Soviet-style fur hat while the ad reveals that the “C word” is “Communist” for “Comrade Kamala.” So she’s a tax-hiking, regulation-loving, gun-grabbing … Communist.
The New York Times reported that, despite the final reveal, “the setup is an obvious play on a far more vulgar term that begins with the same letter – an insult against women that is one of the most obscene words in American English.” The ad’s depiction of Harris as a cat – a pussycat – is a decidedly unsubtle echo of the implied insult.
A history of insulting women
It’s not the first time that a Trump ally has invoked “the C word” to insult a woman running for president.
In 2008, Trump’s friend, associate and future campaign strategistRoger Stone launched a PAC called “Citizens United Not Timid: a 527 Organization To Educate the American Public About What Hillary Clinton Really Is.” The important letters were bolded on the image Stone emblazoned on T-shirts: “C-U-N-T.”
The anecdote was more than a casual aside. It was a performance of patriarchal authority.
Trump said, “Arnold Palmer was all man, and I say that in all due respect to women.” His voice then turned guttural as he insisted, “And I love women, but this guy, this guy, this is a guy that was all man. This man was strong and tough.” Trump then explained, “when he took showers with the other pros they came outta there they said ‘oh my god, that’s unbelievable.’”
Trump’s choice to inject “locker room talk” into his campaign discourse is a reminder of the Access Hollywood recording that surfaced in 2016 and featured Trump bragging about “try[ing] to f—” a married woman, “mov[ing] on her like a bitch,” and grabbing women “by the pussy,” without consent.
‘You will be protected’
Trump flouts consent whether he is the aggressor or the ostensible protector. In an attempt to appeal to women voters, Trump recently added a promise to his stump speech: “You will no longer be abandoned, lonely or scared. You will no longer be in danger … You will be protected, and I will be your protector.”
Trump’s response was telling. On Oct. 30, he told a rally audience that he refused his staff’s suggestion, saying, “I said, well, I’m gonna do it whether the women like it or not.”
Doing it whether women like it or not is MAGA Republicans’ closing argument in the 2024 campaign. They’ve abandoned the “strict father” and become the creepy uncle.
Karrin Vasby Anderson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced two bipartisan bills focused on improving health outcomes and transparency in long-term care settings. H.R. 10072, the Long-Term Care Transparency Act, and H.R. 10071, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, aim to address critical gaps in senior care and public health programs across the United States.
The Long-Term Care Transparency Act, co-led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), will ensure that Congress has access to crucial information about the quality and safety of care in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Right now, state ombudsman programs gather a lot of data on issues in these facilities, from health and safety concerns to residents’ rights — however, it isn’t readily available at the national level. By requiring the Administration on Aging to compile and report this data to Congress, the bill helps improve oversight and highlight problem areas, ultimately leading to higher standards and better care for seniors. Cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Don Davis (NC-01).
“We need to bring transparency and congressional oversight to long-term care facilities to ensure that seniors receive the quality care they deserve,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This legislation is a commonsense solution to ensure data is shared with lawmakers, allowing Congress to fully address problem areas and shape policies that prioritize seniors’ health, safety, and dignity.”
The Long-Term Care Transparency Act is supported by organizations, including the National Council on Aging, the Elder Justice Coalition, and the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs.
Bob Blancato, National Coordinator for the Elder Justice Coalition, said, “The bi-partisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition fully supports the Long Term Care Transparency Act of 2024. We commend Rep Langworthy for his leadership in sponsoring the bill. It is both appropriate and overdue for the state’s long-term care ombudsman program to be better supported. Calling for better data collection will certainly help the cause.”
Read the full text of the bill here.
The second piece of legislation, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, co-led by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09), seeks to make health promotion and disease prevention programs more accessible, especially for seniors in rural areas, through new federal funding opportunities for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
AAAs are public or private nonprofit agencies designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. Currently, the strict “evidence-based” requirements tied to federal funding under the Older Americans Actmake it challenging for these agencies to implement or adapt health programs that fit local needs. This bill would expand options for these agencies by allowing funds to support “evidence-informed” programs, which are still based on established research but are more adaptable and cost-effective.
By opening up funding to evidence-informed programs, this bill would enable rural AAAs to provide a broader range of health and wellness services, including chronic disease management programs, fall prevention initiatives to reduce injury risks, and social connection programs that address the health impacts of isolation. With this flexibility, AAAs would be better equipped to deliver programs that help seniors stay healthy, active, and connected within their communities.
