Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol.
The leaders discussed recent developments and expressed their deep concern and condemnation over North Korea’s troop deployment to support Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Prime Minister and the President welcomed Canada and Korea’s first High-Level Foreign and Defence Policy Dialogue (2+2) between ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence later this week. They also noted the value of our growing defence partnerships and reaffirmed the importance of bilateral co-operation on regional and global issues, including in the Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Yoon agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting soon.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, made the following statement:
October 30, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, made the following statement:
“Foreign investment encourages economic growth, innovation, and employment opportunities in Canada. At the same time, the Government of Canada has a responsibility to make sure the most significant foreign investments will benefit Canadians.
“On July 15, 2024, Stelco Holdings Inc. and Cleveland-Cliffs announced an agreement pursuant to which Cleveland-Cliffs would acquire all of the outstanding shares of Stelco.
“Following an extensive review under the Investment Canada Act, yesterday, I approved the investment. This approval is contingent on a significant package of binding, five-year-long undertakings to support Cleveland-Cliffs’ net benefit case which it provided as part of the review process, including:
To respect Stelco’s historic brand by carrying on operations under the name, “Stelco, a Cleveland-Cliffs Company”;
To maintain Stelco’s head office in Hamilton, with responsibility for Stelco’s day-to-day operations;
To continue to employ at least the same number of unionized employees and the vast majority of non-unionized employees as were employed when the transaction was announced;
To honour all existing collective bargaining agreements and Stelco’s employee benefit and pension commitments;
To make significant capital and research and development expenditures in support of Stelco’s operations; and
To ensure Stelco’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emission intensity do not increase and continue to be at least 25 percent below the global average for integrated steel mills.
“While Canada welcomes foreign investment, the Government is committed to considering all factors laid out in the Investment Canada Act when reviewing transactions to ensure they are beneficial to Canadian workers and Canada’s economic interests.”
Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca
The IAM continues to ramp up efforts across Wisconsin in collaboration with the state AFL-CIO and other affiliates to mobilize union households ahead of the upcoming elections. The initiative focuses on encouraging voters to support candidates who prioritize infrastructure development, good jobs, and the protection of union rights, ultimately aiming to build a stronger economy for all.
IAM members from across the state, including Milwaukee, La Crosse, and Green Bay have actively engaged in grassroots efforts, canvassing neighborhoods and making phone calls to amplify the voice of union voters. Through these direct outreach efforts, the union is committed to informing and energizing the community around pro-labor candidates who align with their values and goals.
“As Election Day approaches, the IAM remains dedicated to ensuring that union voices are heard loud and clear: Every vote matters,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “It’s about more than just this election; it’s about shaping a future where working families can thrive.”
The IAM District 66 office in La Crosse is serving as a key organizing hub, where members gather to strategize and prepare for conversations with union voters.
“We believe it’s crucial for our members and their families to understand the importance of their vote,” said IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representative Brian Simmons. “Supporting candidates who back working families and union rights is vital for safeguarding our democracy and advancing our collective interests.”
The autumn season, also known as fall, is meteorologically defined in the Northern Hemisphere as the three month period of September through November and represents a season of transition. Summer heat transitions to crisp, cool days; the colors of the leaves transition from green to different hues of yellow, orange, and red; the length of daylight shortens; and our wardrobe transitions from tank tops and shorts to sweaters and long pants. We also begin noticing pumpkins decorating many homes across the U.S. during this time of year.
Pumpkins are a staple of the autumn season and pumpkin-picking is a tradition enjoyed by many across the U.S. We decorate our homes with pumpkins and fall flowers such as Chrysanthemums, create jack-o-lanterns as Halloween approaches, and pumpkin food items (e.g., pies, lattes, coffee, soups, and many more) are abundant and can be found most anywhere we go.
Fig 1. Pumpkin production by State for 2021. (Source: USDA Economic Research Service)
Pumpkins are produced across all states. However, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Illinois is the top pumpkin-producing state (Fig. 1), harvesting close to 30% of all the pumpkins produced across the U.S. While Illinois produces the most pumpkins, close to 80% of the pumpkins harvested there are processed and canned for products such as pumpkin puree, while the other states sell mostly fresh pumpkins that are used for decoration.
Weather impacts on pumpkin production
Like any other crop, deciding when to begin planting pumpkins can be tricky. In order to have pumpkins by autumn, farmers usually begin planting from late May to early July, depending on the location. And after planting, 120 days later, pumpkins are typically harvested.
Despite their hard exterior, pumpkins are very sensitive to weather conditions.
Frost/freeze: If farmers plant too early in the spring, when below-freezing temperatures can still occur, then there is a chance that the plant is susceptible to frost, and this could cause the plant to die. Frost or freeze episodes are usually less of a concern during autumn, when temperatures begin to drop, since the plants have reached maturity and the damage is much less.
Extreme heat: If it is too hot during summer, this could lead to wilted plants or potentially cause the pumpkin flowers to fall. In order for plants to produce crops, pollination needs to occur. However, during very warm days, the pumpkin flowers stay open for shorter periods of time, affecting the effectiveness of pollination.
Extreme wet conditions: If it rains too much and the soil is extremely wet, this could lead to a delay in planting during spring or harvesting during autumn. Very wet conditions can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, delayed maturity of the plant, and also increases the chance of the development of plant disease such as mildew.
All of these examples can lead to significantly fewer pumpkins than normal. However, extremely wet conditions have the biggest impact on pumpkin production, and are usually pumpkin farmers’ top weather-related concern. It has been reported that during the very wet years, especially during late summer and early fall, when pumpkins are reaching their maturity, pumpkin growers tend to see that the fruit quality decreases, there are fewer pumpkins, and more disease spreads across the plants.
Fig. 2. Fresh pumpkin availability per capita for the period of 2000–2023. (Source: USDA Economic Research Service)
While the production of pumpkins can fluctuate from year to year due to weather, there was a visible reduction in pumpkin availability in 2015 (Fig. 2). This was mainly due to heavy rains that affected the Midwest region during the crucial time for pumpkin planting.
While the months of May and July were wetter-than-normal for Illinois, the month of June was extremely wet (Fig. 3). June 2015 is Illinois’s wettest June on record with a total of 9.44 inches of rain—which is 5.35 inches more than normal. June 2015 is also Illinois’ second-wettest month for any month on record, trailing behind September of 1962 (9.62 inches).
Fig. 3. Map of the “Statewide Precipitation Anomalies” for June 2015. (Source: NCEI Climate at a Glance)
During the three-month period of May–July during 2015, Illinois averaged 20.04 inches of rain, which is 8.24 inches more than normal, and ranked as the wettest May–July period in the state’s 130-year record.
The very wet conditions during the planting season flooded fields and caused disease and mildew to spread. Eventually, when drier conditions returned, farmers replanted, but the damage was done and the yield of pumpkins was much lower. Overall, this led to slightly more than a 50% reduction in Illinois’s production of pumpkins (from 652 million pounds to close to 318 million pounds of pumpkins).
Fig. 4. Map of statewide precipitation anomalies for the three-month period of May–July 2015. (Source: NCEI Climate at a Glance)
Climate change and pumpkin production
“Climate change is projected to reduce the availability and affordability of nutritious food, with impacts being unevenly distributed across society.” – Fifth National Climate Assessment
The Earth’s climate is warming and despite the overall global temperature increase seeming to be small, its effects can be significant at the local level.
The U.S. is not exempt from the effects of climate change. The contiguous U.S. annual average temperature has increased 0.16°F per decade since 1895; however, it is close to three times more (0.46°F) since 1981. Meanwhile, precipitation totals at the national-level have increased at 0.17 inch per decade since 1895 and no increase is evident since 1981.
Fig. 5. U.S. annual (a) temperature and (b) precipitation anomalies for the period of 1895–2023. (Source: NCEI Climate at a Glance)
A warmer climate will affect agricultural production, including pumpkins, across the U.S. through changes in the frequency and intensity of certain extreme events. The Midwest, which is known for its significant agricultural production, is already seeing the effects of climate change. The region has observed increased temperatures, longer growing seasons, and increased intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events that lead to floods. The increasing warmer temperatures and the shifting of the growing seasons are also leading to larger pest populations that can harm crops and affect the production.
Extreme events are projected to continue to increase in intensity and frequency, putting agricultural production and availability at greater risk.
Agricultural adaptation practices
While climate change is affecting many aspects of our lives, including our food security, farmers are preparing themselves for changes through agricultural adaptation. Agricultural adaptation is when farmers adjust their agricultural practices to reduce the effects of weather and climate change during crop production.
Across the Midwest, many pumpkin growers have implemented additional water resources (e.g. stock ponds, wells, among others) to help mitigate the effects of drought and protect their pumpkins and other crops. Some have implemented what is known as biological controls, which refers to using natural predators (e.g. spiders), parasites, or other living organisms that are found in the ecosystem to control certain pests from harming the crops.
