Source: European Union 2
Ahead of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, new data finds that 70% of Europeans trust that their consumer rights are respected by traders. However, it also shows that online risks for consumers persist, including scams, fake reviews, and misleading advertising practices.
Source: European Parliament 2
The future of European Union defence unsurprisingly topped the March 2025 plenary session agenda. Members held a debate on Europe’s security architecture and the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, in the presence of the Presidents of the European Council, and European Commission. Debates also took place on the conclusions of the 6 March special European Council meeting and preparation of the regular meeting on 20 21 March 2025. Members marked International Women’s Day with addresses from guests representing European women fighting for freedom and peace: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces; Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, a former political prisoner in Belarus; Leniie Umerova, a Crimean Tatar activist; and Tata Kepler, Ukrainian medical volunteer and activist. Members also discussed Council and Commission statements on the Roadmap for Women’s Rights. Debates followed Council and Commission statements on the deteriorating situation in Gaza and secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the clean industrial deal, and action plans for the automotive industry and affordable energy. Debates looked at the Commission’s vision for agriculture and food, and the first ‘omnibus’ simplification proposals, as well as on supporting EU regions vulnerable to the effects of climate change; the social and employment aspects of restructuring processes; EU Consumers Day, and the European Schools Alliance.
Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Workers at BWXT in Lynchburg, Virginia, voted overwhelmingly yesterday to unionize with the Boilermakers union. The union welcomes 145 machinists from BWXT’s machine shop micro-unit as new Boilermaker brothers and sisters, represented by Local 45 (Richmond, Virginia).
Northeast Area organizer John Bland said the initiative all started when a BWXT worker reached out to Kevin Battle, Local 45 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer. They were upset about working conditions and constantly changing rules, and they knew unionizing would give them a voice and a say through collective bargaining.
“As soon as Kevin got the call, everyone got moving on it,” Bland said. “He swung into action and started follow-ups immediately.”
He said the workers were especially key in organizing at BWXT. Because BWXT is a secured nuclear operation, the massive facility is not accessible to visitors, such as union organizers. Even inside the facility itself, for security purposes, some units, areas and workers are off-limits to one another.
“The workers really took the reins inside and got the ball rolling,” he said. “Over 30 people showed up for our first meeting. They wanted a union, because they had wanted a voice for many years and to have a seat at the table. Wages are usually an issue, but this was more about their conditions and how they were being treated at work.”
Organizing efforts began in January, and M.O.R.E. Work organizing funds were invested to support the campaign.
“This win will help grow our industry and show more workers another way of life,” Bland said.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
WASHINGTON – As part of her mission to unleash small businesses and usher in a Golden Age of American innovation, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) recently unveiled her Investing in National Next-Generation Opportunities for Venture Acceleration and Technological Excellence (INNOVATE) Act to reauthorize and reform the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that fuel innovation and supply cutting-edge technology to the defense industrial base.
During a hearing last week, Ernst highlighted how the bill will slash red tape to make way for new applicants, scale the best battle-ready technologies for the warfighter, end corporate welfare for SBIR mills, and strengthen protections against China’s attempts to steal taxpayer-funded intellectual property. Since its introduction, the INNOVATE Act has garnered widespread praise.
What They Are Saying about the INNOVATE Act:
Technology Association of Iowa
“Iowa’s tech-driven small businesses play an essential role in advancing innovation, creating high-quality jobs, and driving economic growth across the state,” said Brian Waller, President. “However, many of these companies face significant barriers when seeking federal funding for research and development. Current SBIR-STTR application processes are complex and time-consuming, limiting participation from new and emerging startups that lack the resources to navigate the challenging process. The INNOVATE Act directly addresses these challenges by introducing a streamlined Phase 1A application process, making it easier for first-time applicants to access funding and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.”
Iowa Economic Development Authority
“I appreciate that the INNOVATE Act makes fundamental changes to encourage more participation, including appropriate standards for the size of participating companies and Phase II awards for entrepreneurs transitioning into the workforce from academia,” said Debi Durham, Director. “Also, the proposal to create Phase 1A awards with a shorter, streamlined application will attract thousands of new small business owners and entrepreneurs, both urban and rural, who may have been discouraged previously by bureaucratic red tape.”
America First Policy Institute
“The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a history of abusing government programs that provide startup capital and investment to American small businesses,” said Adam Savit, China Policy Initiative Director. “The Innovate Act reforms this process and would safeguard taxpayer-funded programs at the Small Business Administration (SBA) from exploitation by requiring vetting of international affiliations of business applicants and board members for ties to foreign regimes like the CCP. It adds a uniform evaluation baseline for all agencies participating in these programs. Also, it strengthens the ability to claw back investment money if the agency later discovers adversarial or malign influence. These commonsense reforms meet the rising threat of foreign state actors who only want to wreck our economy. These sensible reforms would protect programs like the SBA’s SBIR, STTR, and others from CCP exploitation if passed.”
New American Industrial Alliance
“The INNOVATE Act ensures that SBIR and STTR will remain critical components of America’s innovation infrastructure,”said Julius Krein, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The reforms and improvements included in this bill will keep these programs focused on advancing the most promising technologies while addressing efficiency concerns and national security risks.”
Foundation for American Innovation
“The INNOVATE Act would improve government efficiency by reforming the SBIR and STTR programs to reduce waste and ensure that more American tax dollars are invested in the most promising technologies to advance American innovation,” said Dan Lips, Senior Fellow. “Importantly, the bill also tightens safeguards in these programs to address fraud and national security risks that government watchdogs have documented.”
Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government
“The Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government is delighted to provide our enthusiastic endorsement of, and support for the INNOVATE Act, released March 5th by the Senate Small Business Committee,” said Warren Katz, Chairman. “The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, known as America’s Seed Fund, is a highly effective research program with commercialization of government funded research by small business its main goal. It should be reauthorized with much-needed reforms included in INNOVATE.”
Software in Defense Coalition
“SBIR and STTR programs are an essential part of enabling innovative high-tech companies to advance national security technologies. We strongly urge adoption of these crucial reforms to foster a more competitive and innovative ecosystem in the federal enterprise, protected from adversarial influence. These changes will ensure SBIR and STTR programs continue to drive innovation for the benefit of our nation’s defense and technological leadership.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is building on her work to boost small business involvement and provide greater opportunity in the federal marketplace by identifying the challenges they face in doing business with the government.
Ernst is rolling out a survey to examine the relationship between prime contractors and small subcontractors, and how red tape and hurdles prevent small contractors from competing.
“Small businesses have been getting squeezed out of the federal marketplace for the last fifteen years,” said Ernst. “I am continuing my work to reverse this troubling trend and expand opportunities. This survey will provide critical data to identify obstacles and red tape that are standing in the way of small contractors.”
Background:
Ernst hosts an annual expo in Iowa for small businesses to hear from speakers, join breakout sessions with federal agencies, network with agency officials, and learn about getting involved in federal contracting and innovation programs.
Last year, Ernst released a report detailing the troubling trend of a nearly 50% decrease since 2008 in small business vendors in the federal marketplace.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
03.14.25
Cantwell to Dr. Oz: “Are You Going to Cut Medicaid?”
Dr. Mehmet Oz nominated by Trump to serve in key post overseeing Medicare and Medicaid spending; GOP spending bill would necessitate slashing Medicaid; Cantwell snapshot report shows rural central and eastern WA health care would be devastated by Medicaid cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Dr. Mehmet Oz – Trump’s nominee for Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – on how he plans to defend Medicaid as Republicans in Congress move to cut billions of dollars from the program.
During Dr. Oz’s Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Sen. Cantwell asked him: “Do you believe in the Medicaid expansion that was done under the Affordable Care Act?”
Dr. Oz: “For some states, it made sense. For some it didn’t. I think that’s a good example of how states should pick a path to take care of their most vulnerable. But they have to have a plan.”
Sen. Cantwell: “Well, wait, but the states that didn’t don’t have a plan. What plan did they have?”
Dr. Oz: “As we discussed in your office, with the Affordable Care Act, they have an opportunity to expand Medicaid, or they could use other tactics. As you know, 10 states haven’t expanded—”
Sen. Cantwell: “I know, but you’re saying that’s okay?”
Dr. Oz: “As long as they have a plan to address their challenges of dealing with the underserved populations.”
Sen. Cantwell: “What plan?”
Sen. Cantwell concluded her questioning by calling Dr. Oz out for not saying which elements of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act he plans to defend from cuts under a Trump administration. She reminded him that in 2009, he told the Seattle Times: “It should be mandatory that everybody in America have health-care coverage. If you can’t afford it, we have to give it to you.”
“Look — you’re coming with the ability to be an advocate here. So we want to know what you’re going to be an advocate for. And all my colleagues are going to want to know, are you going to cut Medicaid?” Sen. Cantwell asked. “We don’t believe in cutting Medicaid.”
“The number of people in my state who are getting maternal care from this is exorbitant. The number of kids getting care from this is high — 47% of kids in my state receive insurance from Medicaid. And we have population centers of our entire state that are well above 50% Medicaid, Medicare populations,” she continued. “If you don’t like some aspects of the Affordable Care Act, you should say which ones you don’t like.”
Last month, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on Washington state’s health care system — especially in Central and Eastern Washington.
READ MORE:
The Spokesman Review: Medicaid could be on chopping block after Northwest Republicans help pass House budget measure
The Tri-City Herald: Newhouse backs House GOP budget plan that could lead to cuts for Tri-Cities Medicaid users
The Seattle Times: Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor
Medicaid is the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Washington state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, ensures that eligible Washingtonians can afford to seek health care and see providers when they need to. The program also ensures that hospitals — which are required to treat everyone, regardless of their ability to pay — receive reimbursements for the significant number of low-income people they serve. Over 1.9 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health.
Late last month, the House of Representatives passed a funding bill that would necessitate $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid. Supporters of the bill claim that the text includes no mention of Medicaid — however, the extent of the cuts required by the legislation would mean that the committee has essentially no other options other than to hack away at Medicaid.
Moreover, this week – after President Trump told Congress that Elon Musk is leading his efforts to cut the government – Musk said the vital Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs are “the big one to eliminate.”
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s exchange with Dr. Oz is available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript is HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) introduced the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act.
