Source: United States Marines
U.S. Marines postured around the globe serve as America’s rapid crisis response force, ready to meet the Nation’s needs at a moment’s notice. On July 26 Marine Corps readiness was on display, when U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, operating under Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, deployed four MV-22B Ospreys more than 1,950 nautical miles from Darwin, Australia, to Clark Air Base, Philippines.
Source: W & T Offshore Inc
Headline: W&T Offshore to Ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange to Commemorate its 20th Anniversary as a Public Company
HOUSTON, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) (the “Company”) today announced that Tracy Krohn, W&T’s Founder, Chairman, CEO and President will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on Monday, August 4, 2025, to commemorate the Company’s 20th anniversary as a NYSE-listed company. W&T’s Board of Directors and senior management team will also participate in the ceremony. Live coverage of the event will begin on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 3:55 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming at www.NYSE.com/bell. An archived version of the ceremony will be posted to W&T’s Web site, www.wtoffshore.com, in the “Investors” section on the “Overview” page under “News and Events”.
Tracy Krohn commented, “It is truly an honor to ring the NYSE closing bell in celebration of our 20th anniversary as a publicly traded company. I want to express my gratitude to each member of our Board of Directors, our management team and all of our dedicated employees across the Company for their invaluable contributions to W&T’s success since its inception. It has been an incredible journey these past 42 years, from our founding in 1983, our IPO in 2005, to now celebrating this milestone occasion. Throughout our history, we have remained committed to responsible energy production and being a staunch and vocal advocate for the offshore Gulf of America sector of the energy industry where we have been primarily focused since we began operations. Looking ahead, I remain excited about W&T’s future as we continue to execute and improve upon our unique and resilient business model.
About W&T Offshore
W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of America and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had working interests in 52 fields in federal and state waters (which include 45 fields in federal waters and seven in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 634,700 gross acres (496,900 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 487,200 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 141,900 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,600 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Company’s daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T, please visit the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com.
| CONTACTS: | Al Petrie | Sameer Parasnis |
| Investor Relations Coordinator | Executive VP and CFO | |
| investorrelations@wtoffshore.com | sparasnis@wtoffshore.com | |
| 713-297-8024 | 713-513-8654 |
Source: W&T Offshore, Inc.
Released July 30, 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
UK Government unveils its Small Business Plan to support SMEs across the country
Small businesses across the UK will benefit from the most comprehensive support package in a generation, as the government launches a bold new plan to give small businesses the tools to thrive and drive economic growth as part of its Plan for Change.
Small and medium sized firms employ 60% of the country’s workforce and generate £2.8 trillion in turnover. However, for too long, the odds have been stacked against small businesses.
From tradespeople and shopkeepers to start-up founders and family-run firms, too many work hard but don’t get the backing they deserve – held back by late payments and not getting the financial backing they need within a wider system that hasn’t worked in their favour.
That’s why the Government is taking serious action to back small businesses and give them the tools they need to grow. This builds on the solid foundation of certainty and stability this government has already delivered—through the trade deals we’ve secured, four interest rate cuts, and a long-term industrial and trade strategy that’s helping businesses plan ahead with confidence.
At the heart of the plan is a the most significant package of reforms in a generation to tackle late payments, with plans to introduce the toughest laws on late payments in the G7.
Late payments are one of the biggest barriers to small business growth —causing cashflow problems that stop firms from scaling up and investing in their future. Every day, hardworking businesses close their doors because they aren’t paid on time.
The new laws are set to give stronger powers to the Small Business Commissioner to empower them to wield fines, worth potentially millions of pounds, against the biggest firms who persistently choose to pay their suppliers late.
The Small Business Commissioner will be given new powers to carry out spot checks and enforce a 30-day invoice verification period to speed up resolutions to disputes. The upcoming legislation will also introduce maximum payment terms of 60 days, reducing to 45 days, giving firms certainty they’ll be paid on time.
Audit committees, under the proposals, will also be legally required to scrutinise payment practices at board level, placing greater pressure on large firms to show they’re treating small suppliers fairly backed by mandatory interest charges for those who pay late.
These changes will also save small businesses valuable time, freeing up hours currently spent chasing overdue invoices so they can focus on growing their business instead. Taken together, this will help ensure businesses are paid on time and end the scourge of late payments which costs the UK economy £11bn per year and closes down 38 UK businesses every day.
“From builders and electricians to freelance designers and manufacturers—too many hardworking people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments instead of doing what they do best – growing their businesses.
“It’s unfair, it’s exhausting, and it’s holding Britain back. So, our message is clear: it’s time to pay up.
“Through our Small Business Plan, we’re not only tackling the scourge of late payments once and for all, but we’re giving small business owners the backing and stability they need for their business to thrive, driving growth across the country through our Plan for Change.”
“This country is home to some of the brightest entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in the world, and we want to unleash their full potential by giving them back time and money to do what they do best – growing our local economies.
“Our Small Business plan – the first in over a decade – is slashing unnecessary admin costs, making it easier for businesses to set up shop and giving SMEs the financial backing they need.
“This is our Plan for Change in action, putting more money in people’s pockets, boosting local communities and ensuring Britain is a great place to do business and thrive.”
“I want the UK to be the best place in the world to start a business, grow and succeed – and that’s why we’ve taken bold steps today.
“Too many small firms go under each year because they aren’t paid on time – that is completely unacceptable.
“I hear all too often about businesses who just don’t have the cash needed to start up or grow. Today, we’ve announced measures as part of our Plan for Change to tackle all of those issues and beyond. This is the government listening to businesses, working with them, and delivering real change.”
“Making sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy. It’s very welcome that the Prime Minister has today made them his Government’s priorities.
“I’m pleased that FSB and the Government have been able to work in lockstep on the bold and ambitious measures needed to tackle the scourge of late payment through legislation, and other pro-growth, pro-small business measures.
“Today’s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.”
“We’re proud to pay every supplier on time and once we receive an invoice, so it’s fantastic to see the government put the Small Business Plan into place tackling the big issue of late payments.
“We believe this is a fair and honest way to conduct business. It gives us a clear and current understanding of how our business is performing. Our relationships with our suppliers have been amazing and truly beneficial to all parties.”
As part of the plan, the government is also tackling another major barrier for small businesses – access to finance. Despite the UK’s world-leading financial services sector, many small firms struggle to secure the funding they need to invest, expand, or even survive.
To address this, the Government is launching a new £4 billion wave of financial support aimed at boosting growth and supporting more small businesses to start up and grow. This includes a £1bn boost for new businesses, with 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring support to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The Government is also going further by delivering a new £3 billion boost to the British Business Bank – raising the total guarantee to £5 billion – to help lenders offer more small business loans through the ‘ENABLE programme’. Under the scheme, the BBB provides a government-backed guarantee to help lenders feel safer when lending to smaller or newer businesses, enabling them to offer better loan terms including with lower interest.
These measures aim to break down long-standing barriers that have made it harder for small businesses to access the funding they need to get off the ground by making finance and loans more accessible, affordable, and fair.
Accelerating SME growth by just 1 percentage point per year, could deliver £320bn to the UK economy by 2030. All of these measures announced today back small businesses to the hilt and build on action already taken by this government to create the conditions for businesses to thrive:
“I am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nation’s smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time. We will not see economic growth without small business growth, so I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive.”
“MagnifyB welcomes the UK Government’s action to tackle late payments, which will give small businesses the cash flow stability they need to thrive. Alongside this, there is a clear need to provide micro and small businesses with far more than just a repository of information, including a practical digital toolset to strengthen their operations and improve their chances of long-term success. We hope that the new Small Business Commissioner can be instrumental in bringing together ideas and championing the initiatives needed to make this support a reality.”
“I’m delighted to see the government’s new SME Strategy recognising the critical role small businesses play both at home and globally. From tackling late payments to simplifying access to growth advice and support, these measures are a lifeline for SMEs like mine who often face disproportionate challenges with limited resources. I’m especially encouraged by the commitment to reduce administrative burdens by 25% and improve access to finance both are major barriers to growth for underrepresented founders, including women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. The focus on revitalising the high street, digital skills, and exporting support shows that the government is listening to the needs of small businesses.”
