The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lake Washington in Glocester due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the lake. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Toxins and/or high cell counts have been detected by the RIDOH State Health Laboratory from water samples collected by the DEM.
Use caution in all areas of Lake Washington. Cyanobacteria can sink or float to control their location in the water column. Other factors such as, wind, rain and wakes from recreational activities can affect the location of a bloom. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)
This week, the Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 – Representative Mike Lawler’s (R-NY-17) bill introduced with Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15) to provide enhanced United States Secret Service protection for former President Trump and Vice President Harris – was signed into law by President Biden. Last week, the legislation passed the Senate unanimously, after unanimously passing the House the previous week.
“I am glad to see my legislation ensuring former President Trump and Vice President Harris have the same level of Secret Service protection as the sitting President is now the law of the land,” said Congressman Lawler. “It should not have taken two assassination attempts against the former President to ensure our presidential candidates have the protection they need.”
“Political violence has no place in our country and its precipitous rise in recent years is deeply disturbing,” Congressman Lawler concluded. “The Enhanced Presidential Security Act will ensure our elections are always determined by ballots, not bullets – something that is vital to our democracy and something that we can all agree on, regardless of party.”
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
GAINESVILLE, FL — This afternoon, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) joined Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) for a visit to the areas in North Central Florida devastated by Hurricane Helene.
The group took an aerial tour of the damage, viewing Cedar Key, Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach, and Steinhatchee from above. Hurricane Helene made landfall last Thursday evening, dumping heavy rain that generated 18 feet of storm surge along the coastal areas in Florida’s Big Bend region.
The congressional leaders stopped in Steinhatchee to view the damage on the ground and to visit with local leaders who have been working around the clock to aid in initial cleanup efforts. The lawmakers also spoke with members of local, state, and national media, sharing important updates about recovery efforts and what more Congress can and should do to help the communities devastated by the storm.
“I’m grateful to Speaker Johnson for visiting some of Florida’s hardest-hit communities today. Seeing the damage and destruction from Hurricane Helene firsthand and hearing directly from the folks who continue to struggle with relief from the federal government was critical, especially because these same communities also endured Hurricane Idalia and Debby in the last 13 months. Some of those very same folks have yet to receive the disaster assistance they applied for,” said Rep. Cammack. “We’re going to continue our efforts to get our region back up and running and I’m grateful for the Speaker’s commitment to this work.”
Speaker Johnson, Rep. Cammack, and Rep. Dunn speak to members of the local, state, and national media about their visit.
Speaker Mike Johnson told members of local, state, and national press during a stop in Steinhatchee: “I think this has been an extraordinary effort by Florida, the state and local officials. It’s just really inspiring to see how well it’s been covered and how much the community is rolling up its sleeves and working together. Here in this community, it would inspire the entire country to see how they’re really banded together. They’re undeterred. This is a very resilient community of people. That’s the best of America. We have this disaster now that’s around the country. We have people in North Carolina still stranded in their homes in the mountains, and people in Georgia and a number of other states that have been terribly affected by this storm. So, Congress is on the ground, the representatives who represent all those districts are there with their constituents, with their people trying to help, and we will do what’s necessary to make sure that Americans are taken care of.”
“North Florida is tough, and the resilience of our communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene continues to inspire. Local leaders, residents, and federal officials have come together with strength and determination, showing the grit and dedication needed to rebuild,” Congressman Neal Dunn said. “I am honored to host Speaker Johnson as we work together, and I am committed to advocating for aid and providing the support our communities need through every step of the recovery process.”
Initial damage estimates from the storm could total over $160B.
For assistance with recovery resources from Hurricane Helene, visit cammack.house.gov or call (352) 505-0838.
North Carolinians May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels
ATLANTA – FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for North Carolinians displaced by Tropical Storm Helene in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.
Individuals and households may be eligible if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency.
Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Pet fees will only be paid up to the approved limit of assistance for individual rooms. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental.
Eligible survivors may stay in participating TSA hotels in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. To locate participating hotels, visit femaemergencyhotels.com/ and enter your FEMA registration number, obtained when you applied for FEMA assistance.
An initial eligibility review will be conducted 60-days after the check-in date. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.
TSA participants may also be eligible for other federal financial help, including Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance and other aspects of the Individual Assistance program.
To apply for assistance, homeowners and renters can:
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
For the latest information on North Carolina’s’ recovery from Hurricane Helene visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
For North Carolinians seeking general information, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for Gaming and Racing
Fans of the Central Coast Mariners FC will continue to enjoy A-League games with less sports betting advertising thanks to a new Reclaim the Game partnership with GambleAware.
Under the new partnership, the Club will turn down sports betting sponsorships and eliminate sports betting advertising at their home games across both the men’s and women’s A-League teams.
The Mariners will also work to educate fans, players and staff about the risks and harms which can arise from gambling.
Reclaim the Game launched in 2020 and has grown to include 19 teams across six codes in NSW. It has reached millions of sports fans, both on TV and in stadiums.
The Mariners, who continue to grow in popularity, particularly off their back-to-back men’s A-League titles over the past two seasons, are the first Central Coast sporting club to sign on for this awareness initiative.
The Central Coast has a high rate of gambling participation and Reclaim the Game will remind fans that they can enjoy watching their team without spending their hard-earned money on betting.
A recent survey conducted by Reclaim the Game suggests that Mariners’ fans are on board with the new partnership. In the survey, 85% of fans agreed that there is too much gambling advertising.
As well as the new Mariners’ partnership, GambleAware has extended its partnerships with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and Cricket NSW which includes Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.
The Minns Labor Government has a strong track record on reducing gambling harm since coming into office, including:
Committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform
Establishing an Independent Panel of experts overseeing a cashless gaming trial
Banning all external gambling signage in venues and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machines
Forbidding political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.
For free and confidential gambling support 24/7 call GambleAware on 1800 858 858.
Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
“Sports betting advertising and sponsorship is just about everywhere. We see it across most codes and many fans don’t know sport without it.
“The NSW Government, through Reclaim the Game, is partnering with sporting clubs to take a stand and challenge the impact that sports betting advertising has on fans.
“All our partners are committed to eliminating sports betting advertising at their home games, and to take action in educating their fans, players and staff about the potential harms of sports betting.
“It’s no secret I’m a big fan of the mighty Mariners, so I am absolutely delighted by this new partnership, which will have a positive impact on the Central Coast.”
Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey said:
“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to promoting a healthy and positive environment in sports, where our players and fans can thrive without the influence of gambling.
“Together, we can create a stronger community and ensure that the joy of the game remains at the forefront.”
About Reclaim the Game:
Reclaim the Game was launched in 2020. 19 teams from six codes are partners in the program:
Rugby League: 1. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Basketball: 3. Illawarra Hawks 4. Sydney Kings 5. Sydney Flames
Football (Soccer): 6. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League men’s) 7. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women’s)
8. Central Coast Mariners (A-League men’s)
9. Central Coast Mariners (A-League women’s)
Cricket: 10. Sydney Sixers (BBL) 11. Sydney Sixers (WBBL) 12. Sydney Thunder (BBL) 13. Sydney Thunder (WBBL) 14. NSW Blues 15. NSW Breakers
Australian Football League (AFL): 16. Sydney Swans (AFL) 17. Sydney Swans (AFLW)
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark S Tremblay, Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine and Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
A recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement recommendations for physical activity, sleep and screen time.(Shutterstock)
Appropriate levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep (collectively termed movement behaviours) are essential for the healthy growth and development of preschool-aged children.
This was the impetus for creating the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (birth to four years). Likewise, this is why the World Health Organization adopted the Canadian guidelines when creating the global guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.
Considering the extensive benefits of movement behaviours, it is very alarming that a recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement behaviour guideline recommendations.
three or more hours of total physical activity (including at least one hour of energetic play or activities that make them slightly out of breath),
one hour or less of screen time, and
10 to 13 hours of good quality sleep
Importantly, preschoolers who meet these guidelines gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills.
Global levels
Preschoolers with healthy movement behaviour habits meeting these guideline recommendations gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills. (Pixabay/Oleksandr Pidvalnyi)
A new global study shows most children around the world don’t meet these guidelines. The study included more than 7,000 preschoolers from 33 different countries, including Canada. The countries represented various World Bank income groups (e.g., high, middle and low income countries); and the geographical regions of Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific.
When looking at each movement behaviour individually for preschoolers around the world, 49 per cent met the physical activity recommendations, 42 per cent met the screen time recommendation, and 81 per cent met the sleep recommendation.