While pumpkin farming, as well as other agricultural practices, are facing challenges as our climate continues to warm, farmers and scientists are continuously working together to better understand the impacts and how they can address those to continue successful farming and producing pumpkins (and other crops) for our nation.
La estación del otoño se define meteorológicamente en el hemisferio norte como el período de tres meses de septiembre a noviembre y representa una estación de transición. El calor del verano se transforma en días frescos; los colores de las hojas cambian de verde a diferentes tonos de amarillo, naranja y rojo; la duración de la luz del día se acorta; y nuestro vestuario cambia de camisetas sin mangas y pantalones cortos a suéteres y pantalones largos. También comenzamos a notar calabazas que decoran muchos hogares en los EE. UU. durante esta época del año.
Las calabazas son comunes durante la temporada de otoño y visitar fincas para escoger calabazas es una tradición que disfrutan muchas personas en los EE. UU. Decoramos nuestras casas con calabazas y flores de otoño como las crisantemos, creamos linternas de calabaza cuando se acerca Halloween y los alimentos de calabaza (por ejemplo, pasteles, café, sopas y muchos más) son abundantes y se pueden encontrar en cualquier lugar al que vayamos.
Fig 1. Producción de calabaza por estado en el 2021. (Fuente: USDA Economic Research Service)
Las calabazas se producen en todos los estados. Sin embargo, según el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (conocido como USDA por sus siglas en inglés), Illinois es el principal estado productor de calabazas (Fig. 1), ya que cosecha cerca del 30% de todas las calabazas producidas en los Estados Unidos. Aunque Illinois produce la mayor cantidad de calabazas, cerca del 80% de las calabazas que se cosechan allí se procesan y se enlatan para productos como puré de calabaza, mientras que los otros estados venden principalmente calabazas frescas que se usan para decoración.
El tiempo afecta la producción de calabazas
Como cualquier otro cultivo, decidir cuándo empezar a sembrar calabazas puede ser complicado. Para tener calabazas en otoño, los agricultores suelen empezar a sembrar desde finales de mayo hasta principios de julio, dependiendo del lugar. Y 120 días después de sembrar las semillas, normalmente se cosechan las calabazas.
A pesar de su duro exterior, las calabazas son muy sensibles a las condiciones del tiempo.
Heladas: Si los agricultores siembran demasiado pronto en la primavera, cuando todavía pueden darse temperaturas bajo cero, existe la posibilidad de que la planta sea susceptible a las heladas, y esto podría provocar su muerte. Las heladas o episodios de congelación suelen ser menos preocupantes durante el otoño, cuando las temperaturas empiezan a bajar, ya que las plantas han alcanzado la madurez y el daño es mucho menor.
Calor extremo: Si hace demasiado calor durante el verano, esto podría provocar que las plantas se marchiten o que las flores de la calabaza se caigan. Para que las plantas produzcan cosechas, es necesario que se produzca la polinización. Sin embargo, durante los días muy cálidos, las flores de la calabaza permanecen abiertas durante períodos de tiempo más cortos, lo que afecta a la eficacia de la polinización.
Condiciones de humedad extrema: Si llueve demasiado y el suelo está extremadamente húmedo, esto podría provocar un retraso en la siembra durante la primavera o un retraso en la cosecha durante el otoño. Las condiciones muy húmedas también pueden provocar deficiencias de nutrientes, un retraso en la madurez de la planta y también aumentan la posibilidad de desarrollo de enfermedades de las plantas como el moho.
Todos estos ejemplos pueden resultar en una cantidad significativamente menor de calabazas de lo normal. Sin embargo, las condiciones extremadamente húmedas tienen el mayor impacto en la producción de calabazas y son la principal preocupación de los agricultores de calabazas. Se ha informado de que durante los años muy húmedos, especialmente a fines del verano y principios del otoño, cuando las calabazas están alcanzando su madurez, los agricultores de calabazas tienden a ver que la calidad de la fruta disminuye, hay menos calabazas y se propagan más enfermedades en las plantas.
Fig. 2. Disponibilidad de calabaza fresca per cápita durante el período 2000–2023. (Fuente: Servicio de Investigación Económica del USDA)
Aunque la producción de calabazas puede fluctuar de un año a otro debido al tiempo, hubo una reducción visible en la disponibilidad de calabazas en el 2015 (Fig. 2). Esto se debió principalmente a las fuertes lluvias que afectaron la región del Medio Oeste durante el momento crucial para la siembra de calabazas.
Los meses de mayo y julio fueron más húmedos de lo normal en Illinois y el mes de junio fue extremadamente húmedo (Fig. 3). Junio del 2015 es el junio más húmedo registrado en Illinois con un total de 9.44 pulgadas de lluvia, que es 5.35 pulgadas más de lo normal. Junio del 2015 también es el segundo mes más húmedo de Illinois de todos los meses registrados, detrás de septiembre del 1962 (9.62 pulgadas).
Fig. 3. Mapa de las anomalías de precipitación en todo los estados para junio del 2015. (Fuente: NCEI Climate at a Glance)
Durante el período de tres meses de mayo a julio del 2015, Illinois tuvo un promedio de 20.04 pulgadas de lluvia, que es 8.24 pulgadas más de lo normal, y se clasificó como el período de mayo a julio más húmedo en los 130 años de registro del estado.
Las condiciones muy húmedas durante la temporada de siembra inundaron los campos y provocaron la propagación de enfermedades y moho. Finalmente, cuando regresaron las condiciones más secas, los agricultores volvieron a sembrar, pero el daño ya estaba hecho y la producción de calabazas fue mucho menor. En general, esto provocó una reducción de poco más del 50% en la producción de calabazas de Illinois (de 652 millones de libras a cerca de 318 millones de libras de calabazas).
Fig. 4. Mapa de anomalías de precipitación a nivel estatal para el período de tres meses de mayo a julio del 2015. (Fuente: NCEI Climate at a Glance)
El cambio climático y la producción de calabaza
“Se proyecta que el cambio climático reducirá la disponibilidad y asequibilidad de alimentos nutritivos y que sus impactos se distribuyan de forma desigual en la sociedad”. – Quinta Evaluación Nacional del Clima
El clima de la Tierra se está calentando y, a pesar de que el aumento general de la temperatura global parece ser pequeño, sus efectos pueden ser significativos a nivel local.
Los Estados Unidos no está exento de los efectos del cambio climático. La temperatura media anual de los Estados Unidos contiguos ha aumentado 0.16°F por década desde 1895; Sin embargo, es casi tres veces más (0.46°F) desde 1981. Mientras tanto, los totales de precipitaciones a nivel nacional han aumentado a un ritmo de 0.17 pulgadas por década desde 1895 y no hay ningún aumento evidente desde 1981.
Fig. 5. Anomalías anuales de (a) temperatura y (b) precipitación en EE. UU. durante el período de 1895 a 2023. (Fuente: NCEI Climate at a Glance)
Un clima más cálido afectará la producción agrícola, incluyendo la de calabazas, en todo los EE. UU. a través de cambios en la frecuencia e intensidad de ciertos eventos extremos. El Medio Oeste, que es conocido por su producción agrícola, ya está viendo los efectos del cambio climático. La región ha observado un aumento de las temperaturas, temporadas de crecimiento más largas y una mayor intensidad y frecuencia de eventos de lluvias intensas que provocan inundaciones. El aumento de las temperaturas y el cambio de las temporadas de crecimiento también están generando poblaciones de plagas más grandes que pueden dañar los cultivos y afectar la producción.
Se proyecta que los eventos extremos seguirán aumentando en intensidad y frecuencia, poniendo en mayor riesgo la producción y la disponibilidad agrícolas.
Prácticas de adaptación agrícola
Aunque el cambio climático está afectando muchos aspectos de nuestras vidas, incluyendo nuestra seguridad alimentaria, los agricultores se están preparando para los cambios mediante la adaptación agrícola. La adaptación agrícola es cuando los agricultores ajustan sus prácticas agrícolas para reducir los efectos del tiempo y el cambio climático durante la producción de cultivos.
En el Medio Oeste, muchos productores de calabazas han implementado recursos hídricos adicionales (por ejemplo, estanques de almacenamiento, pozos, entre otros) para ayudar a mitigar los efectos de la sequía y proteger sus calabazas y otros cultivos. Algunos han implementado lo que se conoce como controles biológicos, que se refiere al uso de depredadores naturales (por ejemplo, arañas), parásitos u otros organismos vivos que se encuentran en el ecosistema para controlar ciertas plagas que dañan los cultivos.
Aunque el cultivo de calabazas, así como otras prácticas agrícolas, enfrentan desafíos a medida que nuestro clima continúa calentándose, los agricultores y los científicos trabajan juntos continuamente para comprender mejor los impactos y cómo pueden abordarlos para continuar cultivando y produciendo calabazas (y otros cultivos) exitosamente para nuestra nación.
The Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy (OIP) is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the 2025 Sunshine Week FOIA Awards, recognizing the contributions of FOIA professionals from around the government. Each year, the number of nominations submitted to OIP to recognize the exceptional achievements of federal FOIA employees grows. As such, OIP is opening the nomination window earlier this year than in previous years to allow more time for review of submissions.
As the Attorney General recognized in his FOIA Guidelines issued in March 2022, “[t]he federal government could not process the hundreds of thousands of FOIA requests that are received every year without its dedicated FOIA professionals.” Agency FOIA professionals are at the center of ensuring successful FOIA administration and we look forward to celebrating the work of these individuals from around the government. For this year’s event, OIP is seeking nominations for five categories of awards:
Exceptional Service by a FOIA Professional or Team of FOIA Professionals
Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee
Exceptional Advancements in IT to Improve the Agency’s FOIA Administration
Exceptional Advancements in Proactive Disclosure of Information
Lifetime Service Award
Nominations can be submitted by agencies or by a member of the public. All nominations are due to OIP by Friday, December 6th, 2024.
Awardees will be recognized during the Department’s 2025 Sunshine Week event on March 17th, 2025.
Submission Guidelines
All agency personnel are eligible for the awards listed below. These personnel can include Government Information Specialists, supervisors, FOIA attorneys, FOIA administrative specialists, or other staff at the agency that meet the award category criteria.
We invite nominations for these awards from agencies as well as members of the public. Agency submissions should be made by the agency’s principal FOIA contact or Chief FOIA Officer.
Nominations must include:
The full name, title, agency (or organization if applicable), and contact information for the person submitting the nomination,
The name(s) of the individual(s) they are nominating,
The award category that best reflects the nominee(s)’ accomplishments,
A summary, not to exceed two single-spaced pages, that describes the nominee’s or group’s accomplishments, why the individual or group should receive the award, what they have done that sets them apart, and how their actions benefited FOIA administration, and
A short abstract (100 words or less) that briefly outlines the nominee’s accomplishments.
Nominations must be submitted to DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov with the subject line “2025 Sunshine Week FOIA Award Nomination” by December 6, 2024.
Award Categories
Award for Exceptional Service by a FOIA Professional or Team of FOIA Professionals
Recognizing exemplary performance by a FOIA professional or team of FOIA professionals in carrying out the agency’s administration of the FOIA. This award recognizes those individuals or teams whose exceptional contributions have significantly benefited FOIA administration. These benefits could include increased efficiency, greater use of technology, reduced backlogs, improved timeliness, and increased proactive disclosures.
Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee
Recognizing exceptional performance and notable contributions in carrying out the agency’s FOIA responsibilities by a new employee with fewer than three years of work in FOIA.
Exceptional Advancements in IT to Improve the Agency’s FOIA Administration
Recognizing exceptional achievements in making greater use of technology to make information more accessible. These efforts could include the implementation of new and advanced technologies to increase efficiencies as well as to improve proactive disclosures and the online availability of information.
Exceptional Advancements in Proactive Disclosure of Information
Recognizing exceptional achievements by an agency or team of professionals at the agency to proactively make more information available online. These efforts can include both the posting of more information online and steps taken to make that information more useful to the public.
Lifetime Service Award
Recognizing an agency FOIA professional with at least 20 years of work in FOIA administration who has demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication in the administration of the FOIA throughout their career.
Headline: A new pact to bolster business in MENA region
The partnership outlines a four-point action plan, with a particular emphasis on digitalising trade and improving access to finance for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond.
In line with shared values and a common purpose to enable business, the partnership will build on successful past initiatives and the extensive network of both organisations.
Signing the agreement on behalf of ICC, Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:
“This agreement aims to further strengthen our longstanding, successful relationship with Dubai Chambers, amplifying and driving our pioneering efforts in key areas such as trade digitalisation and chamber empowerment.“
His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said:
“This partnership agreement with ICC reflects our shared vision to empower businesses in the MENA region through innovation, digitalisation, and improved access to finance. We look forward to working together to drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new opportunities that will benefit the global business community.“
Signed today at ICC Global Headquarters in Paris, this initial 12-month agreement lays the foundation for more detailed agreements to be developed on specific areas.
The action plan sets out shared commitments to:
Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing among chambers of commerce through the Chamber Benchmarking initiative
Drive the digitalisation of trade in the MENA region, supporting the work of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative
Inform and collaborate on the BRICS Business Council in consultation with UAE businesses
Support initiatives of ICC and the ICC World Chambers Federation, bringing value to businesses in the UAE and region
By way of the non-financial, non-binding agreement, ICC and Dubai Chambers have committed to review the action plan as projects develop.
s you gather for the 2024 Global Education Meeting, you confront a critical global challenge.
Education is the key to unlocking opportunities, equality, prosperity and peace.
But for millions of people around the world, that door remains shut tight.
Seventy per cent of 10-year-olds are unable to understand a basic text, while 250 million children and young people are out of school altogether. This is worsened by a huge financing gap of $97 billion annually for education in low and middle income countries.
We don’t have a moment to lose. At the Transforming Education Summit in 2022, governments committed to ending the learning crisis, and boosting investment in quality education systems that can reach every learner, throughout their lives.
Your meeting is an opportunity to measure how governments are — and are not — living up to this commitment.
In particular, I welcome your focus on closing the financing gap for education through more effective resource mobilization and innovative financing initiatives. I call on governments to arrive at next year’s Conference on Financing for Development and the World Social Summit with concrete solutions that can deliver the education systems all people need and deserve.
Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, governments committed to investing in accessible, safe, inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The United Nations is proud to stand with you in this essential global effort.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech delivered by the Minister for Civil Society, celebrating the significant role of the Charities Aid Foundation in the charity sector over the past 100 years.
Location:
Speaker’s House
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Thank you for the introduction, Sir James, and thank you Mr Speaker for hosting this event.
Good evening everyone.
It’s a pleasure to be here celebrating Charities Aid Foundation’s centenary.
This evening I will:
take this opportunity to thank CAF for your vital work over the past 100 years – in particular at this moment, as we have committed to reset government’s relationship with civil society as a whole; and
acknowledge the unique benefits of philanthropy to provide support for people across this country with funders, organisations like CAF, and government – including my department – working in partnership.
Giving is a fundamental part of this country; it’s ingrained into our way of life and our communities, and has been for centuries.
CAF has shaped the culture of giving in this country over the past 100 years .
You have played a significant role across the whole of the charity sector in that time – from monthly donation agreements, to direct financial support for charities, to offering expertise – and you are a key stakeholder in my own department’s civil society work.
It is therefore fitting that as CAF turns 100, this government has announced a commitment to reset the relationship with civil society and work together to develop a new Civil Society Covenant. The Covenant will set out the terms of a new relationship between government and civil society and will symbolise recognition of the sector as a trusted and independent partner whose voice is heard.
Earlier this month the Prime Minister hosted a civil society reception to announce our ambitions and I was delighted that we were joined by Charities Aid Foundation’s Chief Executive, Neil Heslop. This event kicked off a new phase of engagement to gather ideas and views to shape the Covenant. I really want to hear your views and strongly encourage you to get involved. You can find out how to contribute on Gov.uk.
This country needs a thriving civil society, and for this, we need organisations like CAF, who can continue to support and innovate in the sector for decades to come.
In my role as Minister for Civil Society, I recognise how giving can be used to shift the dial on local, national and global issues.
For example, Barnsley Youth Choir is one of the best youth choirs in the world and that is largely thanks to the commitment and generosity of local people.
Barnsley Youth Choir provides opportunities for young people in Barnsley. The choir offers bursaries for lower income families and subsidizes events to ensure that children and families can participate without financial strain. The community comes together year after year to provide much needed funds to enable the choir to continue.
Local girl Lucy (Hoylandswaine) has just completed a 100k run over one week to raise over £1200 for Barnsley Youth Choir and this is just one of hundreds of fundraising efforts that take part each year for the Choir.
The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation offers grants of as much as £275,000 to certain charity projects in Yorkshire, such as those promoting the protection of the environment, and has funded projects with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.
Philanthropy plays a key role in this. Philanthropists can take greater risks, allow more flexibility and pioneer real innovation.
It can be long term and strategic, and range from tackling the big issues of our time, such as by funding climate solutions, to supporting grassroot charities and building up local communities.
CAF’s work is important to enabling and unlocking this type of funding.
Using your expertise from your work on growing place based giving schemes, you built extensive evidence for how funders, including philanthropists, can effectively contribute.
You found that funders can help stimulate giving by providing seed funding, that funding for core staffing costs is crucial, and that embracing flexibility is essential – all important lessons to take forward for work unlocking place based philanthropy.
Of course, government also has a pivotal role in this ecosystem, complementing and working alongside other sources of funding.
DCMS is focused on putting local people, communities and places first. As my department leads on philanthropy, this includes ensuring that the benefits of philanthropy can be felt in all communities.
