CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, who served as a federal prosecutor in Chicago for nearly eight years before entering private law practice, took the Oath of Office today as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
U.S. District Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall administered the Oath of Office after Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Boutros as the United States Attorney. Mr. Boutros signed the Oath of Office this morning.
“I am humbled and honored to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “I am grateful to President Donald J. Trump, Attorney General Bondi, as well as the many others involved in my selection for their trust and confidence in me. As U.S. Attorney, I am committed to working alongside old and new colleagues to tackle the important problems that face our District. In addition, I look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to continue the Office’s longstanding tradition of pursuing justice on behalf of the citizens of the Northern District of Illinois.”
Mr. Boutros has selected Morris Pasqual, who for the past two years served as Acting United States Attorney, to be the Office’s First Assistant United States Attorney, a leadership role Mr. Pasqual previously held.
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2008 to 2015, U.S. Attorney Boutros investigated and prosecuted hundreds of cases, many of which involved matters of national and international significance. U.S. Attorney Boutros’s notable convictions included the world’s largest online drug trafficker on the dark web, one of the country’s “Top Ten Most Wanted” mortgage fraud defendants, and the owner of a Chicago hospital who thwarted collection of more than $188 million in civil judgments. U.S. Attorney Boutros also successfully prosecuted a series of cases involving unprecedented criminal violations of international trade, customs, and anti-dumping laws.
U.S. Attorney Boutros received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a federal prosecutor. The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association selected him as the National Prosecutor of the Year, presenting him with the National Prosecutorial Award. The American Bar Association honored U.S. Attorney Boutros with the Criminal Justice Section’s Norm Maleng Minister of Justice Award for best exemplifying the prosecutor’s duty to seek justice. U.S. Attorney Boutros also received honors from the FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
From 2015 until his appointment as United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney Boutros worked in private law practice in Chicago, holding various leadership roles. For 15 consecutive years, U.S. Attorney Boutros has taught an advanced criminal law course at the University of Chicago Law School. While practicing law full time, Mr. Boutros has also written and spoken extensively on criminal law and criminal law adjacent topics, including publishing two books, authoring nearly 160 articles and book chapters, and presenting at 90 speaking engagements.
U.S. Attorney Boutros earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Virginia Tech, and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Headline: Ninja Theory celebrates 11BAFTA Games Awards nominations for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
But today, we wanted to shine a light on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, which picked up a staggering 11 nominations across a wide variety of categories, covering practically every element of the art of making games, and beyond. It’s a major moment for developer Ninja Theory (which previously picked up 9 nominations, winning in 5 categories, for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice), a testament to the hard work and care that went into creating this singular experience.
To celebrate this moment, we spoke to developers across the studio about the work that went into their nominated category, and what it means to see this recognition.
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Animation
“The whole animation team was thrilled to be specifically recognised in the Animation category. We’re glad that all the hard work, love and specific vision for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II has been received so well.
“Our aim was to bring Senua, her cohort and adversaries to life as vividly as possible , whether it was the up-close nuance of an intimate moment between friends or life and death struggle against her deepest fears.”
Guy Midgley, Ninja Animation Director
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
Artistic Achievement
“The team at Ninja Theory has always had such a passion for taking the art to new places in our games, but to have the recognition from BAFTA is incredible and means so much to everyone here.
“For Senua’s Saga we learnt so much on the journey, whether it was getting to grips with new features of UE5 and understanding how they could allow us to present our vision like never before, working with costume designers to build the real-life outfits for us to scan and understand their movements, or training how to fly professional drones so that we could capture meaningful data from the beauty of the Iceland landscape.”
Mark Slater-Tunstill, Ninja VFX Director
Audio Achievement
“To bring to life the world, the reality of Senua through sound is a privilege, a journey that requires a strong vision and a certain bravery that leads to finding a unique voice.
“Receiving this nomination brings a lot of joy to the whole Ninja audio team, who have worked tirelessly and with such craftsmanship to deliver an experience like no other.”
David García Díaz, Ninja Audio Director
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
British Game
“We’re very proud to receive a nomination for Best British Game and have Hellblade II sit alongside such a diverse and creative group of nominees in the category. Best British Game is a particularly special category for me, as I see it as a vehicle for inspiring the next generation of developers in my home country.
“I like to think that there will be a kid out there somewhere that will see the wonderful games being created in the UK and it will spark in them a dream to one day feel the same pride that I do in receiving a BAFTA nomination of their own.”
Dom Matthews, Ninja Studio Head
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
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Game Beyond Entertainment
“In Senua’s Saga, Ninja Theory have represented one of the most misunderstood of conditions with incredible skill, respect and sensitivity. Their depiction of psychosis was crafted with unerring attention to the underlying clinical neuroscience and, more importantly, to the personal experiences of those who have themselves carried the burden of psychosis.
“Ninja Theory have told the story, and amplified the voice, of people who are frequently unheard or dismissed. It has been an enormous privilege to play a small part in their work and to observe the depth and range of its impact in challenging stigma.”
Paul Fletcher, Bernard Wolfe Professor of Health Neuroscience, University of Cambridge
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
Music
“To tell a story without words that connects the emotions with the listener, that is the quest of all the musicians involved in the creation of the soundtrack for the game.
“At the core of it is the word ‘collaboration’: From Heilung, Ren and Arunka, the fantastic voices and talent of Helen and Abbi, plus our own composers here at Ninja. It’s an honour for us to receive this nomination for a work that is done with great passion and care.”
David García Díaz, Ninja Audio Director
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
Narrative
“Our heroine Senua faces down both inner and outer conflicts with persistence and strength of heart, and I feel fortunate to be part of the team sharing her unique perspective with the world.
“Storytelling is always foremost in our minds with all of Ninja Theory’s games, and I’m deeply honoured and grateful that the team’s work in this area has been recognised by BAFTA with a nomination in the Narrative category.”
Lara Derham, Writer and Stage Director
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
Performer in a Leading Role – Melina Juergens as Senua
“I am deeply honored to be nominated at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards as ‘Performer in a Leading Role’ for my portrayal of Senua for the second time. It means the world to have my work as a performer recognized in such a meaningful way.
“BAFTA Games Awards play a vital role in elevating gaming as an art form, putting it on the same cultural stage as film and television. Their commitment to celebrating creativity, storytelling, and innovation in games is incredible, and their charity work, supporting new talent and making the industry more accessible is truly inspiring.
“In Senua’s Saga, we managed to push the performance tech further than ever before, which gave me the freedom to pour everything into my performance, knowing that every emotion and every little nuance would come through on screen. It was an incredible and rewarding experience.”
Melina Juergens
Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton
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Performer in a Supporting Role – Aldís Amah Hamilton as Ástríðr
“It’s hard to put into words how much this nomination means to me and how grateful I am to everyone involved in creating this beautiful game, and for allowing me to be a part of that creation. Every step of the process has been an unforgettable experience. I’ve made dear friends, learned new skills, worked abroad for the first time, and taken part in making something meaningful. As a gamer from the age of 5, I couldn’t have imagined what my future would hold. And to receive this recognition for our work goes beyond what I could ever have dreamed of. Thank you dearly dear Ninjas and Xbox for giving me the honor of working with you.”
Aldís Amah Hamilton
Photo Credit: Thelma Arngrims
Performer in a Supporting Role – Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen as The Furies
“We are delighted to be jointly nominated for our role as the Furies. Working on Senua’s Saga was a joy thanks to the brilliance of David García Díaz and his dream team.
“We are a theatre company who work a lot with vocal improvisation and it was really exciting to collaborate with David in this way. It was fascinating for us to get an insight into how games are made. Everyone works so incredibly hard and it’s wonderful to see the team receiving such recognition for this.”
Helen Goalen and Abbi Greenland
Technical Achievement
“It’s a great honour to receive a Technical Achievement BAFTA nomination for Hellblade II, alongside a shortlist of excellent and varied nominees. This nomination celebrates not just the technology itself, but the vision and perseverance of the entire team; it’s a testament to the detail, artistry and technical effort we poured into crafting Senua’s world and its inhabitants, as part of our dedication to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling. We’re immensely grateful to BAFTA for this acknowledgement, and it fuels our passion to continue creating experiences that aim to resonate on a profound level. Thank you.”
Gavin Costello, Ninja Technical Director
Congratulations to everyone at Ninja Theory for their work on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and to all the recipients of BAFTA nominations this year.
You can watch the BAFTA Games Awards live on Tuesday, April 8 at 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern / 7pm UK viaYouTubeandTwitch.
Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
Bill would extend popular program Americans on Medicare receive to people with private insurance
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined 11 of his Senate colleagues to introduce the Lower Drug Costs for Families Act, which would help lower the cost of prescription drugs and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for raising prices above the rate of inflation.
“The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug prices for millions of Americans on Medicare,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bill will deliver those same savings to Americans with private insurance.”
The Inflation Reduction Act, which Hickenlooper helped pass, requires drug companies to pay a penalty if they raise their prices above the inflation rate for drugs covered by Medicare. The Lower Drugs Costs For Families Act would extend that inflation-based rebate model for prescription drug price increases to the commercial market.
The bill is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, and the United Mine Workers of America.
Full text of the legislation available HERE.
Nova Scotia is welcoming the five heads of mission representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in Canada, who are in Halifax together on a joint diplomatic visit beginning today, April 7.
During the three-day visit, provincial ministers and other officials will meet with the Nordic region diplomats to explore opportunities to strengthen existing trade partnerships and exchange insights on shared priorities.
For the Nordic countries, areas of special interest include the blue economy (sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth); renewable energy and green solutions; healthcare and life sciences; technology and innovation; and trans-Atlantic security and defence. For Nova Scotia, this includes opportunities to increase its self-reliance and invest in critical minerals, wind resources and the seafood sector.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the ambassadors from the Nordic region to talk about our shared goals and the mutual benefits of working together to protect citizens and strengthen trade opportunities,” said Barbara Adams, Nova Scotia’s Deputy Premier. “Nova Scotia is ready to do business, and we have a lot to offer. We’re excited to share the innovative work happening in Nova Scotia to harness our resources, promote Nova Scotia products and services and so much more.”
Deputy Premier Adams, who is also Nova Scotia’s Minister responsible for Military Relations, will join the heads of mission for a visit at Canadian Forces Base Halifax. The diplomats’ itinerary also includes stops at the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship in Dartmouth and the NATO DIANA Regional Office for North America in Halifax, as well as meetings with a half dozen provincial ministers.
The officials began their visit today with a luncheon hosted by Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage. They will later participate in a panel discussion at Dalhousie University hosted by the Halifax chapter of the Canadian International Council. The event is open to the public.
Quotes:
“Nova Scotia and the Nordic region hold much in common. Our economies and the lives of our residents are intertwined with the ocean; we are investing significantly in technology and infrastructure to power our increasingly green and digital economies; and we are hotbeds of innovation, advanced research and culture. On behalf of all five Nordic heads of mission, we very much look forward to our first joint visit to Nova Scotia and to deepening our relations as trans-Atlantic partners.” — Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland to Canada
Quick Facts:
the Nordic region includes five sovereign states – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and the self-governing territories of the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland
visiting heads of mission include Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland to Canada; Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden to Canada; Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland to Canada; Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of Denmark to Canada; Trygve Bendiksby, Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa
meetings are scheduled with Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc, Addictions and Mental Health Minister Brian Comer, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith, Cyber Security and Digital Solutions Minister Jill Balser, Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton and Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman
as declared in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Agenda 2030, the Nordic region has a vision to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030
the Nordic Council of Ministers is supporting the visit
Additional Resources:
News release – Premier Promotes Nova Scotia in Denmark: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/04/premier-promotes-nova-scotia-denmark
More information on the public panel with the heads of mission is available at: https://events.dal.ca/event/4409-jmeucecic-public-panel-conversation-with-the-nordic-amb
Nordic Co-operation – the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council: https://www.norden.org/en
Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The ACT Government will fund a four-year elective surgery plan as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget.
The ACT Government is resourcing a four-year elective surgery plan to deliver 60,000 elective surgeries and to expand operating theatre capacity in public health services.
Despite the challenges impacting elective surgeries in recent years, Canberra Health Services is on track to perform a record number of elective surgeries this financial year.
Additional funding in the 2024-25 ACT Budget will further support the territory-wide surgery teams to continue this work across the ACT’s hospitals.
More endoscopies will be delivered thanks to the recent expansion and upgrade of the endoscopy suites at North Canberra Hospital.
Additional theatre capacity at Canberra Hospital in the new Critical Services Building will be essential to improve timely access to emergency surgeries and increase the total capacity for elective surgeries performed at Canberra Hospital.
Increased operating theatre sessions during evenings and weekends, and more surgical inpatient beds to support growing emergency surgery demand are a critical part of this investment.
The Government has also committed to deliver an additional 300 cataract surgeries through partnerships with private facilities.
The ACT Budget will support services and initiatives across the public hospital network, including acute care for older people across our public hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation at the University of Canberra Hospital, services for critically ill newborns and expanded maternity services.