That most young children are not meeting each of these basic recommendations separately is cause for concern; that 86 per cent are not meeting all guideline recommendations combined is alarming and places preschoolers around the world at risk of sub-standard health and development.
Globally, 81 per cent of preschoolers met sleep recommendations. (Shutterstock)
Seventeen per cent of boys met all the guideline recommendations, compared to 13 per cent of girls. This slight difference was driven by more boys meeting the physical activity recommendation (56 per cent boys, 42 per cent girls), and protected from being even worse by more girls meeting the screen time (45 per cent girls, 38 per cent boys) and sleep (82 per cent girls, 79 per cent boys) recommendations.
Better screen time and sleep habits for girls protected their overall movement behaviour adherence from being even worse, showcasing the various paths to health through different movement behaviour combinations. However, the low number meeting all movement behaviour recommendations demonstrates the need for all preschoolers to routinely be more active, reduce screen time and accumulate good quality sleep in a day.
By income
Screen time in the evening is associated with less sleep and lower sleep quality. (Shutterstock)
Low-income countries had the highest movement behaviour guideline adherence levels (17 per cent), compared to middle-income (12 per cent) and high-income (14 per cent) countries.
While children from high-income countries were more active and had more quality sleep, they also had the worst screen time behaviours compared to low- and middle-income countries. It is a double-edged sword that in higher-income countries, children have more access to physical activity opportunities and quality sleep environments, but also more access to screen time devices.
Likewise, middle-income countries with the lowest movement behaviour adherence rates could symbolize a region’s development transition where infrastructure in the homes and communities cannot yet support more physical activity and good quality sleep, but availability of cell phones, televisions and other screens leads to increased sedentary behaviours.
By region
The African and European regions had the highest movement behaviour adherence (24 per cent), while the Americas region had the lowest (eight per cent). With 17 per cent meeting the screen time recommendations and 68 per cent meeting the physical activity recommendations, the Americas region had the worst screen time and best physical activity.
The physical activity levels of the Americas region preschoolers are higher compared to the 39 per cent of older Canadian children and youth as reported in the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. But these older Canadian children and youth did have slightly better, albeit still poor, screen time behaviours with 27 per cent meeting the guidelines.
Sixty-eight per cent of preschool-aged children in the Americas were meeting the physical activity recommendations, compared to only 26 per cent of Southeast Asian children. However, it remains a concern that roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity.
Roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity. (Shutterstock)
Guidance for improvements can be drawn from the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, where the goal of a 15 per cent relative reduction in global physical inactivity rates by 2030 relies on capacity-building collaborations within research organizations and alliances to strengthen our global understanding of movement behaviours.
Along with the best movement behaviours overall, the African region had the best screen time levels with 63 per cent meeting the recommendations. This is potentially explained by limited access to screen time devices.
However, to better understand why screen time behaviours are better in Africa, initiatives like the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Global Matrix project should be used as a model. Within the Global Matrix, region-level differences are an opportunity to learn the strengths of other regions, while addressing regional weaknesses at home.
For instance, Canada could be a model for less active countries, while attempting to model the African region’s reduced screen time lifestyles. Further, projects such as the SUNRISE study — where researchers from more than 70 countries are collaborating to measure preschoolers’ movement behaviours, health and development — are excellent venues for this necessary capacity-building and global learning.
However, health movement behaviour levels in Canada and across the globe are unsatisfactory and forecast further global health challenges, inequalities, and distancing from United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It’s time to get our little ones a little more active.
Mark S Tremblay has received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada for research distally related to this article. He is affiliated with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology who created the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years, under his leadership. He was also on the expert panel for the World Health Organization for the development of the global guidelines cited in the article.
Nicholas Kuzik 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.
What you need to know: The state is decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element following the city’s action breaking state housing law and implementing an illegal shelter ban. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and homelessness funding and means the city can no longer deny “builder’s remedy” affordable housing projects.
SACRAMENTO — Today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has revoked the city’s compliance with housing element law. The Governor’s announcement follows through on his warning to Norwalk, taking swift action to hold the city accountable for its unlawful ban on homeless shelters and other housing.
Without a compliant housing element, the city can no longer deny certain affordable housing projects and is no longer eligible to receive key state housing and homelessness funds. Governor Newsom has also announced that the state may sue the city if they refuse to change course.
“After the state has provided cities and counties with unprecedented funding to address the homelessness crisis, it’s beyond cruel that Norwalk would ban the building of shelters while people are living on the city’s streets. This crisis is urgent, and we can’t afford to stand by as communities turn their backs on those in need. No more excuses—every city, including Norwalk, must do its part and follow state housing laws.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Norwalk’s failure to build housing
Creating more housing is key to addressing affordability and homelessness in California. All cities are required by state law to develop a housing plan to ensure that they are planning for enough affordable housing for their community. Norwalk has failed to meet its housing goals, and now has violated state law by banning shelter and other housing for those experiencing and at risk of homelessness despite its failure to build enough housing. The city has only issued permits for 175 units during this housing element cycle, a mere 3.5% of its 5,034 assigned Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), or the number of units required to ensure its community has enough housing.
The action by HCD to revoke Norwalk’s housing element compliance will speed up development in the community and incentivize the city to end its unlawful ban on housing so that residents have the housing they need.
“The City of Norwalk’s actions have placed them in violation of state housing law, and therefore their housing element is no longer in compliance,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “Our Housing Accountability Unit provided the city clear guidance—with full transparency on what our next steps would be if they did not repeal this egregious ordinance. Instead of working to correct their missteps, they dug in their heels and are now ineligible for key funding and subject to the builder’s remedy.”
Norwalk’s failure to address homelessness
Norwalk has taken overt actions to block access to homeless support, shelter, and housing – despite having accepted nearly $29 million in state housing and homelessness funds. On August 6, the city adopted a 45-day urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on emergency shelters, single-room occupancy housing, supportive housing, and transitional housing.
The state issued a Notice of Violation on September 16. On September 17, the council voted to extend the ordinance another 10 months and 15 days. Even after the state granted the city an extension to respond to its Notice of Violation, Norwalk failed to repeal the ordinance or put into place any action that would set the repeal in motion. Although city council members expressed an intent not to immediately enforce the moratorium, there is no formal stay or anything that would prevent the city from enforcing the moratorium as soon as it wishes, and the city has refused to commit to repealing it in the near future.
The moratorium violates several state planning and fair housing laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, the Anti-Discrimination in Land Use Law, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and the Housing Element Law.
More housing. More accountability.
Since taking office, Governor Newsom has provided local communities with unprecedented funding, investing over $40 billion to boost housing and more than $27 billion to address homelessness. Norwalk issued the ordinance only weeks after Governor Newsom issued an executive order that, among other things, urges local governments to use this funding provided by the state to address unsanitary and dangerous encampments within their communities and provide people experiencing homelessness in the encampments with the care, housing, and supportive services they need.
The notice was issued by HCD’s Housing Accountability Unit, which was launched by Governor Newsom in 2021 to ensure that cities and counties fulfill legal responsibilities to plan for and permit their fair share of housing, and to hold accountable those that fail to do so. This focus on accountability has in part led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the unit has supported the development of more than 7,500 housing units, including more than 2,700 affordable housing units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. In 2024, the unit was expanded to include a focus on homelessness issues – including compliance with state laws as they relate to homeless housing. The action against Norwalk is its first homelessness accountability action since its expansion.
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What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a new project in San Francisco that will transform a dated Department of Motor Vehicles building into a mixed use building with a modern DMV office paired with 372 new homes, including homes dedicated to low-income families. The site was identified as part of the Governor’s executive order directing agencies to identify state properties that could be used to create affordable housing for Californians.
SAN FRANCISCO – Continuing California’s commitment to build more affordable housing across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the redevelopment of an existing San Francisco DMV Field Office site into a multi-use transit-friendly complex with affordable housing and a new DMV Field Office. The current DMV site was constructed in 1960 and does not comply with updated health and safety code specifications, nor does it meet DMV requirements.
After this transformation, the complex is expected to include approximately 372 homes with a range of affordability levels located in the city center near amenities and transportation.
“We will continue to use all our tools to create more affordable housing throughout California — including by converting underutilized state property into homes. I’m particularly proud of this site for bringing affordable housing to the heart of San Francisco in a diverse and thriving neighborhood.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Located at the DMV’s San Francisco Field Office located on 1377 Fell Street, this project will serve as a model for future conversions across the state.
The state-owned property is centrally located between the Lower Haight, NoPa, Buena Vista, and Alamo Square neighborhoods, and in proximity to a mixture of residential, entertainment, and visitor-serving amenities including the Haight-Ashbury and Divisadero retail districts. The site is in an EPA-designated Highly Walkable area and within half a mile of a Major Transit Stop.