“Every senior deserves access to programs that help them stay healthy and connected, no matter where they live,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This bill gives our rural and underserved communities the resources to deliver effective, high-quality health services that meet their unique needs. Expanding funding options for evidence-informed programs is a practical step that will make a real difference in helping more older Americans receive support from their communities.”
This legislation is supported by outside groups, including the National Council on Aging and USAging.
Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, said,“USAging is pleased to endorse the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, which would update the Older Americans Act Title III D’s health promotion and disease prevention programs to better meet the needs of older adults nationwide. The bill provides Area Agencies on Aging the flexibility they need to reach more older adults with emerging interventions as well as proven evidence-based programs focused on fall prevention, chronic disease self-management, mental health and other issues that promote healthy aging. We thank Congressman Langworthy for his leadership in introducing this bill and hope it will be included in the forthcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.”
Source: The White House
The Edgewater HotelMadison, Wisconsin
10:08 A.M. CDT
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Okay. Good morning, everyone. Happy Halloween.
Q Good morning.
Q Good morning.
Q Happy Halloween.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: And for those of you who are without your children today, thank you for just being on the road.
So, today, we will be leaving Wisconsin, heading west. And I’ll be, obviously, in three states again today talking with the American people about the stakes of this election and the opportunity that we, the American people, have to chart a new way forward.
I will comment on the former President Donald Trump’s remark about women and — and whether they “like it or not.” And, listen, it’s just — it actually is, I think, very offensive to women in terms of not understanding their agency, their authority, their right, and their ability to make decisions about their own lives, including their own bodies.
And this is just the latest on a series of reveals by the former president of how he thinks about women and their agency, whether he has said, as he has, that women should be punished for their choices; whether he has talked about his pride in taking away a fundamental right from women; whether it be how he has actually created a situation in America where now one in three women lives in a Trump abortion ban state and has legal restrictions on the right she rightly should have to make decisions about her own body.
The other point I will refer to about — in the last many hours is the speaker’s comments about the Affordable Care Act. Look, I’ve been saying throughout this campaign: Be very clear that among the stakes in this election are whether we continue with the Affordable Care Act or not.
It has been a part of Donald Trump’s agenda for a very long time. He has made dozens of attempts to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. And now we have further validation of that agenda from his supporter, the speaker of the House.
And what that would mean for the American people is that pharma- — that — that insurance companies could go back to a time when they would deny you coverage for health insurance based on preexisting conditions — preexisting conditions, such as you being a survivor of breast cancer, asthma, diabetes.
And what I know is that the American people, regardless of who they’re voting for, know the importance of the Affordable Care Act — of, as it is also called, “Obamacare,” in terms of expanding people’s coverage to health care based on a fundamental principle that I hold deeply: Access to health care should be a right and not just a privilege to those who can afford it.
So, there’s still a lot of work to do. But each day, I think that there are also indications that we are receiving from my opponent that verify, validate, and reinforce the fact that, one, he is not going to be fighting for women’s reproductive rights. He does not prioritize the freedom of women and the intelligence of women to make decisions about their own lives and bodies. And health care for all Americans is on the line in this election as well.
I’ll take your questions.
AIDE: Tam.
Q Oh, yeah. You know, since the beginning stages of your campaign, you’ve described yourself as an underdog. That language is gone from your speech now. Has something changed in how you’re feeling?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, listen, I am putting it all on the field, and it’s going to be a very tight race. And I — I am running like the underdog, because we are. Donald Trump has been running for the — the last decade. I’ve been in this race about three and a half months, and the stakes are so high.
But I’ve been saying for quite some time, regardless of what the polls say, we are going to win. I do believe that, because I do believe that this is a choice about two very different directions for our country.
And the choice being offered by Donald Trump is about going backward, about a constant emphasis on degrading the American people in our capacity, versus a track that is about bringing the country together, knowing we have more in common than what separates us.
And we should have a plan, which I do, to actually get things done, including bringing down the cost of living for people, investing in our small businesses, expanding access to health care, investing in American industries, including the future of American industries and American workers.
So, there you go.
AIDE: Will.
Q So, you talked about the — what the former president said being offensive to women. Wh- —
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Oh, I think it’s offensive to everybody, by the way.
Q Well, that — that was my question.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yeah.
Q The sort of hypermasculinity that he is talking about, do you — what do you think about it possibly resonating with men and male voters specifically?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: You will — you — you’ve been following me, and you will see that in the tens of thousands of people who attend our rallies — which is an opportunity to talk about the issues, talk about the future of our country — right? — there are men, women, young people, people of every race, every background.
