Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began on May 1, 2024.
The disaster declaration includes the counties of Benewah, Clearwater, Latah, Nez Perce and Shoshone in Idaho, as well as the county of Whitman in Washington.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
The Securities and Exchange Commission today provided an exemption from the requirement to report certain personally identifiable information (PII) – names, addresses, and years of birth – to the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) for natural persons. Bad actors have become increasingly sophisticated and, in the event of a breach, may be able to use the names, addresses, and years of birth to impersonate a customer or broker-dealer and gain access to a customer’s account. Providing an exemption from the requirement to report this PII to the CAT will help mitigate potential security risks.
“Over 12 years ago, the CAT was designed with the goal of creating a modernized audit trail system to enable regulators to analyze and reconstruct market events,” said SEC Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda. “Today’s exemptive order eliminates the requirement to report names, addresses, and years of birth for any U.S. natural person who trades in the stock market and recognizes that such information is not necessary to achieve CAT’s objectives. Despite today’s action, bad actors and other miscreants who engage in insider trading, market manipulation, and other schemes should be forewarned that the Commission has more than sufficient investigative tools to hold them accountable.”
Names, addresses, and years of birth were originally required to be collected in the CAT to facilitate the generation of unique anonymized customer IDs and to help regulators identify the person(s) responsible for a trade. In 2020, the Commission issued an order exempting the reporting of some of the most sensitive PII, including social security numbers. Today, the Commission issued an order exempting additional PII from the CAT. The CAT will still be able to generate reliable and consistent anonymized customer IDs even if such PII is not reported to the CAT.
Data are the foundation of advancement. They sit at the heart of innovation, technology, learning, community building, and so many other values crucial to our progress. Data can also be a critical tool in preventing fraud and wrongdoing.
But our data can also be deeply personal or subject to exploitation. That is why, when the government collects data, such collection must be done with due care and assurances that those who access our data are doing so with adequate guardrails and proper purpose. There must be processes and procedures followed to ensure responsible and appropriate use.[1] The fact that data are a powerful tool is not a reason to stop their collection altogether; rather, it is a reason to make use of data for significant and laudable goals—like protecting American business, investors, and the economy. We must weigh the law enforcement and regulatory benefits of the data collection against the potential costs.
The Consolidated Audit Trail (“CAT”) is a seminal example of how data collection can be used for good purpose. The CAT helps make our markets safer, more efficient, and can act as a powerful tool in ferreting out wrongdoing. Yet today, by eliminating critical data collection, we undermine its use and our own effectiveness. We are wiping away the fingerprints from the scene of the crime.
The agency adopted the CAT after the 2010 “Flash Crash” when U.S. markets collapsed and then partially rebounded in less than an hour.[2] The whiplash in prices undermined market confidence and caused significant investor losses.[3] It was clear following the crash that regulators, including this agency, were unprepared to respond to a market event of that magnitude. A complete regulatory response would have required a full and robust analysis of data we did not have.[4] It ultimately took the SEC nearly five months to determine the root causes of the crash,[5] and to this day, the Commission does not have a sense of who was harmed.
We must be more responsive than that. For quick and effective oversight in a crisis, regulators need access to a timely and comprehensive set of data—whether we are trying to figure out a major market event like the Flash Crash, investigate fraud, or identify suspicious foreign activity that may indicate market manipulation or infiltration. The CAT was designed to address outdated regulatory infrastructure by improving the completeness, accuracy, accessibility, and timeliness of data needed to support robust regulatory oversight. [6] And, in fact, it has. [7]
Unfortunately, today we eliminate the CAT’s collection of the most basic customer identifying information,[8] thus impairing regulators’ ability to understand suspicious activity, unwind events, or stave off market disruptions. Today’s order itself acknowledges the negative impact this will have on regulatory efficiency but fails to grapple with the consequences of these diminished capabilities. It leaves unanswered the most basic questions. For example, will it be more difficult for regulators to spot fraud? How much harder will it be to identify certain types of market manipulation? Will it be more difficult to identify and address concerns relating to certain foreign ownership? Will it be more difficult to identify and compensate the victims of swindlers? In times of market disruption and ongoing fraud or manipulation, loss of time means loss of money and loss in market confidence. There is no question that this decision is a loss for markets and investor protection.