“This first of its kind project, combining housing with a new DMV Field Office, represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to reimagine spaces for affordable housing,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso. “DGS is pleased to take part in this mixed-use development project that will deliver a modern new DMV office while providing hundreds of affordable housing units to support San Franciscans.”
The Department of General Services (DGS), Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have selected The Related Companies of California and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation to lead redevelopment.
“This is a unique opportunity to transform and modernize a public-facing government facility while adding new, permanent affordable housing in a region with critical need,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “I am hopeful this project can inform similar out-of-the-box thinking for communities statewide on how we can maximize use of public land for the benefit of the people.”
How we got here
In 2019, Governor Newsom issued an executive order calling on HCD and DGS to address the state’s affordable housing crisis by identifying underutilized state-owned sites for the development of affordable housing, taking into account factors such as proximity to job centers, amenities, and public transit.
Creating affordable housing for all Californians
Since taking office, Governor Newsom has invested $40 billion in housing production and enacted dozens of CEQA reforms into law. The state has also invested more than $27 billion to help communities address homelessness.
In July 2024, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to support efforts to transform undeveloped and underutilized infill sites and buildings into housing. This order helps communities build thriving downtown cores and new housing near transportation hubs and job centers — creating more housing options for Californians while further aligning the state’s housing and climate goals.
In addition, Governor Newsom championed the creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at HCD to ensure cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing.
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Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: Are you surprised the conflict in the Middle East is escalating?
A: It’s been one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel, when the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched its brutal assault killing 1,200 people, systematically raping women and taking 250 people hostage, including Americans. Among those taken hostage were elderly people and infants. At least ninety-seven hostages are still believed to be alive in captivity, including two children. Throughout the last year, I’ve worked to keep up the public pressure for their safe return home. Tragically, a month ago, Hamas murdered six Israeli hostages, including an American with dual citizenship. In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic fourth appearance before a joint session of Congress. He spoke about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and underscored the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel, the only democracy and our most trusted ally in the Middle East.
For 12 months, Israel has been fighting Hamas in the Gaza strip, where the terrorist group has embedded itself among the civilian population, urging Gazans not to comply with evacuation warnings, using schools and hospitals as military bases and a United Nations headquarters to provide power to its network of terror tunnels. In response to 11 months of constant missile attacks that have forced 68,000 Israelis to flee their homes, Israel recently launched military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both fronts underscore the danger of appeasement pushed by the Obama and Biden administrations. Iran’s military and financial support for terrorist groups has one goal: to wipe the Jewish people and the State of Israel off the face of the Earth. Israel must be able to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its proxies and I have supported military aid to uphold U.S. leadership for peace in the world.
Earlier this year, I condemned action by the Biden administration to block or restrict the supply of U.S. ammunition and weapons to Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security and long-term prosperity must be upheld. Terrorism has no place at home or abroad. That’s also why I’ve called upon the Biden-Harris administration to secure our southern border. The open border policies of this administration are putting national security at risk. Hamas and Hezbollah fighters could take advantage of the lax enforcement at our southern border to plan an attack on U.S. soil. The number one responsibility of the federal government is national security. Complacency is not an option. Peace through strength works. The United States must not bow to our adversaries, such as approving reckless nuclear agreements with Iran. Most recently, I joined dozens of my Senate colleagues to condemn proposals that would strip Israel’s right to self defense. As we observe the one-year anniversary of the barbaric attacks against Jewish civilians, America and the community of nations must stand shoulder to shoulder to support Israel’s sovereignty and unite against terrorists plotting to destroy the historic homeland of the Jewish people.
Q: How are you working to stop antisemitism surging on college campuses?
A: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I shined a bright light on the rise of antisemitism in the United States during a congressional hearing convened in September. The hearing examined the rising tide of hate crimes in America. Shortly after the attacks last year, I called upon the Biden administration to enforce anti-discrimination laws and protect Jewish students on our college campuses. Since the Oct. 7 attacks, antisemitic threats have spiked, including violent protests, campus encampments and barricades inside of school buildings. Some schools canceled commencement ceremonies to protect public safety. Reports of antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses surged 700 percent in the last year. Enough is enough.
In April, I co-sponsored the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act to help combat antisemitic harassment on college campuses. For decades, I have been a staunch defender of free speech on campus, and our bill would help clarify when lawful speech crosses the line into unlawful harassment in violation of federal law. Before the new school year started, I also co-sponsored legislation that would direct universities and the federal Department of Education to immediately address civil rights complaints if a student experiences violence or harassment on campus because of their heritage. It shouldn’t take an act of Congress for academic leaders to protect students and combat antisemitic hate on their campuses. Our Restoring Civility on Campus Act would hold universities and the U.S. Department of Education accountable to meet their legal obligation to stop discrimination and protect Jewish students on campus. Schools that neglect to address on-campus harassment and violent confrontations towards Jewish students are in violation of federal law. Our bill would strengthen processes for reporting and handling hate-motivated crimes. History shows why the world must have zero tolerance for antisemitism.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 3, 2024.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Fueled by favorable policies, China’s residential real estate market witnessed an uptick in inquiries and viewings over the first three days of the National Day holiday. Experts have predicted a country-wide market revival marked by increased transactions, with first-tier cities leading the trend.
They said recent policy adjustments that eased restrictions on leveraging, along with previous measures such as ensuring the delivery of pre-sale properties and the 300 billion yuan ($42.7 billion) loan to State-owned enterprises for affordable housing projects, are crucial for stabilizing the market. However, further support from the central bank may still be required to sustain the momentum.
“Our phones rang non-stop the day new policies were announced, as they captured the attention of numerous potential homebuyers,” said Wu Libin, sales manager at house-letting agency 5i5j in Beijing, adding that inquiries are still coming in.
Another sales manager in Beijing E-Town told Beijing News on Tuesday that transactions worth 125 million yuan had been completed and more than 100 families had visited the development area since Beijing announced its policies on Monday.
There was a rush of inquiries elsewhere too. In Guangzhou, Guangdong province, a housing sales center in Liwan district extended its office hours and stayed open throughout the night following Guangzhou’s policy announcement on Sunday.
By Monday noon, the number of visitors to the sales center had surged by 200 percent compared to usual levels, according to Jimu News. A staff member surnamed Liu said while some buyers jumped at the chance to buy following the policy announcement, others had opted for a wait-and-watch approach.
Shenzhen in Guangdong province and Shanghai also reported a rise in the number of visitors to various sales offices. Latest data from a research center of realty agency Leyoujia revealed a nearly 40 percent surge in pre-owned home transactions at Leyoujia sales centers on Monday compared to the previous day — the highest since February 2021. New home transactions also hit a two-year high. Xinmin Evening News revealed that multiple sales offices in Shanghai are fully booked for house viewings next week.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said on Sunday that cities, especially first-tier cities, should utilize policies and adjust housing purchase restrictions based on local conditions.
The same day, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen all made significant policy changes. Shanghai streamlined its purchase restrictions, notably reducing the threshold and initial payment costs. Among first-tier cities, Guangzhou was the first to completely remove home purchase restrictions. Shenzhen also lifted such restrictions in several areas.
On Monday, Beijing also announced measures such as further reducing interest rates on existing housing loans and lowering the minimum down payment for personal housing loans.
Yan Yuejin, vice-president of the Shanghai-based E-House China R&D Institute, said the new policies in the four major cities, in conjunction with financial policies from the People’s Bank of China, are timely, precise and comprehensive, playing a positive role in stabilizing the real estate market.
“All of the four first-tier cities have modified their purchase restrictions in response to new market demands, continuously optimizing relevant policies to better support the release of reasonable housing consumption demands. Other cities nationwide are expected to follow suit, indicating a period of comprehensive policy relaxation,” Yan said.
“China’s real estate market is anticipated to witness a wave of transactions in the fourth quarter, potentially seeing a favorable trend of both increased sales volume and prices.”
Charlie Zheng, chief economist at Samoyed Cloud Technology Group Holdings, took a more cautious stance. He said that while the property market had previously experienced an overall decline in sales, the introduction of positive policies could halt this trend in cities particularly with strong demand and population influxes. However, a combined effort of existing policies and potentially further increased loan support from the central bank could be necessary for a nationwide rebound in the realty market in the future.
Over the years, it has been the subject of controversy about potential misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. There has also been variation in levels of diagnosis and drug prescription, depending on where you live and your socioeconomic status.
To address these concerns and improve consistency in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has released a new prescribing guide. This will help the health-care workforce to consistently get the right treatment to the right people, with the right mix of medical and non-medical supports.