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) carried out independent measurements today to confirm that there had been no increase in radiation levels at the site, contrary to some social media posts overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
Using IAEA monitoring equipment, the team members measured only normal levels during a site walkdown. Their measurements confirmed other data collected separately at the site, as well as information provided by the plant itself.
“The team took immediate action after becoming aware of these social media reports, enabling us to provide assurances that radiation levels remained unchanged. Once again, this shows the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and Ukraine’s other nuclear power sites. Thanks to this presence, we can provide timely, factual and impartial technical information to the public about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine,” Director General Grossi said.
The general nuclear safety situation at the ZNPP remains precarious, however, with the plant continuing to rely on one single power line for the electricity it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. Before the conflict, it had access to 10 external power lines.
In addition, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities almost every day over the past week, at different distances from the site, which is located on the frontline.
Earlier this week, the team members performed a walkdown of a turbine hall of one reactor unit where they were once again denied access to the western part of the hall.
The IAEA teams present at Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) — Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs – and the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week. At Khmelnytskyy, the team had to shelter twice on 28 July.
Three of Ukraine’s nine operating reactor units continued to be in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance, including work on some of the off-site power lines.
As part of the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Slavutych City Hospital this week received mobile radiography equipment and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and Hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received laboratory equipment. These deliveries were funded by Australia, the European Union and Norway.
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution – an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.
Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable. Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded, including by:
The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.
For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong, democratic governance in Palestine and the contributions of its people to a more peaceful and hopeful future.
We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Canada will always steadfastly support Israel’s existence as an independent state in the Middle East living in peace and security. Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace.
Canada has already committed over $340 million in humanitarian aid to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. We are further committing $30 million in new funding to help address the needs of Palestinian civilians, and providing an additional $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s role in stabilizing and governing the West Bank. We are working with our allies to deliver immediate assistance to those in dire need.
We will intensify our efforts with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale to Gaza. Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful, and lasting peace in the region, and a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)
ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), along with Representatives John Mannion (NY-22) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the Trump Administration reverse its decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonet for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project.
In 2023, the DHS awarded the University at Albany $3 million for this grant project to improve emergency management and deliver accurate, real-time forecasting for severe weather. But, earlier this month, that funding was abruptly terminated.
“Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly,” the lawmakers write.
The letter continues, “At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.
“The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.”
For years, Tonko has worked to strengthen and support the nation’s weather preparedness. Last Congress, he introduced the bipartisan National Mesonet Authorization Act alongside Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), legislation that would increase the overall coverage and accuracy of our current National Mesonet program.
Earlier this month, UAlbany sent a letter inviting DHS Secretary Noem to visit the campus and tour their facilities to lean more about how the university’s essential research supports DHS’s work and mission. UAlbany also sent a letter to the New York congressional delegation requesting support from members in helping to reinstate a $3 million DHS research grant.
The full letter to DHS Secretary Noem can be found HERE or below:
Dear Secretary Noem,
We write to express our strong objection to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonets for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project. This action not only undermines years of progress in public safety and emergency preparedness, but it also puts lives at risk. We ask you to reverse this decision and reinstate the $3 million grant supporting this initiative without delay.
Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly. It provides emergency managers and first responders with real[1]time, localized data to improve decision-making and response times, giving communities a better chance to prepare for and withstand extreme weather events.
At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. The Mesonet fills gaps in our national monitoring infrastructure and provides the high-resolution, real-time data that emergency response systems increasingly depend on.
This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.
For a modest federal investment, EMPOWER is delivering high-impact results. This administration has emphasized the importance of supporting state and local partners in disaster preparedness EMPOWER embodies that collaboration, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between federal science agencies, academia, and state governments can produce innovative, life-saving solutions.
We urge you to reinstate full funding for the EMPOWER initiative and ensure that the University at Albany and its partners can continue advancing this critical work. The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.
Source: New Zealand Government
Tourism and rural businesses will benefit from Government action to eradicate invasive weeds from popular landscapes including progressing the development of world-leading early detection technology, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is New Zealand’s biggest tourism provider – conservation tourism is worth $3.4 billion a year – but the ongoing protection of our iconic landscapes is facing significant financial and environmental challenges,” Mr Potaka says.
“Tourism is a key part of our plan to grow the economy to create jobs, lift wages and help Kiwis get ahead. Through the International Visitor Levy (IVL), we’re providing $10 million over the next three years to ensure our popular mountains, parks, and islands, remain beautiful for years to come.
“Locations include Abel Tasman, Aoraki / Mt Cook, Tongariro, Stewart Island, Mackenzie Basin, Molesworth, and Te Paki and North Cape / Otou near Cape Reinga.
“In Aotearoa New Zealand, nearly two million hectares are affected by wilding pines. Without intervention, these trees can spread at a rate of five per cent per year. The cost of this to New Zealand’s nature, productivity and economy can grow exponentially over time.
“I’ve announced an extra $3 million to the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, led by Biosecurity New Zealand, for important control work in the Molesworth and Mackenzie Basin areas. This builds on significant previous IVL investments to urgently tackle wilding conifers across Canterbury, Marlborough, Otago and on Rangitoto in the Hauraki Gulf.
“A further $7.45 million will go towards managing other significant weeds. For example in Rakiura, Abel Tasman, Te Paki, and North Cape/Otou, such as marram, spartina, and pampas grasses that affect natural dune and estuary ecosystems, and our coastal scenery.
“When it comes to tackling invasive weeds, taking early action is essential. IVL funding will also go towards the development and rollout of an innovative, smart software tool to detect weeds when they first invade.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard highlighted the annual boost in funding to combat wilding pines, which threaten farmland, water catchments, and native biodiversity, while increasing the risk of wildfires.
“The Government is focused on protecting the productive heart of our economy – our rural communities. That’s why there has been significant investment into the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, including an extra $2 million announced in Budget and annual $10 million baseline funding.
“Since 2016, the Government has committed more than $150 million to the fight to contain and control the spread of wilding pines, alongside more than $33 million contributed by partners and communities.”
“This year’s investment continues to support the people doing the work alongside Government – regional councils, Iwi, farmers, researchers, and volunteers, whose combined effort has pushed back some of the worst infestations and protected key landscapes,” says Mr Hoggard.
Notes to editor: The funding covers work across the next three years (2025 –2028) and comes from money raised under the new $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy rate.
Source: New Zealand Government
A $4.5 million investment to develop tourism at places with unique cultural heritage will help create jobs and boost incomes in rural economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
“This investment over the next three years from the International Visitor Levy will expand Tohu Whenua experiences to more regions with Manawatū-Whanganui and Murihiku Southland next,” Mr Potaka says.
“Tohu Whenua is a tourism and regional economic development programme that helps create jobs, boost incomes, and connect visitors to places with unique cultural heritage.
“Sites which received Tohu Whenua status previously have seen increases of up to 150 per cent in visitation in their first year in the programme.
“Expansion of the programme across more regions will support high-quality authentic visitor experiences with enhanced storytelling, information and facilities.
“Recently added sites include Kate Sheppard House, and Kaikōura Peninsula in Canterbury. They joined others including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre in Timaru, and Historic Hayes in Otago.
“DOC is responsible for over 15,000 heritage places across New Zealand, from pā to whaling stations, light houses, WWII defences and mining relics. Tourism to these places is estimated to be worth around $1.3 billion per year.
“I encourage everyone to look out for Tohu Whenua sites around Aotearoa New Zealand. These offer rich stories, variety and cultural exchange, encouraging visitors to stay longer in a region and delve deeper. In turn, they support local economies by spending more on attractions, accommodation, hospitality and retail.”