Total investment in health next year is a record $2.6 billion. This will deliver more health services, infrastructure, support for the health workforce, and $52.7 million will be allocated to support the elective surgery plan.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The 2024-25 ACT Budget includes funding for the planning and development of a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre.
The ACT Government will provide funding in the 2024-25 ACT Budget to continue the planning and development of a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre.
The centre will form part of an events and entertainment precinct proposed for the south-east section of the CBD that includes the current convention centre site and the Canberra Olympic Pool site.
Master-planning for the new precinct will see concept designs developed for an integrated convention and entertainment centre for live music, events and performances.
The ACT Government will invest in site investigations and concept design options for the replacement of the ageing Canberra Olympic Pool to provide aquatic facilities for the city’s growing population in Commonwealth Park.
The ACT Government will continue to work with the Australian Government under the National Capital Investment Framework and through the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program to progress infrastructure projects such as the Convention and Entertainment Centre.
As Canberra’s population nears half a million people, this project is important for the local tourism and business sector, ensuring Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.
Bruce Sports, Health, and Education Precinct update
Further funding will be provided in the 2024-25 ACT Budget to progress development of the Bruce Sports, Health, and Education Precinct.
The ACT Government intends to partner with the Commonwealth Government to develop a mixed-use urban renewal precinct, which will include housing, commercial, hospitality and retail opportunities to support sport, health and education infrastructure projects.
Through the 2024-25 Budget, the Government will also progress planning for the new Northside Hospital, a renewed CIT campus and a new stadium.
This work will complement the Commonwealth Government’s AIS precinct renewal announced in the recent Federal Budget.
The Government will consider options for the development, including the optimal delivery model and the declaration of an urban renewal site.
This declaration will help coordinate ACT Government Directorates and agencies to work together on the precinct planning.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
All ACT public school students will have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
The ACT Government is working towards a consistent approach across the public school system.
From 2025, it will start implementing all eight recommendations of the Final Report of the Literacy and Numeracy EducationExpert Panel.
The Panel’s overarching message was that to achieve equity and excellence in education, ACT public schools need a system-wide approach to teaching and learning.
The 2024–25 ACT Budget will support this with funding to implement all recommendations.
A new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives – called Strong Foundations – will ensure all students at ACT public schools have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
Under Strong Foundations, Canberra families will have access to:
evidence-informed and consistent teaching practices in every classroom
common assessments, including a year 1 phonics test
advice and resources for parents, to support their children with literacy and numeracy
multitiered systems of support for students in every public school.
Centralised support for teachers
Strong Foundations will offer more system support, to help reduce teachers’ workloads.
It will also allow school staff to collaborate and move between ACT public schools, without needing to learn new systems and ways of working.
Teachers can also access additional teaching resources, such as lesson planning support.
More resources and equipment
From the start of 2025, each public school classroom from kindergarten to year 2 will receive additional funding for system-approved literacy and numeracy teaching materials and equipment.
This will include decodable readers and maths resources.
The full four-year implementation plan for Strong Foundations will be shared with community later this year.
As part of this four-year plan, the Expert Panel will be invited to undertake an annual independent review of implementation.
It will report directly on progress to the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs.
Strong Foundations focuses on supporting students up to year 10.
Support for college students
From 2025 the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) will introduce new Bridging Literacy and Bridging Numeracy courses to support students in years 11 and 12.
These courses are designed to support students who need additional targeted support. They will help them work towards the minimum standards of the Australian Core Skills Framework level 3 by the end of their schooling studies.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03) announced the launch of a groundbreaking task force dedicated to addressing the rise of new technological advances. The RSC’s Emerging Technologies Task Force, led by Chair Rep. Kat Cammack and Vice Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23), will spearhead the Committee’s policy initiatives on artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, biotech, and more.
The rise of AI and other emerging technologies presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for American manufacturing, national security, and prosperity. The RSC Emerging Technologies Task Force will work in tandem with industry leaders to identify challenges and create lasting solutions.
“I’m excited to launch the new RSC Emerging Tech Task Force this Congress,”said RSC Emerging Technologies Chair Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03). “Together with Chairman Pfluger and our RSC colleagues, we’re advancing policies that foster innovation, drive economic growth, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in emerging tech development. Whether the issues feature artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, quantum computing, 5G/spectrum, or something else, I’m grateful for the opportunity to champion this important work in the House. I’m excited to get to work.”
“I’m honored to serve as Vice-Chair of the Emerging Tech Task Force. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it’s critical that Congress works proactively to understand and shape its impact on our economy, national security, and way of life,”said RSC Emerging Technologies Vice ChairRep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure America remains at the forefront of innovation while protecting the values that define us.”
RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) on the launch of the RSC Emerging Technologies Task Force:“I am thrilled to appoint Rep. Kat Cammack as Chair and Rep. Jay Obernolte as Vice Chair of the RSC Emerging Technologies Task Force. Under their leadership, the RSC won’t merely participate in the tech revolution—we’ll lead it, championing bold proposals that harness American innovation and outpace our competitors. This task force will position us at the forefront of comprehensive legislation addressing emerging technologies.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)
Miami, Fla.— On Wednesday, March 26,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) held a tele-town hall with national experts to discuss the White House’s executive orders, recent Republican actions, and the resulting concerns across the nation. Don Lemon, host of “The Don Lemon Show,” served as moderator. Panelists included Arne Duncan, Former Secretary of Education; Marc Elias, Founder of Democracy Docket and Firm Chair of Elias Law Group; Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works; and Sui Chung, Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice.
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said, “Republicans have gone after Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, public education, our immigrant community, and so much more. People are afraid and want answers. We must meet this moment. Democrats are fighting back, and unity is our strength right now. We need folks to let Republicans know how furious they are. Only by keeping the pressure high, that’s how we will protect our democracy.”
Over 60,000 people tuned in to the event via their phones, the Congresswoman’s Facebook page, YouTube, and Website.
Don Lemon, host of The Don Lemon Show, said “I believe that we are at a constitutional crisis. I believe we are rapidly heading towards dictatorship, autocracy, and we don’t want to go there.”
Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, said, “This is not an R versus D issue. This is not left versus right. This is unprecedented in our nation’s history. Dismantling the Department of Education, attacking public education, starting to attack institutions of higher educations, our colleges and universities, is an entirely new phenomenon we have never seen.”
A listener asked Secretary Duncan what would happen to the student loan system and Secretary Duncan responded, “When I led the Department of Education, my biggest concern every night going home was the operational risk around grants and loans—literally trillions of dollars for millions of students. And what they have done is they have gutted that department—the Department of Federal Student Aid—and, with them moving that over to SBA, it has no knowledge or expertise on this. The chance for a catastrophic operational failure as we go back to college in the fall is extraordinarily high.”
Marc Elias, founder of Democracy Docket and Firm Chair of Elias Law Group, said,
“Congress has the right to pass laws. Donald Trump does not have the right and ability to change them. And we will litigate against him every step of the way.”
The Elias Law Group is litigating multiple cases against President Trump and Republicans.
Elias added, “Most recently, he has started targeting law firms: Basically, law firms and individual lawyers who have stood up to him. He has named me in several of his executive orders and in memoranda hoping to intimidate me and others from continuing to litigate him against him in court. The reason he’s doing that is because he is losing those court cases.”
Former Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, said,“We now have over 100 million people covered by Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And what are the first couple of things this new administration has talked about doing? Cutting healthcare programs by $880 billion dollars to pay for a tax cut.” “Medicaid supports so many people: children who have high needs; it supports so many middle-class families who can’t afford long-term care or care for their elderly parents or relatives. Medicaid is the one program providing that coverage in this country. Taking away $880 billion will hurt families, the economy, workers, and hospitals.”
She added, “Florida specifically is extremely dependent on Medicaid. Republican governors from states across the country have signaled that they too, are concerned about cutting the Medicaid program. There is no way to come up with that level of cuts without going after healthcare.”
Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works said, “It is not exaggeration to say that in the last few weeks, the Social Security Administration has lost nearly a thousand years of institutional knowledge.”
One listener asked whether they will be able to receive their Social Security benefits in two years. Ms. Altman’s response: “Before January 20, I would have said 100 percent. Absolutely. I guarantee it. It’s never missed a payment in those 90 years. The problem now is that they’ve gutted the agency. Although there’s a certain amount of automation to those benefits if you’re already receiving them, it is a legacy system and it has to be maintained. Just in the last week or so, the system’s crashed several times and that’s what the real danger is.”
She urged the public to take actions, noting that close to 73 million Americans rely on Social Security. “Everyone needs to stay alert, raise their voices, and demand accountability,” she said. “Tell your members of Congress to do their jobs and protect Social Security. Even MAGA voters don’t want to see these benefits cuts.”
“We should all be proud of our immigrant history, whether you’re U.S.-born or not,” Sui Chung, Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, said. “The concept of prosecutorial discretion has really been undone by the current administration. If you are encountered by ICE, even if you have no criminal record, you will be an enforcement priority if you cannot demonstrate that you have current status at this time.”
Multiple immigration organizations, including Americans for Immigrant Justice have formed a coalition called RAISE, a rapid response hotline for immigrants at risk of detention or deportation.
If any communities are facing an ICE raid and need assistance, please call RAISE’s hotline at 1-888-600-5762 or visit their website for immigration resources at www.Raise.is.
The event opened with remarks from Congresswoman Wilson, followed by remarks from Don Lemon and the experts panel, each of whom discussed different aspects of the administration’s executive actions and Congressional Republicans’ actions. The remainder of the event was dedicated to audience questions for Congresswoman Wilson and the panelists.
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson also urged listeners to call Republican members of Congress, Republican Senators, and the White House.
For the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Switchboard, call (202) 224-3121.
For the White House Comment Line, call 202-456-1111.
Follow the tele-town hall special guest on social media at @DonLemonOfficial, @ArneDuncan, @AmericansForImmigrantJustice, @MarcEElias, @DemocracyDocket, @SocialSecurityWorks, @Century_Foundation, and @TCFdotorg.
“The Don Lemon Show” is also available live Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 5 PM EST on YouTube and other podcast streaming services @TheDonLemonShow.
For the full video link to the tele-town hall, click here.