Here’s how ADHD prescribing has changed over time and what the new guidelines mean.
What is ADHD and how is it treated?
Up to one in ten young Australians experience ADHD. It is diagnosed due to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that has negative effects at home, school or work.
Psychostimulant medication is a central pillar of ADHD treatment.
However, the internationally recognised approach is to combine medicines with non-medical interventions in a multimodal approach. These non-medical interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, educational strategies and other supports.
Medication use has changed over time
In Australia, Ritalin (methylphenidate) was originally the most prescribed ADHD medication. This changed in the 1990s after the introduction of dexamphetamine, along with the subsequent availability of Vyvance (lisdexamfetamine).
Perhaps the most significant change has come with “slow release” versions of the above medications that can last more than eight hours (longer than a school day).
When following clinical guidelines, prescribing medication for ADHD is safe practice. Yet the use of amphetamines to treat young people with ADHD has caused public concern. This highlights the importance of consistent guidelines for prescribing professionals.
Medication for ADHD can be combined with other non-drug approaches. Caleb Woods/Unsplash
Growth in diagnosis and prescribing
Starting from low levels, there was a dramatic rise in diagnosis and drug treatment in the 1990s. Much of this was overseen by a small number of psychiatrists and paediatricians in each state or territory. While this promised the potential of consistency in the early days, it also raised concerns about best practice.
This led to the development of the first ADHD clinical guidelines by the National Medical Health and Research Council in 1997.
It was followed by several refinements as prescription expanded due to changing diagnostic criteria (expanding to include a dual diagnosis with autism) and the need for best practice with the growing prescription by GPs. These guidelines enhanced the consistency of approaches nationally and reduced the likelihood of misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis.
However, a recent Senate inquiry found diagnosis and drug treatment continued to grow substantially in the five years to 2022. It emphasised the need for a more consistent approach to diagnosis and prescribing.
First the ingredients, then the recipe
The most recent clinical guidelines, released by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association in 2022, outlined a roadmap for ADHD clinical practice, research and policy. They did so by drawing on the lived experience of those with ADHD. They also emphasised broader health questions, such as how to respond to ADHD as a holistic condition.
It remains difficult to predict individual responses to different medication. So the new prescribing guide offers practical advice about safe and responsible prescribing. This aims to reduce the potential for incorrect prescribing, dosing and adjusting of ADHD medication, across different age groups, settings and individuals.
To put this visually, the clinical guidelines describe what the ingredients of the cake should be, while the prescribing guidelines provide step-by-step recipes.
So what do they recommend?
An important principle in both these documents is that medication should not be the first and only treatment. Not every drug works the same way for every child. In some cases they do not work at all.
The possible side effects of medication vary and include poor appetite, sleep problems, headaches, stomach aches, moodiness and irritability. These guidelines assist in adapting medication to reduce these side effects.
Medication provides an important window of opportunity for many young people to gain maximum value from psychosocial and psychoeducational supports. These supports can, among others, include:
Support for ADHD can also include parent training. This is not to suggest parents cause ADHD. Rather, they can support more effective treatment, especially since the rigours of ADHD can be a challenge to even the “perfect” parent.
However, the message from these new guidelines is that ADHD diagnosis is a complex process that takes a specialist at least three hours. Online sources might be useful to prompt people to seek help, but diagnosis should come from a qualified health-care professional.
Finally, while we have moved beyond unhelpful past debate about whether ADHD is real to consolidate best diagnostic and prescribing practice, there is some way to go in reducing stigma and changing negative community attitudes to ADHD.
Hopefully in future we’ll be better able to cherish diversity and difference, and not just see it as a deficit.
Brenton Prosser is a Board Member of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia and affiliated with the School of Population Health at UNSW.
Headline: Get on board: make this summer your safest boating season yet
Published: 4 October 2024
Released by: Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Minister for Transport
NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have joined forces on NSW waterways, calling on the public to put safety first this boating season, which begins this Labour Day long weekend.
With a hot summer predicted, the state’s water rescue agencies are on high alert for a busy boating season ahead.
The start of the boating season aligns with National Safe Boating Week, a week long initiative with a focus on lifejacket wear, care and servicing. All boaters are encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, make sure everybody on board is wearing one, and remember it can only save your life if you’re wearing it.
Over the last five years, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities on Hunter waterways, with nine of those found to not be wearing a lifejacket.
Statewide, there were 61 coastal drownings along the state’s coastline last financial year, with life savers undertaking 4,489 surf rescues.
Leading into the season launch NSW Maritime kicked off the school holidays with Operation Get On Board, a two-day statewide safety and education blitz to help boaters prepare for the months ahead on the water.
NSW Maritime has conducted 33,265 vessel safety checks in the Hunter over the past five years.
While the majority of boaters have been doing the right thing, the top 3 offences in the Hunter over the last five years have been:
License offences or unregistered vessels – 1478
Lifejacket non-compliance – 1239
Improper or no safety equipment on board – 969
All boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before spending a day on the water.
Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. It is quick and easy to Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.
“New South Wales is the best place in the world to get out on the water, but popular waterways are busy waterways and we have to work hard to remind every skipper and their passengers safe.
“Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so give them a proper once over and check all your safety gear is on board before you set out on the water.
“Last summer, Boating Safety Officers carried out around 35,000 vessel safety checks across the state and lifejacket non-compliance was the number one offence, accounting for 30 per cent.
“Sadly, there have been six boating related fatalities this financial year, and five of whom were not wearing a lifejacket.
“A lifejacket can only save you if you’re wearing it. So if you step into a boat, pop on a lifejacket. It’ll keep you safe.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said:
“Police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and will not tolerate any dangerous and anti-social behaviour this boating season.
“Officers will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits.
“We want everyone to get home safely, so we remind skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel – it is vital that everyone has a fitted lifejacket, as it could save a life.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“As the weather warms up and people flock back to our waterways, it’s important that boat users check they have enough life jackets on board and make sure their vessels are seaworthy.
“Our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dedicate their time to keeping water users safe, and communities need to do their bit by logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW so volunteers know they are on the water.”
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Once a young boy from Brooklyn, petty officer first class Jamal Thompson’s journey began with the dreams of his Guyanese parents who sought freedom, democracy, and prosperity in New York City. As he grew up, he found solace in the cheers for the New York Yankees and the rhythm of music from Nas. Venturing south to Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia, he not only found love in meeting his future spouse, but also discovered his calling by joining the U.S. Navy. Fast forward seven years, Brooklyn’s finest, Thompson, stood tall as he was honored with the prestigious title of the 2023 U.S. Navy Sailor of the Year (S.O.Y.) for Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73) in Singapore. Equipped with a no-nonsense New York state of mind, Thompson was unanimously recognized as S.O.Y. by senior leaders for operating as a personified Swiss Army knife, successfully balancing five jobs simultaneously in a single calendar year. “I’m honored to be the CTF-73 Sailor of the Year, yet, I take more pride in serving and caring for my Sailors,” said Thompson. “Whether it is ensuring their award recognition or helping them achieve their goals, I’m there to serve and support. Whether their ambitions are to be a chief petty officer, a commissioned officer, or to transition to the corporate world, I take pride in helping junior personnel reach their professional goals, whether in the Navy or after.” Thompson practices what he preaches, as in 2023, he operated as second in command for CTF-73’s human resources (admin) department, where he approved hundreds of urgent travel claims for personnel. He also served as a victim’s advocate for the command’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program while operating as the then-elected president of the non-profit first class petty officer association (FCPOA). Thompson continued setting the example by also leading weekly early morning group fitness sessions for fellow Sailors and Marines through a program called Sailor 360, and stood over 100 hours of security watch — often on nights and weekends. “Sailor 360 coordinator is my favorite collateral duty because I can impact the entire command with just 30 minutes of morning fitness,” said Thompson. “It’s a great way to let our hair down because of the physicality of the workouts before we all start the workday. I never waste anyone’s time because I truly enjoy helping co-workers improve themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.” The six-foot four Brooklynite who grew up in a predominantly Caribbean-cultured household, credits his unmatched work ethic to his upbringing and “humble beginnings, where I saw a lot of people financially struggle,” he said. According to the American Forces Network (AFN), Thompson is among the approximately 19 percent of Hispanic Americans currently serving in the Armed Forces today. Cuban-born Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro echoed this year’s theme, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together’, when he said, “Hispanic Americans have had a profound and positive influence on our country. As we discover more of these stories and honor their ultimate impact, we enrich our understanding and strengthen our collective identity.” Thompson identifies as Guyanese-American or Afro-Latino, with his collective South American, Caribbean, and North American identities making him the man he is today. A man whose profound influence is strengthening the U.S. Navy by investing in his fellow Sailors in Southeast Asia. When Thompson isn’t juggling multiple roles, he says he likes to enjoy the sights and tastes of Singapore with his spouse and young children because “it reminds me of home with the train system and the melting pot of different cultures. You can walk the streets of downtown and hear countless different languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, French, Japanese, or English. Singapore feels a lot like New York.” Thompson says he also enjoys the Lion City’s spicy Indian cuisine as it “reminds me of the food I ate growing up like Roti and Chicken Curry,” he said. While Thompson is more than 15,000 kilometers from the Big Apple and over 17,000 kilometers from South America, he says childhood lessons from his heritage are always with him, regardless of his geographic location. Thompson says he was taught, “Haz con los demás, lo que te gustaría que te hicieran a ti, or in other words, ’Just pay it forward.’ We don’t need to backstab or belittle to get ahead in the workplace. If you continue to work hard to the best of your ability, everything will work itself out.” Thompson is living proof of how the U.S. Navy is strengthened by the diversity and inclusion of our people from the rich tapestry of the United States. Thompson plans to continue his humble servant-style leadership at his forthcoming duty station in Spain where he aspires to promote to the rank of chief petty officer. For more information on Sailors and Marines like Thompson serving in Singapore, visit https://www.clwp.navy.mil/
Excellencies, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the IMF, and welcome to the eleventh annual Michel Camdessus Lecture—our signature lecture series on central banking.