This legislation amends the Small Business Act to add a requirement for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) to educate small businesses on identifying career opportunities for graduates of career and technical education (CTE) programs. It also requires SBDCs and WBCs to educate graduates of CTE programs on how to start a small business of their own.
“By addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers, we can secure Kansas’ long-term economic prosperity,” said Senator Marshall. “The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act helps close the gap by connecting CTE graduates with employers, strengthening our workforce, supporting small businesses, and driving economic growth. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this commonsense legislation.”
“Graduates of career and technical education programs are ready to succeed in the valued jobs that small businesses in Delaware and across the country urgently need to fill,” said Senator Coons. “The Supporting Small Business Career and Technical Education Act can help bridge the gap between capable CTE graduates and small businesses in high-growth industries like health care and education, science and technology, food and agriculture, and manufacturing and logistics. I’m thrilled to reintroduce this bipartisan bill alongside Senator Marshall to empower workers and support small businesses nationwide.”
U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R-Texas-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“We thank Senator Marshall for his leadership on the Connecting Small Businesses with Career Technical Education Graduates Act,” said Chairman Roger Williams. “This important legislation will create greater opportunities for small businesses to employ high-quality technical graduates and support hard-working Americans seeking to improve their lives through technical education.”
The bill is supported by Skills USA, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.
BACKGROUND:
America is facing a worker shortage crisis. In Kansas, there are only 51 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
The job market is experiencing a high demand for skilled workers, particularly in fields like technology, healthcare, and construction.
This legislation is a step in addressing the worker shortage crisis facing our country and empowering career and technical education graduates with the resources and connections they need to enter the workforce and thrive.
Click HERE to read the full bill text.
[. Maintaining and expanding the provincial road and bridge network is vital for growing communities and expanding market access for local industry.
If passed, Budget 2025 would invest more than $8.5 billion for the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ three-year Capital Plan, a $333.7-million increase compared with Budget 2024. This total includes more than $4 billion over three years for transportation infrastructure projects to benefit rural communities across the province, as well as $2.1 billion over three years for projects in the Calgary region, and $2 billion for projects in the Edmonton region.
“We are investing in the transportation and water infrastructure our communities need to address rapid growth, promote economic development and support a high quality of life. These investments help ensure our province remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”
The total capital investment in this year’s budget includes $2.6 billion for planning, design and construction of major highway and bridge projects. This work will create thousands of jobs across Alberta, improve traffic flow, and support the development of major trade corridors through projects such as twinning Highway 3 and Highway 11, and major improvements to Deerfoot Trail and Highway 881. Capital investment funding also includes more than $186 million over three years for more than 50 engineering projects to address future infrastructure needs as the province continues to grow.
“These investments in Calgary’s roads and bridges are critical to supporting our growing city. Improved infrastructure means safer commutes, better connections for businesses and a stronger foundation for future growth.”
If passed, Budget 2025 would also include a $1.7-billion investment over three years for capital maintenance and renewal, which extends the life of the province’s existing road and bridge network, keeping the highway network safe and helping industry create and maintain well-paying jobs.
“Building and fixing roads and bridges improves the productivity of Alberta’s economy. Budget 2025 continues investing in critical infrastructure using local materials and labour. The ARHCA applauds Alberta’s leadership and commitment to all modes of trade-enabling transportation.”
In addition to improving and maintaining the provincial highway network, Alberta’s government has allocated $3.9 billion for capital grants to municipalities over the next three years. This includes funding for LRT projects in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as $5 million in new funding to support planning work for a new transit solution connecting the Calgary airport terminal with the future Blue Line LRT extension station.
“Investing in infrastructure is critical to establishing a solid foundation for economic growth, sustainability and thriving communities. As our population continues to grow, we must make smart investments in roads, bridges, water and transportation infrastructure to ensure our communities and businesses remain vibrant, connected and ready for the future.”
If passed, targeted investments in Budget 2025 would also support the growth and prosperity of rural communities by providing $126.8 million over three years to municipalities through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program. This program helps smaller municipalities improve critical local transportation infrastructure.
Additionally, ongoing capital grants totalling $519.7 million over three years in water and wastewater infrastructure will ensure Albertans in every community have reliable access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater services.
Finally, Budget 2025 would provide $240.1 million to build and repair water management infrastructure, including dams, spillways, canals and control structures. This investment provides irrigation for the agriculture sector and flood mitigation for Alberta communities.
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its list of state and territory Small Business Persons of the Year ahead of this year’s National Small Business Week, which will take place May 4-10, 2025. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will kick off the week with a ceremony in Washington, D.C., where she will name the National Small Business Person of the Year before embarking on a national small business roadshow. Over the course of the week, she will visit four cities to highlight the impact, economic contributions and importance of small business owners in communities across the nation.
“For more than 60 years, National Small Business Week has honored the risk takers, innovators and job creators who are the backbone of the American economy,” Administrator Loeffler said. “I congratulate the more than 50 state and territory winners on their recognition and look forward to this week of education and appreciation for entrepreneurship – as we highlight the small business owners who fuel prosperity, growth, and opportunity in communities across our country.”
After the Washington, D.C., ceremony on May 5, which will crown the National Small Business Person of the Year and other national award winners, Administrator Loeffler plans to visit Boise, Idaho; Phoenix, Ariz.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Hartford, Conn. While on the road, she will meet with local entrepreneurs, lenders and other community leaders to share SBA’s mission of empowering job creators, delivering disaster relief and driving economic growth.
Along with the awards and roadshow, National Small Business Week is slated to feature a two-day virtual summit, community events across the country honoring small businesses, educational sessions featuring key topics such as manufacturing, digital marketing, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency, as well as online business resources and renowned speakers.
State and territory awardees in consideration for the National Small Business Person of the Year and runner-up include:
Alabama: Kimberly Lewis, ProjectXYZ Inc., Huntsville
Alaska: Christine Hopkins, ASCI Federal Services LLC, Anchorage
Arizona: Virginia Saldivar, Metro Accounting and Professional Services, Goodyear
Arkansas: Kimberly Stinson, Lil Lions Daycare LLC, Bismarck
California: Qais Salem Alkurdi, HQE Systems, Temecula
Colorado: Larisa Hegenbarth, Novastar, Englewood
Connecticut: Michelle Nicholson, The Flour Girl Bakery Cafe, Hebron
Delaware: Alison Schuch, Tangerine Goods, Bethany Beach
District of Columbia: Craig Williams, Cyber Synergy Consulting Group LLC
Florida: Benjamin Nagengast, Point Summit, Largo
Georgia: Patrick Wells, Piedmont Landscape Management, Augusta
Guam: Robert Salas II, Pacific Federal Management Inc., Tumon
Hawaii: Pamela Cariaga, P&S Plumbing LLC, Kailua-Kona
Idaho: Patrick Buchanan, Buchanan Insurance and Financial Services Inc., Hailey
Illinois: Eric Cup, Bridgewater Studios, Chicago
Indiana: Sudhansu (Sam) Yadav, Quest Safety Products Inc., Indianapolis
Iowa: Jamie Jackson, Jake Oakland and Joni Campidilli, Percival Scientific Inc., Perry
Kansas: Cang Quoc Phu and Tuan Lai, QuikTek Machining LLC, Wichita
Kentucky: Crinda Francke, ExecuTrain Corp., Lexington
Louisiana: Ronald “Rocky” Ortego III, Red Bison Services LLC, Kenner
Maine: Carrie Gervais and Jennifer Cousins, Stepping Stones Montessori School, Chelsea
Maryland: Jaqueline Lopez, Premier Enterprise Solutions, Upper Marlboro
Massachusetts: Pablah Ferraz Schwartz-Linhares, Fresscafe Inc., Framingham
Michigan: Greg McArthur and Shelly McArthur, NTL Industries, Sterling Heights
Minnesota: Beth Benike, Busy Baby, Oronoco
Mississippi: David Kittrell and Karen Kittrell, Kittrell’s Industrial and Supply, Petal
Missouri: Tamara Keefe, Clementine’s Creamery, St. Louis
Montana: Jerry Stroot, Superior Meats Inc., Superior
Nebraska: Joseph Hodges Jr., Lion’s Gate Security Solutions Inc., Omaha
Nevada: Kristen Corral-Marin, Carlos Corral-Marin, Dan Simmons and Regina Simmons, Tacotarian, Las Vegas
New Hampshire: Tanya Lawson, Inbloom Health and Medispa, Londonderry
New Jersey: Nichole Ann Bryson, FT Mobility LLC, Saddle Brook
New Mexico: Victor D’Andrea and Jeffrey Giangiuli, TechSource Inc., Los Alamos
New York: Melissa Baidme, C.K. Natural Fruit Juice, LLC, Westfield
North Carolina: Mamie Hoffer and Jason Futrell, Hoffer Flow Controls Inc., Elizabeth City
North Dakota: Dee Decimus, All Embrace Home Caring, Grand Forks
Ohio: Victor Omar D’Angelo, Barroluco LLC, Columbus
Oklahoma: Shawn Collins, Sisemore & Associates, Tulsa
Oregon: Tadd Mick, Tradewinds Charters, Depoe Bay
Pennsylvania: Sheree Beth Thomas, SB Thomas & Associates Inc., Pittsburgh
Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands: Yoel Rivera Santos, Ultimate Solutions Corp., Caguas, P.R.
Rhode Island: Kaitlyn Roberts, Easy Entertaining Inc., Providence
South Carolina: Michael Haldeman, SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop, Summerville
South Dakota: Tara Olson, Valley Ag Supply Inc., Gayville
Tennessee: Reggie Polk, Polk & Associates Construction Inc., Brentwood
Texas: Gabe Wander, Wander Staffing, Austin
Utah: Alfonso Porras, Sir Walter Candy Corp., South Salt Lake
Vermont: Christopher Swasey, Lewis Creek Builders, Essex Junction
Virginia: Donald Mills, Mills Marine and Ship Repair, Suffolk
Washington: Courtni Doherty and Stephen Doherty, Circle Creek Therapy PLLC, Auburn
West Virginia: Cathy Jo Higgins, The Developmental Advantage LLC, Charleston
Wisconsin: Mark Bula and Shawn Bula, Signature Farms II LLC, Grand Marsh
Wyoming: Lauren Heerschap, Brunton International LLC, Riverton
Details on National Small Business Week, the virtual summit, registrations and speakers are featured on National Small Business Week and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on Find upcoming events and identifiable by searching with #SmallBusinessWeek.