[1] Given that protecting the security and confidentiality of Consolidated Audit Trail data has long been a priority of the Commission, there are safeguards in place to protect this information. For example, Rule 613(e)(4)(i)(A) requires policies and procedures to ensure the security and confidentiality of all information reported to the CAT’s central repository by requiring that the Participants and their employees agree to use appropriate safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of such data and agree not to use such data for any purpose other than surveillance and regulatory purposes. In addition, Rule 613(e)(4)(i)(B) requires the Participants adopt and enforce rules that require information barriers between regulatory staff and nonregulatory staff with regard to access and use of data in the central repository and permit only persons designated by plan sponsors to have access to the data in the central repository. Moreover, Rule 613(e)(4)(i)(C) requires that the Plan Processor develop and maintain a comprehensive information security program for the central repository, with dedicated staff, that is subject to regular reviews by the Chief Compliance Officer; have a mechanism to confirm the identity of all persons permitted to access the data; and maintain a record of all instances where such persons access the data.
[2] See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67457 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 45722 (Aug. 1, 2012) (“Rule 613 Adopting Release”). The Commission adopted Rule 613 to require self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”) to submit a national market system plan to create, implement, and maintain a consolidated order tracking system, or consolidated audit trail, with respect to the trading of NMS securities, that would capture customer and order event information for such securities, across all markets, from the time of order inception through routing, cancellation, modification, or execution ( the “CAT Plan” or “Plan”). The SROs then developed and submitted the CAT Plan, and in 2016 the Commission voted unanimously on a bi-partisan basisto approve the Plan. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78318 (November 15, 2016), 81 FR 84696, (Nov. 23, 2016) (“CAT Plan Approval Order”); see also Final Commission Votes for Agency Proceeding, 03-Nov-16, Interim Final Temporary Rule Regarding the Consolidated Audit Trail, approved 3-0,available athttps://www.sec.gov/about/commission-votes/annual/commission-votes-ap-2016.xml.
[3] See U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Preliminary Findings Regarding the Market Events of May 6, 2010, Report of the Staffs of the CFTC and SEC to the Joint Advisory Committee on Emerging Regulatory Issues (May 18, 2010) available at https://www.sec.gov/sec-cftc-prelimreport.pdf.
[4] See Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45732. Although the SROs and the Commission quickly implemented a single-stock circuit breaker pilot program as an initial response, a more complete regulatory response required a full and robust analysis of additional data. SEC staff had to cobble together data from disparate sources, such as exchange order books and different SRO audit trails. SEC staff encountered major problems that hindered their ability to figure out what happened during the Flash Crash, such as not being able to accurately sequence events across the multiple data sources or identify and eliminate duplicate orders. Moreover, SEC staff had to analyze the order books for thousands of equities, and even then, the reconstruction was not fully complete. Id. at 45733.
[5] Id. at 45733.
[6] See CAT Plan Approval Order at 84727 (stating that the Commission believes the CAT Plan will facilitate regulators’ access to more complete, accurate and timely audit trail data, and allow for more efficient and effective surveillance and analysis, which will better enable regulators to detect misconduct, reconstruct market events, and assess potential regulatory changes). “Completeness” refers to whether a data source represents all market activity of interest to regulators, and whether the data is sufficiently detailed to provide the information regulators require. “Accuracy” refers to whether the data about a particular order or trade is correct and reliable. “Accessibility” refers to how the data is stored, how practical it is to assemble, aggregate, and process the data, and whether all appropriate regulators could acquire the data they need. “Timeliness” refers to when the data is available to regulators and how long it would take to process before it could be used for regulatory analysis. See Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45727.
