Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a crash that has blocked Cambridge Road in Waipa district.
The crash involves a car and a truck, and was reported about 11.25am.
One person is reported to be injured.
Cambridge Road is closed between Storey Road and Cox Road and motorists should expect delays while traffic management is arranged.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, June 30 2025 — Google Cloud today announced the appointment of Tim Dacombe-Bird as Head of Google Cloud in New Zealand. Based in Wellington, Tim will be responsible for spearheading Google Cloud’s local go-to-market strategy and working closely with partners and customers to help Kiwi businesses build an AI-first future.
“Tim is a recognised industry leader in the New Zealand technology landscape, and we are delighted to have him join our team,” said Paul Migliorini, Vice President, Google Cloud Australia & New Zealand. “With a history of successfully leading rapidly growing businesses and developing high-performing teams, Tim has been at the forefront of some major technology shifts, and his expertise will be invaluable in helping our customers maximise their AI and digital strategies.”
“I’m incredibly excited to step into this role and lead Google Cloud’s journey here in Aotearoa,” said Tim Dacombe-Bird, Head of Google Cloud, New Zealand. “New Zealand businesses are inherently innovative, adaptable, and ready to embrace the next wave of digitisation. I’m passionate about working with our customers and partners to leverage Google Cloud’s leading AI capabilities, helping to drive efficiency and unlock new possibilities. With Google Cloud’s ongoing investment in, and our commitment to New Zealand, it’s an exciting time to be part of the growth story for Kiwi businesses.”
Caroline Rainsford, Country Director of Google New Zealand, reiterated the strength of Tim’s experience, saying, “We’re thrilled to have Tim join the Google New Zealand team, bringing with him deep knowledge of cloud and well-established connections to the Public Sector. Google is committed to developing and strengthening the digital capacity of Aotearoa, and to bringing the best of Google’s AI to businesses, communities and individuals to grow our digital future.”
Kiwi businesses are choosing Google Cloud for its full stack of AI innovation from infrastructure, to research, to models and platforms. Recently, Auckland Council announced it is trialling ‘Ask Auckland Council’, an AI assistant leveraging Google Cloud AI solutions and Deloitte, to help Aucklanders get the information they need quickly and easily, across the council’s digital properties. In 2023, Google Cloud signed an All-of-Government Cloud Framework Agreement with the New Zealand Government, allowing eligible agencies to modernise systems and build secure applications.
Google Cloud also continues its investment in New Zealand, recently announcing the ‘Pacific Connect Initiative’, which will deliver two new trans-Pacific subsea cables — Honomoana and Tabua — to help increase the reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in the Pacific. The Honomoana cable system will add a branch to Auckland and enable a double Australian landing in Melbourne and Sydney.
Prior to joining Google Cloud, Tim held leadership roles at Wiz, AWS, and VMware in New Zealand.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
June 29, 2025
The lawmakers released data showing more than 250 schools are at risk of project delays and higher energy costs
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today that he and two Democratic colleagues have written to Donald Trump and Republican congressional leaders about the risks to K-12 funding posed by the Republican budget reconciliation proposal.
Projects supported by tax credits, which Republicans want to eliminate, have saved communities tens of thousands of dollars annually. Any cuts could delay or disrupt important, ongoing solar projects, prevent schools and school districts from having access to a tool to save on energy costs, and waste state and school district investments.
“By cutting federal clean energy incentives, the Republican budget reconciliation bill would interfere with K-12 school funding across the United States,” wrote Wyden, U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
“Clean energy projects can reduce monthly energy costs, allowing schools to spend more on supporting students, faculty, and staff,” Wyden, Markey and Schumer wrote to Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La. “With its draconian cuts to solar energy incentives, the Republican reconciliation bill promises to stall ongoing state and school district solar projects, disrupt their investments, and eliminate an essential cost-saving tool. We urge you to reconsider cuts to clean energy incentives that provide cost saving benefits to schools.”
Several stakeholders joined Wyden, Markey and Schumer in voicing their opposition to the proposed cuts.
“Across the country, school districts have been saving taxpayers money by taking advantage of clean energy tax credits through direct pay. These projects have created jobs, reduced energy costs, and opened up opportunities for school building improvements out of reach for too long. Rolling back the clean energy tax credits would stop that progress in its tracks and increase costs to local communities. It is critical that these important initiatives remain available to our schools,” said Jason Walsh, Executive Director of BlueGreen Alliance.
“School districts across the country have been using clean energy tax credits to lower their energy costs and upgrade their facilities. Investments in things like cleaner running buses and new HVAC systems are reducing both indoor and outdoor air pollution, all while creating good paying jobs. We urge Republican leaders to abandon their efforts to end these tax credits,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
“School districts across the country are attempting to move forward on sorely needed repairs and update their school buildings, and solar energy contributes important cost stability and resilience,” said Ally Talcott, Executive Director of the BASIC Coalition. “Our school leaders do not need whiplash amid the important work to finance improvements to our schools; they need support and stability. The cuts to solar energy incentives pull one more resource away from school districts trying to provide safe, modern, and healthy school buildings for their communities.”
The text of the letter is here.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 30 June 2025
Sia says, “Jobs for Nature projects have had a positive impact on the environment, restoring over 6000 ha of wetland, which has improved wildlife habitat, water quality and flood control capability, and have worked toward restoring six priority waterways, such as the Rangitata and Whanganui Rivers, among many other amazing results for our land, water, and species.”
“As the Department’s work with Jobs for Nature comes to an end this month, the programme has been successful for the thousands who’ve gained valuable experience and achieved great things for nature.”
Launched to turbo-boost nature-based employment through COVID-19, the $1.2 billion multi-agency programme employed people whose livelihoods were impacted through the pandemic, enabling them to stay local and support their families and communities.
This support also benefitted regional economies reliant on tourism. In South Westland for example, the Jobs for Nature programme redeployed tourism workers from 40 businesses, keeping essential skills vital for economic recovery in the community.
Sia says, “We estimate Jobs for Nature projects will return more than $1.97 billion in environmental, social and economic benefits over 30 years.
“Jobs for Nature has stood up a new generation of conservationists who have upskilled and trained in critical ranger skills including pest control, planting, and landscape restoration.”
When surveyed, 91 project partners identified as being whānau, hapū or iwi, and a further 63 said they have strong engagement with whānau, hapū or iwi.
“Jobs for Nature supported Māori to work in their communities, contribute directly to improving the health of the whenua.”
While government funding ends on 30 June 2025, there is an ongoing legacy, with just over 20 percent of projects (46) intending to develop businesses and continue their mahi.
“We’ve seen tangible benefits for iwi, communities and nature. It’s demonstrated that when we take action for nature, it can bounce back,” Sia says.
Jobs for Nature (JFN) was a $1.2 billion programme set up in response to COVID-19 to create both nature-based employment opportunities and enduring environmental benefits.
It ran from July 2020 to June 2025 and was administered by five government agencies. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) allocated $485.3 million over 225 projects across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Over five years, since 2020, the programme has improved biodiversity, increased environmental protection and supported better access to nature for future generations:
The programme also enabled iwi, hapū and whānau to realise their aspirations for the environment:
*Data as at March, 2025.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
Media are advised that Police will hold a media stand-up for the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.