# # #
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: US State of Wyoming
By Chris Hyde
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Over 20 community leaders from Gillette, Wyoming, visited with military and civilian personnel assigned to the Wyoming National Guard last month.
This visit was part of a larger, annual effort driven by Wyoming’s Campbell County called the Gillette Area Leadership Institute, or GALI.
According to Campbell County Chamber of Commerce member and GALI program director Lori Jones, this unique program has a close to 30-year history in the state.
Each year, the Campbell County Chamber selects a group of 20-24 community leader applicants for a 9-month program that sees those selected traveling around Campbell County and the rest of the state to visit with well over 150 different speakers from all -walks of public and private life in the Cowboy State
One key part of that itinerary is a visit with the state’s national guard, headquartered in Cheyenne.
This year, GALI participants received an introductory briefing about the Cowboy Guard from the command’s senior leadership and toured the guard’s helicopter facility as well as one of the 153rd Air Wing’s hangars, where they were able to walk through a C-130H Hercules and tour the wing’s maintenance shops.
Wing Deputy Commander Col. Gary Monroe was enthusiastic about both the visit and the program and its relationship with the Cowboy Guard. “I think that it helps get other organizations and communities familiar with the guard, and the guard more familiar with communities outside of the Cheyenne area.”
While in Cheyenne, participants were also able to meet with state governor Mark Gordon.
The following day, the group visited the guard’s primary state training venue at Camp Guernsey, where they were able to get some hands-on small arms training at the facility’s simulation center.
“Of course, the base is a highlight; and very few people in the state know about (Camp) Guernsey,” Jones said.
Jones recommended that anyone interested in participating in this program reach out to the Campbell County Chamber. Recruitment occurs annually in June, selections made in July, and the program begins in September each year.
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: Governor Stein Announces Members of Task Force for Child Care and Early Education
Governor Stein Announces Members of Task Force for Child Care and Early Education
lsaito
On Monday, Governor Josh Stein announced the new North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education. The task force seeks to identify solutions to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care and early education across North Carolina and to support and grow the child care workforce.
“Access to high-quality child care ensures that North Carolina’s children can learn and thrive during their formative years, which shapes their educational trajectory,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Child care should be affordable and accessible. I am proud to bring together providers, legislators, business leaders, parents, community partners, and industry experts to figure out how we can best support North Carolina’s parents, early childhood educators, and the economy.”
Click here for a fact sheet on Governor Stein’s task force.
This week, Governor Stein highlighted gaps in North Carolina’s child care system during his first State of the State address. In North Carolina, there is only 1 child care spot for every 5 families who want one. Child care is also difficult to afford for many families in the state, with four in five families paying more than the recommended 7% of their income for infant care. Furthermore, the poverty rate for early childhood educators is 17.6% higher than the average of all NC workers, contributing to a shortage in the child care workforce.
Governor Stein remains committed to ensuring that North Carolina’s children are able to learn and thrive in safe, nurturing, and supportive child care and early education settings. These investments will also support parents and employers by reducing the number of people who are pushed out of the workforce due to lack of child care.
The members of the task force are as follows:
Read below for coverage of the announcement:
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado of the April 14, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning Aug. 6, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 14.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the April 15, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring April 25-30, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Elk, Greenwood, Linn, Morris, Neosho, Pottawatomie, Wilson and Woodson.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications no later than April 15.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the April 14, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Beryl occurring July 5-9, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Angelina, Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Lavaca, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton in Texas, as well as the counties of Little River and Miller in Arkansas, Calcasieu, Cameron, De Soto and Sabine parishes in Louisiana, and McCurtain County in Oklahoma.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than is April 14, 2025.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the April 14, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Teton Pass landslide occurring June 8, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Bonneville, Fremont, Madison and Teton in Idaho, as well as Teton County in Wyoming.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 14, 2025.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEWARK, Del., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation are establishing the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) to provide expert guidance and strategic direction for our technical initiatives. These advisory bodies are critical in enhancing our governance structure, ensuring that the decisions reflect the diverse stakeholders involved and that our Mission and Values stay aligned with the community’s needs.
Purpose of the TACs
The TACs will serve as key advisory bodies, ensuring that the voices of the OpenSSL Communities—Academics, Committers, Distributions, Individuals, Large Businesses, and Small Businesses—are heard and considered in the OpenSSL Project’s technical decision-making.
TACs Objectives:
Election Process and Timeline
TAC Q&A Sessions
To help community members understand the role of the TACs and the election process, the OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation will host two Q&A sessions:
Session 1
Session 2
Get Involved
Join us in shaping the OpenSSL Library’s future. For more details on the nomination process, election procedures, and how to participate in the Q&A sessions, visit our communities page or follow our Blog.
| Contact: | |
| OpenSSL Software Foundation 40 E Main Street, Suite 744 Newark, Delaware 19711 USA |
OpenSSL Software Services Inc. 40 E Main Street, Suite 744 Newark, Delaware 19711 USA |
Source: US State of New York
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today advanced new legislation to protect consumers and small businesses from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices, or FAIR Business Practices Act, is a program bill from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and championed in the state legislature by Senator Leroy Comrie and Assemblymember Micah Lasher. This legislation will strengthen New York’s consumer protection law, GBL §349, to protect New Yorkers from a wide array of scams, including deed theft, artificial intelligence (AI)-based schemes, online phishing scams, hard-to-cancel subscriptions, junk fees, data breaches, and other unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. Forty-seven other states and federal law already prohibit unfair practices, making New York’s current law both antiquated and inadequate.
The FAIR Business Practices Act would also help stop lenders, including auto lenders, mortgage servicers, and student loan servicers, from deceptively steering people into higher cost loans. It would reduce unnecessary and hidden fees, stop unfair billing practices by health care companies, and prevent companies from taking advantage of New Yorkers with limited English proficiency. With the federal government rolling back protections for consumers and small businesses, the FAIR Business Practices Act authorizes OAG and victims to seek civil penalties and restitution against businesses that use unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices against vulnerable New Yorkers.
“In New York right now, companies can make canceling a subscription so hard it seems impossible; nursing homeowners can sue relatives of deceased former residents; and debt collectors can steal Social Security benefits,” said Attorney General James. “This legislation will put a stop to this all. At a time when the federal government is making life harder, we want to make life easier for New Yorkers. The FAIR Business Practices Act will close loopholes that make it too easy for New Yorkers to be scammed, and will allow my office to go after anyone who violates the law and look forward to working with my partners in state government to ensure that as Washington retreats from protecting consumers, New York steps up to lead.”
“Strong consumer protection tools are essential for protecting Americans from unfair and abusive business practices,” said former FTC Chair Lina Khan. “At the FTC, we used these tools to tackle a range of exploitative tactics, from outrageous subscription traps and predatory scams to dangerous commercial surveillance. By passing a strong consumer protection bill, New York lawmakers can empower Attorney General James to fully defend New Yorkers’ pocketbooks, privacy, and economic freedoms.”
“Businesses should compete by providing great products and superior service, not by devising schemes to rip people off,” said former CFPB Director and FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra. “We need stronger state laws to combat abuses that harm families and honest businesses. With stronger laws on the books, Attorney General James and state law enforcement across the country can stop the scourge of junk fees and other crimes against consumers.”
“When unscrupulous actors take advantage of New Yorkers through online scams, junk fees, and hidden costs, our community and our economy suffer,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “From unfair debt collection to deed theft, too many consumers have been hurt by abusive and deceptive practices. Let’s get the FAIR Business Practices Act passed this year and put the power back in the hands of the people, ensuring that businesses play fairly and put New York on par with 47 other states that already have these protections. I’m proud to work alongside Assemblyman Micah Lasher and Attorney General Letitia James to bring much-needed protections to the people who need them most.”
“Consumer protection equals affordability. Every year, billions of hard-earned dollars are extracted from American consumers by companies, big and small, that take advantage of us,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher. “And as we speak, Donald Trump, who ran on the issue of affordability, is turning the lights off at the Federal agencies responsible for protecting our pocketbooks. The news today is that New York is going to fight back with the FAIR Business Practices Act. Making sure that the Attorney General has the tools she needs to look out for New Yorkers is one of the best ways we can stop the damage Trump is trying to do. By passing this bill, we will protect consumers from the high costs of unfair business practices and make sure they can spend the money they earn on the things they need. It is an honor to stand together in this fight with Attorney General James, who is a beacon for New York and for the nation in this moment of darkness, and with Senator Comrie, who has taught me a great deal over many years about combining conviction and common sense to deliver for constituents.”
New York’s current consumer protection law, GBL §349, was passed in 1970 and only prohibits deceptive business acts and practices, leaving consumers vulnerable to unfair or abusive acts by companies. The FAIR Business Practices Act will protect New Yorkers from unfair and abusive business acts, such as:
On February 9, the Trump administration ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to stop all work protecting consumers and decline any new cases. The CFPB is an independent agency that oversees big banks, lenders, credit card companies, and mortgage servicers and ensures companies are following federal consumer protection laws. As a result of the Trump administration’s actions, the nation’s largest banks are no longer being closely watched for compliance with key consumer protections by any federal regulator. The administration’s efforts to destroy the CFPB could also prevent consumers from reporting issues of fraud or deception.
“For months, I battled my student loan servicer over errors that delayed my payments, cost me critical progress toward loan forgiveness, and left me in financial limbo—all with no clear explanation or accountability,” said Erik Krause, a student loan borrower. “My case is just one of many. Too often, consumers are left vulnerable to mismanagement from financial institutions with little recourse. The legislation advanced by Attorney General James and the bill sponsors will change that, ensuring real protections for millions of New Yorkers against these unfair and harmful practices.”
“Nearly every one of the small business clients I advise has had some experience with predatory lenders,” said Eda Henries, Founder & Managing Principal of Henries and Co. in Brooklyn. “This is the case because traditional banks have largely exited the small business lending space, meaning that when a small business owner needs capital they often turn to non-traditional lenders that can offer quick turnarounds on underwriting and disbursing a loan. But the flip side of that is these loans come with hidden interest rates that are very high and extremely onerous repayment terms. What may look like growth funding or growth capital often ends up being a debt trap. New York must stop allowing bad actors in the lending space to act without guardrails and should provide small businesses with more meaningful protections from abusive practices by these lenders, vendors, and other predatory businesses. That is why I support Attorney General James’ efforts to advance the FAIR Business Practices Act.”