Good afternoon. Thank you to the event organizers for the generous invitation to join you to kick off the AI Summit. The Summit will explore critical topics—data quality and security, good governance for AI, critical third-party service providers, and the integration of generative AI in operating infrastructure, trade execution, clearing, and settlement, and trade surveillance, among others. I’d like to highlight two risks implicated by the integration of AI in our markets—cybersecurity and fraud risks. Cyber and fraud risks are ever-present in our markets. Sophisticated AI models have the potential to facilitate high-quality, near-flawless, synthetic content, enabling stunning heists. AI models train, test, and refine their functionality by aggregating and analyzing vast amounts of data, creating enticing targets for cyber intrusion campaigns. While the threats are well-documented, we have not yet fully explored the potential for AI to address cyberthreats and AI-driven fraud. In the least, carefully studying coordinated efforts to develop cyber resilience may teach us some important lessons regarding how to use AI to mitigate cyber and fraud threats in our markets. We are witnessing an increasing number of cyber and fraud threats executed using AI technologies. In some instances, the technology that drives these cyber and fraud threats may be an important offensive and defensive tool. Your agenda rightly aims to identify pathways to good AI governance and best practices for individual firms and the broader financial ecosystem.[1] AI and Financial Markets Over the last few years, markets have witnessed the increasing potential for AI to engender efficiencies, reduce costs, harness and analyze vast amounts of data, and enable personalized access to markets. Many firms quickly discovered the potential for AI to streamline trade reporting, anti-money laundering (AML), and other regulatory compliance obligations. Financial services firms have used AI tools for many years, but “maturity in utilization and deployment of AI systems varies by institution and continues to evolve.”[2] In addition, financial services firms use AI tools in both cyber and fraud threat assessments. Integrating innovative AI into legacy systems may, however, create vulnerabilities. In recent years, firms have discovered that AI may become a tool for addressing these vulnerabilities. Machine learning or generative AI may replace or enhance legacy tools for fraud and cyber detection and risk management strategies. AI is enabling firms to educate employees and customers and to identify gaps in their cybersecurity and fraud detection and prevention measures.[3] These issues are at the heart of the work of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and its mission[4] and resonate with my experiences as a lawyer in private practice, in-house, and my service as a Commissioner.[5] At the CFTC, I sponsor the Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC), a multi-stakeholder group of market participants that examines risk management issues and makes recommendations on how to improve market structure, mitigate risks, and enhance market integrity and stability for global derivatives markets.[6] MRAC has spent a significant amount of time considering cybersecurity and recommendations to enhance cyber resilience.[7] Fraud-related risks and applications are part of these conversations. We know that algorithmic models that may be accurately described as AI have long been employed in financial services markets[8] and that these applications include regulatory surveillance and compliance monitoring.[9] In recent years, however, the use and integration of predictive technologies has increased. In January of 2024, the CFTC issued a request for comment seeking to learn more about the uses of AI in CFTC-regulated markets.[10] I applaud the Commission for issuing the RFC as a pathway to increase visibility and better understand the implications of AI use in our markets. This dialogue between the Commission and market participants aims to enable markets and the Commission to leverage the benefits of evolving AI models while mitigating risks. AI fraud and cyber threat prevention, detection, and mitigation represent common ground areas where the Commission and market participants are focused on the potential for AI to enhance market integrity.[11] AI Fueled Cyber and Fraud Threats About a year ago, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) released a report on Managing Artificial Intelligence-Specific Risks in the Financial Services Sector.[12] Several of the observations in the Treasury Report are unlikely to surprise this audience—cyber and fraud-related incidents continue to increase and, in parallel, the losses that firms experience as a result of these threats increase.[13] Surveyed market participants indicate that cyberthreat actors benefit from lower barriers to entry, increasingly sophisticated automation, and decreasing time-to-exploit.[14] Firms face cyberthreats from actors including opportunistic fraudsters with access to advanced AI tools to sophisticated nation-state hackers who deploy targeted attacks. AI-Driven Fraud Evidence suggests that hackers are repurposing AI-based tools previously used in cyber defense tactics to identify weaknesses in networks and cybersecurity applications.[15] These weaknesses open back doors for cyber attacks. Generative AI may enable sophisticated actors to execute more convincing phishing campaigns. Deep fakes and similar campaigns may be more difficult to identify. Generative AI may accelerate the creation of new malware variants, lowering the barrier to entry and empowering a greater number of less sophisticated threat actors.[16] As a result, time-to-exploit is shrinking and the overall risk level to financial organizations is climbing. Notwithstanding many AI developers’ efforts to prevent the adaptation of their models to facilitate fraud, there is a rising tide of misuse of AI technologies. Vulnerabilities of Technology In addition to cyber threats, the vulnerability of AI systems is equally concerning. Through data poisoning, model evasion, and model extractions, those seeking to adapt models may introduce false data, model weights, and similar tactics to corrupt the AI models to manipulate outputs to benefit their outcome and distort or steal from AI-driven processes.[17] These adaptations potentially undermine the reliability of the models as well as features designed to enable cybersecurity and fraud detection. Data privacy also presents a notable concern. Synthetic Identities and Impersonation Identity impersonation and synthetic identity fraud are becoming ever more sophisticated. “Fraudsters can use AI to mimic voice, video, and other behavioral identity factors that financial institutions use to verify a customer’s identity.”[18] The ability to generate near-flawless fake credentials and believable digital appearances raises the stakes for banks, insurers, payment processors, and other financial entities that have traditionally relied on physical or behavioral markers for identification. Fraudsters posing as CEOs and CFOs have caused millions in losses by using AI to execute elaborate schemes to develop synthetic identities to convince company employees to make unauthorized transfers.[19] In response to these concerns, the Commission has issued customer education and outreach announcements to enhance market participants and customers’ awareness of these threats.[20] Third Party Risks Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to third-party risk management and data security. According to the Treasury Report, “financial institutions should appropriately consider how to assess and manage the risks of an extended supply chain, including potentially heightened risks with data and data processing of a wide array of vendors, data brokers, and infrastructure providers.”[21] In some instances, there may be high barriers to entry for providing third-party services. For example, few firms have the capability to offer globally accessible cloud-based services that demonstrate the requisite security protocols to enable financial services market participants to comply with substantial data security, integrity, and transfer standards. As a result, only a few service providers may have the capability to deliver the quality of services needed or to respond to the vast amounts of data or information stored or processed by financial services firms. The limited competition for services may lead to a significant percentage of market participants relying on a handful of service providers. We may describe these concerns as concentration risks.[22] While CFTC-regulated entities must “assess the risks of using AI and update policies, procedures, controls, and systems, as appropriate, under applicable CFTC statutory and regulatory requirements,”[23] the Commission, as a regulator, should also take an active role in understanding these risks. Each of these links in the supply chain introduces potential vulnerabilities, especially with the increasing volume of data and the complexity of AI models. I have repeatedly raised these concerns.[24] It is important that all partners adhere to robust data protection, privacy guidelines, and contingency planning. These protocols are not only essential for safeguarding financial services firms, but also crucial for the resilience of the entire financial system. Next Steps The Treasury Report suggested next steps that identify both challenges and opportunities. I’d like to highlight a few of them that resonate with me and some proposals that I have advocated for during my service at the CFTC. As I have intimated, as we study market participants’ use of AI, we are increasingly thoughtful about the Commission’s use of AI. As I’ve noted previously: The CFTC has on staff surveillance analysts, forensic economists, and futures trading investigators, each of whom identify and investigate potential violations. These groups use supervisory technology (SupTech) in support of their work. Over the past few years, the CFTC has transitioned much of its data intake and data analysis to a cloud-based architecture. This increases the flexibility and reliability of our data systems and allows us to scale them as necessary. This transition will allow the Commission to store, analyze, and ingest this data more cost-effectively and efficiently.[25] Coordination I have consistently encouraged both inter-agency and international coordination on issues related to AI.[26] I have advocated for “the creation of an inter-agency task force composed of financial regulators…. [to develop] guidelines, tools, benchmarks, and best practices for the use and regulation of AI in the financial services industry.”[27] As I have noted, “this approach promises efficiencies and a needed clarity for market participants trying to navigate diverse and sometimes divergent regulatory and compliance frameworks.”[28] Financial services firms have indicated a desire to clarify regulatory approaches to innovative technologies. As reported to Treasury, “[s]ome financial institutions, however, expressed concern about the possibility of regulatory fragmentation as different financial sector regulators at both the state and federal level consider regulations around AI. This concern also extends to firms operating under different international jurisdictions.”[29] Collaboration can help address significant issues and problems of scale, as well as some smaller changes that can help along the way. For example, the Treasury Report notes that “[a]s Generative AI increases in usage, there appears to be a significant gap in data available to financial institutions for training their models to prevent fraud….Ramifications of this data divide are especially apparent for anti-fraud use cases where larger institutions generally have much more internal data.”[30] This is not something that can be solved overnight, and will require thoughtful consideration and coordinated efforts. The Treasury Report also encourages clarifying how we understand AI by advocating for a common lexicon specific to AI. Developing an agreed upon definition which would benefit financial institutions, regulators, and consumers alike, to “not only facilitate appropriate discussion with third parties and regulators but could help improve understanding of the capabilities AI systems may have to improve risk management or to amplify new risks,” and “may help address the current lack of clarity around measuring and identifying risks, especially with the rapid adoption of Generative AI. As noted in the introduction, terminology can have implications for the common understanding of AI technology and its associated risks as well.”[31] Conclusion I usually offer a standard disclaimer at the start of my remarks—something like, my thoughts are my own and do not reflect the perspectives of others. Today, however, I feel compelled to disclose that I used ChatGPT to draft this speech. Just kidding. The research and development of this speech reflects weeks of effort by my staff and their patience with my not-so-gentle editing. However, as someone who spends significant amounts of time reading, studying, and processing data, I am tempted, at times, to defer to an increasingly capable generative AI model to serve as my speechwriter-in-chief. Assuming others will find tempting uses for AI as well, let’s figure out the best, responsible path for bringing this technology into our markets.
[1] The thoughts and perspectives that I share with you today are my own; they are not the views and perspectives of my fellow Commissioners, the Commission, or the staff of the CFTC.
[3] Treasury Report at 12-15.
[4] See, e.g., 7 U.S.C. § 5.
[5] See, e.g., Keynote Remarks of Commissioner Johnson for Governing Data at Iowa Innovation and Business Law Center and Yale Law Journal of Law & Technology at Yale Law School: Twin Peaks – Emerging Technologies (AI) and Critical Third Parties (Apr. 4, 2025), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/opajohnson16.
[8] U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Jan. 25, 2024), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/8853-24 (citing Commissioner Kristin Johnson, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Financial Markets, Manuel F. Cohen Lecture, George Washington University Law School (Oct. 17, 2023) (describing the historic development and integration of increasingly complex algorithms including supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms in financial markets)).
[11] For example, a joint letter from trade associations and exchanges referred to the use of AI for compliance processes and controls and the World Federation of Exchanges identified compliance as a use case, stating “AI can be used to reduce manual inputs for trade documentation and regulatory reporting, as well as reducing market manipulation….” See Letter from World Federation of Exchanges to CFTC, Regarding Response to Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Apr. 24, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73447; Letter from Futures Industry Association, FIA Principal Traders Group, CME Group, Inc., and Intercontinental Exchange Inc. to CFTC, Regarding Release No. 8853-24 (Jan. 25, 2024) Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Apr. 24, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73444. The Bank Policy Institute stated that “… AI models, including generative AI tools, are being evaluated or piloted [by banking organizations] to enhance operational efficiencies and risk mitigation in the cybersecurity and fraud prevention contexts.” See Letter from Bank Policy Institute to CFTC, Regarding Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (CFTC Release No. 8553-24) (Apr. 17, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73424.
[12] See Treasury Report.
[13] Treasury Report at 10-11. Responses to the CFTC’s RFC also highlighted AI-driven fraud risk. For example, Letter from Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy to CFTC, Regarding Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC Regulated Markets (Apr. 24, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73457.
Around 25,000 ACT students have registered this year, with many others inspired to pick up a book along the way.
To complete the challenge, primary students read 30 books, while older students read 15 titles – all before the 5 July deadline.
Schools achieving 100 per cent completion – with students registered in one of five age categories – will be recognised during an awards ceremony next term.
But everyone’s a winner in this event. Year four students at Miles Franklin Primary School in Evatt received a visit this week from local mystery, thriller and suspense writer Jack Heath.
Jack has been an ambassador for the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge for around 10 years.
Like the school’s namesake, Jack grew up around Canberra and began writing novels in his teens. He has written more than twice as many novels as Stella Miles Franklin, though – 40 at last count.
Jack has been involved in author visits to schools for his whole adult life. He recalls meeting an author through school himself as a Lyneham Primary School student. At the school librarian’s invitation, he joined an excursion and met another local author, Jackie French.
Jack shared some tips for families keen to keep their kids reading. He says not to be afraid of ‘gateway books’, like graphic novels and audio books.
“You want reading to always feel like a treat. That means finding topics and content that interests them, rather than the ones that interest you, or that you think are educational. You want to challenge your kids from time to time, but not too much.”
He suggests bearing in mind the very different environment children are growing up in compared to those in which their parents learnt to read.
“As a result of that, I think it’s important to look for new, exciting books. I definitely want to share with my kids the books that I loved when I was their age, but they just don’t connect, it doesn’t seem to work quite the same way,” he said.
Find a wealth of great reading materials for kids at Libraries ACT.
Reluctant readers aged 7–12 may also benefit from the Story Dogs program.
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RegEd, the market-leading provider of enterprise compliance and producer management solutions for insurance and financial services firms, today announced the appointment of Kevin Bieri as Chief Architect. Establishing this new role reflects RegEd’s continued investment in technology modernization and platform scalability to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Bieri brings more than 15 years of technology and financial services experience, having led architecture and engineering efforts at leading global institutions. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Architecture at Fidelity Investments, where he was responsible for building modern retail trading experiences. Prior to that, he was Director of Architecture at ION Group, following its acquisition of Allegro Development Corp., and held engineering and architecture roles at firms including BlueCrest Capital Management, Credit Suisse, and Barclays Capital.
Bieri has a proven track record of designing and delivering high-performance, cloud-native applications and scalable SaaS platforms in complex financial environments. At RegEd, he will focus on advancing platform architecture, enabling greater flexibility and performance across the company’s solutions, and supporting its long-term innovation strategy.
“Creating the Chief Architect role is a clear signal of our commitment to building a next-generation technology foundation,” said Evan Cox, Chief Technology Officer at RegEd. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Kevin in the past, and I’m confident that his technical leadership and industry experience will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our architecture and deliver outstanding solutions to our clients.”
Bieri shared his enthusiasm for joining RegEd at this pivotal time.
“RegEd is delivering real value in the compliance and producer management space, and I’m excited to help strengthen the technical backbone that supports that mission,” said Kevin Bieri, Chief Architect at RegEd. “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the platform with a focus on performance, scale, and innovation.”
Bieri holds a degree in Finance from Tulane University and is based in Dallas, Texas.
RegEd is the market-leading provider of RegTech enterprise solutions with relationships with more than 200 enterprise clients, including 80% of the top 25 financial services firms.
Established in 2000 by former regulators, the company is recognized for continuous regulatory technology innovation with solutions hallmarked by workflow-directed processes, data integration, regulatory intelligence, automated validations, business process automation and compliance dashboards. The aggregate drives the highest levels of operational efficiency and enables our clients to cost-effectively comply with regulations and continuously mitigate risk.
Trusted by the nation’s top financial services firms, RegEd’s proven, holistic approach to RegTech meets firms where they are on the compliance and risk management continuum, scaling as their needs evolve and amplifying the value proposition delivered to clients. For more information, please visit www.reged.com.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the state is moving forward with plans to bring Great Lakes cruises to Buffalo. A Request for Proposals was issued today by the state’s Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation seeking proposals to design, develop and create a new cruise terminal to support Great Lakes cruise operations at Slip 2 on the Outer Harbor. Based on expressed interest by cruise companies, it is expected that Buffalo could serve as a port as early as 2027. This request follows ECHDC’s previously completed Market Demand Study for the cruise industry in Buffalo, which is available on the Empire State Development website. Proposals must be submitted to ESD by May 7 at 2 p.m. with an anticipated contract start date in June 2025.