Location: RNZPC Auckland, Student Central Level 2, Massey University, East Precinct, Albany Expressway, North Shore.
Time: 8:30am
Date: Tuesday 1 July
Who: Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.
This will be followed by the pōwhiri for Auckland Recruit Wing 390 and a tour of the RNZPC Auckland Campus.
We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz.
ENDS.
Issued by Police Media Centre
Employment indicators: May 2025 – information release
30 June 2025
Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.
Key facts
Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the May 2025 month (compared with the April 2025 month) were:
Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:
Source: African Development Bank Group
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a €25.5 million trade finance facility for the Générale de Banque de Mauritanie (GBM) to enhance its financial offerings to large corporates, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and women-led businesses in Mauritania.
Source: Scottish Government
£4.4 million targeted support for businesses.
A funding package developed to support island businesses affected by ferry disruption is now ready to accept applications.
Businesses from eligible sectors on South Uist, Colonsay, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, Berneray, Grimsay and Arran can apply.
Eligible sectors include those that rely on tourism and those that are engaged in the manufacture or movement of perishable goods, such as seafood.
£4.4 million has been allocated to the Islands Business Resilience Fund (IBRF) which was established to help address issues, such as travel disruption, that can have a disproportionate impact on people and businesses living, and operating on Scotland’s islands.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise will manage the IBRF on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will be accepted from 2 July until 12 noon 1 September 2025 with decisions and payments expected by 31 October 2025.
Funding awards will be based on demand and the scale size of organisations that apply for support but awards are expected to range between £3,000 and £35,000
Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
“We know that Scotland’s island communities face distinct challenges, not least in terms of their economic and social resilience. People and businesses require ferry services running reliably and frequently to support their livelihoods.
“We worked with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to refine the eligibility criteria and identify how this money can make a real difference to the businesses who need it most.
“Reliable and regular ferry services are key to this connectivity for people and businesses and we know that the current situation of delays and ongoing maintenance to some vessels has created real difficulties for some. We are determined to do everything we can to support islands, their local businesses and employers through these challenging times.”
Rachel Hunter, HIE’s director of enterprise and community support, said:
“Island businesses and social enterprises make an important contribution to local economies and provide vital rural employment that helps sustain many communities. Those operating in tourism and production or movement of perishable foods are particularly vulnerable to disruption such as we’ve seen in recent years.
“This fund is about strengthening the resilience of those organisations operating in the sectors and islands most affected. Our focus will be assessing applications promptly so that funding can be awarded as soon as possible after the closing date.”
Background
The application form and guidance will be available on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website from 12 noon on 2 July.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise carried out detailed analysis of information and statistics provided by Transport Scotland and CalMac relating to ferry disruption.
The islands of South Uist, Colonsay, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, Berneray, Grimsay and Arran were chosen as eligible for the Islands Business Resilience Fund as they each had more than 15% ferry disruption over the last three seasons. The average cancellations of ferry services across the Calmac network is during that time has been around 7%.
Source:
30 June 2025
A new Australian study is shining a spotlight on the healing power of horses, revealing that equine-assisted therapy could help address the growing mental health crisis among children.
As childhood mental illness rates spiral, compounded by lengthy waiting times for counsellors and the limitations of many conventional treatments, some social workers are turning to horses for the answers.
University of South Australia researchers have captured the lived experiences of 10 social workers and mental health practitioners delivering equine-assisted interventions (EAI) to children. Their findings are published in the Journal of Social Work Practice.
EAI is a type of on-ground therapy involving horses, offered by qualified health practitioners in conjunction with highly-skilled equine practitioners.
The evidence in its favour is compelling, with practitioners describing how a child’s emotional world can be transformed through working with horses in a natural setting.
UniSA Social Work graduate Morgyn Stacy, who led the study as part of her Honours project, says that many children don’t respond to sitting in a room with a therapist or clinician, which can be intimidating.
“But give them the space to be outside, to connect with a horse, and something powerful happens. They begin to feel safe, calm, and ready to open up,” Morgyn says.
The research shows that horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language, allowing them to mirror and respond to a child’s emotional state. They offer a natural, non-judgemental environment, helping to build trust and emotional safety.
One practitioner described the experience as “being seen through the eyes of a horse,” a moment of emotional connection that can be life-changing.
And it’s not just the horses that help. The natural, open-air setting – often in paddocks surrounded by trees and wildlife – helps children feel relaxed and grounded.
Practitioners spoke of using sensory-rich activities like walking barefoot in sand, observing animal tracks, or simply standing quietly with a horse to promote mindfulness and connection.
“The benefits go beyond mental health,” Morgyn says. “Children often gain confidence, improve communication skills, and build stronger emotional resilience.”
Even children who were initially afraid of horses found strength in overcoming their fears, with therapists carefully matching each child to the right animal.
Senior UniSA researcher and qualified social worker, Dr Fatin Shabbar, says equine-assisted therapy is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, including those in the child protection system.
“Practitioners in the study described deeply moving examples of children bonding with horses in ways that sparked emotional breakthroughs where other therapies had failed,” Dr Shabbar says.
But while this approach is gaining popularity, it’s not yet widely accessible. Sessions can be expensive due to the cost of caring for horses and maintaining rural properties. Unless families receive funding from bodies such as the NDIS and child protection agencies, many are forced to pay out of pocket, or miss out altogether.
“Another concern is the lack of regulation in Australia,” Dr Shabbar says. “Without clear guidelines, unqualified practitioners may offer equine-assisted services without appropriate training, which puts both children and the animals at risk.”
And those practitioners who are highly qualified still face an uphill battle to gain recognition of equine-assisted therapy as an evidence-based practice.”
The researchers say the findings are a strong call to action for professional bodies like the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to provide clearer guidance and ethical standards for working with animals in therapy.
“This research shows that equine-assisted therapy can be a deeply healing experience. But for it to reach more children, we need formal recognition, ethical guidelines and proper funding.”
“Healing in relationships, the power of equine-assisted mental health interventions” is published in the Journal of Social Work Practice. 10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741
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Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
Sevilla, Spain – Greenpeace activists joined a civil society march today for Global Economic Justice, with a giant float of a baby Elon Musk holding a chainsaw threatening planet Earth. As the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) starts tomorrow in Sevilla, campaigners are calling on world leaders to advance commitments for new and fair global tax and debt rules, and to hold fossil fuel polluters accountable for climate and nature damages.[1] [2]
The conference opens against a backdrop of intensifying conflicts, geopolitical tensions, rising inequality, and accelerating climate and environmental breakdown. The outcome document, the Compromiso de Sevilla, released ahead of the conference, does not go far enough. It delivers on some promises on international tax cooperation and encouraging taxes on environmental contamination and pollution. However, bold language on sovereign debt architecture reform was weakened by Global North governments during the negotiations, and the agreement falls short on responding to the urgency of the climate, nature and social crises.[3]
Fred Njehu, Greenpeace Africa’s Global Political Lead for the Fair Share campaign,[4] said: “Sevilla is a rare opportunity for global economic justice and for urgent conversations on how billionaires and corporate polluters should pay their fair share of taxes to fund climate action, nature protection and social programmes. World leaders need to listen to what the public wants and deliver a tax system that works for all.”