“I am a co-op owner and up to date on my mortgage,” said Richard Barrett, a senior homeowner in Harlem. “Last year my mortgage servicer – a company I never even chose to do business with – improperly paid my entire building’s property taxes and is demanding that I reimburse them even though they are entitled to a refund from the City. I believe this practice is unfair and abusive and that Attorney General James’ FAIR Act would incentivize the company to fix the problem it created, instead of taking advantage of New Yorkers due to New York’s weak consumer protection laws.”
“New York once stood as a model of consumer protection, but over time has fallen behind most other states in this regard,” said Carolyn Carter, Deputy Director of the National Consumer Law Center. “New Yorkers are especially vulnerable in this moment as our strongest line of defense – the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal Trade Commission – are being eroded, and there are no state-level protections in New York against unfair and abusive market conduct. From large financial transactions such as student loan borrowing and auto sales to the everyday “subscription” economy, we see consumers fall victim to nefarious business practices without the ability for redress. NCLC applauds the Attorney General, Senator Comrie, and Assemblyman Lasher for championing the Fair Business Practices Act which will again make New York a leader in general consumer protection laws and promote a fairer economy for all.”
“All too often we see seniors and their families fall victim to predatory business practices such as unfair debt collection by nursing homes, home repair scams, and financial exploitation,” said Karen Nicolson, CEO and Executive Director of the Center for Elder Law and Justice. “Our attorneys work tirelessly to help secure redress for our clients, but New York’s weak general consumer protection law – which notably does not ban unfair or abusive business activity – limits our ability to secure restitution. We applaud Attorney General James, Senator Comrie, and Assemblymember Lasher for championing the FAIR Business Practices Act which will better protect aging New Yorkers from nefarious marketplace conduct, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure that victims will be made whole.”
“Every single day we hear from older adults who have been victims of scams,” said Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester. “Scams are serious crimes that, at a minimum, disrupt a person’s life and usually impact their financial future for a long time. At Lifespan we work to educate older adults, protect them against unscrupulous people, and help them if they have been scammed. I want to sincerely thank Attorney General Letitia James for her leadership on this issue and for protecting all consumers from deceptive practices.”
New Yorkers, especially seniors, veterans, low-income New Yorkers, and immigrant communities, are most vulnerable to these types of unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices. The FAIR Business Practices Act will authorize OAG and impacted individuals to bring a civil case against individuals or companies that engage in unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices to seek penalties and restitution. This legislation has been introduced in the State Senate and State Assembly, and Attorney General James will work to have it advanced and signed into law so New York consumers are better protected regardless of what happens on the federal level.
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that Hempstead will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and Farmingdale will receive $4.5 million as the Long Island winner of the third round of NY Forward. For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State’s 10 economic development regions receive awards from each program, to make for a total State commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
“Long Island’s downtowns are more than hubs for business, they’re the infrastructure that inspires people to build a better world around them,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing nearly $15 million in revitalizing Hempstead and Farmingdale, we’re creating stronger communities that honor their history and possibility — paving a path for generations of Long Islanders to experience all they have to offer.”
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to cover infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10 million to technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth and associated municipal development.
Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing — 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free child care and child care worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.
$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for the Village of Hempstead
Hempstead’s Main Street is the social, retail and civic heart of the community, serving as a key destination for the Village, Town and County. Its strategic location offers walkable access to essential transit services, commercial corridors and cultural institutions, including restaurants, Denton Green and the Nassau County African American Museum. Signature buildings with distinctive facades line the street, adding to its character and enhancing its unique visual identity. With a vibrant mix of arts, culture and retail, Hempstead seeks to transform its Main Street into a thriving hub of activity, community and commerce. Specific community goals include creating a broad mix of housing opportunities, increasing business and service offerings, enhancing cultural arts and fostering recreation and entertainment.
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for the Village of Farmingdale
The Village of Farmingdale’s downtown is a compact area mixed with small parcels and dense building coverage, mixed land uses and charming architecture. It is situated among some of the most popular tourist destinations in New York State. Due to the Village’s characteristics, Farmingdale is focusing on projects that will yield dramatic and positive effects, thereby advancing an active downtown with a strong sense of place. The Village seeks to attract new businesses, encourage a diverse population, improve downtown living and quality of life and enhance the pedestrian walkability and cyclability of the downtown.
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Residents and visitors of Long Island have witnessed first-hand how impactful the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs have been for countless communities and the entire region. Now, the Villages of Hempstead and Farmingdale will receive this critical funding that will help to jumpstart their downtowns and join in on the wave of revitalization that is sweeping our state. Congratulations to both of these communities, and we look forward to working with you throughout this process!”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs continue to be transformative forces for communities across Long Island. With these strategic investments in Hempstead and Farmingdale, New York State is supporting locally-driven solutions that will create vibrant, walkable downtowns while expanding housing opportunities and strengthening local economies. These projects demonstrate the State’s commitment to building sustainable, prosperous communities that attract both residents and businesses.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today’s $14.5 million in transformative NY Forward and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative investments demonstrate Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to rewarding communities that are serious about expanding housing and economic opportunities for current and future residents. As two of the 287 current participants in the Governor’s Pro-Housing Communities program, Farmingdale and Hempstead have unlocked access to today’s funding that will enrich their neighborhoods and grow the housing supply through targeted investment. We thank these communities for their commitment to improving housing supply and congratulate them on today’s awards.”
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University, said, “Hempstead and Farmingdale presented compelling visions for their downtown corridors that will create new opportunities for housing, business growth, and community engagement. The Village of Hempstead’s focus on enhancing its historic Main Street while expanding housing and cultural amenities, coupled with Farmingdale’s plans to strengthen its walkable downtown core, exemplify the kind of forward-thinking development that will benefit Long Island for generations to come. We look forward to working with both communities as they implement their strategic investment plans.”
State Senator Siela Bynoe said, “This Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant will provide much-deserved investment to the Village of Hempstead. As we’ve seen in Westbury Village, this grant will have a transformational impact on Hempstead’s downtown by improving walkability, and creating opportunities through investment in the Village’s commercial downtown. In Westbury Village, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative provided a blueprint for innovation to address our housing and infrastructure needs, and it is exciting to see Hempstead have this same opportunity. I’d like to thank the Governor and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for their commitment to helping to empower our communities.”
Assemblymember Noah Burroughs said, “I’m pleased to hear that finally the Village Of Hempstead is being recognized as the great hub in Nassau County as well as Long Island. Today I was notified that the Village of Hempstead has been awarded the downtown revitalization initiative. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for seeing the vision we have in the 18th assembly district. This brings us one step closer to having a downtown that the residents could be proud to visit, shop, dine and enjoy on a daily basis.”
Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs said, “Hempstead is a proud, hardworking community, and this $10 million investment will go a long way in making our downtown a place where families, businesses, and visitors can thrive. We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul for believing in Hempstead and for giving us the tools to build a stronger, more vibrant future. This funding means more opportunities for local businesses, more housing for our residents, and a downtown that truly reflects the energy and diversity of our village. We’re excited to get to work and make this vision a reality.”
Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said, “On behalf of Myself and the Board of Trustees, all Farmingdale Village Residents, Our Merchants & Local Community; we are thrilled to have won a $4.5 million grant for a Performing Arts Center! Thank you to New York State! We are so fortunate and thankful for the incredible efforts of all involved who helped secure the grant, it’s truly spectacular news for our community! As everyone knows, Farmingdale Village has been going through an incredible Revitalization and has become a downtown destination. Our (BID) Business Improvement District was formed in 2021, and shortly thereafter; our Downtown was designated as “the Culinary Quarter Mile”. Farmingdale Village was also voted Best LI Downtown 2025 – in the Four Leaf (Formerly BFCU), Annual contest, the last 10 out of 11 years! In the Village; we all work as a team; and there are also many Music Fests (“Music on Main, etc..); Art Shows and basically Culture Everywhere! But the one desire was always for a Cultural Arts Center! So this is the Icing on the Cake; the Farmingdale Village Cake! We are beyond thrilled and our community will be dancing in the street! (Literally!) Thank You!”
Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis said, “Thank you, Governor Hochul, for selecting the Village of Hempstead as a recipient of the 2025 Downtown Revitalization Program Award in the amount of $10,000,000. These funds will provide much needed assistance in helping to make the vision of a vibrant downtown become a reality. I look forward to seeing the village continue on the path toward a promising future for residents and a destination for visitors.”
Hempstead and Farmingdale will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the State’s investment.
The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.
About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.
About the NY Forward Program
First announced as part of the FY22 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.
NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Conference on Climate Change & International Trade Law was held in hybrid format in Hong Kong today, attracting about 600 registrations from jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, Europe and Africa.
Jointly organised by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy of the Department of Justice, the conference discussed how international trade law can effectively support the achievement of climate action goals set by the international community.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, UNCITRAL Secretary Anna Joubin-Bret and Deputy Director General, Department of Treaty & Law of the Ministry of Commerce Tian Ya gave opening remarks, while Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan delivered closing remarks.
International Law Commission Member Ma Xinmin gave a keynote address, with prominent speakers from around the world joining the panel discussions.
Noting that various local climate change initiatives have demonstrated Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre as well as a green and sustainable finance hub, Mr Lam said the wide spectrum of issues discussed at the conference illustrates how international trade law can effectively support the climate action goals set by the global community.
The International Legal Talents Training Academy will continue to work with UNCITRAL in different areas and is planning to co-organise the 6th UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit in Hong Kong later this year.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BYDFi, a leading global crypto platform, continues to enhance its Contract copy trading feature to meet the diverse needs of users worldwide. The platform has now launched its Copy Trading Leader Participation Program, where successful traders can create “Initiate Trade” and share them with others, earning up to 30% in revenue sharing. Traders can also access multiple rewards, including traffic support and exclusive benefits, helping them expand their influence.
Beyond profit sharing, the trader program is a win-win collaboration
BYDFi offers a 30% profit share as its top-tier partnership for high-quality traders, KOLs, and other professionals worldwide, significantly surpassing the industry average. This is not just about profit distribution but reflects BYDFi’s strategic vision to build a win-win ecosystem for cryptocurrency trading.