“Adding Buffalo as a terminal on a Great Lakes cruise itinerary is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Buffalo and Western New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Buffalo is well-positioned as a destination in the growing industry, allowing the city and region to benefit from the increased visitors and resulting positive economic impact. New York State is committed to providing the facilities needed to accommodate the cruise operations and ensure smooth sailing ahead.”
The project aims to reimagine the current site for cruise ship docking for both domestic and international travel. Site improvements will include upgrades to seawall shoring; site remediation; improved public access; landscaping, drainage, lighting, and a small parking lot. The scope of work also includes design of one or two small, single-story buildings for customs processing and public restroom facilities.
In 2024, ECHDC completed a Market Demand Study for the cruise ship industry in Buffalo, that focused on the potential and viability for Buffalo to become a destination for cruise lines already touring the Great Lakes. The study also analyzed six potential locations along the Buffalo waterfront that could support cruise operations. The recommended site for this is at the south berth space of Slip 2, near the former location of the Pier Restaurant that was demolished in 2007. ECHDC used this study to initiate conversations with several Great Lakes cruise lines to bolster the city’s potential as a cruise destination. Based on these conversations, ECHDC is issuing this RFP for a consultant to work with ECHDC and various state, federal, and local agencies to develop a comprehensive site plan to support cruise operations. The building and site design will be reflective of the aesthetic created by previous ECHDC projects at the nearby Bell Slip and Wilkeson Pointe.
While a small subset of the cruise ship industry, the Great Lakes cruise sector has nearly tripled its total passenger numbers—from 9,000 in 2010 to more than 25,000 in 2023. The post-COVID growth of the industry is expected to continue, with larger numbers of passengers, vessels, revenues, and related activities in Great Lakes port cities. Cleveland, Milwaukee, Duluth, Detroit, and other coastal cities are already taking advantage of these upward trends. Buffalo’s strategic position at the southern end of the Welland Canal – the only access point for cruise ships into the Great Lakes from the St. Lawrence River – coupled with its unique attractions and assets make the destination a logical stopover point. Given Buffalo’s variety of tourist sites, airports, hotels, and access to consumers within a four- to six-hour drive, the community has in place the primary destination infrastructure necessary to support homeport status, meaning starting or ending a cruise itinerary, activities as well.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairperson Joan Kesner said, “With a cruise terminal on the Outer Harbor, Buffalo can play an important and growing role as a unique, seasonal destination for small vessels across the industry, whether luxury, expedition, or niche market cruises. Governor Hochul recognizes the tremendous cultural, architectural, and other assets our region offers and now we’re ready to share them with the rest of the world.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Buffalo offers diverse cultural and historical experiences, making it ideal for cruise operations and their customers on the Great Lakes. As we take the first step toward establishing a cruise terminal on the Outer Harbor, we are also taking steps toward contributing to economic development in a new industry for Western New York by the associated boost in local tourism that will support local businesses and create new jobs.”
The Buffalo waterfront and its development are priorities for Governor Hochul, with today’s announcement being the latest milestone in a series of her Buffalo waterfront announcements. Construction on the Wilkeson Pointe Improvement Project on the Outer Harbor and the Gateway Building at Canalside are slated to be complete by Memorial Day with the Waterway of Change exhibit at the Longshed also opening then. The Slip 2 ecosystem restoration continues this summer with the North Aud Block and Terminal B water’s edge project in the planning phase. Terminal B and the Bell Slip were completed last year.
State Senator April Baskin said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for her forward thinking in developing a cruise terminal on the Outer Harbor and the economic impact it will undoubtedly have on tourism in Western New York. I value any economic development, and this project is uniquely positioned to highlight the beautiful assets only our area can tout.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Reimagining Buffalo’s Outer Harbor to allow for Great Lakes Cruises will give locals and visitors the chance to explore what makes Western New York special. This project is yet another way we can chart our own course using natural resources to expand the blue economy in Buffalo and along other port cities. I look forward to seeing this site grow into another tourism asset on our Great Lakes thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul.”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “It makes tremendous sense to include Buffalo as a port on the Great Lakes Cruise schedule and is another way that Erie County can showcase all that it has to offer. This plan will bring more visitors to our area to enjoy our restaurants, sports teams, shopping and recreation. I thank Governor Hochul for moving this plan forward and I look forward to cruise ships full of tourists arriving here.”
City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “Buffalo has long been known for its waterfront and its revitalization, and today’s announcement by Governor Hochul marks an exciting new chapter in how we can connect that asset to tourism and economic development. The potential to welcome Great Lakes cruises to Buffalo not only elevates our city as a premier destination, but also opens the door to new jobs, businesses, and investment opportunities. I thank Governor Hochul and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for their continued commitment to revitalizing our waterfront.”
About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
As a subsidiary of ESD, the state’s chief economic development agency, ECHDC supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty.
ECHDC is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a ESD as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.
Iceland’s fourth National Action Plan (NAP) on Women Peace and Security has been published. The NAP sets out the government’s policy for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and the broader Women, Peace and Security Agenda until 2030. Focus will be on three areas; First, achieving full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, security and defence. Second, protection of women and girls in conflict settings and third, integrating gender perspectives into security and defence in Iceland. Iceland ranks number four on the Women’s Peace and Security Index by Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs led the policy work in collaboration with ministries, civil organizations in the area of security and defence, academia and research institutions and civil society.
The action plan will be implemented by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in collaboration with eight partners, who are responsible for specific actions: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (MSL), National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police (NCP), Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG), Gender Equality Studies and Training Program (GRÓ/GEST), Institute of International Affairs (IIA), Directorate of Labour (DL).
Emphasis will be on facilitating collaboration and discussions with civil society, and women’s grassroot organizations, and institutions on international affairs in order to keep the Women, Peace and Security Agenda high on the domestic and international agenda. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) will oversee the overall implementation of the NAP and, in collaboration with partners, report on it to government, and parliament and international partners on a regular basis.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael David Barker, 47, of Foster, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Barker admitted to a scheme to defraud the Boone County Schools system by more than $3.4 million while employed as the maintenance director.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from about November 2019 through December 2023, Barker ordered custodial and janitorial supplies for Boone County Schools from Jesse Marks and his company, Rush Enterprises. These supplies included hand soap, trash can liners, face masks, face shields, and hand sanitizer.
Barker admitted that he and Marks agreed that Rush Enterprises would overbill the Boone County Board of Education for these supplies. As part of this scheme, Barker approved invoices on behalf of Rush Enterprises that significantly inflated the number of products that were actually delivered to Boone County Schools. Barker submitted these fraudulent invoices to the Boone County Board of Education, which relied on them to mail checks to Rush Enterprises using the United States Mail.
Marks deposited the checks from Boone County Schools into the business bank account for Rush Enterprises, wrote himself checks on that account that he cashed at various banks, and personally delivered some of that cash to Barker in manila envelopes. Barker admitted that he spent the cash delivered by Marks to buy vehicles and equipment and make substantial improvements to his residence in Foster.
Marks deducted the cost of the products actually delivered to Boone County Schools from the proceeds of the overbilling scheme. Boone County Schools paid Rush Enterprises $4,310,714.82 from in or about November 2019 through in or about December 2023. Barker admitted that approximately 80 percent of the total payments received by Rush Enterprises, or $3,448,571.85, was based on fraudulent invoices.
Barker is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Barker also owes $3,400,000 in restitution.
“Mr. Barker took advantage of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds and put his own greed above the interests of the Boone County School system and the children it serves,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “His actions caused serious reputable harm and diminished the trust in the Boone County School system.”
Marks, 65, of Rush, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2025.
Barker’s parents, Michael P. Barker, 68, and Lana Barker, 66, both of Foster, pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025, to structuring transactions with one or more domestic financial institutions. They admitted to making 11 cash deposits to their bank accounts totaling $97,215 starting on or about November 7, 2023, through on or about November 28, 2023. Financial institutions are required to report cash deposits of more than $10,000, and federal law prohibits structuring multiple cash deposits to avoid this reporting requirement. The deposits were in amounts ranging from $8,000 to $9,500 specifically to avoid the currency reporting requirement. The structuring scheme was uncovered by the same investigation that resulted in the indictment of their son. Michael P. Barker is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2025, and Lana Barker is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2025.
Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), and the assistance provided by the West Virginia Department of Education.
“This case is a result of outstanding teamwork and reflects the tireless dedication of this office and its law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who stole from the American people during a national emergency,” Johnston said. “We will continue to pursue all available avenues to recover defrauded public funds and identify and prosecute those responsible.”
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-194.
Scientists, professors, engineers, teachers and doctors are routinely ranked among the most trustworthy people in society. This is because these professions rely heavily on research, and good research is viewed as the most reliable source of knowledge.
These are studies that check to see if previous results can be repeated and are reliable. The administration’s focus seems to be specifically on studies that revisit the debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism.
This is a worrying waste of effort, given the extensive evidence showing that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the harm that suggesting this link can cause. However, the broader idea of funding studies that attempt to repeat earlier research is a good one.
Take research on Alzheimer’s disease as an example. In June 2024, Nature retracted a highly cited paper reporting an important theory relating to the mechanism of the disease. Unfortunately, it took 18 years to spot the errors and retract the paper.
If influential studies like this were regularly repeated by others, it wouldn’t have taken so long to spot the errors in the original research.
Alzheimer’s is proving a particularly tricky problem to solve despite the large amounts of money spent researching the disease. Being unable to reproduce key results contributes to this problem because new research relies on the trustworthiness of earlier research.
Research is complicated and there may be legitimate reasons research findings cannot be reproduced. Mistakes or dishonesty are not necessarily the cause.
In psychology or the social sciences, failure to reproduce results – despite using identical methods – could be due to using different populations, for instance, across different countries or cultures. In physical or medical sciences problems reproducing results could be down to using different equipment, chemicals or measurement techniques.
A lot of research may also not be reproducible simply because the researchers do not fully understand all the complexities of what they are studying. If all the relevant variables (such as genetics and environmental factors) are not understood or even identified, it is unsurprising that very similar experiments can yield different results.
In these cases, sometimes as much can be learned from a negative result as from a positive one, as this helps inform the design of future work.
Here, it is helpful to distinguish between reproducing another researcher’s exact results and being given enough information by the original researchers to replicate their experiments.
Science advances by comparing notes and discussing differences, so researchers must always give enough information in their reports to allow someone else to repeat (replicate) the experiment. This ensures the results can be trusted even if they may not be reproduced exactly.
Transparency is therefore central to research integrity, both in terms of trusting the research and trusting the people doing the research.
Unfortunately, the incentive structure within research doesn’t always encourage such transparency. The “publish or perish” culture and aggressive practices by journals often lead to excessive competition rather than collaboration and open research practices.
One solution, as new priorities from the US have suggested, is to directly fund researchers to replicate each other’s studies.
This is a promising development because most other funding, alongside opportunities to publish in the top journals, is instead linked to novelty. Unfortunately, this encourages researchers to act quickly to produce something unique rather than take their time to conduct thorough and transparent experiments.
We need to move to a system that rewards reliable research rather than just novel research. And part of this comes through rewarding people who focus on replication studies.
Industry also plays a part. Companies conducting research and development can sometimes be guilty of throwing a lot of money at a project and then pulling the plug quickly if a product (such as a new medicine) seems not to work. The reason for such failures is often unclear, but the reliability of earlier research is a contributing factor.
To avoid this problem, companies should be encouraged to replicate some of the original findings (perhaps significant experiments conducted by academics) before proceeding with development. In the long run, this strategy may turn out to be quicker and more efficient than the rapid chopping and changing that occurs now.
The scale of the reproducibility, or replicability, problem in research comes as a surprise to the public who have been told to “trust the science”. But over recent years there has been increasing recognition that the culture of research is as important as the experiments themselves.
If we want to be able to “trust the science”, science must be transparent and robustly conducted.
This is exactly what has happened with research looking at the link between vaccines and autism. The topic was so important that in this case the replication studies were done and found that there is, in fact, no link between vaccines and autism.
Simon Kolstoe works for the University of Portsmouth, and is a trustee of the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). He receives research and consultancy funding from charities, universities and government. He chairs research ethics committees for the UK Health Research Authority, Ministry of Defence and Health Security Agency.
The president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, declared a state of emergency in the capital city, Lima, on March 18. The decree, which came amid a wave of violence, gives the police and military full control of the security situation there for a period of 30 days.
Peru is no stranger to emergencies of this kind. Only last year, in September 2024, Boluarte’s government declared a 60-day state of emergency in 12 districts of the capital. The rationale for declaring the emergency now, as in the past, remains the same: to address the threat posed by criminal gangs.
The latest emergency was prompted by the brazen killing of Paul Flores, the popular 39-year-old lead singer of a Peruvian band called Armonia 10. Flores was shot dead by assailants who attacked a bus he was riding in with bandmates and attempted to extort money from them as they left a concert.