Eva Saldaña, Executive Director of Greenpeace Spain and Portugal, said: “Multilateral cooperation is key to addressing global threats and resource gaps for global climate and economic justice. It must not become an excuse for more powerful governments, in the Global North or elsewhere, to water down ambition. We must put people over greed and listen to the voices rising from the streets – in Seville and all over the world. All governments must actively support the UN Tax Convention process and pursue real solutions to the debt crisis, so that we can finally begin to transfer resources away from polluters and the super-rich for the wellbeing of all people and especially for those who are suffering the most from the climate emergency.”
Greenpeace demands reforms in international tax cooperation and public financing for sustainable development. Specifically:
Rebecca Newsom, Global Political Lead for Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling, Start Paying campaign, said: “While fossil fuel-driven floods, storms, wildfires and droughts increasingly hit communities around the world, people are crying out for their governments to tax oil, gas and coal corporations to pay for climate-related loss and damage. So what are political leaders waiting for? They must seize the opportunity of Sevilla to make polluters pay – or face growing public anger for continuing to let dirty industries off the hook.”
Hanen Keskes, Campaigns Lead at Greenpeace Middle East North Africa, said: “This is not the time to lack ambition as civil society is calling for urgent debt relief and structural reform. The burden of debt is undermining the most vulnerable countries’ ability to respond to climate, nature and social crises. Governments must show that they are ready to build a fairer and more sustainable future – one rooted in justice, not extraction.”
ENDS
Members of the Greenpeace delegation in Seville are available for interviews in Spanish, English, German, and Swahili.
Photos and Videos can be downloaded via Greenpeace Media Library and will be updated throughout the conference.
Notes:
[1] Greenpeace Spain’s float of Elon Musk measures 2 metres wide by 3.5 – 4 metres high.
[2] The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to reform financing at all levels, including to support reform of the international financial architecture. FFD4 Conference will be held in FIBES Sevilla Exhibition and Conference Centre (30 June – 3 July 2025)
[3] The Compromiso de Sevilla: Outcome | FFD4
Contacts in Seville:
Tal Harris, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, Greenpeace International. +41-782530550, [email protected]
Begoña Rodríguez, Media Lead – Climate Responsibility Team, Greenpeace Spain & Portugal. +34 605248097, [email protected]
Additional contacts:
Christine Gebeneter, EU Communication lead, Greenpeace CEE based in Austria, +43 664 8403807, [email protected]
Lee Kuen, Global Comms Lead – Fair Share campaign, Greenpeace International. +601112527489, [email protected]
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, North Carolina U.S. Senator Thom Tillis issued the following statement:
“It has been a blessing to go on a journey from living in a trailer park and making minimum wage as a young man to having the honor of serving as U.S. Senator for North Carolina.
“I am proud of my career in public service, including hard-fought victories like passing historic tax reform as North Carolina Speaker, and working in the Senate to help pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and confirm three conservative Supreme Court justices and counting.
“What I’m most proud of are the bipartisan victories: passing the first-in-the-nation eugenics compensation as Speaker, and working across the aisle in the Senate to pass the largest investment in mental health in American history, passing the Respect for Marriage Act and monumental infrastructure investments, and reestablishing the Senate NATO Observer Group. Sometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble with my own party, but I wouldn’t have changed a single one.
“In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.
“Democrats recently lost two such leaders who were dedicated to making the Senate more of a functional and productive legislative body. They got things done. But they were shunned after they courageously refused to cave to their party bosses to nuke the filibuster for the sake of political expediency. They ultimately retired and their presence in the Senate chamber has been sorely missed every day since.
“It underscores the greatest form of hypocrisy in American politics. When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure them.
“Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail. After they get elected, they don’t bother to do the hard work to research the policies they seek to implement and understand the consequences those policies could have on that young adult living in a trailer park, struggling to make ends meet.
“As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term. That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.
“I am beyond grateful for the friends I’ve made over the years in North Carolina and our nation’s capital, as well as my amazing staff who are among the very best the Senate has to offer.
“I still look forward to continuing to serve North Carolina over the next 18 months. I look forward to solely focusing on producing meaningful results without the distraction of raising money or campaigning for another election. I look forward to having the pure freedom to call the balls and strikes as I see fit and representing the great people of North Carolina to the best of my ability.”
Source:
30 June 2025
Trust your doctor, not a chatbot. That’s the stark lesson from a world-first study that demonstrates why we shouldn’t be taking health advice generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Chatbots can easily be programmed to deliver false medical and health information, according to an international team of researchers who have exposed some concerning weaknesses in machine learning systems.
Researchers from the University of South Australia, Flinders University, Harvard Medical School, University College London, and the Warsaw University of Technology have combined their expertise to show just how easy it is to exploit AI systems.
In the study, published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers evaluated the five foundational and most advanced AI systems developed by OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Meta and X Corp to determine whether they could be programmed to operate as health disinformation chatbots.
Using instructions available only to developers, the researchers programmed each AI system – designed to operate as chatbots when embedded in web pages – to produce incorrect responses to health queries and include fabricated references from highly reputable sources to sound more authoritative and credible.
The ‘chatbots’ were then asked a series of health-related questions.
According to UniSA researcher, Dr Natansh Modi, the results were disconcerting.
“In total, 88% of all responses were false,” Dr Modi says, “and yet they were presented with scientific terminology, a formal tone and fabricated references that made the information appear legitimate.
“The disinformation included claims about vaccines causing autism, cancer-curing diets, HIV being airborne and 5G causing infertility.”
Out of the five chatbots that were evaluated, four generated disinformation in 100% of their responses, while the fifth generated disinformation in 40% of its responses, showing some degree of robustness.
As part of the study, Dr Modi and his team also explored the OpenAI GPT Store, a publicly accessible platform that allows users to easily create and share customised ChatGPT apps, to assess the ease with which the public could create disinformation tools.
“We successfully created a disinformation chatbot prototype using the platform and we also identified existing public tools on the store that were actively producing health disinformation.
“Our study is the first to systematically demonstrate that leading AI systems can be converted into disinformation chatbots using developers’ tools, but also tools available to the public.”
Dr Modi says that these findings reveal a significant and previously under-explored risk in the health sector.
“Artificial intelligence is now deeply embedded in the way health information is accessed and delivered,” he says.
“Millions of people are turning to AI tools for guidance on health-related questions.
“If these systems can be manipulated to covertly produce false or misleading advice then they can create a powerful new avenue for disinformation that is harder to detect, harder to regulate and more persuasive than anything seen before.
“This is not a future risk. It is already possible, and it is already happening.”
While the study has revealed deficiencies in these AI systems, Dr Modi says that the findings highlight a path forward, but it will require buy-in and collaboration from a range of stakeholders.