Notes to editor:
Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and DOC, with support from Te Puni Kōkiri, Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture & Heritage and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Tohu Whenua currently includes 39 sites. Many of these are in public conservation areas. Launched in 2016, the programme is successfully operating in four regions:
Northland Te Tai Tokerau (9 sites)
Otago (12 sites)
West Coast Te Tai Poutini (7 sites)
Canterbury Waitaha (11 sites launched in June 2025).
The programme is working towards nation-wide coverage and will be rolling out to Manawatū-Whanganui and Murihiku Southland next.
Figures for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga properties show the increase in visitors in the first year of becoming a Tohu Whenua site:
Clendon House 61% increase
Pompallier Mission and Printery 35% increase
Māngungu Mission 156% increase
Waitangi Treaty Grounds 7% increase
Historic Hayes 10% increase
Source: New Zealand Government
A $17.5 million investment into strengthening sustainable tourism at some of the country’s most popular natural attractions will support jobs and incomes for regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
“Our beautiful Conservation lands are one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest drawcards, attracting $3.4 billion into our economy from tourism a year. However, the ongoing protection of our landscapes is facing financial and environmental challenges.
“$13.6 million over three years will improve visitor planning and management at the beautiful Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Piopiotahi Milford Sound and Matiu / Somes Island on Wellington’s doorstep.
“This investment ensures the conservation areas and facilities that attract tourists to our regions continues to deliver on its promise of stunning nature.
“This includes more dedicated staff at visitor centres during peak times. It means more summer rangers to look after facilities, share information about the outdoors, wildlife and history and ensure people are visiting responsibly.
“$3.9 million over two years will go to improving service and management of some of New Zealand’s popular Great Walks and Department of Conservation campsites.
“As well as offering so much to New Zealanders, public conservation lands and water support around 2,000 tourism concessions. For example, there are currently more than 560 active guiding permits.
“Conservation areas, tracks and facilities are also vital for local economies right across the country, like Mautohe Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula, and Tuatapere in Southland.
“Tourism is a crucial part of the Government’s focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at $44.4 billion and supporting more than 300,000 jobs.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Key metrics published today show how much councils are spending and what they are spending it on, which has a direct impact on your rates, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
“We know it is really tough out there and the cost of living is the biggest worry for households. Councils need to show they are wisely spending ratepayers’ hard-earned money.
“Ratepayers place immense trust in their local councils who make key decisions on local infrastructure, fiscal management, and how their community operates on a day-to-day basis on their behalf.
“Some ratepayers are getting more and more fed up with rising rates hitting pockets harder than ever. This isn’t fair during a cost-of-living crisis where many Kiwis are doing it tough. It is important that ratepayers can see how their council is performing and what it is delivering for their community.
“That’s why the Government is putting clear facts and figures directly into the hands of ratepayers. When ratepayers know more about how their council is performing and where their money is going, they can engage more effectively and ask the tough questions.
“For instance, communities can now compare how much their council spends on core essentials like infrastructure and see whether their rates are going up more than average.
“We have been clear that we want to see councils get back to basics, focusing on delivering essential services and infrastructure, improving local decision-making, and supporting their communities through the cost of living – not adding to it.
“Releasing these performance metrics aligns with our commitment to lifting the performance of local government. It is an opportunity for councils that are focused on their core functions to highlight their efficiency and value to their communities.”
The Government is also actively exploring a rates capping system.
“Given the current pressures on households, the degree of rates increases is a massive worry. We’re actively exploring a rates capping system to ensure councils are spending ratepayers’ money responsibly,” Mr Watts says.
The metrics include information on council demographics, rates revenue, debt, staffing and expenditure, with benchmarking based on groupings of similar councils.
As an annual publication, the information will be developed over time to paint a fuller picture of council performance across New Zealand.
This year’s council profiles and group comparison tables are available on https://www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics.
Source: United States Marines
U.S. Marines postured around the globe serve as America’s rapid crisis response force, ready to meet the Nation’s needs at a moment’s notice. On July 26 Marine Corps readiness was on display, when U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, operating under Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, deployed four MV-22B Ospreys more than 1,950 nautical miles from Darwin, Australia, to Clark Air Base, Philippines.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) carried out independent measurements today to confirm that there had been no increase in radiation levels at the site, contrary to some social media posts overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
Using IAEA monitoring equipment, the team members measured only normal levels during a site walkdown. Their measurements confirmed other data collected separately at the site, as well as information provided by the plant itself.
“The team took immediate action after becoming aware of these social media reports, enabling us to provide assurances that radiation levels remained unchanged. Once again, this shows the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and Ukraine’s other nuclear power sites. Thanks to this presence, we can provide timely, factual and impartial technical information to the public about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine,” Director General Grossi said.
The general nuclear safety situation at the ZNPP remains precarious, however, with the plant continuing to rely on one single power line for the electricity it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. Before the conflict, it had access to 10 external power lines.
In addition, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities almost every day over the past week, at different distances from the site, which is located on the frontline.
Earlier this week, the team members performed a walkdown of a turbine hall of one reactor unit where they were once again denied access to the western part of the hall.
The IAEA teams present at Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) — Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs – and the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week. At Khmelnytskyy, the team had to shelter twice on 28 July.
Three of Ukraine’s nine operating reactor units continued to be in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance, including work on some of the off-site power lines.
As part of the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Slavutych City Hospital this week received mobile radiography equipment and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and Hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received laboratory equipment. These deliveries were funded by Australia, the European Union and Norway.
Source:
31 July 2025
When a cheeseburger costs less than a punnet of strawberries, it’s clear the odds are stacked against healthy choices – especially for teenagers.
Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that it’s not just unhealthy eating habits affecting teens, but an alarming clustering of poor lifestyle choices that’s putting the majority of teenagers at serious risk of preventable diseases later in life.
In a study of more than 293,770 teenagers aged 12-17 – from 73 countries, across five world Health Organization (WHO) regions – researchers assessed habit clustering, including exercise, healthy food consumption and screen time, finding that:
Overall, more than 92.5% of teenagers reported two or more unhealthy behaviours, which puts them at increased risk of developing chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Specifically, 7% of teenagers reported one unhealthy behaviour; 30% of teenagers had two; 36.5% had three; 21.5% had four; and 4.5% had five unhealthy behaviours. Across all WHO regions, less than 1% of teenagers exhibited no unhealthy behaviours.
It’s timely research in light of the South Australian government’s new ’LiveLighter’ campaign to tackle obesity.
Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ming Li, says behaviours that are set up in teenage years lay the groundwork for behaviours in adulthood.
“The teenage years are a critical window for growth and development – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and they set the foundation for long-term health,” Dr Li says.
“But with junk food so readily available, and physical activity often replaced by screen time, more teens are picking up multiple unhealthy habits that could lead to serious health issues down the track.”
The study found distinct differences between regions. Teenagers in higher-income countries – including the Americas and Eastern Mediterranean – were more likely to report a higher number of unhealthy behaviours, with 13% of teenagers in these regions recording all five risk factors.
While Australian data was not specifically assessed, Dr Ling says that Australian teenagers would likely report multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, skin to those seen in other high-income countries.
Dr Li says these trends are driven by broader societal shifts.
“Some of what we see comes down to rapid urbanisation, sedentary school environments, and limited access to safe recreational spaces, particularly in low- and middle-income countries,” Dr Li says.
“On top of this, taste preferences, household income, and limited availability of fresh produce – especially in disadvantaged areas – make healthy choices harder to access and maintain.”
While the study reports multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviours for most teenagers, it also finds some protective factors that can help.
“When teenagers have supportive families and a supportive peer group, their risk of having four or more unhealthy behaviours reduces by 16% and 4% respectively,” Dr Li says “Similarly, food-secure households also reduce risk by 9%.”
Dr Li says the findings point to the urgent need for tailored, multilevel strategies that go beyond individual choices to address social and environmental conditions.
“It’s clear we need systemic action – better school-based physical activity programs, urban design that gives teens access to green spaces, policies that make healthy food affordable, and limits on junk food marketing to children,” Dr Li says.
“Ultimately, good health needs to be an easier, more accessible choice – not one that requires privilege, planning, and willpower.”