One of the points, I think, that is a point of pride for everyone who attends — and including myself — is that our campaign really is about bringing people together, people of very different and diverse backgrounds, around a common theme that is about love of country, defending the Constitution of the United States, and investing in our future as — and rejecting the notion that we are divided or that that should be acceptable that we would be divided as a nation.
So, I’m very proud to have the support of — of men, women, young people, people of every background.
AIDE: Ebony.
Q So, we know we have five days until the election. How are you going to continue to draw the contest with former President Donald Trump, specifically with the undecided voters, as the pool is really shrinking now?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I will continue — as we will do today, as we did yesterday, and so on — to talk with people where they live — so, again, here in Wisconsin, heading to Arizona, heading to Nevada — to talk with people about issues, like how we’re going to deal with price gouging — corporate price gouging as a way to deal with grocery costs; how we’re going to invest in small businesses and expand access to capital; how I will give first-time homeowners a $25,000 down payment assistance if they are a first-time homebuyer to help them get their foot in the door.
These are the issues that the American people want to talk about, because these are the issues that affect them. These are the issues they think about when they’re sitting at their kitchen table or when they’re trying to go to sleep at night.
And what I know is that they want a president of the United States who, as I say, will walk into the Oval Office with a to-do list and not an enemies list.
And so, that’s what I will continue to do over the course of these next few days to let folks know that I see them, I hear them, and I’m prepared to address their challenges with a plan that is about getting things done.
AIDE: Thank you.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Okay. Thank you.
END 10:15 A.M. CDT
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Letter from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, beginning the democratic consent process on Articles 5-10 Windsor Framework in accordance with Schedule 6A NI Act 1998.
Dear Edwin,
NOTIFICATION UNDER SCHEDULE 6A NORTHERN IRELAND ACT 1998
Under Schedule 6A of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, it is my duty as Secretary of State to give notification of the start of the democratic consent process, as referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the declaration by His Majesty’s Government concerning the operation of the ‘Democratic consent in Northern Ireland’ provision of the Windsor Framework made on 17 October 2019.
This notification marks the day immediately before the start of the final two months of the current continuation period. The first day of the new continuation period will be 1 January 2025. Before that date, this Government must notify the European Commission of the outcome of the democratic consent process established by Schedule 6A in relation to the continued application of Articles 5 to 10 of the Framework during the new continuation period.
I can confirm that for this upcoming democratic consent process, the default democratic consent process will apply, as set out in Part 3 of Schedule 6A.
Schedule 6A prescribes the text of the motion to be tabled, and has remained unamended since December 2020 such that it refers to the former Northern Ireland Protocol. As you will know, the arrangements laying down the Windsor Framework at the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee included agreement that references to the ‘the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland’ (such as that prescribed in the motion) will be read by the Government to mean the Windsor Framework. I would be grateful if this could be put to Assembly Members should there be doubt as to the validity of a motion.
I am copying this letter to the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill & Emma Little-Pengelly.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic Marine Response Station (AMRS) in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, concluded its operational season and closed on October 22, 2024.
October 31, 2024
Yellowknife, NT – The Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic Marine Response Station (AMRS) in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, concluded its operational season and closed on October 22, 2024.
The station opened on June 21, 2024, and provided essential search and rescue services during the boating season in the areas of Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, and Whale Cove. Personnel conducted four training exercises, responded to eight search and rescue cases, and travelled over 737 nautical miles.
Throughout this season, crews carried out cultural education training, including Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional Inuit knowledge), first response to oil spill training, and a land-based survival and rescue exercise. These exercises help Canadian Coast Guard staff gain a deeper understanding of the area, improve partnerships, and strengthen relationships with community members for future search and rescue operations. AMRS crews work closely with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Inuit communities, and other Northern organizations and partner agencies to increase maritime safety in the Arctic.
In western Hudson Bay, marine emergencies can be reported to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free at 1-800-267-7270 or by VHF radio (channel 16).
Originally established in 2018 as the Inshore Rescue Boat North station, the AMRS is the first Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue station in the Arctic, and is crewed by Indigenous Peoples, hired and trained by the Canadian Coast Guard. It represents a significant milestone under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, which is improving marine safety in Arctic waters in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard Arctic Region 204-984-4715 XCA.Media@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
ATLANTA (October 31, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) celebrated SOLARCYCLE’s announcement to expedite its solar recycling operations in Polk County. The expansion will create 640 new full-time jobs and inject over $62 million into the local economy. This growth will not only increase Georgia’s recycling capacity but also continue to position northwest Georgia as a hub for clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing.