“Some models showed partial resistance,” he says, “which proves the point that effective safeguards are technically achievable.
“However, the current protections are inconsistent and insufficient. Developers, regulators and public health stakeholders must act decisively, and they must act now.
“Without immediate action, these systems could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate public health discourse at scale, particularly during crises such as pandemics or vaccine campaigns.”
The research article, ‘Assessing the System-Instruction Vulnerabilities of Large Language Models to Malicious Conversion into Health Disinformation Chatbots’ is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the world’s most cited internal medicine journal. DOI:10.7326/ANNALS-24-03933
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Contact for interview: Dr Natansh Modi E: Natansh.Modi@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) and Jim Baird (R-IN-04) led 43 of their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor — America’s first Black sports star, recognizing his significance to the nation as a trailblazing athlete.
Taylor managed to become the first African American world champion in any sport and earned the title of “world’s fastest man” despite the extraordinary challenges of the Jim Crow era. He endured attempts by white promoters in both the North and South to exclude him from races. White riders, too, subjected Taylor to curses, insults, and even physical harm during competitions. Despite these adversities, Taylor’s exceptional talent and tenacity turned him into a sensation, drawing tens of thousands at races across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
“It is without question that Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor was a man before his time, a stellar athlete, a leader in the field of cycling, and a trailblazer,” said Rep. Jackson. “I believe it is fitting that Congress award the ‘world’s fastest man’ one of our nation’s most prestigious honors.”
“Even when compared to today’s athletes, Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor is among the greatest cyclists of all time,” said Rep. Baird. “His accomplishments are especially impressive considering the challenges he faced on his climb to cycling greatness. Marshall Taylor is one of the greatest athletes in Indiana history, and I can think of no one better suited to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.”
“Marshall W. ‘Major’ Taylor challenged both the odds and the adversity of his time with dignity and determination, and he went on to ultimately triumph,” said Karen Brown Donovan, the great-granddaughter of Major Taylor. “The awarding of a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal would be a significant achievement towards honoring his life and legacy.”
Supporting Individuals and Groups
119th Congress
Co-lead: Jim Baird (R-IN-04)
Original Cosponsors (44 total): Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI-AL), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), David Scott (D-GA-13), Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Sharice Davis (D-KS-03), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Nanette Barragan (D-CA-44), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Shomari Figures (D-AL-02).
Supporting Organizations: Washington Area Bicyclist Association, The League of American Bicyclists, Major Taylor Association, Bike to the Beach, and Black Girls Do Bike, Inc.
118th Congress
Co-lead: Jim Baird (R-IN-04)
Original Cosponsors (32 total): Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), André Carson (D-IN-07), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Earl Blumenauer (D-WA-03), James McGovern (D-MA-02), David Scott (D-GA-13), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Al Green (D-TX-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04), David Trone (D-MD-06), Ann Kuster (D-NH-02), John Duarte (R-CA-13), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02).
Supporting Organizations: Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., Major Taylor Association, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, League of American Bicyclists, ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach, and Black Girls Do Bike, Inc.
About Major Taylor
Taylor, the son of a veteran who fought in the Civil War, was born in 1878. Despite racial tension, Taylor was educated and viewed as an adopted son by an affluent white family from Indianapolis, Indiana, who also employed his father, Gilbert Taylor. Due to his relationship with the family, Taylor received gifts, including his first bicycle. Upon receiving the bicycle, Taylor displayed natural talent.
Taylor received the nickname “Major” as a child while performing bicycle tricks outside of his workplace at Hay & Willits Manufacturing, Indiana Bicycle Co., in Indianapolis. His employer was so impressed with his abilities that the company enrolled him in his first race, which he won at the age of eleven. Taylor moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, with his employer, mentor, and racing manager, Louis D. “Birdie” Munger, in 1895, because Munger was forced out of his Indianapolis-based firm due to his mentorship of Taylor.
In 1896, at the age of eighteen, Taylor received a professional racing license from the League of American Wheelmen, despite the league’s 1894 “white only” rule for amateur membership. This membership led to his eventual professional debut.
Later that year, Taylor gained notoriety in his first professional contest by competing in the “Six Day Race” at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This race was considered a test of endurance, where cyclists would test both their mental and physical ability in front of a packed house at the Garden. At the conclusion of day six, Taylor finished eighth out of twenty-six and cycled roughly 1,732 miles.
In 1899, Taylor would win the world one-mile sprint championship in Montréal, becoming the first Black American and the second Black athlete to win a world title. Taylor would go on to set seven cycling records and become the first Black world champion, which led to his being considered the first international superstar. Taylor would even revolutionize the sport by creating an innovative adjustable handlebar stem, which to date is called the “Major Taylor Stem.”
While experiencing racial prejudice throughout his career, Taylor became one of the first Black athletes to secure corporate sponsorships. He represented bicycle brands such as Iver Johnson, Sager, Stearns, and Orient, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest Black men in America. Due to his devout commitment to his faith, Taylor refused to race on Sundays, which led to him turning down a significant number of lucrative offers to race in Europe. However, once he achieved international superstardom, Taylor was able to negotiate “no Sundays” provisions in his European racing contracts.
Taylor retired from racing in 1910 and started many business ventures. In 1928, he published his autobiography “The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World” with the intent of impacting justice, equal rights, and the ‘square deal’ for African Americans in sports.
About the Congressional Gold Medal
Since the late 1700s, Congress has expressed public gratitude to individuals and groups by awarding medals and other similar decorations. The Continental Congress awarded the first Congressional Gold Medals. Since that time, Congress has awarded gold medals to express public gratitude for distinguished contributions, dramatize the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance of great events. Two-thirds of both the House and Senate must cosponsor the legislation to advance it.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, which struck down the use of race in college admissions and reversed decades of precedent supporting affirmative action:
“Two years ago today, the Supreme Court turned its back on a long-standing commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. The decision to eliminate affirmative action was a regressive step that erased hard-won progress in the fight for educational equity.
Affirmative action was never about giving anyone an unfair advantage; it was about acknowledging the barriers students of color face and working to level the playing field. It reflects the teachings of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., serving to right the scales of justice. By banning even the consideration of race as one of many factors in admissions, the Court ignored the reality of systemic inequality that continues to shape educational access and outcomes.
This ruling has already had a chilling effect. Data shows a sharp decline in Black, Latino, and Native student admissions at top universities. Without intentional efforts to foster inclusion, we risk resegregating our campuses and narrowing the pipeline of future leaders from historically underrepresented communities.
I remain committed to ensuring students of all races and backgrounds have a fair shot at opportunity. Congress must explore legislative avenues to promote equity, including increased support for HBCUs, targeted outreach, and race-conscious strategies that comply with the Court’s ruling. We must not let this decision be the final word on diversity in higher education.”
Since the Supreme Court’s June 2023 ruling, data from 59 selective colleges show that the average share of Black freshmen dropped from 7% to 6%, while Hispanic enrollment fell from roughly 14% to 13%—the largest one-year declines for these groups since 2010. Asian and white student proportions remained largely steady, and the percentage of students not reporting race doubled from 2% to 4%.