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Contact for interview: Dr Ming Li E: Ming.Li@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) carried out independent measurements today to confirm that there had been no increase in radiation levels at the site, contrary to some social media posts overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
Using IAEA monitoring equipment, the team members measured only normal levels during a site walkdown. Their measurements confirmed other data collected separately at the site, as well as information provided by the plant itself.
“The team took immediate action after becoming aware of these social media reports, enabling us to provide assurances that radiation levels remained unchanged. Once again, this shows the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and Ukraine’s other nuclear power sites. Thanks to this presence, we can provide timely, factual and impartial technical information to the public about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine,” Director General Grossi said.
The general nuclear safety situation at the ZNPP remains precarious, however, with the plant continuing to rely on one single power line for the electricity it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. Before the conflict, it had access to 10 external power lines.
In addition, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities almost every day over the past week, at different distances from the site, which is located on the frontline.
Earlier this week, the team members performed a walkdown of a turbine hall of one reactor unit where they were once again denied access to the western part of the hall.
The IAEA teams present at Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) — Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs – and the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week. At Khmelnytskyy, the team had to shelter twice on 28 July.
Three of Ukraine’s nine operating reactor units continued to be in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance, including work on some of the off-site power lines.
As part of the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Slavutych City Hospital this week received mobile radiography equipment and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and Hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received laboratory equipment. These deliveries were funded by Australia, the European Union and Norway.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined a broad group of 39 senators, led by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), in expressing unified alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for the large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid, and urging the Trump administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement, bring the hostages home, and end the war.
“The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is […] unsustainable and worsens by the day,” wrote the senators. “Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing. The ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance.”
The letter, sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, emphasizes that a diplomatic pathway exists to end the war, bring home Israeli hostages, ensure Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel, and achieve a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The senators also affirmed their opposition to the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people, which would be contrary to international humanitarian law and a sustainable and lasting peace.
“We ask that the Administration make this clear as it seeks an end to the war,” the senators concluded. “We stand in strong support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages, end the fighting in Gaza, and bring humanitarian relief for the safety and prosperity of the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself and has strongly advocated for a two-state solution to end the decades of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Following Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, she called on President Biden to do everything in his power to bring home the hostages and deliver vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. She also urged the Biden administration to crack down on the financing of international terrorist organizations, including Iran’s state sponsorship of terrorism.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
**Click HERE to watch Shaheen’s remarks at a Senate press conference on the need to make permanent the premium tax credits that millions of Americans rely on for affordable health care coverage**
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), lead of the bicameral Health Care Affordability Act to permanently extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, delivered remarks alongside her Senate colleagues about the consequences of allowing the vital tax credits to expire at the end of this year. In her remarks, Shaheen argued that refusing to extend the credits will raise prices and take away health care from families who need the help at a time when many are already struggling with high costs. Click HERE to watch the Senator’s full remarks.
Remarks as delivered:
I want to speak just to the enhanced premium tax credits that are going to expire at the end of this year. Because what did not happen when our Republican majority passed the reconciliation bill is, they did not extend those premium tax credits.
And refusing to extend these highly-effective tax credits means that health care coverage is being actively taken away from families who really need the help. It means raising costs for millions of Americans at a moment when they’re already struggling with increased costs.
And that pain, as Senator Wyden said, is being felt almost immediately. Because insurance companies are looking at having to submit their rates, and they are increasing their rates.
Premiums will increase for 20 million Americans. A typical family of four would see a ten-thousand-dollar increase when those premium tax credits go away, and a typical 60-year-old couple would see a seventeen-thousand-dollar increase.
So, think about that. Parents, grandparents are going to see a seventeen-thousand-dollar increase.
And because of those costs, Americans are gonna lose their health care coverage. The non-partisan data shows us that four million Americans will lose their health care, more than a million of them suffer from a chronic illness. So if they don’t have health insurance, who’s gonna pay for that coverage to make sure they get their treatment? Well, everybody’s gonna pay for it.
And that’s on top of the unprecedented health care cuts to Medicaid that were passed in that bill.
I heard from one of my constituents, Jen in North Conway, New Hampshire. North Conway is a small community in the eastern part of New Hampshire. Her story, I think, shows just how important these tax credits are.
Because Jen was diagnosed with leukemia. She started getting chemotherapy to treat it. And she was able to, because of the Family and Medical Leave Act, she was able to take time off from her job for three months. But then, because FMLA ended, she lost her job. And when she lost her job, she lost her health coverage.
Her husband had to act as her caregiver, but then he had to get back to work. And his employer did not provide health insurance.
But the way Jen was able to continue her chemotherapy was because she and her husband were able to afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act because of those premium tax credits.
They lowered Jen’s premiums by seven hundred dollars per month and they allowed her to continue her chemo treatments.
Look, when the reconciliation bill was debated and we saw the tax breaks for the wealthiest and the big corporations, a lot of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle didn’t think seven hundred dollars a month was very much money.
But I can tell you, for Jen and her husband, seven hundred dollars savings each month – eight thousand dollars a year – is the difference between being able to continue to have the health care they need, to continue putting food on the table, continue to pay their rent and losing all of that.
But most important, the tax credits were there when she needed them – when she got sick and could no longer work.
The clock is ticking.
We first introduced the legislation on this issue back in 2019.
We’ve succeeded in securing temporary extensions that have helped fuel record enrollment in the Affordable Care Act.
But we’re approaching another deadline and we need to take action now to permanently extend those tax credits and to end the back-and-forth every year so people know they can count on them.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), released the following statement marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid:
“On this momentous 60th year of Medicare and Medicaid, we should be recognizing the success of these two programs in helping Granite Staters access and afford life-saving health care. Instead, families, older adults, people living with disabilities and health care providers across New Hampshire are bracing for disaster as the largest cuts to health care in American history take effect.
“Under Congressional Republicans’ and President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Betrayal’ tens of thousands of Granite Staters are going to have their health care ripped away, thousands more are going to face higher costs and too many rural hospitals and nursing homes are going to be forced to close their doors. All to help fund deficit-exploding tax giveaways for the wealthiest Americans.
“We need to do everything possible to defend against these attacks on the health and economic security of our constituents. And instead of raising costs for families, Congressional Republicans should be working to lower costs for families. That includes fighting to preserve Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that 60 years from now, these programs are still helping Granite Staters access necessary and often life-saving care.”
Under the “Big Beautiful Betrayal” that was recently signed into law by President Trump, health care costs are expected to skyrocket while more than 15 million Americans are expected to lose health care coverage—including approximately 46,000 Granite Staters—due to cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
HELP Committee Also Advances Additional Hassan-Led Bills
WASHINGTON – The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously voted today to advance a package that includes the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) to modernize the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s process for reviewing and approving new sunscreens. The FDA has not approved a new sunscreen active ingredient since 1999, while other countries, such as France and South Korea, have innovative sunscreen products on the market that often use newer, more effective UV filters. The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act would require the FDA to improve its outdated approval process and will help American consumers access more effective sun protection options that have been safely used in other countries for years.
“As Granite Staters head outside and enjoy summer, Congress needs to remove the outdated barriers that prevent Americans from being able to use modern sunscreen products,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense bipartisan legislation will modernize the FDA’s approval process to allow American manufacturers to make more up-to-date, effective sunscreens that people are already using safely around the world. I am pleased to see this important measure advance, and I will continue working to get this bill signed into law.”