[7] See e.g., Press Release, SEC Charges Financial Services Professional and Associate in $47 Million Front-Running Scheme (Dec. 14, 2022) available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022-228 (stating that SEC staff analyzed trading using the CAT database to uncover defendant’s allegedly fraudulent trading and to identify how he profited by repeatedly front-running large trades by the other defendant’s employer); see also SEC v. Lawrence Billimek, and Alan Williams, Case 1:22-cv-10542 (S.D.N.Y. filed Dec. 14, 2022), available at https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/complaints/2022/comp-pr2022-228.pdf. In addition, information in the Gamestop report was also derived from staff review of data maintained in the CAT database. See Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Staff Report on Equity and Options Market Structure Conditions in Early 2021 (Oct. 14, 2021)(colloquially known as the “Gamestop Report”) available at https://www.sec.gov/files/staff-report-equity-options-market-struction-conditions-early-2021.pdf.
[8] See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-102386 (Feb. 10, 2025). Specifically, the CAT will no longer collect, and broker-dealers will no longer report, name, address, and year of birth for natural persons with transformed security numbers (“SSNs”), or individual taxpayer identification numbers (“ITINs”). The Commission previously took exemptive action to eliminate individual social security numbers from the CAT. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88393 (Mar. 17, 2020), 85 FR 16152 (Mar. 20, 2020). Accordingly, today’s exemptive relief represents yet another reduction in the data available to regulators, further undermining the effectiveness of CAT.
USCENTCOM AOR – The Qatari Armed Forces and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully concluded Eagle Resolve 2025 on January 23, marking the completion of a joint military exercise that commenced on January 9. This premier biennial exercise underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, reinforcing collective defense efforts in the region.
The Eagle Resolve maneuvers are a cornerstone of military cooperation between the United States and its Gulf partners—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The exercise enhances regional security by fostering interoperability, strengthening crisis response capabilities, and refining joint military readiness. Through the exchange of expertise, integration of cutting-edge technologies, and utilization of advanced military systems, participating forces elevate their ability to counter evolving threats.
The 2025 iteration of Eagle Resolve focused on developing a comprehensive, joint approach to integrated air and missile defense, a critical pillar in safeguarding civilian populations and securing vital infrastructure. Additionally, the exercise bolstered interagency coordination by enabling military and governmental organizations to collaborate effectively on crisis management initiatives.
Beyond air and missile defense, the exercise expanded its scope to address various emerging security challenges. Key operational areas included cybersecurity, medical and preventive measures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), maritime interdiction, and counterterrorism operations. The multinational environment of Eagle Resolve 2025 provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance command, control, and communication systems while strengthening military support for governmental institutions.
General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the strategic significance of the exercise, stating:
“Eagle Resolve reaffirms the deep and enduring partnership between the United States, Qatar, and the GCC nations. This exercise enhances regional security and strengthens the U.S. role in promoting stability in the Middle East. Eagle Resolve 2025 represents the decades-long defense cooperation between Qatar and the United States, reinforcing our shared commitment to countering threats and ensuring regional peace.”
As regional dynamics evolve, Eagle Resolve remains a vital mechanism for strengthening military partnerships, advancing operational capabilities, and fostering collective resilience against emerging threats.
WASHINGTON – Miquel Beasley, 22, of Bryans Road, MD, was charged on February 5, 2025, and ordered detained on February 7, 2025, for an armed carjacking stemming from an offense in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to court records, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on March 22, 2024, the victim met up with Beasley in the 3900 block of First Street SE to purchase marijuana. Beasley entered the victim’s car, asked if the victim wanted to purchase marijuana, and the victim handed Beasley approximately $250. Beasley then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the victim, and demanded that the victim get out of the car or else he would shoot the victim. The victim got out of his car, and Beasley got into the driver’s seat of the victim’s car and drove away.