For traders, BYDFi systematically eliminates traditional pain points, making the platform more efficient and rewarding.
| Problems | Other Platforms’ Status | BYDFi’s Solution |
| Profit-sharing Ratio | Average 10% – 20%, | Up to 30%, industry-leading standards |
| Capital Withdrawal | Weekly payouts, withdrawal issues | Daily auto-calculation, instant withdrawal |
| Support for Leaders | No exclusive entry, lacks management tools | One-on-one guidance + Data backend + Sales materials fully provided |
| User Retention Issues | The process is complicated, leading to user drop-off | One-click sync + auto updates + system tracking |
| Growth Challenges | Limited influence, hard to expand | Official certification, social media support, external reward mechanism |
This means that BYDFi aims to grow together with traders, rather than engaging in one-time, fragmented collaborations.
For future traders, what can BYDFi offer?
| Value | Content |
| Sustainable Profit | Up to 30% profit share, each trade brings consistent revenue, growing assets |
| Brand Building | Official certification of Leaders, social media support, industry leadership |
| Traffic Growth Support | Focused promotion of quality traders to boost personal influence |
| Tool Support | Professional tools and copy trading systems, transparent revenue tracking |
BYDFi traders are not just passively “bringing users to the platform” but are truly entering the upper tiers of the trading industry, gaining control over their own income growth.
An era for top traders has begun.
BYDFi co-founder Michael stated:
“Collaborations between top traders, KOLs, and platform features are becoming a key driving force in boosting market activity and increasing user trading. The BYDFi trader recruitment program is designed to push this group to the core of the industry, allowing them to earn the rewards, influence, and value they truly deserve.”
How to join the BYDFi trader recruitment program?
Here is a detailed operation guide. If you have any questions, you can contact customer support.
About BYDFi
Founded in 2020, BYDFi is a Forbes-certified global top 10 crypto exchange, trusted by over 1,000,000 users worldwide. The upcoming 5th Anniversary Celebration invites global users to join in and receive exclusive valuable rewards. BYDFi is committed to providing users with a world-class crypto trading experience. BUILD Your Dream Finance.
Official website: https://www.bydfi.com
Online customer service：CS@bydfi.com
Business cooperation: BD@bydfi.com
Media contact: media@bydfi.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Company Names 25-Year+ Seasoned Financial Executive, Amy Fong, as Interim Chief Financial Officer
SINGAPORE and SAN DIEGO, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ: HPAI) (“Helport AI” or the “Company”), an AI technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software, services, and solutions, today announced that Mr. Tao Ke is no longer serving as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company, effective March 12, 2025. The Company has appointed Amy Fong, President and Director of Helport AI, as interim CFO, effective immediately.
“We take this opportunity to thank Tao for his contributions in assisting Helport AI in its transition into a public company this past year and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Guanghai Li, Chief Executive Officer of Helport AI. “We believe that Amy’s extensive financial and operational leadership experience, coupled with her deep understanding of capital markets, makes her well-positioned to oversee our finance functions, as we search for a permanent replacement for this role.”
Ms. Fong, who was appointed President and Director of Helport AI in January 2025, brings over 25 years of experience as a seasoned professional across multiple industries, including banking, private equity, management consulting, and the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining Helport AI, she was the Chief Operating Officer and later Managing Director of Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives at FountainVest Partners (Asia) since 2019, before transitioning to the role of Senior Advisor in 2024. She previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Hong Kong, a non-governmental organization, and spent two decades in financial services with JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, and Merrill Lynch in both the U.S. and Asia. She holds an MBA degree in Finance from Columbia Business School and a BSBA degree in Accounting and International Finance from Georgetown University.
“I look forward to working closely with our talented teams and supporting the identification of a suitable candidate to serve as our permanent Chief Financial Officer,” said Amy Fong. “We believe that Helport AI is at an exciting inflection point, and we remain focused on accelerating growth and delivering value to our customers and shareholders.”
About Helport AI
Helport AI (NASDAQ: HPAI) is an AI technology company dedicated to optimizing customer communication through its digital platform and intelligent software solutions. Offering enterprise-level customer contact services, Helport AI’s mission is to empower everyone to work as an expert. Learn more at www.helport.ai.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, Helport AI’s business plan and outlook. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on Helport AI’s current expectations and projections about future events that Helport AI believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. Helport AI undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Helport AI believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and Helport AI cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in Helport AI’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Helport AI Investor Relations:
Website: https://ir.helport.ai/
Email: ir@helport.ai
External Investor Relations Contact:
Chris Tyson
Executive Vice President
MZ North America
Direct: 949-491-8235
HPAI@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.us
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 14 MAR 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, serves as an essential reminder of the need to uphold consumer rights and protection. The day is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers and encourage those rights to be respected and protected. World Consumer Rights Day was first observed in 1983. This date was chosen to commemorate President John F. Kennedy’s address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he became the first world leader to formally recognize consumer rights.
The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2025 is, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’ This theme reflects the urgent need to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices available, accessible, and affordable for all consumers – while ensuring that these transitions uphold people’s basic rights and needs. This year’s campaign highlights the pathways needed to achieve sustainable lifestyles and call for stronger consumer protection and empowerment worldwide.
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has introduced several new initiatives and policies to empower consumers, strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, and ensure a transparent and fair marketplace. In 2024, major developments included improvements in e-commerce regulations, digital consumer protection, product safety standards, and sustainable consumption initiatives.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
With a view to modernize the framework governing the consumer protection in the new era of globalization, technologies, e-commerce markets etc., the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was enacted. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at District, State and Central levels commonly known as “Consumer Commissions” for protection of the rights of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes including those related with unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commissions are empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award, wherever appropriate, compensation to consumers.
Further, in terms of Section 38 (7) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, every complaint shall be disposed of as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to decide the complaint within a period of three months from the date of receipt of notice by opposite party where the complaint does not require analysis or testing of commodities and within five months if it requires analysis or testing of commodities.
Consumer Welfare Fund
The overall objective of the Consumer Welfare Fund is to provide financial assistance to promote and protect the welfare of consumers and strengthen the consumer movement in the country. Under the Rules, funds are given to the states/UTs as seed money as one time grant on 75:25 basis (90:10 in the case of Special Category states/UTs) to create a Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Fund. The states/UTs are required to carry out activities to provide coverage to projects for consumer welfare of local relevance out of the interests generated in the Corpus Fund every year.
During the FY 2024-25, ₹32.68 crore have been released to various states for the establishment/enhancement of their respective State Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Fund as Central Govt. share. As such, out of 28 States and 8 UTs, 24 States and 1 UT have established the Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Funds.
Strengthening Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
Going through restrictions on consumers due to COVID-19, the E-Daakhil portal was introduced as inexpensive, speedy and hassle-free mechanism for filing consumer complaints. E-Daakhil is an innovative online platform designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process, providing an efficient and convenient way for consumers to approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievances. Since its inception, E-Daakhil has been a game-changer in promoting consumer rights and ensuring timely justice.
The portal offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing consumers to file complaints with minimal effort. From filing complaints to tracking their status, E-Daakhil ensures a paperless and transparent process with respect to filing of cases.
The E-Daakhil portal was first launched on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission. In furtherance to the launching of E-Daakhil across the country, the government has also launched e-Jagriti, which will further streamline case filing, tracking, and management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for consumers and other stakeholders. It will also facilitate seamless communication between all parties, allowing for faster resolution of disputes. By automating and digitizing the process, e-Jagriti will reduce delays, minimize paperwork, and ensure timely disposal of cases, ultimately contributing to a more effective and accessible justice system for consumers.
The NCH has emerged as a central point of access for consumers seeking to address their grievances. It has played an essential role in enabling consumers to register complaints and seek resolutions in an efficient and effective manner. To further enhance the consumer grievance redressal process, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has rolled out the NCH 2.0 initiative, which incorporates advanced technologies to streamline complaint handling. This includes the introduction of AI-powered Speech Recognition, a Translation System, and a Multilingual Chatbot. The NCH was upgraded with AI-powered assistance and extended multilingual support to help consumers lodge grievances effectively. Additionally, the helpline was further integrated with various regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for swift resolution of consumer issues.
The number of calls received by NCH have grown more than tenfold, from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024. The Department has revamped the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), making it a central platform for grievance redressal at the pre-litigation stage. Available in 17 languages, including Hindi, English, and regional languages, the helpline allows consumers to register complaints via the toll-free number 1915. Complaints can also be filed through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal, which provides multiple channels such as WhatsApp, SMS, email, the NCH app, web portal, and the Umang app for ease of access.
NCH has also partnered with over 1000 companies under its Convergence Programme to expedite grievance resolution. These companies span major sectors, including e-commerce, travel and tourism, private education, FMCG, consumer durables, electronic products, retail outlets, automobiles, DTH & cable services, and banking. Complaints related to these convergence companies are directly transferred to them for online resolution.
The Department of Consumer Affairs provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during a consumer’s online activities, alerting them if any URL may be unsafe and requires caution, through the Jaago Grahak Jaago online portal and the recently launched mobile application. These portals are dedicated to empowering consumers by providing them with the information, resources and support they need to make informed decisions and assert their rights in the marketplace.
Consumer Protection in E-Commerce and Digital Transactions
To safeguard consumers from unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Department of Consumer Affairs has also notified the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These rules, inter-alia, outline the responsibilities of e-commerce entities and specify the liabilities of marketplace and inventory e-commerce entities, including provisions for customer grievance redressal.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued the “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on 30th November, 2023. These guidelines address and regulate 13 specific dark patterns identified in the ecommerce sector, aiming to prevent deceptive practices that mislead consumers.
The draft Indian standard on “E-Commerce – Principles and Guidelines for Self-Governance” by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aims to establish a transparent, fair, and consumer-friendly framework for online marketplaces. It outlines principles across three key phases—pre-transaction, contract formation, and post-transaction—to ensure ethical e-commerce operations. The document mandates clear product disclosures, including pricing breakdowns, seller details, country of origin, return policies, and data privacy measures. It enforces explicit consumer consent for transactions, prohibits misleading advertisements, and strengthens grievance redressal mechanisms under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Additionally, it introduces strict measures against counterfeit products, unfair trade practices, and preferential treatment of sellers, ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders.