Let me also welcome our speaker today: the President of the European Central Bank, Madame Christine Lagarde. Christine’s extraordinary professional standing and personal charisma have earned her remarkable prominence, respect and admiration all over the world. She needs no introduction — least so here, at the IMF. Welcome home, Christine!
During your years at the helm you led the Fund through turbulent times — the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, and the Euro area sovereign debt crisis.
And you steered the Fund to adapt to a changing world — by broadening the institution’s perspective on the macro-criticality of inequality, governance, gender, and climate; and by making sure the quotas reform is advanced, so the Fund can better represent its membership. During COVID the social spending floors introduced in 2018 made a material difference in Fund support to the membership.
I am immensely grateful for the fortune to come after you and advance your legacy. I am also a direct beneficiary of your relentless pursuit of breaking new ground for women — first woman-chair at Baker McKenzie, first woman-Minister of Economy and Finance in France, first woman-Managing Director of the Fund, first woman-President of the ECB. I can vouch from experience that when you break the glass ceiling it is so much easier for the next woman to come!
Of course, another indelible mark you left at the Fund is the creation of the Michel Camdessus Lecture series!
So, on behalf of all of us here today: thank you for your friendship, leadership, and exceptional contributions to our entire membership. And thank you for gifting us the Camdessus Lecture series and coming to give one today.
Cautious Optimism about a Soft Landing
Before I turn the floor to you, let me briefly reflect on developments in the world since last year’s Camdessus Lecture.
This has been a year of determined action of central banks — of synchronized tightening of monetary policy to address the surge of global inflation. Not popular, but necessary.
Despite of it, inflation remained stubbornly high and it generated in some places concern about the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Fast forward to today, and we are clearly in a better place.
Inflation has declined significantly, to or near target in many economies. It is the result of resolute actions of central banks, as well as fading supply shocks. The forces of monetary policy transmission have re-asserted themselves in the end.
We are in a better place, but we can’t be complacent. First, in many countries, services inflation is persistent, and inflation could yet tip upwards.
Second, in more shock-prone environment, we simply don’t know what surprise may hide around the corner. Since COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has become clear central banks need to scan the horizon beyond monetary and financial sector developments.
Above all, as we know central bankers face a balancing act. They must ensure that inflation sustainably returns to target — and remain there — while avoiding the risk of excessively tight policies. This is particularly important in a world faced with a low growth/high debt conundrum.
Yet, we can be reasonably confident we have entered the “last mile” in the fight against inflation, allowing most central banks to enter an easing cycle—with ECB in June and the Fed this week marking the most important developments.
Over the last year at the Fund we have been on the side of the “softlanders” — a win against inflation without a sharp global downturn. In fact, while clearly weaker than we would want, economic activity has been remarkably resilient: we are projecting global growth to be more than 3 percent this and next year.
Structural shifts and Monetary Policy
So what next? The fight against inflation has come against the backdrop of four and a half years of extraordinary challenges for central banks.
And while inflation is retreating, rates are going down and recession appears unlikely, challenges will abound. We are living in a more shock-prone world, a world in which geopolitical considerations turn into geo-economic fragmentation, and a world of tremendous structural shifts due to the green and digital transformation.
In this new world, central banks must be vigilant to the potential for shocks to unleash powerful inflationary forces and create difficult tradeoffs.
And they must grapple with ongoing structural changes in the financial sector and the broader economy.
We must urgently invest in understanding how the growing importance of non-bank financial institutions could affect the transmission of monetary policy and create new tradeoffs between price and financial stability.
As you do in ECB (and we do at the Fund), we need to recognize the rapid increase of climate-related financial stability risks and the tremendous growth and jobs potential of greening the economy.
We must manage the gains and the disruptions of AI, which could provide a major impetus to productivity growth but also increase inequality if not accompanied by supportive policies. And we need to monitor how further advances in digitalization transform the financial landscape. Digital assets, including central bank digital currencies, stand out as potential game changers.
Last but not least, the conduct of fiscal policy is and will remain relevant to the job of central bankers — complicated by the higher levels of public debt.
Christine, in such a rapidly changing environment, your lecture on structural shifts and monetary policy could not be more timely.
With your exceptional career, you are uniquely positioned to consider the future of monetary policy strategies and toolkits, both conventional and unconventional.
You have often said that your experience as an elite athlete in the French synchronized swim team helped define your managerial style. You have embraced collaborative leadership. You value discipline, endurance and strategic planning.
And you always act with grace under pressure. These are all essential qualities for a central banker — especially one blessed to do the job in such interesting times!
We look forward to hearing your insights on “Setbacks and Strides Forward: Structural Shifts and Monetary Policy in the Twenties.”
A washer and dryer combined into one hassle free, space efficient machine with large capacity, along with various AI features that enhances users’ lifestyles
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – September 30, 2024 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has just announced that it is launching the Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo in New Zealand. First introduced at IFA 2023 in Berlin, the all-in-one washer and dryer combo is set to redefine laundry experiences by combining a washer and a dryer into a single space efficient appliance that finishes the wash and dry cycle in one queue. The Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo also leverages advanced AI, and a 7” display to provide an easy, entertaining laundry experience.
All-in-One Laundry Solution for a Hassle-free Laundry Experience
Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo seamlessly integrates a washer and dryer into a single unit while performing as effectively as two separate machines by utilising Samsung’s BubbleWash and Heatpump Drying Technology. It can provide an efficient and space-saving laundry solution.
First, as it combines two machines into one, it eliminates the hassle for customers to move the laundry after washing. Users that wait for their laundry cycles to finish to immediately move it to the dryer to prevent odours, are allowed more flexible use of their time. Users can also save their valuable space, enabling users to take advantage of the freed-up space for their interior needs while enjoying benefits of a washer and a dryer at the same time.
Moreover, the Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo provides the large capacity of 18kg of washing and 10kg of drying, which makes better use of advantages of an All-in-One design. The big drum size is large enough to load even a king-sized comforter, and lots of clothes into a single load as well. Users now can spend less time in the laundry room and can enjoy more time outside.
Elevating the Laundry Experience at Home with AI
A key feature of the Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo is the AI Wash & Dry,[2] which revolutionises laundry efficiency. This advanced system uses a range of sensors to optimise both washing and drying for each load, freeing users from having to contemplate over the optimal settings for each cycle. Upon sensing the weight of the laundry, it accurately dispenses the right amount of water and detergent. It also detects the fabric and monitors the level of soiling during the cycle, and adjusts washing time and detergent use accordingly. After the wash cycle, the technology customises the drying process based on the weight and fabric,[3] ensuring excellent cleaning and drying results. With AI Wash & Dry, users benefit from a thorough, more efficient[4] and personalised laundry experience.
The Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo offers an enhanced user experience with the intuitive 7” wide LCD display that serves as a central control hub for laundry, and moreover the entire home. With a wide display, it delivers substantial information about the laundry starting with course details, remaining amount of detergent, and energy consumption. When showing courses, the combo uses machine learning to remember user habits and recommend cycles[5] based on periodic and seasonal needs.[6] When the course is finished, it provides an energy and water consumption report that can be viewed on the LCD display or in the SmartThings App.[7] Additionally, users have clear view of the 3D Map View, which shows all connected appliances[8] within the home and enables users to seamlessly monitor and turn them on/off. Users can check if the air conditioner is on, or get the robot vacuum cleaner to start cleaning, all while they are in the laundry room.