Peru has seen a spate of killings, violent extortion and attacks on public places in recent months. According to the Peruvian police, there were 459 killings across the country between January 1 and March 16, and over 1,900 reports of extortion in January alone.
Many Peruvians point to the fact that the extortion and homicide racket may be far more severe than official statistics suggest. Plenty of those affected by criminality do not report their misfortune for fears of reprisal by criminal gangs.
On March 21, a few days after the state of emergency in Lima was declared, Peru’s Congress voted to remove the interior minister, Juan José Santiváñez, from office. In a post on X, they said Santiváñez must take responsibility for his “inability to address the wave of citizen insecurity the country is facing”.
Peru serves as a hotspot for sexual slavery, illegal organ trafficking and labour exploitation. In addition, it is also the second-largest producer of cocaine in the world.
Over 95,000 hectares of land was dedicated to coca cultivation in the country in 2023 – an 18% increase from the figure recorded in 2021. This expansion has been driven primarily by cultivation in Peru’s indigenous territories and protected areas. Indigenous territories now account for 20% of all the coca cultivated in Peru.
These lucrative operations are led by local crime organisations, often working in collusion with corrupt public officials and foreign partners. According to Organized Crime Index, these criminal networks include police officers and migration officials who work at control points on the borders and facilitate illegal activities.
The logistics of Peru’s cocaine trade are often also managed by Serbian, Mexican and Colombian mafias. From Peru, cocaine goes through Mexico for the US market and Brazil for the European market. Some shipments are sent directly to Oceania and Japan.
Criminal governance
Peru’s perpetual political instability, weak criminal justice system and the poor presence of the state in its outlying territories allow various criminal groups to engage in their nefarious trade.
Two former Peruvian presidents have faced corruption charges. One of them, Alejandro Toledo, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for corruption in 2024. The authorities accused Toledo of accepting US$35 million (£27 million) in bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to allow the company to build a highway in Peru.
Another controversial former president, Alberto Fujimori, had been in prison for 16 years for human rights abuses and corruption after being extradited from Chile in 2007. He was released in 2023 on humanitarian grounds and died the following year.
Meanwhile, prosecutors in Peru are seeking a 34-year sentence for ex-president Pedro Castillo, who was removed from office and arrested after his attempt to dissolve Congress in late 2022 and rule by decree. Castillo has described his trial as “politicised” and has refused legal counsel provided by the judicial system.
So many former Peruvian presidents have been accused of crimes that the country has designated a small jail on the outskirts of Lima specifically to house them. As Colombia-based journalist John Otis put it in a radio interview in 2023, the Barbadillo prison not only serves as a symbol of corruption, but also a testimony to political dysfunction in the country.
The spread of economic activities operating outside the law, such as illegal gold mining, has emboldened organised crime in Peru. Instances of politicians and criminals working together to line their pockets are not uncommon.
A good example is César Álvarez, the governor of the resource-rich Áncash region of western Peru. Nicknamed “the beast” by the citizens of the province because of his reputation for political violence, Álvarez allegedly operated with impunity by asserting his control through an elaborate network of government institutions and criminal organisations.
According to an indictment by Peru’s public prosecutor’s office, Álvarez extorted, threatened and ordered the assassination of political adversaries while in office between 2007 and 2014. Álvarez, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison in 2019.
When the government in Lima last declared an emergency in parts of the capital in 2024, the country’s federation of business associations stated: “We live under siege from organised crime which has taken control of the country in the alarming absence of the state”.
This statement appears prophetic. Peru, it appears, is losing the battle against organised crime.
Amalendu Misra is a recipient of Nuffield Foundation and British Academy Fellowships.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Bullock, Research Associate, Shipping and Climate Change, University of Manchester
GreenOak / shutterstock
You’re probably reading this article on a device assembled in Asia, using materials shipped there from all around the world. After it was made, your phone or laptop most likely travelled to your country on a huge ship powered by one of the world’s largest diesel engines, one of thousands plying the world’s oceans. All this maritime activity adds up: international shipping burns over 200 million tonnes of fossil fuels a year.
The sector is trying to clean up its act. Its 2023 global climate strategy set a “strive” ambition of 30% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2008 emissions and 80% by 2040. That’s close to a level of ambition that can deliver on the Paris climate agreement, but this target urgently needs policies to make it happen. This is also urgent: 2030 is only five years away.
The technology to deliver a rapid transition exists. Wind propulsion technology – yes, sails – can be fitted to existing ships, and much of the sector could soon switch to zero-emission fuels if they were seen as a good investment.
That said, the transition needs to be fast and will be costly. This raises questions about who is to foot the bill.
That’s the backdrop for a pivotal meeting this week in London at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is the United Nations’ agency, made up of 175 nation states, charged with coordinating a response on shipping’s climate pollution. At this meeting, nations will take a series of decisions which will have a profound impact on whether the sector makes a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, or if it continues to limp along on its current high-carbon course.
There are two crucial and interlinked decisions to be taken, and at the moment the proposals range from strong to exceptionally weak. Outcomes could go either way.
Improving efficiency
The efficiency of shipping hasn’t got much attention, even though it’s an important part of reducing emissions. One key policy is the Carbon Intensity Indicator, which measures how much carbon is emitted per tonne of cargo for every mile travelled. The IMO’s current strategy requires improving this efficiency by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.
But here’s the problem: global demand for shipping is expected to grow by around 60% in that same time. So even with a 40% efficiency boost, total emissions from shipping could stay the same – or even go up – because so much more cargo will be moved.
Despite this, many countries haven’t updated their policies to reflect this growing demand or to align with the IMO’s updated “30% cuts by 2030” target.
Some countries, including Palau – a Pacific island nation vulnerable to climate change – and the UK, have pushed for stronger action. But there remains a long way to go before the world agrees on an ambitious path forward.
Green energy
The more hotly debated issue is around a fiendishly complicated set of “mid-term measures”. A key part of this is creating a “global fuel standard” – essentially, targets for how much “zero emission” (or “green”) fuel ships must use and by when.
These rules would come with penalties or costs for using polluting fuels, which would effectively put a price on greenhouse gas emissions. Experts have long agreed that putting a price on shipping pollution is the most effective way to encourage cleaner and more efficient practices. But despite nearly 20 years of discussions, countries still haven’t agreed how to do this.
Decisions are further complicated by wrangles over how to fairly distribute the revenues from these penalties.
Who should get the revenues from shipping pollution? Uncle_Dave / shutterstock
The good news is that the world is less than a week away from a decision which will put a price on shipping pollution in some form. The bad news is that proposals on the table could easily deliver a weak, uncertain price signal which doesn’t push the industry to invest in more green solutions. And the fuel standard itself might fall short of the ambitious climate targets set in 2023.
Until now, talks on improving shipping efficiency and on pricing polluting fuels have happened separately. A big task at the IMO summit in London is to integrate the two into one coordinated plan.
From a climate perspective, these policies should be judged by whether they will work together to cut shipping emissions by 30% by 2030 (the IMO’s current target).
As things stand, that outcome is still possible – but is now an uphill battle. Agreement this week is crucial and countries will show their true colours. If they can’t agree to agree more ambitious policies it will undermine the IMO’s ability to regulate shipping emissions.
Historically, the IMO tends to take its biggest decisions in the last hours of Thursday in week-long negotiations. Both ambitious and more cautious countries have a lot on the line, as the measure adopted will be legally binding for all of them.
A positive result depends on whether powerful groups such as the European Union line up to support ambitious measures, as as proposed by African, Caribbean, Central American and Pacific countries as well as the UK.
Although countries have agreed on climate targets for shipping, some still refuse to support the policies needed to actually phase out fossil fuels fast enough. That stance much change. If done right, IMO negotiations this week could be a turning point – not just for shipping, but for renewable energy and climate action worldwide.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Simon Bullock is a member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
Christiaan De Beukelaer receives funding from the ClimateWorks Foundation.
Tristan Smith owns shares in UMAS International, that working alongside UCL Energy Institute, provides advisory services on the subject of maritime decarbonisation. My research group is recipient of research funding from UKRI, Climateworks Foundation and Quadratue Climate Foundation. I am on the advisory board of the Global Maritime Forum, and the Strategy Board of the Getting to Zero Coalition – not for profit structures that work across governments and industry stakeholders on maritime decarbonisation.
TV star Ben Grylls says he does it for survival – and teaches his reality show contestants to do the same. Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Márquez practised this therapy to train for his 2009 fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr (he lost). Former Indian prime minister Morarji Desaiclaimed a daily glass of the stuff was a remedy for many diseases and contributed to his longevity.
What is the therapy these celebrities practice? Urophagia, also known as urine therapy, is the practice of drinking urine.
Whether the urine is your own, someone else’s or even obtained from an animal, people have been drinking pee as medicine for thousands of years. Most claims about urine therapy are based on anecdotes or ancient texts with no robust scientific evidence to support the benefits of urine therapy. There is evidence to show that drinking urine has a number of health risks, however,
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, urine was used to treat asthma, allergies, indigestion, wrinkles and even cancer. The Roman poet Catullus believed urine helped to whiten teeth – possibly due to its ammonia content.
As a rudimentary test for diabetes, doctors used to taste urine to check how sweet it was. Now, of course, we have urine test strips to check for glucose in the urine.
In 1945, British naturopath John W. Armstrong published a book called “The Water of Life: A Treatise on Urine Therapy.” He claimed that drinking one’s own urine and massaging it into the skin could cure major illnesses.
Historically, drinking pee to treat illnesses may have made sense because of a lack of medical alternatives. But, as the urine-sipping celebrities above show, the practice is still followed today.
There are reported cases of using urine for home remedies to treat seizures in children in Nigeria. The China Urine Therapy Association claims that drinking and washing with urine can cure constipation and skin sores.
Waste not, want not?
Urine is made by the body to get rid of waste. It is mostly made up of water (about 95%) and several waste products, including urea (2%), which is made by the liver after breaking down proteins in the body, creatinine, which is left over from energy-releasing processes in the muscles, and salts. If urine is just waste, how could drinking it be beneficial?
The kidneys act as regulators – not just to get rid of any toxins but to remove anything that it doesn’t need. For example, excess vitamins that aren’t needed by the body are found in urine.
Drinking urine means these vitamins and minerals are getting recycled instead of being wasted – this also goes for other hormones, proteins and antibodies that can be found in urine. However, the amounts of these substances in a glass of urine are unlikely to be enough to be beneficial and a vitamin supplement may be more effective.
Some advocates of urine therapy believe it can help prevent allergic reactions and control autoimmune conditions. The antibodies in the urine are supposed to make the immune system stronger.
Other modern uses also include cleansing and detoxification – some people have claimed that continually drinking recycled urine leads to cleaner urine and blood by removing toxins and leading to better overall health.
However, there’s no scientific evidence to support any of these claims.
Some social media influencers claim that urine has healing properties and drinking or applying it to the skin can help skin conditions such as acne and infections. As mentioned, urine does contain urea, which is often added to skin care products as a moisturiser. But the concentration of urea in urine is unlikely to be high enough to have this effect.
Urine also contains dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid hormone produced by the body that declines with age, which has been marketed as an anti-ageing ingredient – but there isn’t enough data to demonstrate its efficacy.
Risky business
Some advocates of urine therapy believe that urine is sterile. However, research has found that urine naturally contains low levels of bacteria and research shows that bacteria can further contaminate the urine when it leaves the body. Drinking urine, then, can introduce bacteria and toxins into the gut and potentially cause further illness like stomach infections.
Urine becomes more concentrated when it comes out again – the kidneys may have to work harder to filter out the excess, putting extra strain on them. The kidneys need water to process these salts.
Drinking urine means you have to pee out more water than you get from it, which speeds up dehydration – it’s similar to drinking seawater. Some drugs, such as penicillin antibiotics or heart medicines, are also excreted in the urine – by drinking urine, it can cause toxic levels of these drugs to build up in the body.
Mainstream medical communities do not endorse urine therapy as it lacks scientific evidence. Small amounts of urine drinking are unlikely to be harmful. But for tangible health benefits, other therapies with scientific evidence may be the way to go.
Dipa Kamdar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The problem of the disadvantage gap – also known as the attainment gap – is a persistent one in education in England. It refers to how children from certain groups, such as those from poorer backgrounds, ethnic minorities or who have been in care, do worse at school than their peers.
It’s a central concern of the recent interim report of the ongoing review into England’s national curriculum, which points out that the current system is not working well for everyone.
The disadvantage gaps between groups can be measured in different ways. The more simplistic way is to consider outcome measures, such as exam results, in isolation.
For example, at the end of their primary schooling, eleven-year-olds in English state schools take standardised key stage assessments – SATs. These results are used to calculate the disadvantage gap index. The index ranks all pupils in the country and assesses the difference in the average position of disadvantaged pupils and others. It shows whether the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers is widening or closing.
A disadvantage gap of zero would indicate that there is no difference between the average performance of disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils. According to the Department for Education’s figures for 2023-24, the disadvantage gap index at this level is 3.13 in children’s key stage scores. While it had been decreasing between 2011 and 2018, the gap rose to the highest level since 2012 in 2022.