So we want to ensure that the giving ecosystem connects philanthropic donations with the places where it is needed most.
Together with my ministerial colleagues at DCMS, I will work with colleagues across government and with you and your sectors to make philanthropic giving as easy and compelling as possible across the country, in a renewed partnership.
Congratulations again to Charities Aid Foundation for your 100 year milestone.
I am happy to have had this chance:
to thank Charities Aid Foundation for your work;
to reiterate this government’s commitment to resetting the relationship with civil society, with the development of the new Civil Society Covenant; and
to consider how we can come together to unlock the unique benefits of philanthropy in this country.
Thank you again for inviting me to speak, and enjoy the rest of this evening’s event.
Oxford will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and protect our freedom at Remembrance services next week.
Remembrance Sunday
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley, in partnership with the Oxford City branch of the Royal British Legion, is set to host a Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial in St Giles’ on Sunday 10 November. The Lord Mayor will be joined by military units, uniformed organisations, community groups, civic dignitaries, residents and visitors from across the county to mark Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday in November and honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and protect our freedom. Military units, organisations and community groups will gather for 10am at the junction of Beaumont Street and St Giles’. They will then march up St Giles’ from 10.30am.
The service will start at 10.45am, with a two minute silence at 11am.
Comment
“Every year Oxford observes Remembrance Sunday to commemorate those who have lost their lives in war and conflict. In this 80th anniversary year of D-Day, we think of the sacrifices that were made to free Europe from the most murderous of tyrannies, honour all who defend us today, and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace here and throughout the world.” The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley
The order of service is:
Welcome: Councillor Mike Rowley, Lord Mayor of Oxford, and The Revd Anthony Buckley, City Rector
Hymn: Abide With Me
The Last Post, the Great Silence and the Reveille: Phil King, Bugle Major of the Quirinus Band & Bugle Corps 2011 e.V.
The National Anthem
Representatives from Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, Help for Heroes, and Oxford’s twin cities will be present. If members of the public require British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, the interpreter will be located on the junction of St Giles and Woodstock Road to the west of the dais.
Members of the public are welcome to put tributes on the monument before the service.
Armistice Day
There will be a service marking Armistice Day on Monday 11 November, starting at 10.55am, on the landing area at the top of the stairs in Oxford Town Hall. The service will be led by the Lord Mayor and all are welcome to attend. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am.
Wreath laying at Leiden Square, Westgate
A wreath laying ceremony by the Oxford-Leiden twin city link group will take place in Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford, on Saturday 9 November. The Lord Mayor of Oxford will be in attendance. The Oxford-Leiden link was Oxford’s first twin link and was established immediately after the Second World War in 1946.
Flying the flag
The Royal British Legion flag will be flown above Oxford Town Hall in the run up to Remembrance Sunday from Monday 4 November to 10 November, when the flag will be changed over to the Union Jack on Sunday 10 November until after King Charles III birthday on 14 November.
Road closures and parking suspension will be in place from 12.01am to 2pm on Sunday 10 November as follows:
The pavement on Banbury Road, opposite the war memorial, will be closed. Members of the public are advised to follow pedestrian diversions or use Woodstock Road
The government will consult on updated environmental guidance for offshore oil and gas projects, following a Supreme Court ruling.
Government to consult with industry on updated environmental guidance
follows Supreme Court ruling requiring greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of oil and gas to be assessed as part of Environmental Impact Assessments for oil and gas extraction projects
government committed to fair and prosperous transition in the North Sea that delivers stability, supports investment, protects jobs and meets climate obligations
Updated environmental guidance for offshore oil and gas projects will provide greater certainty and stability for the industry in response to a Supreme Court ruling. It sets out the elements that must be considered by operators when assessing emissions from burning of the oil and gas they produce.
The ruling in the Finch case on 20 June has required operators to consider the impact of burning oil and gas in Environmental Impact Assessments for oil and gas extraction projects.
Separately, the government will consult before the end of the year on the implementation of its commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, as part of its plan to ensure a fair and prosperous transition in the North Sea.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
We have already started plans to speed up the North Sea’s clean energy transition to protect jobs and investment, from pushing ahead with new industries such as carbon capture, to launching Great British Energy – headquartered in Aberdeen.
Now we are acting quickly to provide greater stability for our offshore industries, by consulting on new environmental guidance that complies with our legal obligations. We will continue to work closely with industry to ensure a prosperous future for the North Sea and our offshore workers.
It follows action to accelerate the transition to the North Sea’s clean energy future to boost Britain’s energy security and ensure good, long-term jobs. This includes launching Great British Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen, and signing a new agreement with the Scottish Government to support investment in clean energy supply chains and infrastructure.
Alongside this the government is speeding up a new skills passport to help oil and gas workers move into roles in offshore wind. The government has also announced the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and is moving ahead with new North Sea industries like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.
Transformational improvements to two key spaces in Withington are set to take place following widespread public support.
Earlier this year the Council ran a consultation asking what people in the local area would like to see when it came to public places.
A significant number of those who took part – 72% – said they would support improvements to Copson Street and Rutherford Place; changes which would see a pedestrian-first mindset at their core with a more attractive environment using trees, planting and more seating with quality paving.
From Monday 4 November, work will start on Rutherford Place until late December. Then, following the mandated pause on works over the Christmas period works will resume from early January, this time on Copson Street as well as Rutherford Place – the square outside Withington Library – with a planned finish by the end of March 2025.
Changes to Copson Street will include:
Part pedestrianisation between Wilmslow Road/Patten Street
New tree planting
Improvements to lighting and seating
Prohibition of vehicles apart from cyclists, loading/unloading, access or Blue Badge Holders
Changes to Rutherford Place will include:
Davenport Avenue will be made one-way towards Wilmslow Road, deterring non-local traffic
A one-way southbound route will be introduced along Wellington Road from its junction at Lausanne Road
Closing a small portion of Wellington Road outside Withington Library
Rippingham Road will be made one-way westbound, rather than eastbound
The square will also be expanded and improved to create a more welcoming and open public space outside the library – a well used and important local amenity
Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development said: “As a Council we are keen to continue investing across all our district centres, making genuine and lasting improvements that will greatly improve their amenity for local residents.
“On top of this we understand how improved access and public space can increase footfall, provide improve space for businesses to operate and act as a magnet for increased economic opportunity for the area.
“Pride of place is something that we are deeply invested in, and through this scheme we want to provide residents of Withington a public square and surrounding amenities that not only make them feel proud, but areas that can act as a focal point for something more. Meeting friends, holding community events and simply providing more space for living is what this project is all about.”
The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Abi Mills is on the hunt for a Christmas card fit for a king and calling on local primary school children to help her out.
Design a Christmas card fit for a king
The winning design will become the Mayor’s official Christmas card for Lancaster City Council and will be sent to some pretty important people, including His Majesty the King.
Here’s what you need to know to enter:
Use an A4 sheet of paper, any colour you like
Make it bold and bright, but no glitter please
Avoid sticking anything on – it doesn’t copy well
Write your name, age, address, and phone number on the back
“I can’t wait to see the amazing artwork from our local children,” said the Mayor, Councillor Mills.
“I’m sure every single entry will be wonderful, so picking just one is going to be incredibly tough.”
Entries should be mailed to the Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ by Friday, November 29th.
The lucky winner will be invited to Lancaster Town Hall with nine friends or family members to meet the Mayor, enjoy a tour of the building, and take home a framed copy of their design.
November in Coventry is a time when we reflect on past events that have affected the city such as the Coventry Blitz and we remember all those who have lost their lives in conflict.
This year’s annual Remembrance Service and Parade service will take place on the 10 November, beginning at 10.45am, at The Cenotaph in the War Memorial Park. The service will be led by The Right Reverend Ruth Worsley, Acting Bishop of Coventry and all are invited.
In the afternoon of the 10 November, the city’s civic party will take part in a short service at the Garden of Remembrance and Civilian Monument in London Road Cemetery to remember those lost in the city during the Coventry Blitz over the night of 14 November 1940. This takes place at 3pm and again, all are welcome to attend.
West Orchards Shopping Centre will again be hosting the very moving Poppy Drop on Monday 11 November, beginning at 10.45 on level 3 of the shopping centre. Veterans and guests will observe the two-minute silence at 11am, as 4000 poppies fall from the centre’s dome.
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Mal Mutton, will also be releasing a video where she speaks about the Blitz and Coventry’s transformation into the one of the world’s leading cities of peace and reconciliation. This will be released on Thursday 14 November and will be available to view on Coventry city council’s webpages and YouTube.
Some stories from veterans are available to read on Coventry City Council’s Coventry Remembers webpages which have more detailed information about the above events and will have the Order of Service should people want to download them, read them or follow on the day.
In recent years, more Canadians have brought pets into their homes. But Canadians’ choice of where to fill their pet’s prescriptions is often limited to veterinary offices – which can mean fewer options and higher prices.