Availability
The Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo will be available in New Zealand from 23rd September 2024.
For more information on Samsung refrigerators and other home appliances, please visit Samsung.com.
1 Does not mean all services available on the product are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry, Voice enabled with Bixby utilise AI-based algorithms, which be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.
2 Detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.
3 To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.
4 Based on AI-based algorithm and internal testing using the AI Wash & Dry cycle on an IEC 8lb load. A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 8lbs and under. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
5 Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App.
6 Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App.
7 The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
8 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Users must use the same log-in account between devices
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at samsung.com/nz/news/.
This email (including any attachments) is intended solely for the named addressee(s), and is proprietary and confidential. Any use, copying, retention, publication or disclosure by any person other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify Samsung, delete the email from your computer system and destroy any copies that you may have made. Unless otherwise stated, this email communication does not represent the views of Samsung.
[1] Does not mean all services available on the product are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry, Voice enabled with Bixby utilise AI-based algorithms, which be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.
[2] Detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.
[3] To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.
[4] Based on AI-based algorithm and internal testing using the AI Wash & Dry cycle on an IEC 8lb load. A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 8lbs and under. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
[5] Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App.
[6] Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App.
[7] The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
[8] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Users must use the same log-in account between devices.
BNZ says “To celebrate the BNZ Kāhu making women’s sporting history, it’s our shout.”
New Zealand, 1 October 2024 – Less than a week before women’s basketball season tips off, in a bid to increase access to the hotly contested Tauihi season, BNZ has announced that BNZ Kāhu fans attending regular-season home games in Auckland and Whangārei won’t have to pay for general admission tickets.
Last week, the championship franchise revealed BNZ Kāhu’s all-female ownership team of Jo Caird, Jody Cameron, “Georgie” Paula George, Rachel Howard, and Dani Marshall, making New Zealand’s top women’s basketball team the first sports team in the world to be fully owned, managed, and coached by women.
“The feedback we have been getting from across Aotearoa New Zealand has been extraordinary. Our mission is to celebrate and grow our passionate community of fans by making women’s sports more accessible and family-friendly,” says co-owner Jo Caird.
“That all starts at home, where we want our fans to turn Eventfinda Stadium and Whangārei McKay Stadium Kensington into our fortresses. And what better way than a sold-out stadium stacked with screaming BNZ Kāhu fans,” says co-owner “Georgie” Paula George.
Starting this Sunday, when BNZ Kāhu hosts Dunedin’s Southern Hoiho for the first game of the season, BNZ Kāhu fans will be “shouted” their tickets by the team’s naming sponsor, Bank of New Zealand.
“We were already absolutely stoked to have BNZ as a key partner and supporter. And we were committed to welcoming overlooked communities and reimagining the possibilities. Turning that commitment into a reality is so much easier when you have partners like the team at BNZ who believe with you,” says co-owner Dani Marshall.
“It’s an absolute no-brainer,” says BNZ’s Executive Corporate and Institutional Banking Penny Ford.
“What better way to celebrate this groundbreaking team of leaders than by giving them and the brilliant players they support a home stadium filled with passionate fans – all season long,” she says.
BNZ Kāhu fans who have already purchased general admission tickets will have the option to refund their purchase price or transfer that purchase into admission into a brand-new Kāhu Supporters Club.
“Those early bird ticket holders will be some of our most passionate fans. We can’t wait to see them on Sunday,” says co-owner and coach Jody Cameron.
General Admission tickets to six BNZ Kāhu regular-season home games will be available for free at http://www.eventfinda.co.nz starting Tuesday 1 October.
Sunday 6 October – BNZ Kāhu hosts Southern Hoiho at Eventfinda Stadium
Friday 25 October – BNZ Kāhu hosts Mainland Pouākai at Eventfinda Stadium
Thursday 31 October – BNZ Kāhu hosts Whai at Eventfinda Stadium
Saturday 9 November – BNZ Kāhu hosts Mainland Pouākai at Eventfinda Stadium
Thursday 14 November – BNZ Kāhu hosts Tokomanawa Queens at Eventfinda Stadium
Sunday 8 December – BNZ Kāhu hosts Tokomanawa Queens at McKay Stadium Kensington (Whangārei).
The offshore renewable energy sector presents a generational economic opportunity for Canada, with the global offshore wind market alone forecast to attract one trillion dollars in investment by 2040. Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, is working to seize this unprecedented economic opportunity and create jobs for Atlantic Canadians.
October 3, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
The offshore renewable energy sector presents a generational economic opportunity for Canada, with the global offshore wind market alone forecast to attract one trillion dollars in investment by 2040. Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, is working to seize this unprecedented economic opportunity and create jobs for Atlantic Canadians.
Today, Bill C-49: An Act to amend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, received Royal Assent. Developed in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, this legislation will help unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy, to generate thousands of jobs while attracting billions in investment and creating new economic opportunities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
By harnessing the world-class wind resources in the Atlantic offshore, we are positioning Canada as the leading supplier of clean energy, including the clean hydrogen countries like Germany are looking to buy, while continuing to decarbonize our electricity grids here at home. This legislation advances the priorities identified through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, including seizing the opportunity clean energy presents.
The Government of Canada is working with the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop offshore renewable energy resources, enabling the provinces to capitalize on their existing strengths and accelerate offshore wind development safely and responsibly. Nova Scotia has already adopted mirror legislation, with Newfoundland and Labrador expected to do the same in the coming weeks.
Canadian workers and businesses are well positioned to seize the enormous economic opportunity clean energy presents, in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Today’s legislation underscores Canada’s commitment to deliver prosperity, create new clean energy opportunities, strengthen the economy, create thousands of jobs and better protect Canada’s environment.
Quotes
“Bill C-49 enables Atlantic Canada to seize the generational economic opportunity presented by offshore renewable energy. It will strengthen the economy, enable the creation of thousands of jobs and attract billions in investments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. These opportunities would not have been possible without the close collaboration of the Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, Andrew Furey and Tim Houston, and Atlantic Canada’s Members of Parliament, who fought and delivered for the people of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Bill C-49 is important to Nova Scotia meeting its offshore wind targets. Investors are lining up to harness our wind power and produce clean energy for green hydrogen and other uses. Now that this bill has passed, along with our own provincial mirror legislation, we are well on our way to developing our offshore wind industry hand in hand with our federal partners, starting with issuing our first call for bids next year.”
The Honourable Tory Rushton Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, Government of Nova Scotia
“Bill C-49 ensures the necessary measures are in place to support offshore renewable energy opportunities; allows for a fiscal regime that provides the maximum economic returns to Newfoundland and Labrador; and furthers joint management of the offshore area while building upon the extensive expertise the C-NLOPB has in managing offshore projects.”
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
“I was honoured to sponsor a bill of such significant economic and environmental importance to my province. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of Bill C-49, as this historic bill presents a generational opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole.”
The Honourable Iris G. Petten, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador,
Senate of Canada
Quick facts
This legislation establishes a joint management regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy development
Bill-49 includes amendments to the Accord Acts that:
establish the framework to develop offshore renewable energy;
change the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER);
change the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER);
expand the mandates of the CNSOER and the C-NLOER to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects;
improve alignment between the Accord Acts and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA);
provide tools to support the Government of Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and
modernize the land tenure regime for offshore petroleum development.
Islamabad: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has completed its ‘Enhanced Food and Nutrition Security for Vulnerable People in Flood-affected Areas of Pakistan’ project, funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). For eighteen months, WFP supported the most vulnerable households in Pakistan’s worst flood-hit districts to facilitate early recovery, rehabilitation, and stabilisation.
The EUR 5 million from the European Union (EU) enabled a transition from emergency relief to early recovery and community stabilisation efforts. This project used a community-based approach to reduce tensions and promote social cohesion by forming village committees, ensuring fair resource distribution, and improving infrastructure. It also strengthened livelihoods and resilience by restoring assets like water systems and promoting income-generating activities, leading to lasting stability.
Through this EU-funded project, WFP provided direct assistance to more than 97,000 people and indirect support to 700,000 people across seven vulnerable districts in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. More than USD 3.6 million in cash assistance was distributed, enabling participants to access nutritious food in exchange for their involvement in community asset creation and skills development activities.
The EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka reaffirmed the EU’s dedication: “Community resilience is at the core of our efforts in Pakistan. The EU is proud to have contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities in the face of adversity by strengthening local capacities and fostering solidarity.”
As part of the project, vulnerable communities benefited from rehabilitation activities that restored physical and natural assets and created infrastructure to protect them from future climate shocks. This includes the construction of 550 water management structures and rehabilitation or construction of 650 flood protection walls, safeguarding 76,000 acres of habitable/agricultural land and 40,000 houses. Additionally, the distribution of 1,700 fuel-efficient stoves and 10,000 tree planting will contribute to reducing harmful climate activities and mitigate impacts of future weather events on these vulnerable communities.
This project also delivered over 400 training sessions in marketable skills such as sewing, embroidery, dressmaking, and beautician services, as well as business management, digital marketing. Women constituted 80 per cent of the participants, whose income increased threefold from PKR 5,000 to PKR 15,000 (approximately USD 18 to 54), empowering them economically.
“In the aftermath of large-scale disasters such as the devastating 2022 floods, lifesaving food security assistance combined with recovery and resilience building support is so critical. With EU’s generous support, this project adopted a community-based approach working together towards a more food secure and resilient future,” said Coco Ushiyama, the Country Director and Representative of WFP Pakistan.
Additionally, WFP, in collaboration with Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence experts successfully established and trained 114 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). Equipped with essential rescue tool kits, these teams are better prepared to support local disaster response efforts, bolstering community readiness for future emergencies.
In 2023, Pakistan continued to grapple with the compounding impact of the devastating 2022 floods that affected more than one-third of the country. WFP played a pivotal role in supporting nearly 4.4 million people, following the flood crisis through a variety of complementary interventions to address both critical and immediate humanitarian needs through unconditional cash support to approximately 1.7 million people in 2023 and longer-term needs to build resilience, enhance livelihoods opportunities, and address malnutrition.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is inviting renters and people living in retirement housing to take part in a review of our services.
We fund several renting and retirement housing programs run by not-for-profit community organisations across the state. These programs help at-risk Victorians manage issues or disputes about their housing.
For example, advocates provide information and advice, help negotiating with rental providers and estate agents, assistance preparing for court or tribunal hearings and connections to other services.
The housing market and demand for renter support services has changed since the programs started. We want to know how our services are working and ways we can improve to suit your needs.
You can take part in the review by visiting the Engage Victoria website. We have published a discussion paper to help guide feedback. Feedback is open until 30 October 2024.
This review is part of a larger consultation to improve our programs. We recently invited feedback on our Domestic Building Legal Service.
Federated Farmers is welcoming the announcement of extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.
Up to $50,000 in additional Government support is being provided for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event.
Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane says the funding is a morale boost for farmers going through a very tough time.
“I think wellbeing support for farmers is where this funding is best directed right now, because we’re really battling down here and the mood is low.
“Unless someone can give us 10 days of sunshine, then helping farmers with that valuable mental health support is what we need most.
“We’re just hoping this weather will pass quickly, the water will subside, and this might be the end of what’s been a very hard six weeks for big chunks of our provinces.
“There are certainly some issues here and Rural Support Trust’s work will be really, really important in the coming weeks.”
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says the Government’s announcement means a lot to farmers on the ground.
“It’s so helpful just to know we’re being thought of – that’s huge for morale.
“Sometimes you just need to know that the rest of the country knows what you’re going through.”
Herrick says the extra Government funding will enable Rural Support Trust to continue helping farmers through trying times.
“At the end of the day, it’s not so much financial support that farmers need right now – it’s mental health support, and that’s what Rural Support Trust are there for.
“Once the water goes down and things dry out a bit, that’s when farmers will really need the help. That’s when things will hit home.”
Federated Farmers is working closely other agencies and monitoring the situation in Otago and Southland today.
It encourages any farmers who need help to contact Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254, Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646, their milk supply companies, DairyNZ and/or Beef + Lamb.
Dwelling and household estimates: September 2024 quarter– information release –4 October 2024 –Dwelling and household estimates are used for many purposes including planning, policy formation, business decisions, and as ‘bottom lines’ in the calculation of market coverage rates.
Key facts At 30 September 2024, the estimated number of:
private dwellings is 2,097,100
households is 2,020,000.
These estimates are based on the 2018 Census of Population and Dwellings.
Visit our website to read this information release:
Dwelling and household estimates: September 2024 quarter – information release – 4 October 2024 – Dwelling and household estimates are used for many purposes including planning, policy formation, business decisions, and as ‘bottom lines’ in the calculation of market coverage rates.
Key facts At 30 September 2024, the estimated number of:
private dwellings is 2,097,100
households is 2,020,000.
These estimates are based on the 2018 Census of Population and Dwellings.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release:
A teenager has been convicted of murder after a police investigation into a stabbing in Islington.
Sanchez Tate, 18, [15.7.06] of Tufnell Park Road, Islington was found guilty of the murder of Mohamed Abdi Noor on Tuesday, 1 October, following a trial at the Old Bailey.
Police were called at 19:27hrs on Monday 11 December 2023 to Tufnell Park Road, N7.
Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found 21-year-old Mohamed Abdi Noor with stab wounds. He was taken by ambulance to hospital, where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died in the early hours of 12 December.
Mohamed’s family were informed and have been supported throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
A murder investigation was launched, led by homicide Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith.
DCI Smith said: “The dispute started as a verbal argument between the defendant and Mohamed after Mohamed had found his motorbike had been knocked over while left parked-up near his home.
“This escalated tragically to physical violence, and was further accelerated by the fact that Sanchez Tate was carrying a sword with a 43.5cm long blade and made the terrible choice to use it.
“The decision to carry a weapon can, as this case shows, be life changing.
“My thoughts are with Mohamed’s family and those who knew him, who have lost a dearly loved family member and friend.
“I am also mindful that there are no winners in this case and Tate, who was 17 years of age at the time, will have a good deal of time in prison to reflect on the callous stupidity of his actions.
“The investigation team would like to thank the witnesses to this shocking incident, who stepped in to try to stop it. They also alerted emergency services, assisted with first aid, made statements to police and gave crucial evidence at the trial.”
Sanchez Tate was arrested on 11 December at his home address, near to the murder scene and Mohamed’s home. Following the death of Mohamed Abdi Noor, he was charged with murder.
Tate will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 21 November.
If you are concerned about knife crime – and in particular if you know somebody who carries a weapon, has been a victim or is at risk of becoming a victim – please visit the Crimestoppers website or the Met’s ‘Stop Knife Crime’ web pages.
A number of key Otago highways will remain closed overnight and into Saturday morning, if not longer in some cases, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
People should delay their journeys and avoid these areas and check the NZTA Journey Planner for details or additional closures overnight and tomorrow morning after 8.30 am: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions(external link)
Current closures – all for flooding, bar SH88 Port Chalmers, significant slips
SH88 between Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, and Port Chalmers: Closed due to a serious slip at Maia/Burkes affecting properties and the highway, as well as several smaller slips along SH88 and near Parry St. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482713(external link)
Please note, the informal detour roads above SH88 aren’t suitable for large, heavy vehicles and unless people have an urgent need to travel, they should keep these routes clear also.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Aaron Pilkington, Fellow at the Center for Middle East Studies, University of Denver
Israel and Iran are at war. In truth, the two sides have been fighting for decades, but the conflict has played out largely under the cover of covert and clandestine operations.
The recent actions of both sides in this once “shadow war” have changed the nature of the conflict. It is not clear that de-escalation is on the horizon.
On Oct 1, 2024, Iran launched a massive, direct attack against Israel notionally in retribution for Israel’s dual assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s chief, Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.
It was the second such barrage in six months.
By many accounts, the previous Iranian attack against Israel on April 13 – which consisted of over 300 ballistic and cruise missiles and attack drones – caused very little damage to Israel. Perhaps because of this, and likely in part due to U.S. encouragement of restraint, Israel’s immediate military response then – an airstrike against a single advanced Iranian air defense system in the Isfahan province – was somewhat measured.
Many onlookers saw the calibrated exchange in April as a possible indication that both sides would prefer to de-escalate rather than engage in ongoing open warfare.
But further Israeli military operations since then have prompted escalatory Iranian military responses, forcing the conflict back out of the shadows.
With Hamas’ capabilities and leadership degraded in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s military leaders announced in June that they were “ready to face” Hezbollah – the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group whose persistent rocket attacks against northern Israel have caused tens of thousands to evacuate the area.