“SOLARCYCLE’s decision to accelerate their operations in Polk County brings exactly the kind of jobs and forward-thinking industries our district needs,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “I am grateful to our partners and SOLARCYCLE for their commitment to creating high-quality, long-term job opportunities right here in our community. This expansion is proof of the vibrant future that clean energy and manufacturing can offer Georgia families, and I look forward to seeing its impact across the region.”
SOLARCYCLE’s new recycling facility, located adjacent to the company’s future solar glass manufacturing plant, will recycle up to 10 million solar panels per year. The glass produced will contribute directly to the company’s solar glass manufacturing, supporting a full-circle, sustainable energy production process. As Georgia ranks among the top states for cumulative solar capacity, this expansion underscores the state’s leadership in sustainable energy and innovation.
Residents interested in joining SOLARCYCLE’s growing team can find open positions in manufacturing, engineering and more at www.solarcycle.us/careers.
# # # #
Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or atJason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
The United States has filed a civil lawsuit against Lawrence Bivona, who was the President of LaJobi Inc., a Delaware corporation that imported Chinese-manufactured children’s bedroom furniture into the United States. The lawsuit alleges that Bivona made false statements to customs officials and, as a result, avoided paying antidumping duties owed on the imported furniture.
At the time merchandise is entered into the United States, the importer is responsible for providing all information necessary to enable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assess the applicable duties owed on the goods, including any antidumping duties applicable to the merchandise. Antidumping duties are trade remedies that help protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices by foreign businesses and countries, such as government subsidies or below market sales.
The United States’ complaint contends that Bivona caused LaJobi to misrepresent the identity of the manufacturers of the children’s furniture imported from China. In particular, the United States alleges that Bivona falsely represented that the furniture was manufactured by Chinese entities subject to duty rates of approximately 7% or less, and failed to disclose that the furniture was actually manufactured by entities subject to duty rates of 216%.
“Anti-dumping duties play an important role in countering illegal foreign trade practices and protecting U.S. manufacturers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue those who seek to gain an unfair advantage by violating our trade laws.”
“These civil penalties support the seriousness of CBP’s trade mission and protect the U.S. economy, while maintaining fair trade and preserving American jobs from predatory practices,” said Executive Director Susan Thomas of CBP’s Cargo and Conveyance Security, Office of Field Operations. “CBP’s antidumping and countervailing duties enforcement aims to mitigate harm by anti-competitive behavior and supports a level playing field for U.S. companies injured by unfair trade practices.”
“We take very seriously our role in protecting the U.S. economy from illegal and predatory trade practices,” said Assistant Director Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Global Trade Investigations. “HSI is committed to working alongside CBP and partners to stop those who engage in fraud to circumvent U.S. trade laws.”
The complaint seeks the recovery of over $7 million in import duties and over $15 million in civil penalties.
HSI Newark led the investigation with CBP Trade Regulatory Audit Newark, CBP Associate Chief Counsel New York, CBP Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising (CPMM) Center of Excellence and Expertise. CBP and HSI are the agencies responsible for enforcing U.S. laws related to the importation of merchandise into the United States, including the collection of duties and assessment of penalties.
Trial Counsel Daniel Hoffman of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, National Courts Section, is handling the case.
The case is filed in the Court of International Trade and captioned United States v. Lawrence Bivona No. 24-00196.
To combat trade fraud, including avoidance of import duties, the Justice Department created a Trade Fraud Task Force. The Task Force partners with CBP and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with U.S. trade laws.
The claims in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
The HSE hosted The Fourth International Forum of Young Researchers in Creative Economy. The authors of scientific papers that passed the competitive selection presented their reports: Russian and foreign researchers under 35 years of age, postgraduates and students studying the socio-economic aspects of the development of the creative economy and creative industries.
The Fourth International Forum of Young Researchers in the Creative Economy took place on the second day of the IV International Scientific Conference “Creative Economy: Key Development Trends and State Policy”. The event is being held Institute for Statistical Research and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEZ) under the auspices of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia, within the framework of the activities of the World-Class Scientific Center “Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Human Potential» HSE University, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.
The researchers studied key trends in the development of the creative economy and creative industries, digitalization of creative industries, analysis of creative clusters, creative potential of cities and regions, etc.
Every year more and more people participate in the competition, and now the competition was serious, emphasized the forum moderator, director of the center “Russian Cluster Observatory» Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, National Research University Higher School of Economics Evgeny Kutsenko.
The three best works were awarded diplomas and prizes. Elizaveta Fainshtein from the National Research University Higher School of Economics studied the perception of visitors to various public spaces based on a semantic analysis of reviews. The jury noted the relevance of the work and its practical focus. “Such spaces are appearing in many cities in Russia, and your research shows how they can help themselves, because, of course, there is not always enough money to develop them through the state,” noted Evgeny Kutsenko.