As part of the bipartisan package, the HELP Committee also advanced the bipartisan Prescription-to-OTC Process Act, led by Senators Hassan and Husted (R-Ohio), which directs the FDA to communicate more clearly with the health industry about the process and standards for switching medications from prescription to over-the-counter marketing. In addition, the committee voted unanimously to advance Senator Hassan’s Advocate for Employee Ownership Act, which establishes an Advocate for Employee Ownership position at the Department of Labor to promote and improve access to employee stock ownership plans, or ESOPs.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Click HERE for a full-resolution image
Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins introducing Mr. Dunlap
Washington, D.C. – Today, at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Susan Collins introduced Joshua Dunlap of Scarborough, Maine, who has been nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Mr. Dunlap grew up in Vassalboro, Maine, and is currently a partner in the litigation group of Pierce Atwood LLP, in Portland, where he co-chairs the firm’s Appellate & Amici division. He has practiced at Pierce Atwood for over fifteen years, handling substantial civil litigation matters in both appellate and trial courts. He also chairs the Maine Appellate Rules Committee, to which he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Prior to his work at Pierce Atwood, Mr. Dunlap clerked for the Honorable Paul J. Kelly, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Mr. Dunlap graduated first in his class from Notre Dame Law School. He came to Washington for his hearing with several members of his family, including his parents, wife, and children.
Senator Collins:
“Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, members of this committee, I’m pleased to appear before this distinguished committee today to wholeheartedly support Joshua Dunlap’s nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
“Josh grew up in Vassalboro, Maine and now lives in Scarborough with his wife, Sydney, and their three children. If you look in back of me, you will see his three children, his wife, his parents, and numerous other members of his family. In fact, 20 of them, who are so proud of his nomination that they’ve made the trip to Washington. Josh graduated first in his class from Notre Dame Law School, where he received the law school’s highest honor, awarded to the student with the most distinguished academic record. He then clerked for Judge Paul Kelly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
“In 2009, Josh joined the very well-respected law firm Pierce Atwood in Portland, Maine. During his 16 years at the firm, he has specialized in complex civil litigation matters and currently serves as co-chair of the firm’s Appellate & Amicus division. Josh is admitted to practice in multiple U.S. Courts of Appeal and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also assisted special masters in three original jurisdiction proceedings before the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, Josh also chairs the Maine Appellate Rules Committee to which he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. This impressive experience, coupled with his extraordinary intelligence and integrity, makes Josh exceptionally well-qualified for a seat on the First Circuit. His substantial appellate litigation experience will bring a practitioner’s perspective to the court.
“The committee has already received many compelling letters of support for this nominee, and I would like to highlight a couple of them. A diverse group of faculty and alumni of Notre Dame Law School who taught Josh or studied alongside him have praised his, “respect for differing views” and “deep appreciation for the rule of law.” A letter signed by 19 leading Maine attorneys, who described themselves as having a broad spectrum of political views and legal philosophies, wrote that Josh has all the qualities the finest judge’s exhibit; he is hardworking, courteous and judicial in temperament, very smart, and of sterling character with a commitment to fairness and the rule of law.
“Mr. Chairman, before I conclude, I would like to thank Judge William Kayatta, whom Josh has been nominated to replace, for his outstanding service to the First Circuit. I joined in recommending him to President Obama, and had the honor of introducing Judge Kayatta to this committee. Now, it is my honor to recommend Josh, who actually worked with Judge Kayatta early in his tenure at Pierce Atwood, to this committee. I am confident that, if confirmed, Josh will serve Maine and the nation extraordinarily well in this critical role.
“For these reasons, I urge the committee to support his nomination, and I appreciate this opportunity to introduce him to the committee.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Click HERE for a full-resolution image
Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins’ remarks
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee unanimously approved the reauthorization of the bipartisan Kay Hagan Tick Act. The bill now advances to the Senate floor for consideration by the full body. At the hearing, U.S. Senator Susan Collins spoke in support of advancing the reauthorization of her landmark legislation, which she coauthored with Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), that became law in 2019. The Kay Hagan Tick Act strengthened the federal effort to confront the escalating incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Confirmed cases of Lyme disease reached a record number in Maine – 3,218 – last year.
Senators Collins and Smith named their bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications of the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and a bipartisan group of 13 other Senators have cosponsored the legislation.
Senator Collins:
“I authored the original Tick Act in 2019 with Senator Tina Smith. Our bipartisan legislation strengthened federal efforts to confront the escalating incidents of Lyme disease and other vector borne illnesses. Our bill is named after our former colleague, Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away in October 2019 from complications of the deadly tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. It is my hope that reauthorizing the Tick Act will help to prevent further tragedies.
“The incidence of tick-borne diseases has exploded in the past 20 years. Maine reached a new Lyme disease record last year with 3218 reported cases. This is more than double the number of cases reported in Maine just five years ago. I’m encouraged that we’ve made progress in the five years since this bill was first introduced, for example, a clinical trial for Lyme disease vaccine for people is underway right now at Maine Health’s Institute for Research. Reauthorizing the Tick Act would allow crucial developments such as the development of a vaccine to continue.
“The Tick Act uses a three-pronged approach to address Lyme and other tick and vector borne diseases. This approach consists of first, implementing HHS’s national strategy to combat vector borne disease. Second, reauthorizing funding for the CDC’s four Centers of Excellence in vector borne disease. And third, reauthorizing grants to state and local health departments to assist them in bolstering their public health infrastructure.
“I want to thank Senator Smith for partnering with me, as well as our 14 bipartisan co-sponsors, including members of this committee, Senators Marshall, Hassan, Hawley, Hickenlooper and Banks. Again, Mr. Chairman, I’m very grateful for your including this on the markup agenda, and I’m delighted that we’re going to report the bill today”
+++
In addition to Senators Collins, Smith, and King, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Banks (R-IN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO).
The complete text of the legislation can be read here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 43 of her Senate colleagues to express unified alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, call for the large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid, and urge the Trump Administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war.
“The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also unsustainable and worsens by the day. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. “The ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance.”
The letter underscores the remaining viable pathway that would end the war, bring home Israeli hostages, ensure Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel, and achieve a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Senators also affirm their opposition to the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people, which would be contrary to international humanitarian law and a sustainable and lasting peace.
“We ask that the Administration make this clear as it seeks an end to the war,” the Senators wrote. “We stand in strong support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages, end the fighting in Gaza, and bring humanitarian relief for the safety and prosperity of the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”
The letter was led by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and co-signed by 39 other Senators in addition to Senator Baldwin.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff:
With recent efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas being unsuccessful, the situation in Gaza remains perilous. Efforts to secure an agreement are as critical and urgent as ever and we urge the resumption of good-faith talks as quickly as possible. While we appreciate that additional aid is beginning to enter Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Yet there still remains a viable pathway to end this war, bring home Israeli hostages, and achieve a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli hostages, held in Gaza by Hamas since their brutal attack on Israel on October 7th, have suffered far too long, as have their families. It is imperative that those still living be brought home as soon as possible, before more perish as the war drags on. And it is essential that the remains of those presumed killed – including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen – be reunited with their loved ones. After many months of despair, it is long past time to bring all of the hostages home.
The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also unsustainable and worsens by the day. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing. The “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance and services throughout the Gaza Strip, including through the use of experienced multilateral bodies and NGOs that can get life-saving aid directly to those in need and prevent diversion.
Beyond a negotiated ceasefire, a permanent end to this war will also require an end to Hamas rule in Gaza and ensuring that Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel. We reaffirm our strong support for continued U.S.-led diplomacy with Israel, Palestinian leaders, and other partners in the Middle East in pursuit of the long-term goal of a negotiated two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in lasting peace, security, dignity, and mutual recognition.
Finally, we write to underscore our strong opposition to the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people. This would be antithetical to international humanitarian law, to a sustainable end to this war that prioritizes the long-term safety and security of Israelis and Palestinians alike, to achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expanding the Abraham Accords. We ask that the Administration make this clear as it seeks an end to the war.
We stand in strong support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages, end the fighting in Gaza, and bring humanitarian relief for the safety and prosperity of the Israeli and the Palestinian people.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Safe Response Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a grant program that allows states, local government entities, and Tribes to train and provide resources to first responders to respond to drug overdoses.
“The opioid crisis has left thousands of families across Wisconsin with an empty seat at the dinner table. As we start to turn the tide on this epidemic, we need to double down on what is working and ensure communities have the tools they need to reverse overdoses and poisonings,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to back this bipartisan bill to ensure first responders have the training they need to use lifesaving tools like Narcan and protect Wisconsin families from the heartbreak of losing a loved one too soon.”