By prioritizing consumer rights and fair business practices, the standard seeks to empower buyers with greater transparency and security in online transactions. It prevents deceptive pricing, hidden charges, and forced bundling of services while ensuring secure payment processes and clear refund policies. The document also includes anti-counterfeiting measures, requiring platforms to swiftly address complaints regarding fake products. Additionally, it mandates that e-commerce platforms protect consumer data, obtain explicit consent for marketing communications, and provide accessible mechanisms for dispute resolution. If implemented, this framework will enhance consumer trust in e-commerce, promote ethical business conduct, and create a more accountable digital marketplace in India.
As India observes World Consumer Rights Day 2025, the focus remains on ensuring a safer, more transparent, and consumer-friendly economy.
References
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2088051
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100545
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2077618
https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=151874
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2076557
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077857
https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3702_dFKDBW.pdf?source=pqals
https://www.services.bis.gov.in/tmp/WCSSD41126940_16012025_1.pdf
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2057940
***
Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal
(Release ID: 2111397) Visitor Counter : 12
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SCED at launch event of Green360: An AI-driven ESG Platform for Businesses (English only)
Agnes (Chairman of the HKGCC, Ms Agnes Chan), Jeffrey (Legislative Council Member Mr Jeffrey Lam), General Committee members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is with great honour to join the event today.
Firstly, I would like to thank the HKGCC for its unwavering commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda within our business community. Initiatives like Green360 are pivotal in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance among corporations, especially among our small and medium-sized enterprises.
The introduction of Green360 comes at a crucial time as we navigate the complexities of environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable practices. This innovative platform not only aligns with the global movement towards a greener economy but also emphasises Hong Kong’s role as a leader in integrating advanced technology commercial development.
This initiative not only pushes for compliance but also strives to exceed expectations, fostering best practices that can set Hong Kong as a global leader in promoting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles. It aims to create a business environment that is sustainable and profitable, thus attracting and sustaining investment.
Moreover, Green360 is committed to empowering businesses through education, and self-audit reporting is a constructive step for companies to embrace ESG. It promises to be a beacon of support for our businesses as they transit towards more sustainable operations, providing them with the tools and knowledge vital for this journey.
Thank you, the HKGCC, for launching this initiative. Let us continue to work together, leveraging technology and shared responsibility, to make Hong Kong a sustainable, inclusive and responsible hub for commerce and innovation. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 16:12
NNNN
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) signed between Hong Kong and Bahrain in March last year will enter into force on March 21, following the completion of the two sides’ respective internal procedures required.
Under the IPPA, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The IPPA also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “By enabling investors of Hong Kong and Bahrain to enjoy corresponding protection of their investments in the host economies, the IPPA will enhance confidence of investors, expand investment flows and further strengthen the economic and trade ties between the two places.
“The Government has been actively seeking to expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade networks with a view to assisting enterprises and investors in opening up markets. We are exploring the signing of IPPAs with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru, as well as exploring IPPAs or free trade agreements with emerging markets including potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt and Road,” he added.
The IPPA with Bahrain is the second of its kind signed by the current-term Government, following the IPPA signed with Türkiye. It is also the 24th investment agreement that Hong Kong has signed with a foreign economy.
The other foreign economies that have signed IPPAs with Hong Kong are the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, Austria, the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Source: Government of Canada News
These nine projects, announced today, highlight the growing potential of tourism and cultural initiatives helping drive economic development in communities across Manitoba.
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides funding to support communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing tourism products and experiences in the Prairie provinces. Federal investment today totals $1,846,559.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
03.08.25
Mass Firings at USFS and USDA Leave WA More Vulnerable to Wildfire Risks, Warns Cantwell in Letter to Agency Heads
Among those swept up in indiscriminate firings of U.S. Forest Service and Department of Agriculture employees were many with wildland firefighting certifications; Cantwell demands further information, reinstatement of fired personnel
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Reps. Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03) in sending a letter to U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz on the recent firings of hundreds of USDA and USFS employees. The letter requests that Sec. Rollins and Chief Schultz provide details about the Washington state personnel who were fired, including how many held “Red Cards,” which certify individuals for wildland firefighting. Further, it asks for the immediate reinstatement of all fired USDA and USFS personnel.
“Amidst increasingly common extreme weather in the region, now is not the time to gut a workforce charged with wildland firefighting and mitigation for a quarter of the state’s lands. While public safety roles were supposedly exempted, we’re gravely concerned about reports that USFS staff who support wildfire response or mitigation, as well as staff with firefighting certifications that serve in roles with dual purposes, were terminated,” wrote the lawmakers in the letter. “Without dedicated support staff, USFS risks losing critical functions like coordinating resources, managing incident command, and providing medical assistance. This compromises both the safety of those on the frontlines and their ability to defend nearby communities.”
The letter also highlighted the economic contribution that well-managed public lands provide to Washington state. USFS lands in Washington see over 7 million visitors annually, and nearly $1 billion is spent annually in communities around National Forests in the state.
“Recreational activities managed by the USFS play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of local communities in Washington State, driving economic growth and fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment,” continued Sen. Cantwell and her colleagues. “Outdoor recreation is the largest single use of National Forest lands, and USFS in Washington State maintains nearly 12,000 miles of trails and field over 7 million visits per year. Nearly $1 billion is spent annually in communities around the National Forests in Washington, benefiting local businesses as an economic driver of the region.”
Sen. Cantwell has slammed the Trump Administration’s recent mass firings of civil servants as overbroad, dangerous to the public, and at times illegal.
In January 2025, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires. Weeks later, in February, when the Trump Administration laid off at least 880 workers from NOAA, Sen. Cantwell railed against the decision. She had earlier sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging him to protect NOAA and the National Weather Service’s hiring ability, highlighting their crucial role in wildfire prevention, among other key tasks.
As wildfires in the West become more frequent and intense, Sen. Cantwell has constantly strived to ensure communities have the resources to prevent, prepare for, fight, and recover from major wildfires. In January 2024, Sen. Cantwell co-introduced the Making Aid for Local Disasters Equal Now (MALDEN) Act, a bipartisan proposal to improve coordination between local, state, tribal, and federal agencies to deliver resources faster in the aftermath of disastrous wildfires. The MALDEN Act is named for the town of Malden, WA, which was destroyed by the 2020 Babb Road Fire.
In 2021’s landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Sen. Cantwell secured billions of dollars to support wildfire prevention, response, and recovery.
Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union
Union and CATS Head to Interest Arbitration to Settle Contract
After a unified and strong six-day strike, CATS workers, members of ATU Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA, reached an agreement with management to rescind the Agency’s imposition of their final contract offer. The two sides will now go to interest arbitration to work towards a contract that meets the demands of the Union.
The deal comes just days after ATU International President John Costa traveled to Baton Rouge to join the strikers on the picket lines to put pressure on CATS.
“Our members stood strong and united throughout this process. CATS tried to divide us,” said Local President/Business Agent George DeCuir. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice. I want to thank our International President John Costa, our riders, elected officials, and all our allies for coming out and standing with us. We are now headed to interest arbitration to get a deal done for our members.”
After months of fruitless negotiations between CATS and the Union, the workers went on strike on March 3 because the Agency imposed its final contract offer that failed to address any of our Local’s key concerns and made changes to disciplinary, grievance and overtime policies without input from the Union. Earlier in January, after CATS had gone back on their promises during ongoing negotiations, the almost 100 workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if necessary.
“I am proud of our CATS members who were willing to go to the mat to fight for their contract and a better transit system for their riders. On the picket lines, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity,” said Costa. “Our members are frontline heroes and can now get back to keeping Baton Rouge moving safely and reliably. It was an honor to hold the line with you. Now it’s time to go to interest arbitration and settle this the right way and get the fair and just contract our members deserve.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair Rand Paul (R-Ky.) asked the Small Business Administration (SBA) to share how the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) unlawfully received millions of dollars in funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and had 34 loans forgiven by the Biden administration.
Ernst and Paul have repeatedly demanded answers over how the funding was approved, and loans were forgiven despite PPFA being ineligible to receive PPP funds but were stonewalled at every turn by the Biden administration.
“On May 19, 2020, SBA notified a number of PPFA affiliates that they had wrongfully applied for 38 PPP loans totaling more than $80 million dollars. SBA determined that these local affiliates of PPFA were ineligible for PPP loans under the applicable affiliation rules and size standards and that the loans they received should be returned. Despite this determination, the SBA, under the Biden administration, approved further loans in 2021 totaling nearly $40 million,” wrote the senators.
“Over the years, we’ve repeatedly sought out this information. During a Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing on March 24, 2021, we questioned then-Associate Administrator of SBA’s Office of Capital Access, Patrick Kelley, about the new information suggesting Planned Parenthood affiliates had received second draw loans despite the agency’s previous determination that these entities were ineligible. Mr. Kelley testified that the SBA had not reversed the longstanding application of affiliation rules or changed any rule related to affiliation. Following this, we sent multiple letters on April 15, 2021, May 10, 2021, May 20, 2021, and again on April 26, 2022, requesting further information. However, SBA failed to provide the required information,” the senators continued.
Click here to view the letter.
Background:
Ernst has introduced legislation to defund Planned Parenthood by prohibiting it from receiving federal funding.
Senator Ernst’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of the unborn recently earned her an “A+” on the Susan B. Anthony List National Pro-Life Scorecard.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
[embedded content]
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to expose the unprecedented corruption of the Trump administration’s first six weeks in office. Murphy condemned Trump’s normalization of pay-to-play politics, where billionaire donors dictate policy and taxpayer money is funneled into the pockets of the president, Elon Musk, and the corporate elite.
“In the first six weeks of the Trump presidency, Trump and Elon Musk and their billionaire friends have engaged in a stunning rampage of open public corruption,” Murphy said. “It’s not fundamentally different than what happened in Russia. These are efforts to steal from the American people to enrich themselves. And their strategy is to do it all out in the open, to do it at such a dizzying pace that the country just gets overwhelmed or anesthetized or dulled into a sense that we just all have to accept the corruption – or, maybe more charitably, that this is just how government works, that government is just corrupt, and so the fact that it’s happening out in the open instead of happening secretly, well, it’s really nothing new.”