The work of Ivan Slipchenko from the Central University of Finance and Economics (China) was devoted to the impact of government support measures on the dynamics of China’s creative goods exports in 2016–2023. The researcher analyzed which support measures are most important and used a panel model for this purpose, which allows assessing cause-and-effect relationships.
Timur Malikov from the National Research University Higher School of Economics studied the reasons for overtime work in the video game industry. The jury noted the deep study of the topic, as well as the high-quality fusion of academicism and practicality.
In addition, the members of the competition committee additionally singled out four more works that they liked. A team of HSE students presented the study “Bread and Wine: Defining the Boundaries of Influence of Modern Creative Clusters in Moscow Using the Example of Spaces Near the Dmitrovskaya and Kurskaya Metro Stations”. Another team of HSE students studied the phenomenon of “catch-up” creativity in northern regions using the example of the Murmansk Region. Vitaly Saakov from the Russian State University of Economics (RINH) conducted an analysis of the creative industries of the Rostov Region. Anastasia Makukhina from the State Institute of Art Studies studied social networks as a factor in shaping demand for theatrical goods.
In conclusion, Evgeny Kutsenko called on the contestants to refine their research in accordance with the recommendations and take part in the HSE competition next year.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) recently announced $7,556,842 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State Airports for upgrades to modernize their facilities and improve passenger comfort.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Investing in America agenda continues to deliver for Maryland’s airports and boost our economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Hoyer. “As Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, I have worked with House Democrats and top officials in the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that every community in America can see and feel the impact of the historic laws that Democrats passed in the 117th Congress. I was pleased to work with Team Maryland to secure these Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for Carroll County Regional Airport, Martin State Airport, and Tipton Airport, which will create good jobs and provide a more reliable air travel experience. Together, we will continue to lower costs, create jobs, and ensure our state’s economy works for all Marylanders.”
“The landmark infrastructure law enacted by President Biden in 2021 continues to invest in Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “It recognized that our airports, both large and small, have aging and outdated facilities that require upgrades to meet the changing demands on our aviation system and keep it safe and competitive.”
“Our local airports are important transportation hubs that support our state’s economy, ensuring that travelers and goods get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to support the Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State airports in serving the growing needs of Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to reap rewards for Maryland and Marylanders including this funding for local airports, which provide a critical connection to communities and economies throughout the region,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “This is a strategic investment that will make our airports safer, more comfortable and convenient. I look forward to even more upgrades to our nation’s aging transportation infrastructure to come.”
The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program and Airport Terminal Program.
The federal grants have been awarded as follows:
$3,612,000. Carroll County Regional Airport: To remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructions by the FAA.
$2,944,842, Tipton Airport: To construct a 6,000 square-foot terminal to accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage.
$1,000,000, Martin State Airport: To fund the funds the construction of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower, replacing the 82-year-old sponsor-owned tower that has reached the end of its useful life.
The Airport Improvement Program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process, which makes $3.35 billion available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and an additional $532 million from the general fund for AIP projects.
The Airport Terminal Program was created in 2021 through the lawmakers’ efforts to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Funded at $1 billion in fiscal year 2024, the Airport Terminal Program supports safe, sustainable, and accessible airport terminals, on-airport rail access projects, and airport-owned airport traffic control towers.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Susan Wild (PA-07)
Today, Congresswoman Susan Wild announced that Pennsylvania has been awarded $207,342,959 in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This investment will help individuals and families with low incomes pay home heating costs this winter, as well as prevent energy shutoffs, weatherize homes to increase energy efficiency, and make minor energy-related home repairs.
“LIHEAP is a critical part of protecting the health and safety of families across Pennsylvania while assisting them with their energy costs,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “I was proud to once again secure this funding for our community, and support families throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley so that they can stay warm and healthy this winter.”
Pennsylvania was awarded a total of $207,342,959:
$197,147,761 from the regular LIHEAP block grant funding.
$10,185,882 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Fiscal Year 2025.
This funding is administered through the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
By helping reduce the costs of home heating, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and providing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that families can meet their energy needs and stay safe in their homes — because maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households with older adults, children, and individuals with disabilities.
Visit energyhelp.us to learn more about how to apply for LIHEAP and identify if you are eligible for assistance using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool or call the hotline at 1-866-674-6327.
The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced that the official opening of the NSF Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement (NSF Arecibo C3) will be moved to 2025. The opening will now coincide with NSF’s 75th anniversarycommemorations all year round, marking a milestone that celebrates decades of advancing scientific discovery and innovation.