Mandating the supply of pet medication to pharmacists would improve competition and consumer choice.
October 30, 2024 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau
In recent years, more Canadians have brought pets into their homes. But Canadians’ choice of where to fill their pet’s prescriptions is often limited to veterinary offices – which can mean fewer options and higher prices.
Today, the Competition Bureau has published an analysis of the pet pharmaceutical sector, titled Pets, vets and meds: The case for more competition. It examines the business practice in Canada of “exclusive distribution,” where pharmaceutical manufacturers sell only to distributors, and distributors sell only to veterinarians.
The Bureau’s analysis makes one recommendation: for provincial and territorial governments to consider mandating the supply of pet medications to pharmacists. Allowing pharmacists’ to enter the market has the potential to increase convenience and give Canadian pet owners more choice at competitive prices.
The analysis is based on research and interviews with a wide range of industry stakeholders across Canada, including veterinarians, pharmacists, regulatory colleges, provincial agencies, professional associations and animal owners associations.
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (October 30): Carlson (Chairman of HKEX, Mr Carlson Tong), Mohammed (CEO of Saudi Exchange, Mr Mohammed Al-Rumaih), Bill (Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC, Mr Bill Winters), Darryl (Deputy Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr Darryl Chan), Bonnie (CEO of HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning, everyone. It is a great pleasure to join you today at this important breakfast session hosted by HKEX, right at the heart of the FII (Future Investment Initiative). Before we begin, I want to extend my appreciation to HKEX for organising this session and to FII for providing a forum that brings global leaders together to address the future of investment. My special thanks to Mohammed, CEO of Saudi Exchange, and Bill, Global CEO of Standard Chartered, for joining this panel. A moment for co-operation There couldn’t be a better time for us to gather and discuss how we can strengthen our capital market connectivity. The transformative agenda set forth by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to foster a dynamic society through extensive infrastructure projects, green transition, and digitalisation. This ambitious vision is driving significant reforms across various sectors, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in economic diversification and innovation. In light of the evolving geopolitical landscape and shifts in global economic gravity, Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East are actively deploying their capital towards Asia. In this context, Hong Kong emerges as a pivotal player, serving as an international financial centre and a gateway to China and the wider Asian market. Hong Kong’s value proposition Hong Kong’s unique strengths are anchored in the “one country, two systems” framework, which China has committed to maintain over the long term. This arrangement allows Hong Kong to benefit from both the advantages of being part of China and the defining characteristics as an international city. We enjoy convenient, and at times privileged, access to the Mainland market while retaining our distinctive features, including a common law system, a judiciary that exercises powers independently, the free flow of capital, goods, information, and talent, a low and simple tax regime, and a currency pegged to the US dollar. Hong Kong is one of the top three international financial centres globally, alongside New York and London. We have also recently been recognised by the Fraser Institute as the freest economy in the world. Our world-class professional services adhere to the highest international standards, bolstered by a wealth of international experience and extensive connections. In short, Hong Kong presents unique advantages that can create significant value for Middle Eastern investors and capital. Hong Kong is an attractive destination for investment and collaboration, particularly in such areas as fund-raising, asset and wealth management, and green and sustainable finance. Allow me to elaborate. Fund-raising markets First, our fund-raising market. Carlson will provide a comprehensive overview of how Hong Kong serves as the prime connector between the capital markets of the Mainland and the rest of the world. Our stock market has a capitalisation of over US$4.5 trillion, which is 12 times of our GDP. It went through some challenging times in 2023 and the earliest part of this. It is making a comeback, particularly following the recent announcement of a stimulus package by the central authorities, aimed at injecting liquidity into the banking sector and supporting the real estate market. Since then, the market has increased by about 15 per cent with high volume. We have seen strong buying interest from American and European investors, who accounted for approximately 85 per cent of the buy side by value. Notably, 90 per cent of these investors are long-term fund managers and investment banks. Over the past few years, we have continuously reformed our listing regime. These reforms have broadened our market’s appeal and positioned Hong Kong as a leading listing hub for innovative enterprises. For example we are now the second-largest biotech fund-raising hub after the United States. Our country, China, has consistently supported the development of Hong Kong’s stock market. Just this April, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced five measures to bolster the development of Hong Kong’s capital markets, including, for example, expanding the Connect Schemes we have with the Mainland to cover more ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and REITs (real estate investment trusts), and facilitating the listing of more leading Mainland companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. By the way, we are also actively enhancing our connectivity with new markets. Last year, we reached an agreement with the Saudi Exchange and Indonesia Stock Exchange to allow companies in these countries to secondary list on our Stock Exchange. As they come to Hong Kong, they are able to access both international capital and capital from the Mainland under the Connect Schemes. The upcoming listing of two ETFs investing in Hong Kong stocks on the Saudi Exchange will be further reinforcing our links with Saudi Arabia. Beyond stock market, we boast a vibrant private equity sector, which manages over US$230 billion in assets, making us number two in Asia, only after the Mainland. Indeed, Hong Kong has a comprehensive chain of funds supporting companies at various stages of growth. Looking to the future, our stock market is poised to grow deeper and more robust. We are determined to attract more quality issuers from around the globe, and new capital sources, particularly Middle East and Asia. Asset and wealth management hub Second, asset and wealth management. Many Middle Eastern families and ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly recognising the need to diversify their asset allocation and look beyond traditional American and European markets. They can certainly look to Hong Kong. We manage over US$4 trillion in assets, with more than half coming from outside Hong Kong and Mainland China. We are also home to 2 700 single-family offices. Beyond diversified investment offerings, we have established a robust network comprising private banks, accounting and legal firms, trusts, and other professional service providers, forming a strong nexus that caters to their needs. This is further complemented by our strong philanthropic culture and programmes for families to leave a lasting legacy, making a difference in the world and shaping a better future for generations to come.Green and sustainable finance Finally, green and sustainable finance. As a key component of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has embarked on the Saudi Green Initiative, with clear targets to increase the share of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance land and sea protection. This vision resonates with us well, and we stand ready to contribute. Hong Kong is Asia’s green finance capital, demonstrated by our leading position in arranging green and sustainable debt, averaging over $63 billion per year over the past three years, accounting for over one-third of Asia’s total. Beyond volume, we are committed to building a green reporting system that meets the highest international standards, by adopting taxonomies interoperable with other international classification frameworks, and adhering to global sustainable reporting standards. Clearly, Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Saudi and Middle Eastern green and sustainable projects looking to access funds in our part of the world.Concluding remarks Ladies and gentlemen, I have just outlined some of the areas that Hong Kong can play in connecting capital, investments, and opportunities between our markets. I am eager to hear the valuable insights from our panelists this morning on how our capital markets can further collaborate and innovate. I wish you all the best of health and business in the years to come. May our discussions today inspire new ideas and fruitful collaborations that lead to shared prosperity and growth for all. Thank you!
CBO was established to give the Congress a stronger role in budget matters. The agency provides analysis of budgetary and economic issues that is objective and impartial. It is strictly nonpartisan and does not make policy recommendations.
CBO follows processes that are specified in statute or that it has developed in concert with the Budget Committees and Congressional leadership. CBO’s chief responsibility under the Budget Act is to help the Budget Committees with the matters under their jurisdiction.
The Annual Coal Distribution Report (ACDR) provides detailed U.S. domestic coal distribution data by coal-origin state, coal-destination state, mode of transportation, and consuming sector. The report also summarizes foreign coal distribution by coal-producing state. All data for 2023 are final, and this report supersedes the four Quarterly Coal Distribution Reports previously issued for 2023.
Highlights for 2023
Total coal distribution was an estimated 555.3 million short tons (MMst) in 2023. This value is 4.4% lower than in 2022.
Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 455.1 MMst in 2023. This value is 8.0% (39.8 MMst) lower than in 2022. Foreign distribution was 100.2 MMst, 16.6% (14.3 MMst) higher than in 2022.
Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 233.6 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 54.5 MMst of domestic coal.
An estimated 72.8% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 11.3% were sent by river, and 6.8% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.0% of total coal shipments.
Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.6% of total coal shipments. Industrial plants (excluding coke plants) received about 5.0% of total coal shipments, coke plants received about 3.3%, and commercial and institutional plants received about 0.1%.
The Annual Coal Report (ACR) provides annual data on U.S. coal production, number of mines, productive capacity, recoverable reserves, employment, productivity, consumption, stocks, and prices. All data for 2023 and previous years are final.
Highlights for 2023
U.S. coal production decreased 2.7% year over year to 577.9 million short tons (MMst). The number of producing coal mines increased from 548 to 560 mines.
The total productive capacity of U.S. coal mines was 847 MMst, a decrease of 2.8% from 2022.
The average number of employees at U.S. coal mines increased by 1,894 from 2022 to 45,476 employees.
U.S. coal mining productivity, as measured by average production per employee hour, decreased 7.4% from 2022 to 5.66 short tons per employee hour.