“West Virginians know all too well the devastation and heartbreak drug overdoses cause in our communities. That’s why it is essential Congress provides the resources and training our first responders need to administer life-saving overdose reversal drugs and keep themselves safe in the process. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will equip our first responders with the necessary tools to save more lives,” said Senator Capito.
“Fire fighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders are on the frontlines fighting the opioid epidemic and we must keep working to ensure that they have the resources and support that they need,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that more first responders in New Hampshire and across the country have access to training on how to use overdose reversal drugs like naloxone to save more lives.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. Of those, over 50,000 overdose deaths were due to opioids, including fentanyl. This marked a sharp decline from the previous year — a decrease of 26.9% from the 110,037 deaths estimated in 2023 – in part due to the availability of opioid reversal drugs like naloxone.
The 2018 SUPPORT Act included a grant program to provide funding for states, local government entities, Indian Tribes, and tribal organizations to train and provide resources to first responders to respond to an overdose. The Safe Response Act would reauthorize this grant program, included as part of the bipartisan SUPPORT Act, providing $57 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for grants to first responders and those in key community sectors to respond to overdoses. Grants may be used to:
Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act has garnered strong support from local, state, and national public safety leaders and organizations, including the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, Racine Police Chief Alexander Ramirez, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Kenosha Fire Chief Daniel Tilton, Green Bay Metro Fire Chief Matthew Knott, Rock County Sheriff Curt Fell, Kenosha City Administrator and former Kenosha Chief of Police John Morrissey, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, Waukesha Fire Chief Robert Goplin, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA), Big Cities Health Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).
“As Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department, I know firsthand the importance of supporting our first responders with critical training and resources to prevent overdose deaths. We recognize the importance of the Safe Response Act as substance misuse and overdose continue to significantly impact our local communities,” said Aaron Lipski, Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department and Chair of RISE – Drug-Free MKE. “Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for your dedication to the ongoing efforts of helping those in the community with substance use issues to receive the best possible immediate and follow-up care through training and valuable resources to present a positive outcome for all involved.”
“The reauthorization of the Safe Response Act is a smart and necessary allocation of funds. As someone who spent decades in law enforcement and now serves in city leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for our first responders to have the right tools, training, and resources,” said John W. Morrissey, Kenosha City Administrator and former Kenosha Police Chief. “The increased funding—from $36 to $57 million annually—will make a real difference for communities like Kenosha. I fully support this legislation and urge Congress to move it forward.”
“The opioid epidemic is not an abstract concept for local communities in Wisconsin. We are on the frontlines and need the resources to respond to this public health crisis. Senator Baldwin’s leadership on the Safe Response Act is deeply appreciated. This is an important tool to support first responders and our residents,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.
“As Fire Chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, I’m proud to support Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act. Every day, our firefighters and paramedics witness the impact that the opioid and fentanyl crisis has on our community. This legislation will give first responders the training and resources they need to save lives and stay safe while doing it,” said Matthew Knott, Chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.
A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
A scholarship programme run by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has started producing the next generation of on-farm advisers to support farmers and growers.
Ffion White was one of the inaugural recipients of the On Farm Support science scholarship and is now an intern with Ballance Agri-Nutrients in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
“I’m getting to work on-farm alongside Ballance’s nutrient specialists. My role is about helping farmers improve their soil, grow better quality pasture and crops, and become more productive and profitable,” Ms White says.
“The scholarship was hugely beneficial. I had a mentor from MPI’s On Farm Support team who invited me to industry field days and events. It helped me meet people in the sector which came in handy when I started looking for a job.”
Ms White, who completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University, is one of 4 scholarship recipients who have secured primary industry advisory roles. Another is Nerissa Edwards, who now works as a farm consultant with Feilding-based KS Agri.
“Every day is different. I find it hugely rewarding working with farmers to create individual plans to drive improvements in on-farm efficiency, profitability, and sustainability,” Ms Edwards says.
“The scholarship enabled me to build connections within the advisory sector. That led to a 6-month internship with KS Agri and eventually a role as a consultant.”
MPI launched the On Farm Support science scholarships in 2023. MPI’s director of On Farm Support, Vanessa Winning, says applications are now open for next year’s scholarships.
“Six scholarships, worth a total of $30,000, are on offer for the 2026 academic year to tertiary students enrolled in relevant agriculture, horticulture, science, or viticulture degrees,” Ms Winning says.
“We’re seeking applications from students who have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in either the agriculture, horticulture, or viticulture advisory sector. Applicants must have completed their first year of study.”
Ms Winning says there’s strong demand for on-farm advice backed by science and analysis that can support producers to adapt and improve business performance.
“MPI is backing initiatives that support farmers and growers to sustainably boost productivity and profitability, helping to achieve the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports by 2034,” Ms Winning says.
Applications for the scholarships close on 15 September 2025.
Find out more about the scholarships and eligibility criteria
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lori Leigh, Research Fellow in Public Health, University of Otago
New Zealand’s 2023 census was the first to collect data on gender identity and sexual orientation, showing one in 20 adults identify as LGBTQIA+.
But just as reports from this more inclusive census are being released, Minister of Statistics Shane Reti announced a change to existing administrative data collected by government departments as part of their normal business, scrapping a 150-year history of the census.
Currently, there are no sources of administrative data that include adequate rainbow demographic markers such as sexual orientation, gender, transgender experience or variations of sex characteristics.
Without high-quality data, the policy reforms needed to address underserved and historically marginalised populations become harder to make. How can we create evidence-based policy with no evidence?
The slogan of the 2023 census was “tatau tātou – all of us count”.
Rainbow communities had been invisible in the census since its inception in 1851. The 2023 Census was a watershed moment, born out of decades of determined activism and advocacy from the community.
For us, as housing and homelessness researchers, it was particularly important to finally have whole-of-population data about rates of homelessness among LGBTQIA+ communities. Data on housing showed rainbow communities pay higher rents, live in mouldier housing and move more frequently than non-rainbow communities.
Adding LGBTQIA+ data to the census meant we were the first country in the world to have such data on the housing experiences of these communities. We were applauded internationally by colleagues who have long been wanting similar homelessness and rainbow data from their own national censuses.
This data will be a great advocacy tool, but it is bittersweet that we will never have such information again.
There is a nearly 50-year history of various community movements, from boycotts to activism, chronicling the queer struggle to be appropriately counted in the census.
In 1981, a group of Wellington lesbians held a “dykecott” of the New Zealand census to protest their exclusion. This included sending blank census forms to the Human Rights Commission with various explanations essentially saying “no rights, no responsibilities.”
Then, in the 1990s, the Wellington City Council’s lesbian and gay advisory group came together to lobby Stats NZ about the need for inclusive census data. In 1996, census forms were changed to be able to count same-sex partners.
In 2002, the former editor of the New Zealand LGBTQIA+ magazine Express Victor van Wetering went so far as to lodge a formal complaint against Stats NZ, stating the agency was in clear breach of the Human Rights Act. He alleged it was failing to meet its statutory requirements.
Stats NZ’s present and historical stance towards sexual orientation data amounts to a consistent denial that any imperative exists for it to develop a statistical picture of our queer communities. This statistical invisibility deprives queer communities of knowledge and power.
Advocacy continued throughout the 2000s and 2010s, and in 2018, Stats NZ released their statistical standards for measuring sexual orientation. The possibility of inclusive census data started to become more of a reality.
The decision to halt the census as we know it means there will be no longitudinal comparative data for rainbow communities. Just as the community has been allowed out of the statistical closet, people will be put back in.
It had long been argued that accuracy of rainbow data would improve over subsequent censuses. Now we will never know what developments might have emerged.
Community advocates and the Human Rights Commission continued to raise the lack of rainbow data collection at the population level.
In 2020, the Human Rights Commission released a report which found New Zealand’s data collection processes fail to accurately count the country’s rainbow community members.