In response to growing attacks on inclusive values, Congressman Jackson co-founded the Congressional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Caucus to protect workers’ rights, defend inclusive policies, and raise awareness among lawmakers about the urgent need to embrace diversity across every sector of society. Through the DEI Caucus and ongoing collaboration with colleagues, community leaders, and students, he continues to address the lasting impact of the Supreme Court’s decision and to advance equitable, inclusive policies throughout the education system.
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
New details on the Government’s welfare reforms will be published today (Monday 30 June 2025) ahead of Second Reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on Tuesday.
New details on the government’s welfare reforms will be published today (Monday 30 June 2025) ahead of Second Reading of the Universal Credit (UC) and PIP Bill on Tuesday.
The terms of reference for the first ever comprehensive review of the PIP assessment in over a decade will be published today. The review – led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms – will ensure the system is fair, supportive and reflects the realities of modern life.
It will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and MPs with the core objective of delivering better experiences and better outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions.
The review aims to respond to the changing picture of population health over the last decade including the rising prevalence of long-term health conditions and disability in the working-age population.
Monthly PIP awards have more than doubled since the pandemic, rising from 13,000 to 34,000 – a rate of around 1,000 new claims per day, or the population of Leicester every year. Much of this increase is driven by mental health conditions with awards for anxiety and depression having tripled from 2,500 per month in 2019 to 8,200 in 2023.
To better help those with mental ill health, the government has recruited more than 6,700 extra mental health workers since July while rolling out more access to occupational health services and developing digital resources, so employers better support their staff’s mental wellbeing.
Many people have also reported poor experiences with the assessment process. The current system often fails to reflect the real-world impact of disability on daily life and is no longer fit for purpose – making reform urgent and essential.
Alongside the review, draft regulations for the new Right to Try Guarantee will be laid in Parliament. This will, for the first time, enshrine in law the right for people receiving health and disability benefits to try work without fear of reassessment. This includes disabled people and people with health conditions – such as those recovering from illness – who want to return to work now their health has improved.
This responds directly to concerns raised by disabled people and people with health conditions – 37% of whom say they want to work but are held back by fear of losing their benefits according to a DWP survey.
Fixing the broken welfare system this government inherited is central to breaking down barriers to opportunity and driving up living standards – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. The government’s reforms will ensure disabled people have the support they need to live independently, with dignity, and will unlock opportunities to get into work without facing the prospect of losing the help they need.
We must build a welfare system that provides security for those who cannot work and the right support for those who can. Too often, disabled people feel trapped – worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on.
That is why we are taking action to remove those barriers, support disabled people to live with dignity and independence, and open routes into employment for those who want to pursue it.
This is about delivering a fairer, more compassionate system as part of our Plan for Change which supports people to thrive, whatever their circumstances.
The Government will also set out details today of the changes they intend to make to the Bill as part of the government’s welfare reforms. The Government has listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the social security system.
That’s why ministers have confirmed that as part of the Bill:
Nearly 4 million households will receive an income boost with the main rate of UC set to increase above inflation every year for the next four years – estimated to be worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single household aged 25 or over. This is around £250 higher than an inflation only increases.
The Bill will also rebalance UC rates by reducing the health element for new UC claims to the equivalent of £50 per week from April 2026, fixing a system which incentivises people to define themselves as incapable of work by paying health element recipients more than double the standard amount.
These reforms will be also underpinned by a significant investment in employment support. Funding will be brought forward to accelerate tailored employment, health and skills support to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into work as part of our Pathways to Work guarantee.
£300 million will be brought forward over the next three years, increasing total employment support by £2.2 billion over four years – upholding our commitment to spend £1 billion per year by the end of the decade.
This investment will accelerate the pace of new planned investment in employment support programmes, building on and learning from successes such as the Connect to Work programme, which already provides disabled people and people with health conditions with one-to-one support at the point when they feel ready to work.
And for people whose health challenges make it difficult to find or stay in work, our initiative in partnership with the NHS, WorkWell, will offer personalised support to help individuals manage their health while preparing for or returning to employment. This will build on progress already made to get 384,000 people into work since this government entered office and will come alongside fundamental reforms to patient support as part of the landmark 10 Year Health Plan.
Health professionals will be on hand to connect people with services like physiotherapy, mental health support, and more. They will also be supported by a dedicated employment adviser who understands their specific health needs and guide them every step of the way.
For too long, meaningful reform to our welfare system has been ducked and delayed – stunting productivity, slowing down growth and ultimately holding British people and our country back. The government is taking decisive action and the difficult decisions needed to restore trust and faith in the system, providing opportunities for those who can work, and security for those who cannot.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Technology and Energy Secretaries will chair the second meeting of the AI Energy Council today.
AI Energy Council helping to power new AI breakthroughs.
The energy demands to drive the processing power needed for new waves of AI breakthroughs, and the future energy needs of the wider AI sector will be on the agenda as the AI Energy Council gathers today (30 June).
With energy providers, tech companies, energy regulator Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) convening, this second meeting will discuss how to work together to forecast how much energy will be needed to deliver a twenty-fold increase in compute capacity over the next 5 years.
Compute represents the key building block of AI development. It captures the vital resources which make AI models work, such as the processing power which allows them to be trained on data and process information. By increasing the UK’s capacity, it will give scientists and AI companies from across the UK access to the systems they need for their cutting-edge research – making the next big breakthrough from personalised medical treatments, more sustainable air travel, or developing new tools in the fight against climate change.
The meeting is also expected to cover which sectors are likely to quickly adopt AI and how this could drive significant shifts in energy demand. Discussions will focus on what assumptions need to be made to accurately forecast that demand, ensuring the energy system is prepared for AI.
Chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, the meeting comes hot on the heels of the UK government announcing £2 billion to deliver the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
The Action Plan serves as a blueprint to turbocharge the use of AI, whether it’s in hospitals to help diagnose patients more quickly, in schools to help with lesson planning so teachers have more time in front of the whiteboard, or delivering new AI Growth Zones which will unlock scores of new investment and jobs to revitalize local communities and deliver the economic growth driving the government’s Plan for Change.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said:
Giving our researchers and innovators access to the processing power they need will not only maintain our standing as the world’s third-biggest AI power, but put British expertise at the heart of the AI breakthroughs which will improve our lives, modernise our public services, and spark the economic growth which is the cornerstone of our Plan for Change.
We are clear-eyed though on the need to make sure we can power this golden era for British AI through responsible, sustainable energy sources. Today’s talks will help us drive forward that mission, delivering AI infrastructure which will benefit communities up and down the country for generations to come without ever compromising on our clean energy superpower ambitions.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband said:
We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to get bills down for good and create new jobs as part of our Plan for Change.
Bringing together the biggest players in AI and energy will help us discuss the role AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country, and meeting the power demands of new technology as we build a clean power system for families and businesses.
With energy providers, tech companies, energy regulator Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) convening today, they’ll discuss how to work together to forecast how much energy will be needed to deliver this twenty-fold increase in compute capacity over the next 5 years. The meeting is also expected to cover which sectors are likely to quickly adopt AI and how this could drive significant shifts in energy demand.