U.S. coal consumption decreased 17.4% from 515.5 MMst in 2022 to 425.9 MMst. The electric power sector accounted for 387.2 MMst (90.9%) of the total U.S. coal consumed in 2023.
The average sales price of bituminous coal was $96.23 per short ton, a 1.8% decrease from 2022. The average sales price of subbituminous coal was $17.56 per short ton, a 6.1% increase from 2022. The average sales price of thermal coal increased by 8.8% from 2022 to $37.60 per short ton. The average sales price of metallurgical coal decreased 19.2% from 2022 to $212.30 per short ton.
Total U.S. coal stocks in 2023 ended the year at 163.2 MMst, 42.7% higher than at the same time in 2022. Electric power coal stocks increased by 44.5 MMst to 133.7 MMst at the end of 2023.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Leslie Ray Upchurch, age 35, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on April 28, 2023, Upchurch, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of such conviction, knowingly possessed one Ruger 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol and several rounds of assorted 9mm Luger caliber ammunition.
The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Upchurch was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Today, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered a Budget to fix the foundations of our economy.
Chancellor protects public services as departments’ day-to-day spending set to grow by an average of 3.3% in real terms between 2023-24 and 2025-26, including increase of more than £22 billion for health to help bring down waiting lists.
Budget will restore economic stability and begin a decade of national renewal, providing a boost to public investment by over £100 billion over the next five years across roads, rail, schools and hospitals whilst keeping debt on a downward path.
No change to working people’s payslips as income tax, employee national insurance and VAT stay the same, but businesses and the wealthiest asked to pay more.
The Chancellor has delivered a Budget to fix the foundations to deliver on the promise of change after a decade and a half of stagnation. She has set out plans to fix the NHS and rebuild Britain, while ensuring working people don’t face higher taxes in their payslips.
The government was handed a challenging inheritance; £22 billion of unfunded in-year spending pressures, debt at its highest since the 1960s, unrealistic plans for departmental spending, and stagnating living standards.
As a mission-led government, the Chancellor has today made clear the difficult choices this government will make to rebuild the country. This Budget takes the difficult decisions on tax, spending and welfare to restore economic and fiscal stability, so that the government can invest in the country’s future and achieve its mission for growth. This means hospital waiting lists will be cut with room to invest in Britain to rebuild our schools, hospitals and broken roads.
The government is protecting working people’s living standards by raising the National Living Wage, cutting duty on draught pints, keeping bus fares down, and not increasing the main rates of income tax, employee national insurance, and VAT.
The Budget will help rebuild Britain by boosting public investment by over £100 billion over the next five years while exceeding the manifesto commitment to fix an extra 1 million potholes per year with an additional £500 million for local road maintenance in 2025-26.
Fixing the NHS and reforming public services
By repairing the public finances and restoring economic stability, the Budget delivers on a new settlement for public services, increasing day to day spending for public services by 3.3% on average in real terms over this year and next to fix the NHS, boost the education system and repair the criminal justice system.
This government has been clear from the start it will not tolerate wasteful spending – and that means treating taxpayers’ money with respect. For the next financial year, all government departments have a 2% productivity, efficiency, and savings target, that is expected to save billions of pounds.
The Chancellor has confirmed an additional £22.6 billion for day-to-day spending over two years for the Department of Health and Social care, supporting the NHS to deliver an extra 40,000 elective appointments per week, delivering on one of the Government’s first aims in office to reduce waiting times in the NHS.
The government is investing around £1.5 billion capital funding for new surgical hubs, diagnostic scanners and new beds across the NHS estate to create more treatment space in emergency departments, reduce waiting times and help shift more care into the community.
£100 million will be earmarked to carry out 200 GP estate upgrades across England, supporting improved use of existing buildings and space, boosting productivity and enabling delivery of more appointments.
The Chancellor has focused on improving education as part of her first Budget, with an additional £4 billion for the sector, including £2.3 billion into the core schools’ budget which increases per pupil spending in real terms.
This will allow 100 project plans to begin delivery across England next year and begin to tackle the crumbling school and college buildings across the country. This paves the way for a long-term strategy to improve schools nationwide so that students can learn in safe, state-of-the-art facilities, tailored to the needs of 21st-century education.
The Chancellor will provide £1.4 billion for the school rebuilding programme, including an increase of £550 million this year.
In addition to these commitments, this government is securing our borders and taking back our streets.
The new Border Security Command will smash the organised criminal gangs by deploying 100 new NCA officers and increasing cooperation with European intelligence agencies and police forces.
Smashing gangs and boosting the processing of asylum claims forms a crucial part of the government’s plan to cut asylum support costs by more than £4bn over the next 2 years compared to the previous government’s spending trajectory.
The Home Office settlement will put us on track to start delivering the manifesto pledge to boost visible neighbourhood policing with 13,000 more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs.
Protecting working people and living standards
While fixing the inheritance requires tough decisions, the Chancellor has committed to protecting the living standards of working people. The decisions taken by the Chancellor to rebuild public finances enable the government to deliver on its pledge to not increase National Insurance, VAT, or Income Tax on working people, meaning they will not see higher taxes in their payslip. In addition:
The Chancellor has made the decision to protect working people from being dragged into higher tax brackets by confirming that Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions thresholds will be unfrozen from 2028-29 onwards.
The National Living Wage will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour from April 2025, which means a pay boost for 3 million workers. The 6.7% increase – worth £1,400 a year for a full-time worker – is a significant move towards delivering a genuine living wage. The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will also rise from £8.60 to £10.00 an hour.
The Chancellor is also protecting motorists by freezing fuel duty for one year and extending the temporary 5p cut to 22 March 2026 – a tax cut worth £3 billion. This will save the average car driver £59, vans £126 and Heavy Goods Vehicles £1,079 next year.
To support the take-up of zero emission cars, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) First Year Rates (FYRs) are changing from 2025-26. Rates for zero emission cars will be frozen at £10 until 2029-30 while rates for hybrid and petrol/diesel cars will rise from 1 April 2025.
The weekly earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance will be increased to 16 hours at the National Living Wage, worth an additional £45 a week from April next year, making over 60,000 carers eligible for support, and helping carers to balance work and caring responsibilities. This is the largest ever increase to the earnings limit and provides certainty for carers with a commitment that the earnings limit will increase with the National Living Wage in the future.
To help ensure pensioners are protected in their retirement, the Budget will also confirm a 4.1% increase to the basic and new State Pension as well as the standard minimum guarantee for Pension Credit, from April next year.
Over 12 million pensioners will benefit from this as the full new State Pension will rise from £221.20 to £230.25 a week, providing an additional £470 a year, while the full basic State Pension will increase from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, worth an extra £360 annually.
The Pension Credit Standard Minimum Guarantee will also increase by 4.1% from April 2025, meaning an annual increase of £465 in 2025-26 in the single pensioner guarantee and £710 in the couple guarantee.
The administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit will be brought together for new claimants from 2026. This is two years earlier than previously planned, and will support more people to receive the benefits that they are entitled to.
In addition, working-age benefits and the Additional State Pension will rise by 1.7% in April 2025, in line with inflation. This increase will see around 5.7 million families on Universal Credit gain an average of £150 annually.
Rebuilding Britain
This government will not make a return to austerity and will instead boost investment to rebuild Britain by investing in the fabric of the country, as well as supporting the industries of the future. This will go towards rebuilding our schools, hospitals and roads, turbocharging the delivery of 1.5 million homes, and unlocking long-term economic growth.
This comes on top of action already taken under the government’s growth mission including establishing the National Wealth Fund, publishing the Industrial Strategy green paper, and hosting the International Investment Summit.
The government is exceeding its manifesto commitment to fix an extra 1 million potholes per year, with an additional £500 million for local road maintenance in 2025-26 – an almost 50% increase on the commitment made by the previous government for the current financial year.
This brings the total amount dedicated to fixing the roads in England over the next year to nearly £1.6 billion.
This government is growing day-to-day spending at an average of 2.0% per year in real terms between 2023-24 and 2029-30 to support public services.
This government is boosting public investment by over £100 billion over the next five years whilst keeping debt on a downward path, with a greater focus on value for money and delivery to help unlock long-term growth.
Capital investment will increase by £13 billion next year, taking total departmental capital spending to £131 billion in 2025-26. This includes increased investment in local roads maintenance and local transport, supporting everyday journeys, and driving growth in our regional towns and cities.
The government is also making the reforms needed to deliver sustained growth in the long-term. These include ambitious planning reforms to remove barriers to growth, the development of a 10-year infrastructure strategy to be published alongside Phase 2 of the Spending Review, the publication shortly of the Get Britain Working White Paper, and the establishment of Skills England to ensure we have the highly-trained workforce needed to deliver economic growth.
An extra £200 million will be given to Metro Mayors for local transport in 2025/26, bringing City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements to over £1.3 billion.
The government is also announcing over £650 million for improving transport in towns, villages, and rural areas alongside our city regions.