An arrest warrant was issued on June 20, 2024, and Beasley was arrested on that warrant on January 30, 2025.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Phillip Plummer, 42, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty February 10, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and another count of distributing methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea hearing showed that between 2022 and May 2023, Plummer and others conspired to distribute more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Plummer admitted to distributing methamphetamine on seven separate occasions to an individual cooperating with law enforcement, four of said occasions occurred within 1,000 feet of schools, namely, Mater Dei Elementary School and Hunt Elementary School in Sioux City. Evidence further showed that during a search warrant at Plummer’s residence in May 2023, law enforcement seized approximately one half-pound of meth, two (2) bags of medicated Jolly Rancher Gummies containing 600mg of THC and two (2) vape pens. Plummer intended to sell some or all of the controlled substances to others in the area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Plumer remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Plummer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2025.
Arnold Dean Buck Elk Thunder, Jr., 57, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Buck Elk Thunder was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024.
Buck Elk Thunder was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as a result of a state felony conviction in May 2001 for Sexual Contact with a Child Under the Age of 16. On February 15, 2024, Buck Elk Thunder updated his registered address to a residence in Eagle Butte, on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. In May 2024, Buck Elk Thunder moved from his registered address in Eagle Butte to Rapid City, South Dakota, before returning to the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and residing in Cherry Creek, South Dakota. Buck Elk Thunder knew he was required to update his registration within three business days of changing his residence but failed to do so after leaving Eagle Butte.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Buck Elk Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
A federal grand jury indicted Jerry Lamont, age 60, in January 2025. He appeared before Daneta L. Wollmann on February 7, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for receiving child pornography is a mandatory minimum term of five years up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction. Restitution may also be ordered.
Between January and December 2024, Lamont is alleged to have uploaded at least four pictures and 22 videos of child pornography into his Dropbox cloud storage account. The child pornography depicted children, some as young as toddlers, being sexually abused.
The charges are merely accusations, and Lamont is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case.
Lamont was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has been set for April 15, 2025.
Tip from homeowner led officers to hypothermic Yardley Davis one day after he attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the woods
BANGOR, Maine: A Connecticut man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court records, in December 2021, a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office deputy on routine patrol in Greenbush noted that the license plates on a car pulled over on the side of the road did not match the vehicle. The deputy pulled the vehicle over as it started to move. The vehicle’s operator, who was arrested for operating after license suspension, stated that a passenger they identified as Yardley Davis, 39, had fled when the vehicle was pulled over. The driver further stated that Davis had two guns in his possession and before fleeing had said if he was caught with them he would go to jail.
The following morning, law enforcement received a report from a nearby homeowner that they had found gloves, a black ski mask and a rope next to a barbed wire fence on their property. Davis was found in the woods following a search and flown to the hospital for treatment for hypothermia. A further search of the woods by a K9 unit led to the recovery of two 9mm handguns and 45 rounds of ammunition. A forensic analysis of the firearms by the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory revealed the presence of Davis’s DNA on both firearms. Davis is precluded from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a 2005 conviction in Connecticut Superior Court for robbery in the first degree.
Davis faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 to be followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police.
Rome, Ga. — Nicholas Grindle was sentenced today for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and bribery. During his sentencing hearing, Grindle was challenged for asking the Court for mercy based on false claims that he had been injured in combat during his military service.
“Grindle violated his oath of office by smuggling drugs into a prison he swore to protect,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “He then compounded this crime by lying about his military service.”
“It’s alarming to think that this prison guard was brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs and other contraband,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “He must now face the consequences.”
“The GDC does not tolerate actions of individuals who choose to bring discredit to the values of our agency and put their fellow officers at risk,” said Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. “We appreciate the support of our federal partners in ensuring that justice will be served, and we are proud of those officers involved who were diligent in stopping further introduction of dangerous contraband into one of our facilities.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: While employed as a guard at Hays State Prison, Grindle smuggled methamphetamine and other contraband to inmates for over a month in late 2023 and early 2024. Grindle was caught by fellow officers after they searched his locker and located methamphetamine, cell phones, and other contraband he planned to distribute within the prison. A review of his financial records also showed that he was receiving bribery payments from inmates to bring drugs and other contraband into the prison.