The meeting will consider the future energy needs of the AI sector more widely, as the government also continues to move forward with its plans to roll out AI Growth Zones across the country. These hotbeds of AI development will unlock billions in investment and deliver scores of new jobs across the country, with communities throughout the UK having already expressed an interest in being home to future growth zone sites.
Since establishing the AI Energy Council in January, government has been deepening its work both Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to deliver fundamental reforms to the UK’s connections process. Once final signoffs from Ofgem are in place, this could mean more than 400GW of additional capacity is freed up from the grid connection queue – turbocharging the AI projects which are vital to economic growth.
The Technology and Energy Secretary are joined at today’s meeting by representatives of:
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Reforms to the Building Safety Regulator bring new leadership, investment and process to accelerate housebuilding
New Fast Track Process to enhance the review of newbuild applications, unblock delays and boost sector confidence
Measures will help delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and speed up remediation
Reforms pave the way for the creation of a single construction regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Delays to building new high-rise homes will be unblocked through a new package of reforms to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced today. These reforms, which include a new Fast Track Process, changes to leadership and fresh investment, aim to support the delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and take early steps toward establishing a single construction regulator – a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Andy Roe KFSM has been appointed as non-executive chair of a new board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to take on the functions of the BSR as part of initial steps towards creating a single construction regulator.
Andy brings a wealth of experience in safety regulation and leadership from his previous role as Commissioner of London Fire Brigade and he will be supported by a new Chief Executive Officer for the BSR, Charlie Pugsley.
“The establishment of the Building Safety Regulator has been fundamental to centralising safety in the construction process and it’s time to take the next steps to build on that precedent and create a system that works for the sector whilst keeping residents and their safety at the heart of the process.
“That’s why we’re announcing a package of reforms to the BSR today to enhance operations, reduce delays, and unlock the homes this country desperately needs – delivering on our Plan for Change.”
This new organisational structure reflects the government’s commitment to prioritising building safety in its drive to build 1.5m new homes, and builds on the strong foundation created by the HSE in establishing the BSR, which has played a pivotal role in placing raising safety standards across the sector.
To support industry in achieving the government’s ambitious housebuilding targets, the BSR is also introducing a new Fast Track Process which will bring building inspector and engineer capacity directly into the BSR to enhance the processing and review of existing newbuild cases and remediation decisions. This will respond to concerns in the sector around delays whilst crucially keeping building and residents’ safety at the core of the process.
Alongside these improvements, long-term investment in the capacity of the BSR is being bolstered with the addition of over 100 new members of staff to support with enhancing operations, reducing delays and supporting progress towards building 1.5m safe, high-quality homes as part of our Plan for Change.
“The creation of the new Building Safety Regulator was a watershed moment for housing and construction in this country.
“However, it is also clear that the BSR processes’ need to continue to evolve and improve, to ensure that it plays its part in enabling the homes this country desperately needs to be built.
“I look forward to working with colleagues both in industry and the BSR to tackle the current issues and delays head on and help get those homes built safely.”
“Setting up an entirely new regulator has been complex and huge progress has been made in a short space of time.
“Protecting residents and making sure there is never another tragedy like Grenfell has been our priority throughout this process. We wish the new BSR team well in this most important mission.
“We are very proud of the work we have done to establish the BSR. It was always an option that once the new regulator was established that it would move out of HSE to enable the Government to implement the Grenfell Public Inquiry recommendations and we will work hard to enable the smooth transition to the next stage.”
Government and the BSR are also working constructively with the sector to help industry meet the BSR’s requirements and demonstrate compliance with the law to reduce the number of rejected and unsuccessful applications.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is an independent body established by the Building Safety Act, 2022 and is part of HSE. The government asked HSE to establish BSR in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and following recommendations in the ‘Building a Safer Future’ report by Dame Judith Hackitt.
A new arm’s length body to MHCLG is being established with the intention for this to take on the functions of the BSR from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in due course. Andy Roe has been appointed to a shadow board pending its establishment as Executive Agency.
BSR regulates the safe design, construction and occupation of higher-risk buildings in England and provides oversight for the safety and standards of all buildings, promoting competence across industry.
Source: BNZ Statements
From the bathroom to the boardroom, New Zealanders are responding to notifications and messages in some pretty awkward places – and it reveals just how distracted and hurried we’ve become, a new survey from BNZ shows.
The nationwide study found that most New Zealanders have responded to an email, text or notification while doing something else, with 35% admitting they’ve done so in the bathroom, 41% in the middle of a face-to-face conversation, and 28% while in a meeting or webinar.
“And when we’re rushed or distracted like this, we make mistakes,” says BNZ Head of Fraud Operations, Margaret Miller.
Nearly a quarter (24%) confess to clicking through to a “great deal” without checking if the link was legitimate, while 19% have hit a link in a text before reading it properly.
“Scammers prey on the fact that when we’re rushed, distracted, or juggling multiple things we’re more likely to click first and think later,” Miller says.
The study found that New Zealanders are generally aware of when they’re most vulnerable, with 78% recognising that being distracted, rushed, multitasking, stressed or on autopilot makes them more likely to be scammed or make a mistake with online banking.
Yet scammers are still succeeding. According to the survey, while 61% of Kiwis spotted a scam in the past year and avoided it, 12% weren’t so lucky.
Strategic design to slow scams down
While individual vigilance remains the best defence and the banking sector continues to invest tens of millions in security each year, BNZ is also exploring a different approach through strategic design features that work with how people actually behave.
“While we all expect seamless digital experiences, we’ve learned that introducing small elements of friction at critical moments helps with focus and ultimately, keeps customers and their money safer,” says BNZ Head of Design, Donal Devlin.
“In practice, this means things like swapping button locations, adding brief pause notifications, or showing “pause and think” alerts to help customers stay focused when making higher risk transactions or actions in their accounts.
“It’s about finding the right balance between convenience and security – adding just enough of a moment to think when the stakes are highest.”
BNZ is also strengthening security in other ways, including being one of only two major banks to offer app-based authentication rather than text messages, which can be intercepted by scammers.
The bank has also introduced online banking lock, which gives customers the ability to quickly disable all online banking activity and lock access to their online banking if they suspect a scammer has gained access to their accounts.
It’s all about working with human nature, not against it, Miller says.
“We know people are busy, we know they multi-task, and we know they sometimes rush.
“So, while customers should remain vigilant, we’re also designing smart security features that give you a moment to double-check when it matters most.”
Tips for improving your digital safety and security
Red flags to watch for – BNZ will never:
The BNZ Safe and Secure Survey was conducted by Insights HQ in May 2025, with sample sizes ranging from n=235 to n=478 depending on the question. Overall survey results were weighted to be nationally representative by age (15+ years), gender, and region based on Census 2020.
The post The awkward places NZers admit to using their devices – and why scammers love it appeared first on BNZ Debrief.
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
If your business pays contractors to deliver any of these services on your behalf, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) online by 28 August:
TPAR help us keep things fair for all businesses by making sure contractors report all their income.