Single bus fares will be kept down at £3 until the end of 2025, as part of an over £1bn package to support bus services across the country.
To fully harness its potential and foster a dynamic investment economy, the government is protecting record levels of government R&D investment with £20.4 billion allocated in 2025-26.
To boost digital infrastructure in under-served areas across the UK and support growth in the digital and technology sectors, the government will invest over £500 million in Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network next year.
A new housing package will include £500 million in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme, increasing it to £3.1 billion, the biggest annual budget for affordable housing in over a decade. This brings total investment in housing supply to over £5 billion and supports the delivery of tens of thousands of new homes.
£3 billion of additional support will be provided to SMEs and the Build to Rent sector by expanding existing housing guarantee schemes to support a strong and diverse private housing market.
The Budget also began the government’s reform of business rates to help level the playing field for high streets across the country as from 2026-27 permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties will be introduced. This will be funded sustainably by introducing a higher multiplier for the most valuable properties, including distribution warehouses used by online giants.
To support the transition, the Chancellor also announced a 40% relief for retail, hospitality and leisure, up to a cap of £110,000 per business. The small business multiplier will also be frozen next year to protect against inflationary increases. This support is worth almost £2.4 billion over the next five years. One third of business properties will continue to pay no business rates because of Small Business Rates Relief.
Repairing public finances
The Chancellor has made clear that, whilst protecting working people with measures to reduce the cost of living, there would be difficult decisions required on tax. The Budget will ask businesses and the wealthiest to pay their fair share while making taxes fairer. This will go directly towards fixing the foundations and funding public services such as the NHS and education.
The rate of employer National Insurance will increase by 1.2 percentage points, to 15% from 6 April 2025. The Secondary Threshold – the level at which employers become liable to pay national insurance on each employee’s salary – will reduce from £9,100 per year to £5,000 per year.
The smallest businesses will be protected as the Employment Allowance will increase to £10,500 from £5,000 and be extended to all eligible employers by removing the £100,000 cap, allowing firms to employ up to four National Living Wage workers full time without paying employer National Insurance on their wages.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) will increase from 10% to 18% for those paying the lower rate, and 20% to 24% for those paying the higher rate. These new rates will match the residential property rates, which will unchanged at 18 for the lower rate and 24% for the higher rate.
To encourage entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses, Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) will remain at 10% this year, before rising to 14% on 6 April 2025 and 18% from 6 April 2026-27.
The OBR say changes to CGT will raise £2.5 billion by the end of the forecast and the UK will continue to have the lowest CGT rate of any European G7 country.
Inheritance tax thresholds will be fixed at their current levels for a further two years until April 2030. More than 90% of estates each year will not pay inheritance tax. From April 2027 inherited pension pots will be subject to inheritance tax. This removes a distortion which has led to pensions being used as a tax planning vehicle to transfer wealth rather than their original purpose to fund retirement.
From April 2026, agricultural property relief and business property relief will be reformed. The highest rate of relief will continue at 100% for the first £1 million of combined business and agricultural assets on top of the existing nil-rate bands, fully protecting the majority of businesses and farms. The rate of relief will reduce to 50% after the first £1 million. Reforms will affect the wealthiest 2,000 estates each year. Inheritance tax reforms are predicted by the OBR to raise £2 billion in total to support public services.
The government will also uprate alcohol duty in line with RPI, except for most drinks in pubs. To support British pubs, and brewers, the government is reducing duty on qualifying draught products, which represent approximately 3 in 5 alcoholic drinks sold in pubs.
This measure reduces duty bills by over £85 million a year, cutting duty on an average strength pint in a pub by a penny. The value of the relief available to small producers will also be increased to help smaller brewers and cidermakers.
From 2026-27 Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates for short and long-haul flights will be adjusted to partially account for previous high inflation. For economy passengers, this is only a £1 increase for domestic flights, £2 extra for short haul, and £12 more for long-haul flights, with children under the age of 16 remaining exempt from APD. APD for larger private jets will be increased by a further 50%. These changes will help align with the government’s environmental objectives.
To further support the government’s mission to fix the NHS, the Budget announces a package of measures that disincentivise activities that cause ill health, by:
Renewing the tobacco duty escalator which increases all tobacco duty rates by RPI+2% plus an above escalator increase to hand rolling tobacco (totalling RPI+12%).
Introducing a new vaping duty at a flat rate of 22p/ml from October 2026, accompanied by a further one-off increase in tobacco duty to maintain financial incentive to choose vaping over smoking.
To help tackle obesity and other harms caused by high sugar intake, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy will increase over the next five years to account for inflation since it was last updated in 2018, and the duty will also rise in line with inflation every year going forward.
The government set out the next steps to deliver its tax manifesto commitments in the July Statement. Having consulted on the final policy details where appropriate, Budget delivers the government’s manifesto commitments to raise revenue to pay for first steps, with reforms that are underpinned by fairness, and tackle tax avoidance by:
A new residence-based regime will replace the current non-dom regime from April 2025 and will be designed to attract investment and talent to the UK.
Offshore trusts will no longer be able to be used to shelter assets from Inheritance Tax, and there will be transitional arrangements in place for people who have made plans based on current rules.
The planned 50% reduction for foreign income in the first year of the new regime will be removed.
Reforms to the non-dom regime will raise a total of £12.7 billion according to the OBR.
The tax treatment of carried interest will be reformed by first increasing the Capital Gains Tax rates on carried interest to 32% and then, from April 2026, moving to a revised regime – with bespoke rules to reflect the characteristics of the reward.
The Higher Rate for Additional Dwellings surcharge of Stamp Duty Land Tax will rise from 3 to 5%, providing those looking to move home, or purchase their first property, with a comparative advantage over second home buyers, landlords, and businesses purchasing residential property.
To secure additional funding to help deliver commitments relating to education and young people, the government will introduce 20% VAT on education and boarding services provided for a charge by private schools from 1 January 2025. The government will also remove business rates charitable rate relief from private schools in England from April 2025.
Over the next five years HMRC, will look to close the UK’s tax gap – the amount of uncollected tax owed to the UK – by bringing in an additional £6.5 billion per year. The revenue will go directly to funding UK public services and fixing the foundations of the economy.
The package to close the tax gap will include overhauling HMRC’s IT system to improve their debt management system to ensure tax debt enquiries can be dealt with faster, improving the productivity of the organisation. 5000 additional compliance staff will be recruited and 1,800 debt management staff will also be maintained and recruited. HMRC’s services will be also digitised to make it easier and simpler for taxpayers to self-serve and manage their tax affairs.
The government has also published its Corporate Tax Roadmap alongside the Budget. This will offer the certainty that encourages investment and gives business the confidence to grow. The Roadmap includes commitments:
to cap the headline rate of Corporation Tax at 25%, which is the lowest in the G7;
to maintain our world leading capital allowances system (including permanent full expensing and the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance);
to preserve the generosity of our R&D reliefs; and
to develop a new process for increasing the tax certainty available in advance for major investments.
Strengthening the fiscal framework
The Chancellor has paved the way for growth while doubling down on fiscal responsibility by making reforms to the fiscal framework. This is based on two new fiscal rules: the stability rule and the investment rule.
The stability rule will balance the current budget, so day-to-day costs are met by revenues.
The investment rule will ensure that net financial debt is falling as a proportion of GDP. This rule keeps debt on a sustainable path whilst allowing the step change needed for investment.
Both of these rules will be met two years early in 2027-28.
This investment will be underpinned by clear guardrails to ensure it is high quality and well delivered.
Our ten-year infrastructure strategy will provide industry a vision of the government’s priorities and a credible delivery plan to encourage investment and supply chains.
NISTA will be the central body that brings strategy and delivery together under one roof to implement this strategy working across Whitehall and industry.
Further reforms will help deliver stability by holding Spending Reviews every two years, setting plans for at least three years to ensure public services are always planned and improve value for money. One major fiscal event per year will give families and businesses stability and certainty on tax and spending changes.
The Fiscal Lock will ensure no future government can sideline the OBR again, and we are committing to improving the transparency and consistency of the spending information shared with the OBR.
The government will also introduce new controls: that financial investments should by default target a return for the Exchequer that at least covers the government’s cost of borrowing, that all large-scale financial transactions will be managed by expert bodies like the National Wealth Fund, and that the government will publish an annual report on the performance and value of its financial assets based on accounts audited by the National Audit Office.
NEW YORK – Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union are demanding that StoryCorps stop its unlawful retaliation against CWA Local 1180 members and reinstate employees who were laid off in retaliation for engaging in union activity.
On October 22, StoryCorps announced layoffs of five union members without prior notice to the union, bypassing the notice period in the contract StoryCorps signed with CWA Local 1180. In a clear act of retaliation against an employee for protected union activity, management targeted a shop steward, citing “performance” as the reason for their selection. The union steward is the most senior person in their department and has a stellar performance record, no disciplinary marks, and years of dedicated service and contributions to StoryCorps’ mission. The steward has been an outspoken advocate for improving working conditions at StoryCorps for years.