For GCSEs, taken at age 16, the disadvantage gap index is 3.92. It has decreased slightly after widening in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Measuring progress
A more sophisticated analysis of the disadvantage gap can be made by comparing the rate of progress that children achieve through their schooling career. Children in English state schools take a baseline assessment when they first enter their reception year, and their progress from this point can be measured by comparing with their SATs key stage results in year six.
Ideally, all children would progress in their learning at the same rate. But research by one of us (Nadia Siddiqui) shows that pupils from persistently low socioeconomic groups do not progress at the same level as their counterparts.
A recent longitudinal research study – meaning that it has tracked the same participants over years – has shown that since the pandemic, there has been a very big impact on the reading and maths progress of primary school children from poorer backgrounds.
At secondary level, progress can be measured by comparing children’s progress from their SATs at the end of primary school with their GCSE exam results. This measure is called “progress 8”. It indicates how much a secondary school has helped pupils progress from their point of entry at year seven, when compared to a government-calculated expected level of improvement.
The progress 8 measure focuses on the progression children make from their starting points, as opposed to fixating only on the end points in children’s learning.
The disadvantage gap can be measured using test results to gauge progress over time. panitanphoto/Shutterstock
The government uses this measure not to compare individuals, but rather schools to see how much value has been added by each school relative to other schools. But it also measures the progress of key groups, such as children receiving free school meals or of different ethnicities.
The latest data shows that pupils from poorer backgrounds – those eligible for free school meals – made less progress than their peers. This was the case in every ethnic group.
Reducing the gap
In the last few decades, a number of education policies have been introduced to narrow the disadvantage gap determined by household poverty.
Direct funding to improve educational targets is a popular approach and has been adopted in countries across the world. This means schools receive additional funding for admitting disadvantaged pupils. This money should be spent on evidence-informed interventions for improving educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils.
Since 2010, schools in England have been incentivised by pupil premium funding to invest directly in the academic learning of disadvantaged pupils if they are not reaching expected levels. Schools receive funding for each pupil who is, or has been, eligible for free school meals, and for those who have been in care.
Pupil premium funding has changed the pattern of intake of disadvantaged pupils by schools. Segregation of poorer and wealthier pupils, in which pupils from poorer households are clustered in particular schools, has reduced. Schools now take more of a mix of children from poorer and wealthier backgrounds.
This is good because mixed schools create fairer and more inclusive societies where pupils are better equipped to succeed in diverse environments. What’s more, the relative disadvantage gap has slightly improved for pupils at primary school.
The evidence on interventions for disadvantaged pupils is still evolving. For practical reasons, approaches to improving the academic disadvantage gap are mainly applied at school level.
However, in some places, area-based funding schemes, which channel funding to selected regions of particular high poverty, have been introduced. Our research is exploring the extent to which this may be a feasible way to narrow the disadvantage gap.
Ceri Brown receives funding from UKRI (ESRC) and the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit.
Nadia Siddiqui receives funding from UKRI, EEF, British Council.
A mission will deliver rock and soil from Mars to laboratories on Earth in the 2030s. Mars Sample Return (MSR) is led by Nasa with participation from the European Space Agency (Esa). The mission will allow scientists to use the best laboratory instruments on Earth to determine whether Mars hosted microbial life billions of years ago.
So what will happen to the samples once they arrive on Earth?
Nasa’s Perseverance rover has already been doing the hard work of collecting the samples. The rover has been exploring a Martian location known as Jezero Crater since landing in February 2021. Along the way, it has used its drill to extract cores – cylindrical samples of rock – from Martian rocks, depositing them in sample tubes on the floor of the crater.
Present day levels of cosmic radiation at the Martian surface are thought to be too high for life to survive there. However, conditions may have been more hospitable to life billions of years ago, and it is these potential traces of ancient life that Perseverance was designed to seek out.
In September 2023, an independent review board found MSR’s budget and schedule to be “unrealistic,” and said that this would potentially delay the mission’s launch beyond 2028. This has led Nasa to seek alternative approaches to carrying out the mission.
The space agency issued a call for ideas from industry and is currently studying two proposals. But in terms of the broad mechanics, something – a rover or small helicopter – will need to collect the sample tubes and deliver them to a vehicle. That vehicle will then blast off the surface of Mars.
A capsule, carrying those Martian samples, will eventually enter the Earth’s atmosphere and parachute down to a government facility in Utah, US. This is all projected to happen in the 2030s.
Once safely on Earth, the samples from Jezero Crater will be analysed using sensitive instruments that are too big and complex to send on a rover to Mars. That’s the essence of MSR: in order to unambiguously identifying any traces of ancient Martian life, scientists will need to carry out multiple experiments and replicate the results.
In other words, separate and independent scientific teams will have to show that they can get the same outcomes from those experiments.
The scientific community is still making new discoveries with the 380kg of rock and soil from the Moon that was delivered to Earth by the six Apollo missions over 50 years ago. In the Apollo era, scientists had to work out a plan to keep the Moon samples pristine, in order to preserve them for generations of scientists to study.
One concept for how Mars Sample Return would work.
Their solution was to put them in glove boxes: sealed containers that allow users to manipulate the contents via long gloves that extend from the outside to the inside of the box. These glove boxes contain dry nitrogen gas that protects against chemical changes to the samples. That’s worked well for the Moon rocks; the Apollo 11-17 samples can be seen and studied at Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston today.
A more challenging plan will be needed for the approximately 500g of carefully selected Martian rock and soil. The facilities in which they are eventually stored will need to carefully control factors such as humidity and temperature. They will also need to prevent the samples from being contaminated by terrestrial microbes.
The requirements for managing the Martian samples are decided by an organisation called the Committee on Space Research (Cospar). Under Cospar guidance, MSR is defined as a Category V Restricted Earth Return Mission.
While scientists do not generally expect the Martian samples to contain present-day life, the requirements mean that the samples will be treated as if they do until the possibility is excluded. Cospar says: “A program of life detection and biohazard testing, or a proven sterilisation process, should be undertaken as an absolute precondition for the controlled distribution of any portion of the sample.”
Thus, a major part of MSR planning is the design and construction of a sample receiving facility (SRF), a building where initial analyses of the rock and soil are to take place. The work will be conducted under strict biocontainment rules, which mean that scientists will use equipment and follow procedures usually deployed in some of the most world’s most secure labs, designed to study harmful bacteria and viruses such as Ebola and Marburg virus. This situation will persist until a “sample safety assessment” has taken place.
This safety assessment will determine whether the samples can be studied at lower levels of biological containment. Only after that stage and another called “basic characterisation”, where scientists carry out an initial study of the minerals and chemistry of the rocks, will the samples gradually be released to the wider scientific community.
One problem for the mission is the complexity and cost of the SRF, which is expected to rise to hundreds of millions of dollars, or euros. This is largely because of the need to not only comply with the Cospar rules but also to incorporate the range of microscopes and spectrometers needed for the analyses.
Much of the reason for the delays in delivering the overall MSR programme come down to cost, so there is currently pressure to reduce the price tag. Against this background, Nasa and Esa have convened a measurement definition team, a panel of scientists who will determine which analyses are needed within the SRF. The resulting report will be published shortly.
In parallel, a programme of work to design and build new technology for MSR that allows both biological containment and analysis of the minerals in Martian samples is taking place. Esa, with Nasa collaboration, is funding the design of secure chambers called multi-barrier isolator cabinets, inside which the Martian rock and soil can be studied.
These cabinets will also incorporate the range of different scientific instruments needed for the basic characterisation stage. These could include powerful microscopes and a Raman spectrometer.
Combining the requirements for containment and analysis in this way has the potential to not only reduce the time needed before samples can be released to the scientific community, but also to substantially reduce the costs of the SRF and thus help the overall MSR programme.
John Bridges of Space Park Leicester, University of Leicester is funded by the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency to design and build isolator, spectroscopic and portable technology for Mars Sample Return at Space Park Leicester. He is a member of the NASA-ESA MSR Measurement Definition Team.
This year, high school students joined the Olympiad for the first time. Cases relevant to teenagers were developed for them — from organizing a party to counteracting fraudsters and involvement in droppering.
The schoolchildren did the best job of completing the task “A Smart Holiday”: they had to draw up an event plan, take into account possible expenses and correctly distribute the budget. 64% of the Olympiad participants coped with this. 49% developed an effective strategy for building eco-friendly facilities to obtain maximum profit in the “Eco-friendly City” simulator.
The most difficult block was the “Financial Labyrinth”. In it, the participants applied the basic financial concepts in practice in the format of a platform game – money, savings, earnings. The “Fraudsters” task also proved problematic for most schoolchildren. Only 45% did not fall into the scammers’ net.
“Children are not interested in simply answering questions – they need game mechanics, and they want to solve problems that they may encounter in real life,” said Mikhail Mamuta, head of the Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring Accessibility of Financial Services. “That is why life cases were created for them using algorithms of popular games – for example, procedural generation, where the circumstances of the game change as you progress, you need to overcome obstacles and choose paths. The children had the opportunity to hone their skills in proper financial behavior, including in an artificially created stressful situation.”
The Olympiad was held on the educational platform Uchi.ru from March 4 to April 3, 2025. Schoolchildren from all over the country solved the competition tasks. Most of the participants were from the Rostov Region, the top five also included the Kemerovo, Volgograd, Moscow Regions and the Republic of Tatarstan.
The organizers of the Olympiad were the Bank of Russia, ANO National Priorities, the Ministry of Finance of Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and the educational platform Uchi.ru in accordance with the goals and objectives of the national project Effective and Competitive Economy. The event is held with the support of the all-Russian public and state movement of children and youth Movement of the First.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
As part of the comprehensive state program “Construction”, supervised by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, in 2025, construction, renovation and implementation of 109 facilities and activities in the healthcare sector are underway. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“Today marks World Health Day. This is a reason to pay attention to the work on developing healthcare infrastructure. In recent years, a number of significant projects in the healthcare sector have been implemented in Russia. Among them are modern multidisciplinary hospitals equipped with advanced medical equipment, renovated outpatient clinics that meet all the requirements for patient comfort and safety, as well as specialized medical centers where innovative diagnostic and treatment methods are being implemented. As part of the comprehensive state program “Construction”, we are building, updating and implementing 109 facilities and events in the healthcare sector. Among them are the construction of federal children’s rehabilitation centers in Yevpatoria and Novosibirsk Oblast, a new multidisciplinary medical center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia in Yalta and many other institutions,” said Marat Khusnullin.
Thus, the Federal Children’s Rehabilitation Center, which is being built in Yevpatoriya by specialists from the PPC “Unified Customer in the Sphere of Construction”, is intended for children with diseases of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, somatic and other diseases. An administrative building with an area of about 2 thousand square meters has already been put into operation after a complete restoration. In addition, a consultative and diagnostic building and a hospital building with 300 beds have been erected, which are now being equipped. Also under construction is a boarding house for children and parents, a hostel for medical personnel for 225 places and a building with a dining hall.
“The Federal Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Crimea is being built on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Podolsk, Moscow Region, such a facility has already been operating since 2023. Another large facility is the Federal Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Novosibirsk Region. On the territory of the medical institution, a hospital building with 300 beds and the main building are being built. Recently, specialists began to build a boarding house building, where young patients will live with their parents. Its area will exceed 8 thousand square meters,” said Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Yuri Gordeyev.
Also in St. Petersburg, a clinical building of the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center is being built. The new building will include an admissions department, a 204-bed hospital, bone marrow transplant, resuscitation and intensive care departments. An operating block with 8 operating rooms is planned to provide high-tech care to cancer patients. This will allow the center to expand scientific research and training of specialists.
Another landmark building in the Northern capital is the new building of the Research Institute of Children’s Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology named after R.M. Gorbacheva, which is a division of the First Saint Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I.P. Pavlov. The building, with an area of 17 thousand square meters, includes a hospital with 110 beds, bone marrow transplant departments, resuscitation and intensive care, 5 operating rooms and a blood transfusion department.
A treatment and diagnostic building for the Center for Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology is being built in Moscow. The building will include admission departments for adults and children, a radiation diagnostics department, a 40-bed hospital, 2 operating rooms, a 6-bed intensive care unit, and a sterilization department. The center will provide assistance to patients with lymphomas, skin tumors, and severe dermatosis.
In addition, a multidisciplinary medical center of the FMBA is being built on the Crimean peninsula, in the resort city of Yalta, which will provide emergency, planned and high-tech care in key areas: surgery, cardiology, oncology, pediatrics and resuscitation. The center will include a clinic, a diagnostic department, classrooms and housing for employees.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. This competition is an exciting way for a student from our region to represent the Ninth Congressional District in Washington. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the Ninth District.
The chosen theme for 2025 is “Commemorating Virginia’s Contribution to the American Revolution.” Interested students must submit a photograph of their original artwork to either my Christiansburg or Abingdon office by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 28 for consideration. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed student information release form to qualify. The 2025 student information release form can be found at the bottom of this page.
The overall winner of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and will be invited to Washington for a reception. The second and third place selections will be displayed in my Christiansburg and Abingdon offices.