On your TPAR, you need to record the:
You can find these details on your contractor’s invoice. It’s the same information you use to claim income tax deductions through your tax return, and GST credits through your business activity statement.
Lodging your TPAR online is quick and easy using SBR-enabled softwareExternal Link or through Online services for business. Your registered tax professional can also lodge on your behalf.
Penalties may apply for overdue TPAR. We’ll no longer be accepting paper lodgments after 28 August 2025, so it’s important to make sure you’re set up for online lodgment.
For more information on lodging your TPAR, visit ato.gov.au/TPAR or speak to your registered tax professional. You can also watch our Essentials to strengthen your small business TPAR courseExternal Link to help you understand your TPAR obligations.
We’ve set up tailored communication channels for small businesses. They will keep you updated on important information and changes.
Read more articles in our Small business newsroom.
Subscribe to our free to our monthly Small business email newsletterExternal Link.
Get email notifications about new and updated information on our website. You can choose to receive updates that matter to you. Select the ‘Business and organisations’ category. This way, your subscription will get notifications for more Small business newsroom articles like this one.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New York of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by excessive winds and rain occurring Aug. 19-20, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the New York counties of Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington.
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 small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% 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.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 28, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or 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
ATLANTA – In response to an amended Presidential disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in one additional Mississippi county affected by the severe storms and flooding occurring Mar. 14-15, 2025.
The amended declaration covers the newly designated county of Montgomery.
Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.
PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.
EIDLs are 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 interest rate can be as low as 3.625%, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the initial 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 the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for 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.
The filing deadline to submit applications for physical property damage is July 22, 2025. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or 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
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Davidson and McNairy Counties to assist small businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring on April 2-24, 2025.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRCs to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The BRCs hours of operation are listed below.
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Davidson County
SBA District Office, Nashville
2 International Plaza
Nashville, TN 37217
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Temporary Closed: Friday, July, 4th
in observance of 4th of July Holiday
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
McNairy County
The Latta Theatre
205 W Court Ave.
Selmer, TN 38375
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Temporary Closed: Friday, July, 4th
in observance of 4th of July Holiday
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations 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.
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to 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.
Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and the SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster 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.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 19, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 19, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or 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.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
06.29.25
Public Lands Sale Proposal Forced Out of GOP Budget Bill
After significant pressure from hunters, anglers, and outdoor rec community, Senator Lee reluctantly withdraws controversial proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, released the following statement on the removal of a proposal to sell millions of acres of public lands from Senate Republicans’ reconciliation bill:
“This was a wrongheaded proposal that had no place in this reconciliation bill. Many western Senators who know the value of recreational lands objected to its inclusion,” said Sen. Cantwell. “I am glad our special places will still be available for everyone.”
On Tuesday, Sen. Cantwell held a virtual press conference with the mayor of Boise, professional climbers, a leader from outdoor gear retailer REI, and a spokesperson for a hunting and angling advocacy group to push back on the GOP’s plans to sell public lands.
On Wednesday, Sen. Cantwell released a statement on an updated proposal to sell off America’s public lands, after Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) original draft text was ruled to be noncompliant with Senate rules governing the budget process.
And yesterday, after Senate Republicans released draft text of the reconciliation bill that preserved the public lands sell-off provision, Sen. Cantwell released a statement slamming its continued inclusion.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
06.29.25
Cantwell, Red State Leaders Warn Entire Communities Will Suffer if Residents Lose Health Insurance Due to Medicaid Cuts
Misguided legislation would leave 16 million Americans without health insurance; Officials on the ground in MO, UT, and NC say fewer federal resources means more uninsured Americans, cuts in services, and even hospital closures – with states & counties left to pick up the slack
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined local leaders from red states for a virtual press conference to warn that cutting 16 million Americans off of health insurance will put a dramatic strain on the budgets and health of their communities.
“Policies in this legislation hamper the abilities for states to fund their Medicaid programs,” said Sen. Cantwell. “To make up for lost federal dollars, state governments will have to consider cutting reimbursements to providers, cutting types of services, cutting people from Medicaid rolls, or raising everyone’s taxes. All these decisions lead to poor health outcomes. They increase the cost for taxpayers and strain our healthcare system.”
“We have a dramatic shortage of mental health beds in our state, and our jails have come become the largest repository for individuals,” said Steve Hobbs, Missouri Association of Counties Executive Director and former Missouri State Representative (R-21), who called into the virtual presser from inside a skid steer at his farm. “Any changes to the premium tax would have a huge impact on our rural hospitals — all of our hospitals, our nursing homes, and so we’re really concerned about those changes as well.”
“No one knows exactly where the shrapnel will fall, but it will be a very large change to our state budget and the services that we can provide. So I’m really hoping we can find some other, better way forward,” said Utah State Representative Ray Ward (R-19).
In total, 16 million Americans – including over 300,000 Washingtonians – will lose the health care coverage they need to get regular check-ups, behavioral health care, family planning services, long-term care, urgent care, and more if the pending reconciliation bill passes the U.S. Senate and is signed into law. Those living in rural areas – which have a higher proportion of residents who rely on Medicaid for health insurance coverage, and where smaller hospitals operate on slimmer margins – would be hit hardest.
People without health insurance tend to wait until their health problem is an emergency before seeking care in local hospitals. This leads to more crowded emergency rooms for everyone. And hospitals must factor the uncompensated cost of additional uninsured patients into already strained finances – finances which are especially strained at rural hospitals.
The additional stress and costs to the system will be shared by everyone as premiums rise, hospitals close or cut services, and localities increase taxes to keep up with greater demand for first responders and law enforcement.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published its updated analysis, available here, after the House of Representatives narrowly passed their budget reconciliation bill with over $800 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid. A Joint Economic Committee (JEC) fact sheet, available here, provides updated estimates for all 50 states and D.C. of the estimated number of people losing their health insurance. The JEC data broken down by Congressional District is available here.
Sen. Cantwell was joined at today’s virtual press conference by:
Steve Hobbs, Missouri Association of Counties Executive Director and former Missouri State Representative [link to footage]
Ray Ward, Utah State Representative (R-19) [link to footage]
Kevin Leonard, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Executive Director [link to footage]
Wendy Sisk, CEO of Peninsula Behavioral Health
Tristan Twohig, Emergency Department Registered Nurse at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane
Video of today’s virtual press conference is available HERE; a transcript is available HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
Washington, D.C. – On Sunday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined NBC’s “Meet the Press” to discuss moving forward with President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ and the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. Highlights below.
Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
On final passage of the One Big, Beautiful, Bill:
“Right now, there’s a stall tactic, obviously by the Democrats, that’s making them read page by page, which I think is great. I hope the American people pay attention to it. I hope the Democrats pay attention to it, because it’s going to be very hard for them to argue about what this actually does. It cuts spending. It’s the largest deficit cut by any Congress ever in history. It makes tax cuts permanent… I hope the Democrats pay attention and realize we’re delivering for the American people… We’re going to pass this bill, and we’re very confident we have the votes to do that.”