Other laid-off employees had recently filed grievances concerning discrimination in the workplace and being denied a contractual cost of living increase.
“StoryCorps has disgraced itself by retaliating against loyal staff who have exercised their right to join together to improve their jobs,” said Shop Steward Ian Gonzalez. “Rather than engaging with their union employees in good faith, StoryCorps Management stonewalled, refused to provide requested information, and hurled insults at the bargaining representatives. This is unacceptable; we won’t stand for this treatment of our membership and our union.”
Union members across the country have taken action on behalf of the laid-off StoryCorps members, sending messages to StoryCorps leadership to demand an end to the retaliation and good faith bargaining in adherence to the union contract. Staff unions at national nonprofits, including the National Audubon Society and the Trevor Project, have joined the effort.
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About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.
Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in McCormick County
Disaster Recovery Center Opening in McCormick County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in McCormick County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. McCormick CountyMcCormick County Library 201 Railroad Ave. McCormick, SC 29835Open Oct. 30 – Nov. 5, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. gerard.hammink Wed, 10/30/2024 – 14:08
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Kate McDonnell, currently serving as Deputy Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, will be his next Chief Counsel. McDonnell will assume the role in mid-November following the departure of Parimal Garg, who is leaving to pursue an opportunity in private practice.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kate McDonnell back to the Governor’s Office as my new Chief Counsel,” said Governor Murphy. “Her decades of service to the Garden State and her strong background in public policy demonstrate the ideal skillset to excel in this role. I look forward to working alongside Kate as we continue working to advance the goals of our Administration and build a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”
“I want to thank Governor Murphy for his confidence in me, and for giving me the opportunity to serve as his next Chief Counsel,” said incoming Chief Counsel Kate McDonnell. “I would also like to thank Parimal Garg for his valuable support over the years and through this transition. I look forward to returning to the Governor’s Office and continuing to build upon the great work and tremendous accomplishments of the Murphy Administration.”
“I served with Kate McDonnell in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office for five years, and continued to work with her as she assumed senior roles in the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Community Affairs,” said outgoing Chief Counsel Parimal Garg. “Kate is brilliant, deeply versed in public policy, and the consummate team player. Her entire career has been dedicated to public service and her contributions to this state are already immeasurable. I know Kate will do an outstanding job as Governor Murphy’s chief counsel and solidify the Murphy Administration’s legacy of historic achievements.”
Kate McDonnell first began her career in public service in 2006, serving the New Jersey Assembly Democratic Office for nearly 12 years, including nine years as General Counsel under Speakers Joe Roberts, Sheila Oliver, and Vincent Prieto.
Following Governor Murphy’s inauguration in 2018, McDonnell served for nearly five years as his Deputy Chief Counsel and then later Senior Deputy Chief Counsel.
In November 2022, McDonnell took on the role of Chief Counsel to New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin. In January 2024, McDonnell moved to the Department of Community Affairs to serve as Deputy Commissioner under Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez.
McDonnell received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, magna cum laude, and earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law, Camden. She also holds a Master’s degree from Rutgers New Brunswick’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE trains trainers on media literacy in Turkmenistan
Participants discuss a practical assignment during an OSCE-organized train-the-trainer course on media literacy, OSCE, Ashgabat, 29 November 2024 (OSCE) Photo details
Media literacy and methods of teaching media literacy skills were in focus of an OSCE-organized train-the-trainer course that took place on 29 and 30 October 2024.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the course to provide support in preparing a pool of national trainers on media literacy and contribute to the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan for 2021-2025 (NHRAP). The train-the-trainer course brought together representatives of Turkmenistan’s national media and institutions involved in the implementation of NHRAP.
The training course highlighted general approaches to media literacy, its role and challenges related to the modern media sphere. International experts elaborated on the classification of hate speech, disinformation and misinformation and offered participants an opportunity to analyze examples of these phenomena.
“The 2024 OSCE Chairpersonship of Malta included media literacy in its priorities for this year and organized a conference to discuss the interlinkage between media literacy and democracy,” said John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat at the opening of the training course.
“Indeed, media literacy skills are needed today as never before to efficiently exercise our human rights to freedom of expression and access to information both on- and offline,” stressed MacGregor.
Participants explored methods of delivering training activities and practiced planning their training courses. International experts expanded on the methodology of factchecking, its concept and formats, as well as signs of fake news and verification algorithms.
“I am confident that our participants have a huge potential to become national trainers and take lead in implementing OSCE commitments related to the freedom of the media and freedom of expression,” concluded MacGregor his opening speech.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
MIAMI – Today, Miami resident Gustavo Alfonso Castano Restrepo, 55, appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on an indictment charging him with kidnapping resulting in death.
According to the unsealed indictment, on or about May 30, 2016, in Miami-Dade County, in the Southern District of Florida, and elsewhere, Restrepo, did willfully and unlawfully seize, confine, inveigle, decoy, kidnap, abduct, and carry away and hold a person, that is, Liliana Moreno, for reward and otherwise, and did use a means, facility, and instrumentality of interstate commerce, that is, a cellular telephone, the internet, a motor vehicle, and the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike, in the commission and in furtherance of the offense. The kidnapping resulted in the deaths of Liliana Moreno and Daniella Moreno.
Restrepo is currently being detained, following today’s hearing in Miami. A pre-trial detention hearing in Miami Magistrate Court is scheduled for Nov. 1.
If Restrepo is convicted of the charged offense, the mandatory minimum sentence is life in prison and the maximum penalty is death.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Chief Edwin Lopez of the Doral Police Department, and Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) made the announcement.
FBI Miami, the Doral Police Department, MDPD, and FBI’s South Florida Violent Crime/Fugitive Task Force are investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dwayne Williams is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about this matter or any other federal crime is urged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or filing a report at tips.fbi.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20463
Halloween is a busy time for kids of all ages! Plan for a fun and safe evening by using these safety tips from RCMP NL to help ensure a Happy Halloween.
Look the part while being visible and safe:
Be visible. Wear a light/bright colored costume. Add reflective tape or arm bands to increase visibility.
Ensure your costume is made of flame-retardant material.
Make sure your costume fits well to avoid ghostly falls or stumbles.
Use flashlights and glow sticks; they are great accessories for any costume and can keep kids visible to motorists.
Be street smart:
Parents/guardians should help plan and be aware of the route that their children will travel for trick-or-treating.
Children should be able to recognize places where they can get help: police station, fire station or any other well-known public place.
Stay on the sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the street facing traffic.
Never enter a house. Only accept treats at the front door.
Take extra care with driving:
Slow down and be extra cautious. Expect that trick-or-treaters may forget to look both ways before rushing across the street or a driveway in their search for treats.
Watch for people using crosswalks.
Do not drive impaired or while distracted.
Ensure that your costume does not interfere with the safe operation of your motor vehicle. Costumes should not restrict movement, impede vision or prevent anyone in the vehicle from properly applying their seat belt.
RCMP NL will be on patrol to watch out for all of the little ghosts and goblins, as well as those driving while impaired or in a manner that puts anyone else at risk. Do your part to ensure this Halloween is enjoyable for all!
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
ALBUQUERQUE – A Red Valley, Arizona man was charged by indictment with kidnapping, assault and federal firearms offenses stemming from a domestic violence incident in Shiprock, New Mexico.
Curley Nakai Jr., 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial.
According to court records, on August 24, 2024, Nakai allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, in Shiprock, New Mexico. A witness observed Nakai dragging Jane Doe by her shirt and striking her. Nakai then forced Jane Doe into the backseat of a pickup truck. Concerned for Jane Doe’s safety, the witness followed the pickup and attempted to get identifying information. While following, the witness saw Nakai appear to punch Jane Doe in the vehicle.
The situation escalated when Nakai and Jane Doe arrived at a supermarket parking lot. As police were contacted by the witness, Nakai exited the pickup and pointed a rifle at her while yelling aggressively. At this point, the witness was approximately thirty feet away with her car window down. After driving past the pickup and parking nearby, the witness observed that Jane Doe managed to exit the vehicle and walk awayy.
If convicted, Nakai faces up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced today to 17 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
According to public court documents, in July 2023, Deandre Julian Hensley, 30, possessed a loaded nine-millimeter pistol in his waistband and approximately 7.5 grams of crack cocaine in his pocket when he was arrested for outstanding warrants. The firearm recovered from Hensley was the same firearm that he shot near a downtown Davenport bar earlier in July 2023. Two bystanders were injured in that shooting.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Hensley will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.
According to public court documents, law enforcement received multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Cody Andrew Long, 23, had uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement searched Long’s cell phone and a computer located at Long’s Iowa City residence which revealed approximately 100 images and 25 videos of child sexual abuse material.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Long will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Long was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution. In addition, Long will be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and the Johnson County Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.