Grindle had previously deployed to Afghanistan while in the United States Army. During his sentencing hearing Grindle falsely told the Court that, while in Afghanistan, he had been stabbed in the shoulder by a Taliban fighter and killed the fighter with his pistol. A review of Grindle’s military records as well as multiple letters submitted to the Court by former members of his unit demonstrated that his claims of heroism and sustaining an injury in combat were false.
Grindle, 32, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge William M. Ray, II, to 87 months of confinement, followed by three years of supervised release. Grindle was convicted on these charges on November 21, 2024, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards, and the Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Drug Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Calvin A. Leipold, III prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Fort Lauderdale, FL, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the “Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today announced that its Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”), which was originally scheduled to be held on February 11, 2025, has been postponed. The Special Meeting is now scheduled to be held virtually, via live webcast at web.lumiconnect.com/266814323, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. PST / 11:30 a.m. EST. The record date for the Special Meeting, January 17, 2025, is unchanged and applies to the postponed Special Meeting.
The Special Meeting has been postponed to provide the Company’s stockholders with additional time to vote in order to facilitate broader participation. The Company’s Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the proposals identified in the Company’s proxy statement for the Special Meeting. Stockholders who have already cast their votes do not need to take any action, unless they wish to change or revoke their prior proxy or voting instructions, and their votes will be counted at the postponed Special Meeting. For stockholders who have not yet cast their votes, we urge them to vote their shares now, so they can be tabulated prior to the postponed Special Meeting.
Important Additional Information
The Company has filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 21, 2025 (the “Proxy Statement”), which should be read in conjunction with this notice. To the extent information in this notice updates or conflicts with information contained in the Proxy Statement, the information in this notice is the more current information. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) FILED BY THE COMPANY AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ANY SOLICITATION. Stockholders may obtain a free copy of the Proxy Statement and the other relevant materials, and any other documents filed by the Company with the SEC, at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov or on the “SEC Filings” section of the Company’s website at https://www.mara.com.
About MARA
MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world’s preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to quorum at the Special Meeting and the timing of the Special Meeting. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including uncertainties related to quorum at the Special Meeting, receipt of stockholder approval of the proposals presented at the Special Meeting and the other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of MARA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 28, 2024, as amended on May 24, 2024, the “Risk Factors” section of MARA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024, the “Risk Factors” section of MARA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024 and the risks described in other filings that MARA may make from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and MARA specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
MARA Company Contact: Telephone: 800-804-1690 Email: ir@mara.com
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined their colleagues in writing a letter urging newly-confirmed U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to immediately take action to resolve looming staffing shortages at the National Park Service. National Parks have an immense impact on Virginia’s economy. In 2023, Virginia attracted over 23 million park visitors, which helped 21,000 jobs and generated over $2 billion in economic output in the Commonwealth.
The letter follows President Trump’s hiring freeze, his cancellation of thousands of job offers for seasonal National Park Service employees, and his buyout offers made without clear legal authority. These actions pave the way for a damaging loss of staff at national parks—which threatens emergency response times, park safety, and local economies across the nation.
“National Park Service rangers carry out a wide array of functions critical to protecting natural resources, keeping visitors safe, providing for recreation, and creating an inspiring and educational experience for visitors…Without seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will be filthy, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether cancelled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable,” wrote the senators.
“We are also alarmed that the administration’s offer of deferred resignation and voluntary early retirement, made without clear legal authority, as well as open threats about future terminations will lead to a damaging loss of full-time staff at the National Park Service, which is already operating well below prior staffing levels despite significant increases in visitation,” they continued. “As a result of onerous budget caps during the 2010s, the National Park Service lost 15% of its staff while park visitation also increased by 15%. If a significant number of National Park Service employees take one of the offers – or further terminations are made – park staffing will be in chaos. Not only does this threaten the full suite of visitor services, but could close entire parks altogether.”
The senators concluded, “And local economies don’t deserve to have their livelihoods destroyed for political gain. We urge your cooperation in protecting national parks for the enjoyment of everyone by ensuring National Park Service staffing meets the needs of the 433 national park units in all 50 states.”