Stats NZ had already started significant work to evaluate and update their sex and gender identity standards. Weeks after the report, the agency committed to what would become the 2023 census. Rainbow community groups applauded, felt finally listened to and called the shift a major win.
This sense of pride continues as reports and data are released from the census.
Research and survey data consistently show rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand experience multiple forms of discrimination. This includes violence, family rejection, bullying and social exclusion.
These experiences contribute to disproportionately high rates of serious negative outcomes such as suicidality, health inequities, homelessness and substance use. Despite this, we continue to lack data comparing the experiences of rainbow communities with those of the general population.
As a result, health and social disparities affecting LGBTQIA+ people are systematically under-recognised in government strategies and across health and social service systems. Efforts to address these inequities are also frequently under-resourced and inadequately prioritised.
Former government statistician Len Cook said:
There is no time over the past 50 years when the scope and quality of population statistics has been of such importance in public life in Aotearoa New Zealand as now.
Scrapping the census is a cost-cutting exercise. But what is the real cost of losing data and which communities will disproportionately bear this cost? The decision renders LGBTQIA+ people, once again, invisible.
Lori Leigh is affiliated with the Trans Health Research Network, Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa and receives funding from MBIE’s Endeavour Fund programme as part of their work for the University of Otago, Wellington.
Brodie Fraser is affiliated with the Trans Health Research Network and currently funded by two MBIE Endeavour Fund programmes, and has previously been funded by the Health Research Council and the University of Otago.
– ref. Just as NZ began collecting meaningful data on rainbow communities, census changes threaten their visibility – https://theconversation.com/just-as-nz-began-collecting-meaningful-data-on-rainbow-communities-census-changes-threaten-their-visibility-261753
July 30 2025 – The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady today, but the next step is increasingly clear. A cut is coming in September, and investors should be preparing now, predicts the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial organizations.
“The decision to hold was expected, but it doesn’t shift the path. The Fed has likely just bought itself eight more weeks before a pivot,” says Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.
“We now expect that by September, the underlying softness in the economy will make a cut not just justified, but necessary.”
The Fed kept the benchmark rate in its target range of 4.25% to 4.50%, where it has sat since December.
But what was notable this time wasn’t the decision, it was the dissent.
“When key policymakers start breaking ranks, it tells you the consensus is cracking. The economy is changing faster than the narrative.”
The headline GDP figure – 3.0% annualized growth in the second quarter – painted a picture of strength.
However, the internals tell a different story. Imports plunged, flattering the overall print, while core domestic demand slowed sharply.
“The GDP number looked impressive at first glance, but it’s built on a shrinking trade gap. That’s not the foundation of enduring growth. Beneath it, private consumption and business investment are both showing signs of fatigue,” notes Nigel Green.
Consumer spending, while still positive, decelerated from the previous quarter. Americans are becoming more selective, more cautious – a shift that matters for investors trying to assess which parts of the market remain resilient.
“We’re seeing a transition in behavior. People aren’t panicking, but they’re hesitating. They’re thinking harder about how and where to spend. This shift will ripple across sectors, and smart investors will adjust early.”
With inflation continuing to ease, the Fed has room to move – and the broader economic signals are now pointing in the same direction.
“The case for cutting isn’t built on fear, it’s built on realism. Growth isn’t reversing, but it is thinning out. The Fed has always said it’s data-driven, and the data is evolving.”
The deVere Group chief executive believes today’s pause gives investors a crucial window.
“This is the moment to recheck exposure, stress test assumptions, and reweight toward high-quality, globally diversified assets. If you’re waiting for the official pivot to reposition, you may already be behind.”
Markets may respond positively in the short term to the Fed’s steady hand, but that optimism could narrow once investors process the nuances of slowing demand and uneven sector performance.
“There’s a difference between momentum and endurance. Right now, we’re seeing the tail end of stimulus-driven resilience, but not a broad-based expansion. Positioning based on the headline alone is a mistake.”
deVere is advising clients to look beyond the binary of rate hikes or cuts, and to focus instead on portfolio durability in a world where growth is steady but no longer abundant.
“It would appear that we’re entering a new phase of lower inflation, lower growth, and soon, lower rates. This rewards forward-thinking strategy over reaction.”
As central bankers weigh the incoming data and investors digest the mixed signals, it seems that September is shaping up to be a decisive month.
“Today’s decision keeps the Fed in wait-and-see mode – but the waiting won’t last much longer. We expect the first cut in September. Now is the time to prepare for it.”
deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today introduced a resolution urging North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries to fulfill their commitments to spend five percent of their GDP on defense. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity in fulfilling these obligations, noting that some countries, such as Spain, have refused to meet the five percent commitment, demanding a carveout. Spain struggled to even meet their two percent defense spending target. All NATO members must take this commitment seriously to strengthen our collective security.
“NATO is one of the greatest defensive alliances in all of human history. My resolution commends our allies for their commitment to allocate five percent of their GDP to our shared defense and strongly encourages them to fulfill their promises in good faith. If we want to deter our adversaries, we need real investments in our defense, not bridges that have little, if anything, to do with national security,” said Kennedy.
Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) cosponsored the bill.
“Now more than ever, the New Axis of Evil is threatening the security of free nations, and every NATO member country needs to spend their fair share to keep our adversaries from accomplishing their goals. Our resolution urges all NATO members to fulfill their obligation to spend 5% of GDP on defense and address the security risks we are facing,” said Blackburn.
“It’s past time for NATO members to pony up. It’s not the job of the American taxpayers to pay to defend the entire world. Thank God for President Trump who is finally standing up for American taxpayers and fighting to put America First,” said Tuberville.
“NATO members agree: Deterrence is more important now than at any time in recent memory. The axis of aggressors is watching, hoping the West underestimates its threats. I am grateful for the Hague Summit Declaration’s spending commitment, and I will continue pressing member nations to follow through on their word. The free world can achieve peace through collective strength,” said Wicker.
“Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific threaten our global stability and security. It’s critical for NATO nations to honor their commitments on national defense, ensuring military readiness within the NATO alliance,” said Cornyn.
Kennedy also penned an op-ed in Newsweek, arguing that Congress needs to hold NATO member countries to their five percent defense spending commitments.
Background:
The resolution:
The full text of the resolution is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) today unanimously voted to advance Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. Gary Peters’ (D-Mich.) Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, which would save hard-earned taxpayer money by curbing erroneous payments to individuals who have passed away.
Kennedy’s original bipartisan legislation set up key provisions to save federal taxpayer dollars by curbing erroneous government payments to individuals for a temporary three-year period, and this new Kennedy-Peters bill would make the temporary provisions permanent. The original bill is expected to save at least $330 million from 2024 to 2026.
“Today’s unanimous Senate Homeland Security Committee vote to pass my Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act is a major win for every American worried about waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal budget. There’s no reason hardworking Americans should have to pay for the government’s mistaken payments to dead people. I look forward to the full Senate passing our bill right away,” said Kennedy.
“This bill would help save millions of taxpayer dollars by ensuring that the Social Security Administration can permanently share important data with the Treasury’s Do Not Pay system, preventing wrongful payments to deceased individuals. I have long supported this legislation because I believe it is a vital step in safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring the integrity of our payment systems,” said Peters.
In January 2025, the Treasury Department announced that it recovered $31 million in fraud and improper payments during the first five months of the implementation of Kennedy’s Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, in which the Social Security Administration shared its Death Master File with the Treasury Department to avoid erroneous payments temporarily.
The Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act would permanently amend the Social Security Act to allow the Social Security Administration to share the Death Master File – a record of deceased individuals – with the Treasury Department’s Do Not Pay system. This change would rein in the government’s ability to make improper payments to deceased people in the future.
The bill would also allow the Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system to compare death information from the Social Security Administration with personal information from other federal entities and to share this information with any paying or administering agency that is authorized to use the Do Not Pay system.