Israel pivots north
Israel’s pivot from Gaza toward Lebanon coincided with the July 31, 2024, assassination of Hamas’ political bureau chairman, Haniyeh, during his stay in Tehran. The purported Israeli operation was seen as an affront to Iran’s sovereignty. It was also an embarrassment that highlighted the vulnerability and permeability of Iran’s internal security apparatus.
Even though Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed a “harsh response” against Israel, by September Iran had taken no action.
Tehran’s inaction caused many Middle East analysts to question if the Iranian response would ever materialize – and by extension, what that would mean for Khamenei’s commitment to his proxy forces.
If indeed Iran’s leadership opted for restraint following the assassination of Hamas’ top political leader, the same could not be said for its reaction to Israel’s multiphase operation against Hezbollah in mid-September.
Israel began with a clandestine operation to sow chaos and confusion in Hezbollah’s command and control through the means of sabotaged explosive communications devices. Israel then carried out airstrikes eliminating Hezbollah’s top leaders including Nasrallah. The Israeli military then launched what the country’s leaders describe as a “limited [ground] operation” into southern Lebanon to remove Hezbollah positions along the northern border.
Tehran’s Oct 1. attack in response against Israel was, according to many Middle East experts and indeed Iranian military leaders, primarily a retaliation for the two high-profile assassinations against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
These were certainly key factors. But as an expert on Iran’s defense strategy, I argue that Iran’s leaders also felt compelled to attack Israel for three equally, if not more important, reasons: to slow Israel’s advance in Lebanon, to save face, and to restore deterrence.
Challenging Israel’s advance
Iran hopes to slow and potentially reverse Israel’s successes against Hezbollah, especially as Israel embarks on ground operations into southern Lebanon. Of course, Israeli ground troops must now deal with what is perhaps the world’s most capable guerrilla fighting force – one that performed quite successfully during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
Nevertheless, Israel’s ability to achieve a tactical surprise and eliminate Hezbollah’s top leaders – even in the midst of an ongoing localized war, and even after Israel’s leaders announced their intention to engage Hezbollah – reveals a far superior Israeli strategy and operational planning and execution capability than that of Hezbollah.
And that presents a huge blow to what is seen in Iran as the Islamic Republic’s crown jewel within its “Axis of Resistance.”
In this respect, the Oct. 1 retaliatory strike by Iran can be seen as an attempt to afford Hezbollah time to appoint replacement leadership, regroup and organize against Israel’s ground invasion.
The brutal art of save face?
It also serves to help Iran save face, especially in how it’s seen by other parts of its external proxy network.
Orchestrated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, or IRGC – Tehran’s primary arm for coordinating external operations – Iranian money, training, guidance and ideological support enabled and encouraged the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack against Israel – even, as it has claimed, Iran had no prior warning of the assault.
Since then, Hamas fighters have received almost no real-time support from Tehran. This lack of support has no doubt contributed to Hamas being successfully degraded as a threat by Israel, with many of its members either dead or in hiding and unable to mount a coherent offensive campaign, leading Israel’s military leaders to claim the group has been effectively defeated.
Unsurprisingly, Iran is glad to enable Palestinians to fight Tehran’s enemies and absorb the human costs of war, because this arrangement primarily benefits the Islamic Republic.
Once the fighting in Gaza started, the IRGC was nowhere to be found.
Now that Israel has shifted its attention to Lebanon and scored several initial tactical successes against Hezbollah, Iran cannot afford to stand back and watch for two main reasons. First, a year of fighting in Gaza has demonstrated that Israel is willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate threats along its borders – including a willingness to withstand international political pressure or operate within Iran’s borders.
And second, Iran’s proxy groups elsewhere are watching to see if Tehran will continue supporting them – or will abandon them, as it seemingly has done with Hamas.
Reclaiming deterrence
Perhaps above all, in Tehran’s calculus over how to respond is Iran’s need to restore a deterrence.
The two defining features of Iran’s interrelated external, or “forward defense,” and deterrence strategies is its regional network of militant proxies and its long-range weapons arsenal, which includes a large number of advanced ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack-capable drones.
These Iranian defense strategies seek to dissuade enemies from attacking Iran proper in two ways: first, by threatening Israel and other regional U.S. allies with punishment via proxy militia or long-range weapon attacks; and second, by offering scapegoat targets against which Iran’s enemies can express their rage. In effect, Iran’s proxy forces act as proxy targets that pay the costs for Iran’s hostile policies.
Israel’s degradation of Hamas and ongoing operations against Hezbollah threaten to undermine Iran’s ability to deter attacks against the homeland. For the Islamic Republic’s leaders, this is an unacceptable risk.
Who plays the next move?
These interweaving imperatives likely prompted Iran’s leaders to launch a second massive, direct missile attack on Oct. 1 against Israel. How effective the strike will be in achieving any of Tehran’s aims is unknown.
What is almost certain, however, is that this will not be the last move in the conflict. Israel is unlikely to halt its Lebanon operation until it achieves its border security objectives. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Iran for its latest retaliatory attack.
IRGC leaders met this warning with a counterthreat of their own that if Israel responds to the Oct. 1 attack militarily, Iran will again respond with unspecified “crushing and destructive attacks.”
Rhetorically, neither side is backing down; militarily this may be true, too. The nature and scope of Israel’s next move will dictate how the war with Iran develops – but make no mistake, it is a war.
Dr. Aaron Pilkington is a U.S. Air Force analyst of Middle East affairs and a non-resident fellow at the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies. Dr. Pilkington will soon join the Military & Strategic Studies department at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, the United States Air Force Academy, or any other organizational affiliation.
Headline: Wollongong to host Multicultural Water Safety Day
Published: 4 October 2024
Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Sport
As summer approaches, local government, sporting and community organisations have come together to host a free Multicultural Water Safety Day at Wollongong City Beach next Friday.
In the 12 months to 30 June 2024, 61 people drowned at beaches, coastal waterways and the ocean according to Surf Life Saving NSW data.
The Multicultural Water Safety Day aims to empower multicultural communities in the Illawarra with the skills and confidence to safely enjoy local waters.
The initiative is a collaboration between the NSW Office of Sport, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra, Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving, University of Wollongong, and other local stakeholders designed to educate multicultural communities on vital water safety skills and knowledge, particularly the beach, inland water and rock fishing safety.
As well as interactive educational sessions including a live rip dye and resuscitation demonstrations, there will be hands-on practical activities and the opportunity to engage with facilitators and local organisations.
The event will be held at Wollongong City Beach from 10am on Friday, 11 October.
Minster for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said:
“The Illawarra and South Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the State and the NSW Government is committed to making sure that all members of our community can enjoy them safely.
“With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the water safety in the region.”
“We hope that this event is the first step in instilling a lifelong understanding and appreciation of water safety among our multicultural communities.”
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said:
“Swimming and being on or near the water is a key part of the Australian lifestyle, but too many people, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, continue to lose their lives to drowning.”
“The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in water activities or just enjoying a swim at the beach have the skills and knowledge to do so safely.”
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, said:
“Wollongong is a diverse community and events such as these allow us to provide targeted resources to our multicultural residents, particularly those who may not have grown up around the water.
“Many newer residents and visiting students have little or no experience in the surf, it’s important they gave a good understand of water safety.
“I encourage as many members of our community as possible to come down, participate and learn potentially life-saving lessons.”
Projects Coordinator for Illawarra Multicultural Services, Amro Zoabe said:
“Working with multicultural communities, IMS understands the importance of having vital information available in language. By having our multilingual community workers provide language support for this event, we ensure everyone has equitable access.
“We are lucky to be living on Dharawal land on waters. This event helps make sure our multicultural communities, access these waters safely.”
Another Yukon summer camping season has come to a close. The territory is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful campgrounds and parks, and the Government of Yukon is committed to enhancing recreation opportunities while improving fair access to campsites.
Read more about 2024 summer camping season ends, and progress continues on Yukon Parks Strategy
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Over the spring and summer, our government worked hard on behalf of Yukoners, here at home as well as in other Canadian jurisdictions, always keeping Yukoners at the heart of every meeting and discussion.
“In April, I had the opportunity to attend the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, where we joined policymakers, diplomats, Indigenous leaders and experts to discuss key Alaska-Yukon priorities, such as economic development, infrastructure, energy and environmental stewardship.
Read more about Yukon government working to advance Yukoners’ priorities this summer
Reacting to the government announcement of investment in carbon capture and storage projects, Green MP and party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Labour has spent too long listening to the pleadings of energy companies for major public investment in unproven technological solutions like carbon capture that simply won’t deliver the immediate real change we need.
“This announcement is no substitute for the urgent and immediate investment needed in home and business insulation to cut energy use and the increased renewables funding that is badly needed to meet future energy needs.”