Murphy laid out more than 20 examples of blatant corruption from just the first six weeks of the Trump presidency, including:
“This is how democracies die,” Murphy continued. “Democracies die when the very powerful people steal from us so regularly, so openly, so unapologetically, that we come to believe that it’s normal. And listen, I understand that many Americans may think that all of this stuff just used to happen quietly, and the only difference is that Trump and Musk are just putting it all out in the open. And I’m not saying that there haven’t been instances of corruption. Democrats and Republicans in this body have been accused of, and convicted of, acts of corruption. It has been a fact of life in American politics for a long time. But never before has the corruption happened this openly or this frequently. And so I lay it all out for you this afternoon in the hopes that it is not too late for us to decide to stand up, as a body and as a nation, to say that this isn’t okay.”
He concluded: “The Trump meme coin is not okay. It’s not okay for people who have interest before the federal government to be able to anonymously funnel money to the president of the United States. It’s not okay for Elon Musk to have access to Department of Labor enforcement data, against him or his competitors, that nobody else gets access to. It’s not okay to just cancel contracts that were going to Musk’s competitors and substitute in his own business, just because he has the ability to do it as a friend of Donald Trump. The rule of law matters. Doing things by the rules matter. This level of corruption was not occurring behind the scenes prior. It is not just that the cover got pulled off of it all. And it’s our decision, as a body and as a country, to decide not to normalize this scale of corruption.”
A full transcript of his remarks can be found below:
MURPHY: “Mr. President, I’m a big Boston Red Sox fan. One of the most famous players in Red Sox recent history is Manny Ramirez. Manny Ramirez was a good baseball player, but he had a habit of doing some pretty ridiculous things on the field and off the field that were really detrimental to the team, some really bizarre on-field behavior – cutting off throws from other outfielders before they got to the infield – bizarre off-the-field behavior that disrupted the team. It became so regular that a phrase was adopted among the Red Sox fans: ‘That’s just Manny being Manny.’ Over the years it just was accepted that every year Manny Ramirez was going to do a whole bunch of stuff that was really detrimental to the team. And over time, it just kind of became accepted, that that was a fact of life, a way of life with Manny Ramirez. And as time went on, people reacted less hostilely. It barely got noticed in some cases when he was engaged in these detrimental forms of conduct.
“And I tell that story because it stands for kind of a universal concept: when bad behavior gets normalized, it no longer feels like bad behavior. Even if that behavior is hurting people. Today, the world is littered with corrupt governments, governments where the leaders and the really rich men who surround the leaders – the oligarchs – steal from people. That’s what they do, the leaders and the leaders’ friends just keep a hand constantly in the government treasury and they steal taxpayer dollars. They rig the rules of the economy in order to make themselves fabulously rich. They hurt the citizens of those countries.
“Vladimir Putin, for instance, has never had a job outside of government, but he’s reportedly worth $200 billion. One of his many houses cost $1.4 billion to build, supposedly the landscaping costs on an annual basis for that house are $2 million alone. That $1.4 billion house was paid for by money he stole from the Russian treasury. In other words, he stole it from the Russian people. Putin and his friends have been doing it for so long and doing it so openly and brazenly – Putin, for instance, wears a watch that retails for half a million dollars, even though his official salary is only $140,000. They’ve been doing this so openly and brazenly, they’re so public in their corruption in Russia, that it’s just accepted. It’s just mainstream, the fact that Putin and his cronies steal from the Russian people.
“That’s what’s happening in America today. And it’s heartbreaking for me to say this, but in the first six weeks of the Trump presidency, Trump and Elon Musk and their billionaire friends have engaged in a stunning rampage of open public corruption. It’s not fundamentally different than what happened in Russia. These are efforts to steal from the American people to enrich themselves. And their strategy is to do it all out in the open, to do it at such a dizzying pace that the country just gets overwhelmed or anesthetized or dulled into a sense that we just all have to accept the corruption – or, maybe more charitably, that this is just how government works, that government is just corrupt, and so the fact that it’s happening out in the open instead of happening secretly, well, it’s really nothing new.
“But this is not how government works. The things that have happened over the last six weeks are unprecedented. The president and his billionaire friends are not supposed to steal from us. They are not supposed to use their power and their access to power – their access to government levers – to rig the rules to enrich themselves. That has always been wrong. It is still wrong. And we do not have to accept this.
“And so in the next few minutes, I want to try out an exercise. I want to try to lay out for you as quickly as I can just some of the most significant instances of blatantly corrupt activity that’s happened in just the first six weeks of Trump’s presidency. When you see it all together, there is no way to avoid a simple conclusion. This White House is on its way to being the most corrupt in the history of the country. And just because they are doing it out in the open for everybody to see doesn’t mean that it’s not corrupt.
“My hope is that if you see it all in one place, the gravity of this moment may hit you. My hope is that my colleagues and the public choose not to normalize a president or his advisors using the Oval Office as a blunt mechanism to make themselves even wealthier. It is our decision – our decision – to have zero tolerance for corruption. It’s also our decision to just decide to become a place like Russia where our leaders are allowed to routinely steal from us.
“This is a heartbreakingly long list. This is just 20 or so examples of corrupt behavior in the first six weeks of the Trump presidency. So here it goes. We’re going to start on January 17.
“On January 17, Trump launches the meme coin. This is maybe the most corrupt of all of the acts, because what is the meme coin? The meme coin is essentially a mechanism by which Russian oligarchs or corporate CEO’s can literally send money privately directly to Donald Trump. Nobody knows who buys the meme coin, but Trump makes money when people buy it. And so it is just an open sewer valve that allows for anybody who is trying to influence the Trump administration to be able to secretly funnel money to Donald Trump. He reserves 80% of the coin. He waits to release that coin until the price jumps back up again, which essentially means he’s waiting for people who want favors from him to buy a bunch of the coin to inflate the value so that he releases more and makes more money. It’s a disgusting kind of corruption because this is essentially Trump just posting his Venmo for anybody secretly to wire him as much money as they want. We’ve never seen something like this before where anybody who has anything to gain from the Trump administration, through a manipulation of the value of Trump’s meme coin, can funnel money directly to the president, whisper in his ear, ‘That was me. That was me that purchased all that coin, that jumped up the value that allowed you to release new coin. Hey, take care of me on the back end.’
“On January 20, when he’s sworn in, he institutes his new energy agenda. Now, open reporting suggested that during the campaign he met with the oil and gas industry and they cut a deal in which the oil and gas industry would give him a billion dollars of campaign contributions in order to receive favorable treatment when Trump was sworn in. And guess what happens on January 20? Trump unveils his energy strategy, and what does it do? It preferences oil and gas and it punishes oil and gas’ competitors. It, for instance, freezes all permits on wind projects, both for the land and the sea. It undercuts permitting processes, not for oil and gas but for oil and gas’ competitors. Oil and gas got exactly what they asked for. They gave a campaign contribution and they got the favorable treatment. Five days later, Trump fires 17 inspectors general. What do inspectors general do? They look for corruption inside of these agencies. What do you do if you are trying to engage in corruption, if you are trying to steal from the American people? You fire the inspectors general.
“Two days later, on January 27, Trump fires Gwynne Wilcox from the NLRB, the National Labor Relations Board. When she’s fired, the National Labor Relations Board cannot function any longer? Why does this matter? Because the person that’s been put in charge of reviewing the hirings and firings of these agencies is Elon Musk, who, by the way, has lots of cases before the NLRB. So do the people that are standing behind Trump during the inauguration. Almost all of them have active cases before the NLRB. The billionaires supporting Donald Trump now don’t have to worry about the NLRB because on January 27, the NLRB is rendered powerless.
“Three days later, on January 30, Trump awards more than $800,000 worth of stock to several of the board members of the Trump Media and Technology Group. This is the publicly traded company behind his social media platform. So now his Cabinet members – people like Kash Patel and Linda Mcmahon – are owning equity in Trump’s media platform; equity that can be cashed out, sold to people who want to buy them out of their interest at any time. Those people who might want to buy them out, Cabinet members, could be individuals with issues before the Department of Education, before the FBI. Yet another avenue in which people who have influence, who want to gain influence inside the Trump administration, have a conduit to be able to move cash from their pocketbooks, from their treasury, from their bank accounts, into the bank accounts of Trump cabinet members.
“Shortly thereafter, we start to see the weaponization of the DOJ. On February 23, a civil complaint from DOJ that had been pending against SpaceX– Elon Musk’s signature company – is dropped. Eight days later, the DOJ drops a case against a Republican Congressman. On February 19, two or three weeks later, the DOJ opens up something called Operation Whirlwind, which threatens anyone who dares to criticize the work of Elon Musk and DOGE. Over the course of the next three weeks, the DOJ is turned into an entity that drops cases against those who are loyal to Donald Trump and pursues aggressively investigations against those who are trying to criticize Donald Trump.
“On February 1, Trump fires the director of the CFPB and announces plans to shut down – to shutter – the Consumer Financial Protection Board. Again, very much like the NLRB, this is an agency that was, at the moment that it was rendered powerless, investigating Elon Musk and many of the biggest financial backers of Donald Trump. So once again, those that have access to Donald Trump, the billionaires that are close to him, now don’t have to worry about labor violations being investigated by the NLRB, now they don’t have to worry about consumer protection actions being taken against them by the CFPB.
“On February 4, there is the first of two extraordinary meetings in the White House in which Donald Trump convenes his business partners – his business patterns – the Saudi Golf League and the PGA to try to negotiate a solution to the dispute between those two golf leagues. Why? Because Trump has a business interest in that dispute being resolved. The Saudi Golf League plays tournaments at Trump’s courses in the United States, so if the White House, using its official power, can try to negotiate a settlement between those two groups, Trump stands to make money.
“On February 6, something absolutely stunning happens. Pam Bondi, the AG, issues a memorandum in which she proposes to dull the criminal enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
If you are representing a foreign government before the United States, you have to register so that we know if you are acting on behalf of American interests or you are acting on behalf of foreign interests. In the prior Trump administration, Trump officials got in big trouble for secretly working for, and getting paid by, foreign governments without registering. Well, what does Trump announce? That they are going to limit the applicability of the enforcement of that statute, making it much easier for Trump’s friends – for his MAGA crowd, for the people who show up to Mar-a-Lago – to get paid quietly by foreign governments in order to influence Donald Trump.