Background:
Kennedy has championed the cause of saving billions of dollars in taxpayer money by ending improper payments to deceased Americans in recent years:
Full bill text is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a discussion draft of the Block Bad Electronic Art and Recording Distributors (Block BEARD) Act of 2025 bipartisan legislation that would allow copyright owners, who have had their property stolen, to seek U.S. federal court action to block dedicated foreign online piracy operations from making that stolen content available to American households.
“Foreign piracy sites are stealing from American creators, threatening good-paying jobs, and exposing U.S. consumers to real online harms via malware, identity theft, and the like,” said Senator Tillis. “The Block BEARD Act gives us a smart, targeted tool to stop these criminal operations at the source without infringing on legitimate speech or due process. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan discussion to protect our creative economy and digital security and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House to address this important matter.”
“Foreign websites pirating American movies, TV shows, art, and books steal tens of billions of dollars from the U.S. economy each year,” said Senator Coons. “This costs our creative community hundreds of thousands of jobs. Today, the United States takes an important step to join the many other nations around the world that have taken steps to crack down on foreign IP theft. This bipartisan legislation will give Americans the tools they need to protect their intellectual property rights, while ensuring the internet remains a vibrant forum for free speech. I look forward to working with my colleagues and with stakeholders on all sides of this issue to advance this much-needed bill.”
“Tennessee’s thriving creative community must be protected from the theft of creative works by foreign criminals,” said Senator Blackburn. “Foreign piracy operations jeopardize the American creative industry through phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud, and the Block BEARD Act would protect creators by enabling them to pursue legal action in U.S. federal courts against these criminals.”
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort to protect creators and consumers alike from foreign criminal enterprises seeking to steal our intellectual property and exploit Americans,” said Senator Schiff. “As Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and a steadfast advocate for the creative community, I understand that robust protections are essential for innovation and economic growth in the digital age. This commonsense approach will provide the courts with the tools they need to combat foreign piracy operations and help level the playing field for American artists and creators who deserve to be fairly compensated for their work.”
“We are grateful to Senators Tillis, Coons, Blackburn, and Schiff for their leadership in crafting a carefully tailored proposal that empowers US federal courts to protect consumers, rightsholders, and markets from large scale foreign piracy while preserving the protections contained in the DMCA,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America. “Similar tools have been proven effective around the world over the last ten years with no harm to speech, Internet infrastructure or security, or participation online, and we strongly support this effort to create a simple, effective, judicial remedy with due process in the U.S.”
“Piracy steals hundreds of thousands of jobs from the film and television industry, drains billions from the U.S. economy, and puts millions of American consumers at risk – and the Block BEARD Act will provide us with a safe and effective way to counter this danger and combat large-scale copyright infringement,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association. “With bold leadership from Senators Tillis, Coons, Blackburn, and Schiff, the Block BEARD Act will equip our nation with a tool that’s worked in dozens of countries worldwide: a narrow, targeted means to fight the worst forms of foreign piracy while protecting free speech and the rule of law.”
Background:
The Block BEARD Act would empower copyright owners to seek U.S. federal court orders against foreign websites dedicated to digital piracy, preventing them from making stolen content accessible to American households. To obtain relief, copyright holders must present evidence of specific harm and demonstrate the criminal nature of the targeted site. Courts could then direct internet service providers block access to the identified sites, while granting those providers immunity from liability, including for claims related to the petitioner’s actions. The legislation includes strong public interest safeguards to protect free expression, due process, and legitimate online services operating in compliance with U.S. law. This targeted legal tool mirrors successful approaches used in over 50 democratic countries to curb foreign piracy operations that undermine creative industry jobs and expose users to malware, identity theft, and fraud.
Full text of the Block BEARD Act is available HERE.
Source: United Nations 4
The High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution took place in New York from 28 to 30 July.
The United States and Israel did not participate.
France and Saudi Arabia, co-chairs of the Conference, called on all UN Member States to support a declaration urging collective action to end the war in Gaza and to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution outlines political, humanitarian, and security steps to be taken on a timebound and irreversible basis.
The co-chairs urged countries to endorse the declaration by the end of the 79th session of the General Assembly, in early September, should they so wish.
In his stark opening remarks on Monday, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that the two-State solution is the only viable path to ending the longstanding conflict and achieving lasting peace in the region, warning that there is no alternative.
“A one-State reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality? A one-State reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land? That is not peace. That is not justice. And that is not acceptable,” he said.
He condemned both Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attacks and the scale of Israel’s military response, reiterating his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.
“This conflict cannot be managed. It must be resolved,” Mr. Guterres concluded. “We must act before it is too late.”
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution.
Over the three days, more than 125 speakers took the floor during the general debate, including high-level representatives from across the globe and major regional and international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Delegates underscored the urgency of concrete steps to realise a two-State solution, highlighting the need to empower and reform the Palestinian Authority, reconstruct Gaza and ensure accountability for violations of international law.
France, which co-chaired the Conference, recalled its support for Israel as it joined the community of nations and affirmed that Palestinians deserve the same right to a homeland.
“At a time where the two-State solution is more threatened than ever, France is ready to fully recognise the State of Palestine,” said Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. That recognition, he added, would come in September when leaders reconvene for the General Assembly’s 80th session.
Co-chair Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, emphasised the suffering of thousands of civilians in Gaza under bombardment, while Israeli settlements expand in Jerusalem and the West Bank to alter the region’s demographic nature.
“Peace and security do not take place through deprivation of rights or force,” he said, underscoring the need for a genuine and irreversible peace process.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy of the United Kingdom addresses the high-level conference.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, outlined recent UK actions – including the suspension of arms exports and sanctions on extremist settlers, and restoring of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
“It is with the hand of history on our shoulders that His Majesty’s Government therefore intends to recognise the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September here in New York,” he declared.
“We will do this unless the Israeli Government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, ends its military campaign and commits to a long-term sustainable peace based on a two-State solution.”
Source: United Nations MIL OSI
Clashes intensified in the town of Mahas in the Hiraan region, Hirshabelle state, on 26 July forcing the entire population – over 28,000 people – to flee their homes.
Another 38,000 people were displaced in the Gedo region, Jubaland state, between 23 and 26 July, some of whom crossed into Kenya.
Security concerns have forced seven health facilities in the Hiraan region to suspend operations, leaving thousands of people without essential healthcare and emergency services. Humanitarian access also has been restricted, particularly in areas that were already hard to reach.
OCHA noted that only a limited number of aid partners are able to operate in these locations given the insecurity as well as financial constraints. Meanwhile, affected communities urgently need shelter, food, clean water, healthcare and protection.
The situation is unfolding as aid agencies grapple with severe funding cuts. A $1.4 billion humanitarian plan for Somalia this year is around 16 per cent funded, with $229 million received to date.
Cholera continues to impact the fragile public health system in Haiti, particularly in sites hosting displaced people where there is limited access to safe water and sanitation.
The Caribbean country is confronting multiple political, security and socio-economic crises, including rampant gang activity mainly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) said that between 13 and 19 July, 34 new suspected cholera cases were reported across six of the nation’s 10 departments. Most were linked to displacement sites.
Five active transmission hotspots have been identified, including in Port-au-Prince and in the northern regions.
Since December 2024, over 2,800 suspected cholera cases have been recorded across Haiti, with 91 laboratory-confirmed cases and 36 fatalities.
Despite funding shortfalls, UN humanitarian partners continue to carry out key cholera prevention and response activities.
Families in Artibonite department received water purification tablets and oral rehydration salt, for example, while partners in central Haiti have installed handwashing stations and scaled up community outreach.
Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed 25 experts to a UN committee to help countries design tax policies that advance their social, environmental and economic development objectives.
The UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters supports governments in navigating complex policy trade-offs. Its work provides countries with practical options and tools based on real-world experiences from tax systems across the globe.
The 25 experts, who will serve for the 2025-2029 term, have diverse expertise in tax policy design and administration, as well as international tax cooperation.
They represent various geographical regions and tax systems, and the majority are women, reflecting the UN’s commitment to strengthening inclusivity in tax leadership.