“NSF and the Puerto Rican community are eagerly anticipating the opening of Arecibo C3. I want to assure you NSF recognizes the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure the center meets the highest standards of excellence,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “By extending the timeline, we can ensure that the center has the time it needs while taking advantage of a unique opportunity to launch during NSF’s 75th anniversary — a significant year that reflects our long-standing commitment to scientific progress and STEM education.”
This decision is driven by several factors, including delays in the scheduling and transporting of essential equipment to the island and ongoing efforts to ensure the center meets the required standards for access and inclusivity.
Separate from the factors that led to this decision, this revised schedule allows the Arecibo C3 team to make necessary arrangements and adjust their organizational structure following Universidad del Sagrado Corazón’s recent decision to conclude its engagement with the project. This new structure will present new opportunities for institutional and organizational partnerships, community engagement, and science education and research at the site.
“At Sagrado, we are proud of the important contributions our team has made to the project so far. We have successfully completed our first-year milestones, establishing foundational protocols, processes, and collaborations essential for the project’s success. Additionally, we formed a communication team and built partnerships with Ciencia Puerto Rico and other organizations. These partnerships and structures have now been successfully initiated, and the remaining institutions involved in the project will continue this important work,” said Anuchka Ramos, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.
“The Arecibo C3 team extends our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Díaz Merced and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón for their contributions to this project. As we continue refining our programs and exhibits with input from collaborators and pilot participants, we’re building momentum toward our opening, which will now have the added honor of celebrating NSF’s anniversary,” added Jason Williams, Arecibo C3 lead investigator, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Credit: Greg Coll, NSF
New parking lot banner
The additional time will also allow the Arecibo C3 team to extend the pilot phase, which began in the summer of 2024 and has engaged small, invitation-only groups of local students and educators. The pilot phase has provided valuable insights that will shape the center’s future offerings, ensuring that when the doors officially open, Arecibo C3 will serve as a premier destination for science education and community engagement.
During the extended pilot phase, Arecibo C3 will continue to collaborate closely with students and educators to develop and refine programming across a wide range of STEM topics. Although the center will remainclosed to the public, the community can expect continued engagement through invitation-only educational programs, workshops and outreach activities.
Credit: Yadira Ortiz, Arecibo C3
Students explore DNA sequencing in a summer workshop.
NSF will announce an exact date as soon as the agency is confident that all preparations are complete and will continue to provide updates on progress and next steps as they become available, ensuring that everyone remains informed and engaged.
For ongoing updates, visit nsf.govand www.areciboc3.org.
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
BOSTON – A Dedham, Mass., man who served primarily as the “booker” for an interstate prostitution network that operated sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston.
Junmyung Lee, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Feb. 12, 2025. Junmyung Lee was arrested and charged in November 2023 with co-defendants Han Lee, 42, of Cambridge, Mass. and James Lee, 69, of Torrance, Calif. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Han Lee pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 20, 2024.
From at least January 2022 through and including November 2023, Junmyung Lee knowingly conspired with Han Lee and, allegedly, James Lee to operate an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia designed to entice women to travel interstate to engage in prostitution. Junmyung Lee and his alleged co-conspirators also knowingly conspired with one another, and others, to launder the proceeds of the prostitution network by concealing that the money was derived the prostitution conspiracy.
Junmyung Lee was recruited to work for the prostitution network in approximately late 2021 through early 2022, as the business expanded. His main role in the conspiracy was that of the appointment “booker” and assisted with various tasks to maintain the prostitution network. In exchange, Han Lee paid Junmyung Lee $6,000-$8,000 per month.
As “booker,” Junmyung Lee was responsible for vetting sex buyers, booking appointments, as well as communicating directly with vetted customers via at least two cell phones – for Massachusetts and for Virginia, respectively. These brothel cell phones each contained over 2,800 verified customers of the prostitution business. An additional known cell phone containing additional contacts for the Virginia brothel was never recovered. Junmyung Lee also helped transport women to and from the airport, with some women working at the brothel locations on multiple occasions and in multiple states.
The defendants allegedly rented high-end apartments in Massachusetts and Virginia to serve as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. In June 2022, Junmyung Lee leased one of the brothel locations in Cambridge, Mass. under his own name. In exchange for the lease, Junmyung Lee received a large cash payment of prostitution proceeds from Han Lee. A portion of the cash payment went towards the purchase of a Corvette.
Additionally, Junmyung Lee collected the cash proceeds from the various brothel locations at the direction of Han Lee. Junmyung Lee would then conceal the proceeds via structured deposits into personal bank accounts. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at the brothel locations.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The charge of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of funds laundered, whatever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Virginia; the U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jadyn Howard Loman (21, Naples) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Loman faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Loman has also agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition used to facilitate the offenses.