“On February 10, maybe aside from the meme coin, the most stunning act of corruption: the Eric Adams quid pro quo, in which Eric Adams, indicted for corruption, is let off the hook. His charges are dismissed in exchange for the mayor’s pledge of political loyalty to Donald Trump. They literally went on TV and announced the deal that we’re getting rid of the charges against Eric Adams, as long as the mayor pledges political loyalty to the President. That was so corrupt that six or seven DOJ officials resigned, because they refused to withdraw those charges, but the deal went through because the seventh, or the eighth, or the ninth official finally filed the withdrawal.
“And now in America, it is 100% clear that if you want to get away with corruption, if you want to steal from your constituents and you’re an elected official in this country, all you have to do is just sign up for political loyalty with Donald Trump, and he will instruct the Department of Justice to let you get away with it.
“On February 10, Donald Trump directs the DOJ to pause enforcement of U.S. laws that prohibit companies from paying bribes overseas. Come on! Like, come on! He instructs the DOJ to pause enforcement of U.S. laws that prohibit companies to pay bribes overseas. Here’s an example: Goldman Sachs was engaged in outright bribery–they were paying bribes to Malaysian officials, so that they could get a contract to manage the resources of the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.
“American companies should not be overseas bribing foreign governments. That compromises America’s reputation and America’s national security. But now, we are going to pause enforcement of the laws that stop American companies from bribing foreign governments, because corruption is now being normalized. This is what you do if you want to normalize corruption, is that you make it legal for American companies to engage in corruption overseas. That makes it easier for Trump to get away with corruption here.
“Two days later, on February 12, the announcement comes out that the State Department is going to buy $400 million of armored Teslas. Okay, so now it’s getting even more blatant. It’s getting even more brazen. The State Department is just going to buy a whole bunch of product from Elon Musk, product they were not previously scheduled to buy. It is true that the Biden administration had a blueprint that was going to buy some electric vehicles, but it was around $483,000-worth of vehicles. Trump revises that blueprint of spending so that now the federal government is going to spend $400 million on armored Teslas from Elon Musk.
“Let’s see: that’s February 12. That same day, Elon Musk’s people infiltrate the Department of Labor. And reporting suggests that during that infiltration, Elon Musk’s personal representatives get access to enforcement information at OSHA, not only against Elon Musk’s companies–and by the way, SpaceX has an employee injury rate that is nine times higher than the industry average–but also workplace safety violations against Elon Musk’s competitors. Here’s the message: if you are close to Donald Trump personally, if you support him politically, you can get secret access to enforcement data against your companies and your companies’ competitors. That’s what happens on February 12.
“Three days later, there’s some suspicious firings at the FDA. Again, related to Elon Musk’s personal financial interests. Elon Musk owns a medical device company called Neuralink. It is currently being reviewed by the FDA. And guess what? On February 15 and 16, all over a weekend, there are 20 people fired from the FDA’s Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices. Fired by DOGE, run by Elon Musk. Clear message: you’re going to get fired if you aren’t on the right side of Elon Musk’s application. Now, whether that was explicit or not, if the guy who is firing you has a pending application before your department, aren’t you going to think twice? Aren’t you going to think twice about ruling against his interests? This is why this is all unprecedented. Again, this feels normal because it’s been happening every day. But never before in American history have we allowed someone who has a pending application for approval of a medicine or a medical device to be able to personally decide who gets hired and who gets fired at the regulatory agency making the decision over that medical device.
“But now, this stuff is happening every day. Because on February 15 as well, that same weekend, there’s an announcement that the FDA cuts are going to be even deeper, perhaps as big as 50%. That means that hundreds of drugs and devices won’t get approved at the FDA. And you know who benefits from that? The folks that are selling the snake oil products. And guess who’s selling the snake oil products? The people who work for Donald Trump, selling vita-gummy scams. The Director of the FBI is selling vaccine reversal pills. When the FDA gets gutted, it’s the people who sell those unregulated products who stand to gain.
“On February 19, four days later, we find out that the IRS is going to be cut by 7,000 people. And the biggest chunk of the folks who are going to be laid off are the people who do the audits of the billionaires, and the millionaires, and the corporations. And so once again, Elon Musk and the people standing behind Donald Trump on Inauguration Day are going to get off, because the IRS just had its enforcement powers–its audit powers–absolutely gutted.”
“That same day, on February 19, you start to receive word that advertising on Elon Musk’s platform is starting to grow again. And the reporting on February 19 indicates that American companies have come to the collective decision that they need to keep advertising on Elon Musk’s platform, because Elon Musk has so much regulatory power inside the federal government. That they need to make sure they’re paying Musk through Twitter and through X, so that if they ultimately need something from the federal government, they can get it. This, again, is why we have never, ever in the history of this country, allowed for the richest man in the world, somebody who controls major companies, to also have an official position inside the government. Because, of course, of course, it opens up these clear avenues where people are going to do business with him privately to try to curry favor with him publicly.
“I’m not done. It just keeps going. The next day, on February 20, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’s monthly meeting is canceled and not rescheduled. And so we were very worried that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who makes money off of his attacks on vaccines, would continue those attacks when he took over HHS. Because if faith in vaccines continues to plummet, it is very likely that RFK Jr. will make money. Why? Because the not-for-profit that he will likely return to, the company that he will return to after he leaves, makes money as vaccine misinformation spreads, and he also continues to collect fees for referring cases to a company that handles claims of personal injury due to vaccines. And so when the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is canceled, it is a clear indication that yes, this campaign of assault on vaccines is going to continue, which, not surprisingly, is likely to make RFK Jr. even more money.
“On February 26, we see Trump’s MAGA hats, that are for sale on his website, displayed in the Oval Office. And it’s just a reminder that so many people inside Trump’s universe continue to sell merchandise on the side in order to make money. Donald Trump has always done this, and we’ve just accepted it, even though it is a kind of corruption in and of itself. But Kash Patel, the Director of the FBI, is still selling Kash-branded merchandise even while he’s going to run the FBI. Elon Musk and others are selling DOGE merchandise. So as they trumpet their brand inside the government, they’re making money off their brand outside of the government.
“On February 26, maybe the third-most significant [instance] of brazen corruption happens. News breaks that Elon Musk is just going to have the FAA cancel a contract with Verizon that has been in the works for years, and instead just substitute in Starlink for Verizon. Just extraordinary that this is happening in plain view of everybody. Elon Musk takes his private company, uses his access to government to just shove out of the way his competitors, and instead insert himself and his company. Again, we’ve never seen this ever before in American history, and now it’s happening on a daily basis.
“And now we get to this week. This week, Wired reports that guests are paying millions of dollars to dine with Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago, and business leaders are being targeted with advertisements that sell access to a one-on-one meeting with the President of the United States for $5 million. Come on! Like, seriously! There’s advertisements that say if you’re a business CEO and you pay $5 million to Donald Trump, you can get a meeting with him. This isn’t okay! And yet, because it happens every single day, every single day they’re asking for us to pretend that this is normal. This is just six weeks. It’s just six weeks. And the last thing on the list is an offer to meet with the president for $1 million or $5 million. If any previous president had sent out an advertisement suggesting that you can meet with them for a payment to them of $1 million to $5 million, in and of itself we would deem that to be unacceptable. But Donald Trump and Elon Musk believe that because they have arranged this dizzying pace of corruption, in which not a day goes by in which something doesn’t happen inside our government in which Elon Musk or Donald Trump use their power in order to rig the rules to enrich themselves, that we are all going to feel that it’s normal.
“This is how democracies die. Democracies die when the very powerful people steal from us so regularly, so openly, so unapologetically, that we come to believe that it’s normal. And listen, I understand that many Americans may think that all of this stuff just used to happen quietly, and the only difference is that Trump and Musk are just putting it all out in the open. And I’m not saying that there haven’t been instances of corruption. Democrats and Republicans in this body have been accused of, and convicted of, acts of corruption. It has been a fact of life in American politics for a long time. But never before has the corruption happened this openly or this frequently. And so I lay it all out for you this afternoon in the hopes that it is not too late for us to decide to stand up, as a body and as a nation, to say that this isn’t okay.
“The Trump meme coin is not okay. It’s not okay for people who have interest before the federal government to be able to anonymously funnel money to the president of the United States. It’s not okay for Elon Musk to have access to Department of Labor enforcement data, against him or his competitors, that nobody else gets access to. It’s not okay to just cancel contracts that were going to Musk’s competitors and substitute in his own business, just because he has the ability to do it as a friend of Donald Trump. The rule of law matters. Doing things by the rules matter. This level of corruption was not occurring behind the scenes prior. It is not just that the cover got pulled off of it all. And it’s our decision, as a body and as a country, to decide not to normalize this scale of corruption. I yield the floor.”
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
For Immediate Release:
March 07, 2025
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:
On Wednesday, the FDA approved Encelto (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey), an allogeneic encapsulated cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of adults with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). MacTel is a rare progressive disease of the macula (portion of the eye that process sharp central vision), leading to degeneration of the photoreceptors which are specialized light-detecting cells in the back of the eye.Encelto is administered into the patient’s eye during a single surgical procedure performed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Encelto works by expressing recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor, which is a factor that may promote the survival and maintenance of the macular photoreceptors.
On Wednesday, the FDA expanded the indication for neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) to include children four years of age and older who weigh 15 to less than 30 kg. Neffy was approved in 2024 for the emergency treatment of type 1 allergic reactions, including those that are life-threatening (anaphylaxis), in adults and pediatric patients who weigh at least 30 kg (66 pounds). Neffy is the first FDA-approved nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis and the first epinephrine product for the treatment of anaphylaxis that is not administered by injection. Treatment for children four years of age and older who weigh 15 to less than 30 kg consists of a 1 mg dose of epinephrine per spray in a single-dose nasal spray. The most common adverse effects for this pediatric population include nasal discomfort, upper respiratory tract congestion, dry throat, nasal dryness and tingling. Read the updated prescribing information to learn more.
Related Information
Related Information
###
Boilerplate
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.
Inquiries
Consumer:
888-INFO-FDA
Content current as of:
03/07/2025
Regulated Product(s)
Follow FDA