Art works entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth. Artwork must be two-dimensional and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds. The work may be:
Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed)
Collages: must be two dimensional
Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Computer-generated art
Photographs
All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
Rishi Nair of Blacksburg High School won the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. His artwork is entitled ‘Mabry Mill.’
If you would like more information on the annual Congressional Art Competition, please contact my Abingdon office at (276) 525-1405 or visit the Congressional Art Competition website.
Headline: Governor Stein Announces Council On Student Safety & Well-Being
Governor Stein Announces Council On Student Safety & Well-Being lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today at Moore Square Magnet Middle School, Governor Josh Stein announced his Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being, co-chaired by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, Deputy Secretary William “Billy” Lassiter of the Department of Public Safety, and 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Heather Smith.
“North Carolina’s children are our future, and it is crucial that they grow and learn in a safe environment that sets them on the right trajectory to thrive,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to establish this council of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to identify ways to better keep our classrooms safe and our children healthy.”
“Ensuring the safety of our students is not up for debate — it’s a fundamental responsibility of our state government,” said Democratic Leader Sydney Batch. “Every child in North Carolina deserves the freedom to learn in a secure, supportive environment. I’m proud to co-chair this council and committed to advancing real, enforceable policies that keep our kids safe and our schools strong — and I’m ready to work with anyone willing to get that important work done.”
“Student and school staff security and wellbeing is an essential part of public safety,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety William L. Lassiter, who oversees the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. “We must use the tools at our disposal to upgrade the physical infrastructure of our schools and train our school staff how to recognize and respond to the early warning signs that can lead to public safety threats. We know our students must feel safe and have a healthy mental well-being to achieve academically. Working together, we can keep our students and our schools safe.”
“What I’ve seen in my classroom is that if students don’t feel safe, if they are not supported, it’s so much harder for them to learn,” said Teacher of the Year Heather Smith. “Our commitment to giving students the best starts with looking out for their safety and well-being, and I am eager to jump into this work.”
Governor Stein’s advisory council will work across state agencies and with both state and local leaders to propose and implement policies and solutions that will improve student safety and wellbeing. It will advance recommendations, provide guidance to state agencies, work with local communities, and share best practices. The council’s first priority will be working with the General Assembly to support school systems in implementing policies that will make classrooms cell phone-free.
Click here to read Governor Stein’s executive order establishing the Council on Student Safety & Well-Being.
The members of the Advisory Council are as follows:
Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (co-chair)
William L. Lassiter, Deputy Secretary for the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Public Safety (co-chair)
Heather Smith, 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year (co-chair)
Senator David W. Craven, Jr.
Representative Brian Biggs
Representative Lindsey Prather
Alan Duncan, Vice-Chair of the State Board of Education
Bettina Umstead, Board of Education Member, Durham Public Schools
Sharon Bell, Deputy Director, Division of Child and Family Wellbeing, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Natalia Botella, Director, Public Protection Section, North Carolina Department of Justice
Dr. Ellen Essick, Section Chief for NC Healthy Schools, Department of Public Instruction
Karen Fairley, Executive Director of Center for Safer Schools, A Division of the State Bureau of Investigation
Anne Goldberg, School Counselor, Alamance-Burlington School System
Tara Hardy, School Social Worker, Craven County Schools
Roger “Chip” Hawley, Director of The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Emma Hodson, In-House Counsel, Pitt County Schools
Kristie Howell, Chief Court Counselor-District 8, Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Melissa Lassen, BSN, RN, NCSN, Lead School Nurse, Chatham County Schools
Mark McHugh, Director of Safety, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Dr. Shaneeka Moore-Brown, President, North Carolina Parent Teacher Association
Asia Prince, Director of Court Programs, North Carolina Administrative Offices of the Courts
Deputy Rhyne Rankins, School Resource Officer, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office
Dr. Paul Smokowski, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center
Beckie Spears, Principal, Wilkesboro Elementary School & 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year
Mary Katherine Stiles, M.A./S.S.P., School Psychologist, Cumberland County Schools
Justice Warren, Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina School Boards Association
Julie Cecelia Werry, Scholar Advisor, Morehead-Cain Foundation
Dr. Freddie Williamson, Superintendent of Public Schools of Robeson County
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The new plan will help support and grow the territory’s local food production sector.
The ACT Government is investing $455,000 towards the implementation of the Canberra Region Local Food Strategy.
Part of the 2024–25 ACT Budget, this funding will help grow Canberra’s local food production sector.
The ACT is the first Australian state or territory to launch a plan to support and grow its local food system.
Funding for the first year of the Strategy’s implementation will deliver a Local Food Chain Infrastructure Study.
The study will explore opportunities to support small-medium sized local food producers in Canberra and the surrounding region who struggle to compete with larger commercial providers.
The study will focus on areas of food packaging, distribution, storage and networking. It will build on data from the Agriculture and Food in the ACT Study, currently underway.
It will also aim to reduce barriers for getting local food produce into local marketplaces and grocery stores.
Shaped by community feedback, the strategy will ultimately strengthen Canberrans’ access to healthy, affordable food.
Funding has also been provided to examine opportunities for using suitable ACT Government land to support local food production, and to help educate the community on how to grow food in the ACT.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Two studies published in JAMA Neurology look at diabetes drugs and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Comments on both studies:
Prof Atticus Hainsworth, Professor of Cerebrovascular Disease, St George’s, University of London, said:
“These two studies have looked at drug prescribing databases, to assess whether diabetic medications impact on risk of Alzheimer’s, vascular and other dementia types. The findings are intriguing, even though they are somewhat contradictory. But nothing can substitute for a prospective, hypothesis-testing experiment, which in this context means a prospective clinical trial.”
Prof Mark Evans, University Professor of Diabetic Medicine & Honorary Consultant Physician, Institute of Metabolic Science & Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, said:
Background:
“It is increasingly apparent that there is an association between diabetes and increased risk of dementia. Although it is not clear how this association is mediated (and whether this is to do with elevated blood glucose from diabetes or a broader effect of diabetes for example on the circulation or inflammation pathways), the obvious pragmatic question arising is whether or not treating diabetes with glucose lowering therapies can reduce risk of dementia and importantly whether certain types of glucose lowering therapy are particularly effective.
“Newer glucose lowering treatments used in (type 2) diabetes seem to carry additional health benefits beyond just glucose lowering. For example, treatments that act via signalling at the GLP-1 receptor or by blocking SGLT glucose transporter channels have been shown to carry broader protective effects for the heart and kidneys.
“Some data already exist to suggest that these agents may also have brain-protective effects against the development of dementia. The evidence to date has largely fallen into two different types. Firstly, examining clinical trials of glucose lowering therapies where usually dementia is not the primary focus but in the clinical trials, investigators will document all health changes including a new diagnosis or change in dementia or cognition. Secondly, examining large real-world datasets for the association between diabetes, different types of therapy and a clinical record of dementia.
These two papers:
“These two papers cover each of these areas respectively. Seminer2et al have performed an analysis of clinical trials broadly similar to ones previously reported. They found that glucose-lowering therapies in general were not significantly associated with a reduction in dementia, although when comparing different types of therapy, GLP-1R targeted drugs but not those acting on SGLT channels were associated with a reduction in dementia. There are cautions arising from these data and the authors have acknowledge these appropriately. Overall, the absolute rates of dementia reported in the studies contributing to their analysis were relatively low which thus reduces the ability for this type of analysis to identify differences. There may be a number of reasons for this, for example the clinical trials were not designed to look in detail for possible changes in dementia.
“The other paper from Tang1 et al was a real-world analysis. Consistent with previous data, this did seem to show less dementia in those using either GLP-1R agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors. The authors were aware of the limitations of observational data. In other words, it may be that the type of person receiving these agents was different from the type of person prescribed other glucose lowering therapies. As an example, one obvious potential confounder from their paper was that the groups receiving GLP 1 agonist or SGLT inhibitor therapy were younger than the comparison groups.
General Reflection:
“Overall these papers whet the appetite for two large clinical trials (EVOKE and EVOKE+) that will complete towards the end of this year. These were specifically designed to look at whether semaglutide, a GLP 1 receptor agonist, can reduce progression of Alzheimer’s dementia and may give us a more definitive answer, at least for GLP 1 receptor agonist treatment.”
Prof David Strain, Associate Professor in Cardiometabolic Health, and a clinical geriatrician, University of Exeter, said:
“Living with diabetes is associated with twice the rate of decline towards both vascular and Alzheimer’s Type dementia. Although long-term high blood sugar is recognised to be warm contributor to this, there are many others including genetics, the body’s ability to produce insulin, episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and inflammation. For years, the best way of preventing this was to attempt to keep the sugar in the “goldilocks zone“ that is not too high but not too low.
“GLP-1 receptor antagonists (such as semaglutide and dulaglutide) and SGLT-2 inhibitors (such as dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) have been demonstrated to control the sugar, and also reduce the inflammation (a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease) and reduce vascular risk (a key driver of vascular dementia) more than would be expected by the sugar control alone. It is therefore no surprise that these data show a lower risk of dementia in people who receive them as part of her routine care.
“We must be cautious how we interpret these data though. Firstly, there were very small numbers of events in the randomised control trials and these were not fully validated so there is a possibility that there were many other cases of dementia missed, indeed that patients reported as having Alzheimer’s type dementia may have had other problems. In the database study, we can never be certain of other unmeasured factors that influenced the doctor to prescribe one medication over another. These may also have had an impact on whether a person would progress to dementia or not.
“It is also important to say this is talking about the risk of dementia in people with diabetes. We have recently seen benefit of the GLP-1 RAs for cardiovascular health in people who do not have diabetes, likewise the SGLT 2 inhibitors are regularly used in other conditions. Today’s studies will need to be replicated prospectively, in people with and without diabetes such as the work we are performing at the University of Exeter, to determine if we can help reduce the progression towards dementia in many more people in the country.”
Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:
“These two papers on potential for GLP-1RA medicines to lower dementia risk are somewhat encouraging but they are FAR from definitive, given the design of one is observational and the numbers of people with dementia in the trial meta-analyses were incredibly small, leading to limited power. Hence, we need to await the results of ongoing randomised trials in this area before drawing sensible conclusions. There is optimism GLP-1RAs (and related medicines) may lower future dementia risk, however, given they favourably impact multiple diseases (cardiovascular, hypertension, kidney and diabetes) known to increase dementia risk, it might be that it is having a lower risk of stroke /heart disease and diabetes that actually then is linked to a lower risk of dementia. Hopefully, far more robust trial evidence – needed before any clinical implications are drawn – should be forthcoming in the near future.”
Dr Ivan Koychev, Clinical Reader in Neuropsychiatry and Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Imperial College London and Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Both papers are of good quality. Tang et al is a large epidemiological study; the limitation comes from the fact that such designs limit the ability to draw conclusions about causality. Seminer et al look at clinical trial data where dementia and cognitive effects were not the primary targets of the studies. Therefore, it is possible that some of these effects were missed or over-reported due to the opportunistic nature of the data collection.
“The two studies add to a growing and remarkably consistent body of evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists associate with a reduction in dementia incidence. The Seminer et al paper is significant as it shows that GLP-1 RAs outperform SGLT-2 inhibitors in clinical trial settings. This suggests that the dementia protection effects are not due to glucose control mechanisms. Instead, inflammation and cerebrovascular effects are likely involved. Overall, these data support the urgent exploration of GLP1 RAs as a preventative treatment in people at risk for dementia.”
Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:
“The study by Tang1 and colleagues examined data from over 90,000 people with diabetes to determine whether treatment with two different glucose lowering drugs were associated with risk of developing dementia. Both glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RAs) and
sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2is) drugs were associated with reduced risk of developing dementia over 8 years from starting treatment compared to people taking other glucose lowering treatments. There was no difference in risk between people taking the GLP-1Ras and SGLT2is. This is a strong study that adds to the growing data suggesting that diabetes increases risk for developing dementia.
“The paper from Seminer2 and colleagues examined data from 26 clinical trials to determine whether glucose lowering treatments were associated with developing dementia. They observed that GLP-1Ras but not but not SGLT2is were associated with a reduction in dementia in these trials.
“Together, these data are encouraging for the potential of using GLP-1Ras to lower dementia risk in people with diabetes, but even within these 2 strong studies, there are slightly conflicting results over SGLT2is highlighting the need for further research. It is important to note that these drugs do have side effects and that they are not guaranteed to prevent dementia. The studies had important limitations including a relatively short follow up time. Future work will be important to understand how risk factors like diabetes and obesity increase risk of dementia to develop effective treatments and prevention strategies.”
Dr Emma Anderson, Principal Research Fellow and Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Division of Psychiatry, UCL, said:
“Regarding the systematic review of glucose lowering therapies2, my comments are as follows:
“These results should be interpreted with caution for several reasons. Firstly, although an effect of GLP-1RAs was identified for all cause dementia, the heterogeneity in the studies included in this analysis was high (meaning that the studies included are not necessarily comparable, undermining the validity of the combined results). There was tentative evidence that this heterogeneity could have been explained, at least in part, by the proportion of women included in these studies.