According to court documents, deputies from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Loman after he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of 20th Place Southwest and 41st Street Southwest in Naples, Florida. A subsequent chase ensued with Loman exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour in his vehicle before crashing. He then fled the crash scene on foot before being apprehended. Inside his vehicle, deputies found 2 handguns, ammunition, and various baggies containing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
UFLPA Entity List Will Now Restrict Goods from 78 PRC-Based Companies from Entering the United States
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of textile companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. The additions reinforce DHS’s commitment to eradicate forced labor and ensure accountability for the PRC’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
Effective November 1, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply a rebuttable presumption that goods produced by Esquel Group, Guangdong Esquel Textile Co., Ltd., and Turpan Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. will be prohibited from entering the United States. The addition of these textile entities builds on DHS’s Textile Enforcement Plan and demonstrates the FLETF’s commitment to focus on entities in high priority sectors for enforcement under the UFLPA Strategy, including the apparel and cotton and cotton products sectors. In addition to this announcement, Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. will alsobe removed from one section of the UFLPA Entity Lists and added to another. Goods produced by Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. (also known as Changji Yida Textile Co., Ltd.) will continue to be subject to a rebuttable presumption that they are prohibited from entering the United States.
“Through today’s expansion of the Entity List, we enable American businesses to better assess their supply chains and ensure they do not profit, directly or indirectly, from the use of forced labor,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Our Department will continue to aggressively enforce the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and, in doing so, we stand up for human rights, safeguard a free and fair marketplace, and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The FLETF – chaired by DHS and whose member agencies also include the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Justice, Labor, State, and the Treasury – has now added 78 entities to the UFLPA Entity List since the UFLPA was signed into law in December 2021. The UFLPA Entity List includes companies that are active in the apparel, agriculture, polysilicon, plastics, chemicals, batteries, household appliances, electronics, seafood and textile sectors, among others. Identifying these additional entities provides U.S. importers with more information to conduct due diligence and examine their supply chains for risks of forced labor to ensure compliance with the UFLPA.
“We are uncompromising in removing forced labor from U.S. supply chains,” said Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers, who serves as chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force. “Our enforcement efforts are yielding results. Our Administration is committed to advancing this momentum and strengthening accountability across global supply chains.”
The FLETF has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that the below entities meet the criteria for inclusion in the UFLPA Entity List under Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v) of the UFLPA, which identifies facilities and entities that source material from the XUAR or from persons working with the government of XUAR or the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps for the purposes of the “poverty alleviation” program or the “pairing assistance” program or any other government labor scheme that uses forced labor.
Esquel Group (also known as Esquel China Holdings Limited) is a Hong Kong-based vertically integrated textile and apparel company that engages in cotton research, as well as ginning, spinning, knitting, weaving of cotton and cotton products, in the production of textiles, apparel and accessories, including packaging and merchandising of these products. Esquel Group includes a variety of subsidiaries also involved in cotton, textile, clothing, and other products manufacturing, production, and sales, including Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd., Turpan Esquel Textile Co., Ltd., and Guangdong Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. The FLETF has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, including publicly available information, that Esquel Group sources cotton from the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Esquel Group satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v).
Guangdong Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. is a company based in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, that is engaged in the manufacture and processing of textiles and apparel. TheFLETF has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, including publicly available information, that Guangdong Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. sources cotton from the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Guangdong Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v).
Turpan Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. is a company based in Turpan City, in the XUAR that is engaged in the production and sales of cotton and cotton yarn. The FLETF has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, including publicly available information, that Turpan Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. is sourcing cotton from the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Turpan Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v).
Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. (also known as Changji Yida Textile Co., Ltd.) is a company based in Changji Prefecture, XUAR that is engaged in production and sales of cotton yarn. The company had been included as one of the original twenty entities named to the UFLPA Entity List in June 2022 as an entity that qualified for inclusion under Section 2(d)(2)(B)(i) of the UFLPA. The FLETF has removed Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. from Section 2(d)(2)(B)(i) of the UFLPA Entity List as the FLETF has determined there is no longer reasonable cause to believe that Changji Esquel Textile Co. meets the criteria described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(i) of the UFLPA.The FLETF, however, has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, including publicly available information, that Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. sources cotton from the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v).
The bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., in December 2021, mandates that CBP apply a rebuttable presumption that goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the XUAR or produced by entities identified on the UFLPA Entity List are prohibited from importation into the United States unless the Commissioner of CBP determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the goods were not produced with forced labor. CBP began enforcing the UFLPA in June 2022. Since then, CBP has reviewed over 9,700 shipments valued at more than $3.5 billion under the UFLPA. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations, through the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, conducts criminal investigations into those engaging in or otherwise knowingly benefitting from forced labor, and collaborates with international partners to seek justice for victims.
Today’s announcement supports President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally. The memorandum represents the first whole-of-government approach to advance workers’ rights by directing federal agencies engaged abroad to advance international recognized labor rights, which includes DHS’s work implementing the UFLPA.
Well before dawn on most days, there’s a solitary figure striding up the surrounding inclines which envelop Naval Hospital Bremerton.
For Ed Gerlach, physical therapist assistant at NHB, the morning workout allows him to maintain physical – as well as mental – health to handle his daily workload assigned to NHB’s Physical Therapy Department.
“As well as maintain the ability to do all of my hiking, kayaking, snowboarding and many other hobbies, as well as prevent and work on my own aches and pains, and be fully ready to assist my patients,” said Gerlach.
With October designated as National Physical Therapy Month, Gerlach helps provide a wide array of physical therapy services for eligible patients. Last year, NHB’s Physical Therapy saw over 9,200 patients. As a physical therapist assistant, Gerlach works under supervision of a physical therapist in helping patients improve their mobility and function after injury and surgery. He also assists in evaluating, instructing and treating musculoskeletal ailments and disorders, and providing specifically designed routines to help clients recover, recuperate and rehabilitate.
However, Gerlach knows there are some people who are unfamiliar with physical therapy and the associated benefits.
“PT is just a good way to decrease and prevent pain, increase balance, and improve mobility which in the long term helps improve quality of life, including some mental health benefits such as helping to reduce stress and anxieties,” stressed Gerlach. “There are people who don’t work out regularly because of pain. PT is a good way to start a workout routine that will help identify the cause of the pain and target muscle group to help decrease pain and prevent future pains and injuries.”
Some of the most common injuries which Gerlach and other members of PT usually deal with include helping patients with post operative healing from shoulder surgeries to foot and ankle surgeries, as well as chronic illnesses.
“We care for patients on a daily basis who have suffered a traumatic injury or debilitating illness, and our clinic does really well help them recovery and rehab,” stated Gerlach, who has been working in NHB’s PT department for 10 years. For him, it’s been a decade of fulfillment.
“Seeing people progress from not being able to move or lift a body part after a surgery to getting back out to doing the activities and hobbies that they love is gratifying,” Gerlach said. “Their appreciation in receiving help to personally improve their quality of life also helps me on a personal level by knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life for the better.”
Yet it’s almost by chance that a self-described Army brat somehow ended up in the Pacific Northwest far removed from his original roots. Born in Texarkana, Texas, Gerlach moved to Heidelberg, Germany when only four months old and spent his next 14 years there.
“However, if you were to see me on a Friday during any college sports season, you would know that I call Arkansas home which is where most of my family still lives and is where the original homestead is,” exclaimed Gerlach.
By 1998 he was in Fayetteville, North Carolina, completed Pine Forest High School in 2002, followed by graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2007. Before starting his career in Navy Medicine Gerlach toiled for a local company as a traveling physical therapist assistant, commuting between six different clinics, “and getting paid mileage and lunch which was great for a recent college graduate new to the work force,” quipped Gerlach.
Still, he sensed something was missing. A timely note from a former teacher informed him of a position open at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.
“I hopped on the opportunity. Fast forward six years later from there. The wife and I decided to move in 2014 and Washington just happened to be the landing spot. She’s at Madigan Army Medical Center and I’ve been at NHB for ten years. Being from the military community, it’s just felt like home here. I have been around the military my whole life so being able to help out military families and help give back means a lot. I know the hardships that come along our lifestyle. And the best part is just how much fun it is meeting new people all the time and helping improve their quality of life,” shared Gerlach.
The added bonus for Gerlach being at NHB is access to the surrounding wilderness featuring the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Range across Puget Sound. He takes off at every opportunity to explore.
“There are so many awesome hiking, trekking, backpacking and camping adventures. But my all-time favorite would be the Enchantments Lakes [high elevation alpine lakes in the Cascades]. Nearly 20 miles of crystal blue lakes, depending on time of year blazing golden larches and a super fun ascent nearly 2,000 feet in just three-quarters of a mile,” related Gerlach.
When asked to sum up his experience with Navy Medicine in one sentence, Gerlach replied, “It’s been awesome to be here the last 10 years and be able to be part of such an amazing core group of clinicians and co-workers.”