On delivering for the American people:
“What we’re doing is delivering for the American people, and they know that. So, if you look at any polling in the red states, especially where President Trump won, which he won the red states overwhelmingly, President Trump is popular, and the bill is extremely popular.”
“When we vote on this… every Republican and every Democrat is going to have two choices for the American people. We either one, move forward as a yes vote and move forward into President Trump’s era and his policies, bringing back the economy, securing our border, making it safer home and abroad, and making sure we have energy independence, and bringing down deficits, and making sure tax cuts are permanent or B we go back to the Biden era policies, which was wrecking our economy. We had an unsecure border. We weren’t appreciated or even respected around the world, and our economy was in the tank.”
“So, you have a yes vote or no vote, stay where we’re at or move forward. And I think the American people made it very clear in November, they want to move forward.”
On the destruction of Iranian nuclear sites:
“Every president since Clinton has talked about it, Trump’s the first one to actually do it.”
“Now, why would we leave the airspace when we controlled it completely, we could have stayed there for a month if we wanted to, if we didn’t believe and have actual knowledge to know that we destroyed their infrastructure… Fordow was in the Iranian regime’s mind that it was indestructible… and Fordow destroyed. There’s no way that they can bring their program back without rebuilding it, and that will take years for them to rebuild it.”
Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Last updated 30 June 2025
Last updated 30 June 2025
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We produce a range of publications, resources and reports for the tertiary sector to keep you abreast of important issues.
Source: New Zealand Police
A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Ōtāhuhu last night.
Emergency services were called to a Beatty Street property at about 8.30pm following a report of a person being seriously injured.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, Counties Manukau CIB, says upon arrival, Police found a man in a critical condition.
He was transported to hospital, however he died of his injuries overnight.
“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing.
“We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.
“Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”
Detective Inspector Bright says a scene examination is under way at the address and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
“Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external)
Further information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: Maritime New Zealand
Incidents where log trailers fell while being lifted, seriously endangering workers, have led to important safety changes on ports and at other sites where log trailers are lifted onto trucks.
The Port Health and Safety Leadership Group identified working with suspended loads as one of the key risks on ports in its Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan.
The incidents with log trailers were a call to action for everyone involved to create solutions that will be applied on and beyond ports. Transport and stevedoring companies, Maritime NZ, WorkSafe and industry organisations were all involved, and port operators and others were kept informed.
The changes are:
The incident and follow up
Maritime NZ was notified that lifting gear had failed while hoisting a log trailer at Picton. The trailer fell, narrowly missing workers.
Maritime NZ inspected the work site and identified two related issues: the strength and inspection of the lifting equipment, and the work practices of drivers and stevedores working with suspended loads while lifting trailers.
Collaboration with WorkSafe NZ confirmed that similar incidents had occurred outside ports, with log trailers falling when lifting equipment failed. The two agencies understood the solutions would be applicable to many work sites where logging trailers were lifted, not only on ports.
Both the transport and stevedore company acknowledged the unsafe situation and demonstrated a strong commitment to correcting the issue.
Maritime NZ accepted a voluntary agreement on the basis that it was confident the two companies involved would work together to develop solutions to manage the risk of working with suspended loads and lifting failure, in a way that included other transport companies.
The Log Transport Safety Council, which is recognised as a trusted source of log transport research and industry knowledge, has been proactive with the findings and acknowledged this was an industry-wide issue. As a result, following this incident, the Council issued its safety alert.
Both WorkSafe and Maritime NZ attended a recent Council meeting. They spoke about the incident, how all involved responded, and the prototype systems developed in collaboration by the transport and stevedore companies and being trialled at Port Nelson and Port Marlborough.
Collaboration for a better outcome
The Leadership Group says this is a very good example of the positive outcomes from a recommendation in its Action Plan. That is, that Maritime NZ be the regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with health and safety legislation on ports, as well as on ships, and collaborate with WorkSafe to resolve issues, particularly where they have wider impact than solely on ports.
The genuinely tripartite way the Leadership Group works together (industry, unions and regulators) has built trust and understanding.
When these dangerous incidents occurred, those relationships helped all involved to collaborate, identify the risks and causes behind the incident, and then allowed industry-led, innovative solutions to be formulated.
If you would like more information, please email [email protected].
Source: New Zealand Government
A new 110km/h speed limit on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will come into effect first thing tomorrow morning, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today.
“Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity, and with over 20,000 vehicles travelling this motorway every day, the new higher speed will help ensure people and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely,” Mr Bishop says.
“Late last year, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) publicly consulted on increasing the speed limit from north of the Pūhoi interchange viaduct to south of the Warkworth roundabout to 110km/h. More than 7,900 submissions were received across Northland and Auckland. Responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 94% in support of the increasing the speed limit and 91% strongly in favour.
“The Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway has been designed and constructed with safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in a crash such as two lanes in each direction providing safe passing opportunities, flexible median barrier separation between opposing lanes, and a mostly straight, wide alignment. Since opening in 2023, no one has died in a crash.
“Kiwis have had their say and NZTA has completed all required technical assessments, with the motorway being assessed as safe to increase the speed limit to 110km/h. Now, we’re getting on and delivering it.
“Police will apply the same enforcement to 110km/h roads as any other part of the road network. Drivers can expect to see police patrols on New Zealand roads anywhere, at any time. Drivers should continue to drive to the conditions, free from impairment and distraction, and make sure everyone’s wearing their seatbelt.
“The Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway has vastly improved the safety, connectivity, and resilience of the network between Auckland and Northland, and has opened access to popular destinations between the two regions. As a critical route for road users, freight, and tourists, I look forward to the new 110km/h speed limit coming into effect from tomorrow.”
The new 110km/h speed limit on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway comes into effect on Tuesday 1 July 2025 and will apply from 2.5km north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, to south of Warkworth roundabout.
Notes to editor:
The public consultation for increasing the speed limit to 110km/h on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway took place from 3 September to 1 October 2024.
7,911 submissions were received from across Northland and Auckland, including 158 submissions from businesses or organisations.
The speed limit on SH1 through the Johnstones Hill Tunnels will remain 80km/h. While the SH1 Johnstones Hill Tunnels are built to high safety standards, the enclosed environment within a tunnel creates a different safety risk to that of the surrounding motorway. There are no current plans to review or change the speed limit for this section.
There is a transition zone where the speed limit will be kept at 100km/h for a short length (2.5km) north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnel over two viaducts. This section is an area of weaving movements, where traffic is diverging and merging, exiting and egressing on short, narrow on and off ramps, with narrow lines of sight over the viaducts, and does not meet safety criteria for an increased speed.
Source: New Zealand Police
A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Ōtāhuhu last night.
Emergency services were called to a Beatty Street property at about 8.30pm following a report of a person being seriously injured.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, Counties Manukau CIB, says upon arrival, Police found a man in a critical condition.
He was transported to hospital, however he died of his injuries overnight.
“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing.
“We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.
“Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”
Detective Inspector Bright says a scene examination is under way at the address and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
“Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external)
Further information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police