“Secondly, there was no evidence of an effect of GLP-1RAs with either Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia; the two most common causes of dementia. Thus, overall, there is still a question around whether GLP-1RAs would actually reduce dementia risk.
“For the emulated target trial1, my comment is:
“This study should be interpreted with caution, as emulated target trials are as susceptible to confounding by indication bias as traditional observational epidemiology studies. This means that there is a possibility that the results they have observed are actually due to the underlying reason people are prescribed these glucose-lowering medications in the first place, rather than the medication itself. More robust study designs, which overcome this very important limitation, are needed before such conclusions can be made.”
Prof Masud Husain, Professor of Neurology & Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Oxford, said:
“For me, these new retrospective analyses suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, might reduce the risk of developing dementia in people with type 2 diabetes. But we need data from prospective trials to provide stronger evidence.
“The wider question of whether such drugs might also be protective against dementia in people who don’t have diabetes is a really intriguing one, and the focus of several ongoing clinical trials.”
Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University, said:
“I’ll restrict myself to pointing out a few things about these two studies, which may well all be obvious. I’m writing as a statistician and did not spot any important statistical flaws – but I can’t comment on non-statistical aspects.
“Both studies are only in people who already had type 2 diabetes. I believe there’s been wider interest in whether GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs (GLP-1RAs), such as semaglutide (e.g. Ozempic or Wegovy) might reduce dementia risk, in people who are taking them for other reasons than having diabetes. These studies can’t directly tell us anything about that – though the wider context discussed in the linked editorial by Dr Diana Thiara does make some points about the wider context. That editorial is definitely worth reading to make sense of all this, in my view.
“At first sight it might look like a sort of contradiction that one1 of the studies (Tang et al.) found evidence of a decreased risk of certain dementias in people with type 2 diabetes taking either GLP-1RAs or drugs of another class (SGLT2is) used to lower glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, compared to people with type 2 diabetes taking other glucose-lowering drugs, while the other2 study (Seminer et al.) found no evidence that passed the usual statistical criteria that people with type 2 diabetes taking any of GLP-1RAs, SGLT2is, or another drug called pioglitazone did reduce all-cause dementia. It looks as if one is saying that, in people with type 2 diabetes, taking GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is is associated with reduced dementia risk, and the other is saying that it isn’t associated with reduced dementia risk. But there’s no contradiction, for the following reasons:
The Tang study1 has quite a complicated type of study design (target trial emulation), but that’s still a type of observational study and so cannot completely rule out the possibility that the differences it found in dementia risk are actually caused by something other than the drugs being taken. The Seminer study2 is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials so doesn’t carry the same bias issues about cause and effect.
The comparator (control) treatments were different in the two studies. In the Tang study1, patients taking either GLP-1RAs or SGLT2is were compared with patients taking a different glucose-reducing drug. In the Seminer study2, patients taking the drugs were compared, in each of the RCTs they considered, with patients taking a placebo (that is, something with no active ingredients that otherwise is just like that drug under trial), so not a drug at all.
The two studies were considering different outcome measures. The Tang study1 considered only Alzheimer’s dementia and related dementias. The Seminer study2 included, as its primary outcome, dementia (of any type) or cognitive impairment.
“Therefore the two studies differ in terms of the treatments involved (taking the comparator, control, treatment into account), the type of study design, and the risk of bias. So direct comparison of their findings doesn’t make as much sense as you might think at first. Again, the Thiara editorial makes this all clearer, I think.
“Despite the overall finding of the Seminer2 meta-analysis that the three drug classes that it considered weren’t associated with a reduction in overall risk of dementia or cognitive impairment, on average, compared to controls taking a placebo, they found that GLP-1RAs (considered on their own, leaving out the other drug classes) were associated with a reduction in dementia risk.
“Tang found overall no difference between the risk of Alzheimer disease and related dementias between type 2 diabetes patients taking GLP-1RAs or SGLT2is, but it did find a lower risk in patients taking semaglutide compared to patients taking SGLT2is.
“Though both studies involved large numbers of patients overall, the number of patients who actually had a dementia diagnosis was pretty low, particularly for newer drugs, and the follow-up time was short, given how long it can take for dementias to develop. This is quite a big limitation.”
Dr Richard Oakley, Director of Research and Innovation, Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Last year, the Lancet Commission in Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care – funded by Alzheimer’s Society – highlighted diabetes as one of 14 risk factors for dementia.
“Drugs that lower blood glucose are often used as part of diabetes treatment, and research has shown they might also be effective in reducing dementia risk.
“Whilst both of these studies found a link between GLP-1RAs and reduced dementia risk, only one found SGLT2is, another class of diabetes drug, were also associated with a reduced risk. More research is needed to properly understand how diabetes treatments may lower the risk of dementia, by tracking people for longer, especially as they get older.
“Alzheimer’s Society is interested to hear results from ongoing clinical trials of the GLP-1RA drug semaglutide for people with early Alzheimer’s disease, to learn whether these drugs can slow the course of the disease.”
Comments on just the Tang et al study:
Dr Leah Mursaleen, Head of Clinical Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“This study1 used health records from nearly 400,000 people who had type 2 diabetes who were taking drugs called SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs to control their condition. These drugs are usually taken to lower blood sugar levels in diabetes. The researchers compared these drugs with other standard medications used to manage diabetes to evaluate the risk of developing dementia.
“People who were taking the SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1RA medications appeared to have a decreased risk of developing dementia compared with those taking other diabetes medicines.
“The results from this study support the growing evidence that GLP-1RA and SGLT-2 inhibitors medicines may be linked with a lower risk of developing dementia. We don’t know yet why these medicines may be protective, and will need more research to understand how they are affecting the brain.
“Clinical trials are already looking at the use of these types of drugs, including the EVOKE study, which is testing semaglutide (Ozempic) as a potential treatment for people with early Alzheimer’s.
“While the findings of this study are interesting, it’s important to consider whether any other factors might be influencing the results such as the severity of type 2 diabetes, health, income, and education.”
1: ‘GLP-1RA and SGLT2i Medications for Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias’ byHuilin Tanget al.was published in JAMA Neurology at 16:00 UK time on Monday 7 April 2025.
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.0353
2: ‘Cardioprotective Glucose-Lowering Agents and Dementia Risk A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’ byAllie Semineret al.was published in JAMA Neurology at 16:00 UK time on Monday 7 April 2025.
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.0360
Declared interests
Prof Atticus Hainsworth: “I lead the Vascular Experimental Medicine team within DementiasPlatformUK:
Prof Mark Evans: “I have received personal fees from Medtronic, Ypsomed, Dexcom, Abbott, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Zucara, Pila Pharma and research support from NovoNordisk, this includes a current PhD student who is funded by Novo Nordisk to examine the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between diabetes/ metabolic disease and dementia but does not include examining the effects of therapies. Abbott, Eli Lilly, Sanofi. The University of Cambridge has received salary support for MLE from the National Health Service in the East of England through the Clinical Academic Reserve.”
Prof David Strain: “I have received speaker fees from AstraZeneca (dapagliflozin) and Novo Nordisk (semaglutide). I lead the UK Stakeholders consensus document for the management of diabetes in older adults which the current UK guidelines are based.”
Prof Naveed Sattar “Has consulted for several companies that make diabetes medicines but also contributed to several lifestyle trials.
“For Novo Nordisk: have consulted for company in advisory boards but not on any of their weight loss drug trial committees; am on steering committee for ZEUS trial but this is not a weight loss trial product but anti-inflammatory. Do not have any shares either for any product in health etc.
“N.S. declares consulting fees and/or speaker honoraria from Abbott Laboratories, Afimmune, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and Sanofi; and grant support paid to his university from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Roche Diagnostics.”
Dr Ivan Koychev: “IK has received speaker fees as well as an investigator initiated grant to explore the effects of semaglutide in people at risk for dementia from Novo Nordisk.”
Prof Tara Spires-Jones: “I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.”
Dr Emma Anderson: “I have no conflicts of interest.”
Prof Masud Husain: “I don’t have any conflicts of interest.”
Prof Kevin McConway: “Previously a Trustee of the SMC and a member of its Advisory Committee.”
Dr Richard Oakley: “No conflicts of interest to declare from Richard or the Society.”
Dr Leah Mursaleen: “Leah has no conflicts of interest to declare.”
The Safer Routes to School scheme near Manor Primary School includes school zone road markings, new signs, speed cushions, dropped kerbs at crossings and waiting/loading restrictions in Ettingshall Road and Foster Avenue.
A review of the location showed 2 collisions involving pedestrians at school drop off and pick up times in the last 3 years.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “These measures are in response to calls for action at this location and follow consultation held on the proposals.
“It will improve safety by slowing traffic and ensuring roads near the school are kept free from vehicles parking dangerously.
“Creating a safer environment will encourage more families to walk to school improving healthy lifestyles, cutting carbon emissions and benefitting air quality.”
Work is due to begin on Wednesday 9 April and last about a week. Works prior to the school holidays will be carried out between 9.30am and 2.30pm.
Temporary 3 way traffic signals will be in place on Ettingshall Road on Friday 11 April and 14 April at the Foster Avenue and Nally Drive junctions.
Ettingshall Road will be closed on 15 April between the junctions of Nally Drive and Foster Avenue from 8am to 4.30pm with diversions in place and access to frontages maintained.
Ettingshall Road will also be closed on 16 and 17 April between the same junctions from 8am to 4.30pm with diversions in place and access to frontages maintained.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gabe Vasquez joined Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford, (NV-04) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) to lead every single House Democrat in calling on President Trump to rescind his executive order stripping collective bargaining rights from over 1 million federal employees.The lawmakers highlighted the illegality of the order and called on the President to restore the collective bargaining rights that federal employees are statutorily entitled to.
“Collective bargaining is the strongest tool that workers have available to create a fair workplace,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action strips away those hard-earned rights – which have been upheld by presidents from both parties for decades – from federal workers who keep our country running, including nurses who care for veterans, inspectors who keep our food safe to eat, teachers who educate our children, and so many more.”
“Furthermore, this EO not only undermines the principles of fair labor practices but also threatens the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, jeopardizing the delivery of critical services to the American people,” continued the lawmakers. “The freedom to join a union and collectively bargain is central to achieving the American dream for millions of American workers. This action is the single most anti-worker and anti-union presidential action since Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981, and it must be reversed immediately.”
“We urge you to immediately rescind this harmful, unlawful EO and to reaffirm the rights of federal workers to unionize and collectively bargain. The American people deserve a federal workforce that is protected, respected, and empowered to carry out its duties effectively,” concluded the lawmakers.
While Congress granted the President narrow authorities to exclude some agencies from collective bargaining, those exclusions can only be made if that agency has a primary function in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, and only if the statute cannot be applied “in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.” However, this Administration has made clear that the EO’s exclusions are not based on national security concerns, but instead as retaliation for labor unions defending their members’ rights and making it easier to fire federal employees.
A full copy of the letter can be foundhere. The letter was signed by every single House Democrat.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), and Lucy McBath (GA-06) today sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, expressing deep concern about staff and budget cuts to programs that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families. They also requested an explanation into the Administration’s decision to fire Shawndell Dawson, the Director of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), along with thousands of federal employees whose work focuses on preventing gender-based violence and informing violence prevention efforts.
“The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) program, under the HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is the only federal funding source dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault shelters and programs and is the cornerstone of our nation’s efforts to address domestic and sexual violence,” the lawmakers wrote. “It supports lifesaving services including emergency shelters, counseling, and crisis hotlines- including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which has provided comprehensive, often lifesaving support for over 7 million contacts. There are approximately 2,000 FVSPA-funded community-based domestic violence programs and over 240 tribes and tribal organizations for victims and their children. FVPSA also supports a children’s services program that allows communities to receive targeted training and funding to meet the specific and unique needs of children coping with the impacts of domestic violence.”
“On March 31st, Shawndell Dawson, the Director of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), responsible for administering FVPSA, was placed on administrative leave, leaving OFVPS without the leadership and expertise of someone with more than 28 years of experience in supporting survivors and their families,” the lawmakers continued. “OFVPS plays a unique role in domestic and sexual violence response and prevention, and requires an office dedicated solely to this unique role, led by someone with appropriate expertise. We request your swift response to explain the grounds for this action, and what your plan is to reinstate Director Dawson and limit the negative impact on the Office’s ability to administer FVPSA. We would also like to request a meeting with Katherine Chon, who is currently overseeing the OFVPS.”
“We are also concerned over reports that thousands of federal employees at the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were subject to a reduction in force, including those in the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The Injury Center administers the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliance (DELTA) grants, which are the only federal funds dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and sexual based violence,” the lawmakers concluded. “The center also administers the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, which collects comprehensive data that informs both public health response and violence prevention efforts. These critical programs are evidence based, successful, and require adequate staffing at the CDC to help local grantees to implement their work. We ask that you immediately rescind the reduction in force for these important initiatives, and explain how you will ensure that these programs continue to operate effectively. We would also like to request the contact information for the official who is currently overseeing the CDC Injury Center.”
The Members requested a response to their letter by April 30, 2025.