In addition to Warner and Kaine, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Full text of the letter can be found here and below:
Dear Secretary Burgum:
We urge you to immediately reissue seasonal employment offers for the National Park Service, officially rescind damaging and short-sighted deferred resignation and early retirement offers, and to instead work to safeguard, grow, and shape the National Park Service workforce to meet the needs of our national parks and their visitors.
We are alarmed that the National Park Service revoked employment offers for seasonal staff for the upcoming summer season. Incoming seasonal staff – whose work is critical to managing the influx of visitors during the summer “peak season” – had offers in their hands that were yanked away just days after the inauguration.
National Park Service rangers carry out a wide array of functions critical to protecting natural resources, keeping visitors safe, providing for recreation, and creating an inspiring and educational experience for visitors. National Park units experience a summer surge in visitation that peaks in July, and the Service hires more than 6,000 seasonal employees to manage that extra work. Without seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will be filthy, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether cancelled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable.
We are also alarmed that the administration’s offer of deferred resignation and voluntary early retirement, made without clear legal authority, as well as open threats about future terminations will lead to a damaging loss of full-time staff at the National Park Service, which is already operating well below prior staffing levels despite significant increases in visitation. As a result of onerous budget caps during the 2010s, the National Park Service lost 15% of its staff while park visitation also increased by 15%. If a significant number of National Park Service employees take one of the offers – or further terminations are made – park staffing will be in chaos. Not only does this threaten the full suite of visitor services, but could close entire parks altogether.
Gutting staffing at national park units will devastate local “gateway” communities where parks generate significant economic activity – from hotels to restaurants to stores to outfitters. In 2023, an estimated 325 million park visitors spent an estimated $26.4 billion in local gateway regions, supporting an estimated 415,000 jobs and $55.6 billion in total economic output in the national economy.
Americans showing up to national parks this summer and for years to come don’t deserve to have their vacations ruined by a completely preventable – and completely irresponsible – staffing shortage. And local economies don’t deserve to have their livelihoods destroyed for political gain. We urge your cooperation in protecting national parks for the enjoyment of everyone by ensuring National Park Service staffing meets the needs of the 433 national park units in all 50 states.
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) unveiled a resolution affirming that the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination and to express the sense of the Senate that the United States shall not deploy U.S. military assets or personnel to Gaza. The resolution rebuts President Donald Trump’s declared support for forcibly displacing millions of Palestinians. Trump did not rule out using U.S. military force to take over Gaza.
“Gaza is home to Palestinians. The U.S. cannot take it away and must not support displacing Palestinians from their land,” said Kaine. “The lessons of the last 25 years demonstrate that U.S. efforts to nation build in the region are doomed to failure. I’m introducing this resolution with my colleagues to send a clear message: now is the time to support the hope of Israelis and Palestinians living peacefully side by side—not to drag our servicemembers into another endless war in the Middle East.”
“Any proposal that the United States should take control of Gaza is outrageous,” said Durbin. “We must continue to push for a renewed focus on the future: long-term security for Israel, rebuilding Gaza, a reformed Palestinian Authority, and a two-state solution. The United States has a responsibility to push towards finding a solution that allows Israeli and Palestinian children to once and for all live together in peace and dignity. For the safety and security of our American troops, Congress must continue to push back against the President.”
“My north star has always been a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace and dignity,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I will always support Israel, but I’m deeply disturbed by President Trump’s opposition to a two-state solution, especially the potential involvement of American troops in the Gaza Strip.”
“The creation of a Palestinian state has been long-standing U.S. policy supported by presidents of both parties. President Trump’s proposal that the U.S. should ‘take over’ control of Gaza is not only dangerous—it would violate international law. There won’t be lasting peace in the Middle East until Palestinians have equal measures of dignity, safety, and sovereignty, alongside Israel,” said Welch. “Our resolution reaffirms the path to peace and the Palestinian people’s irrefutable right to self-determination.”
“Donald Trump’s demented call for ethnic cleansing is cruel even by his debased standards,” said Wyden. “Trump’s latest pronouncement would threaten the security of Americans and all people in the Middle East by inspiring fresh legions of terrorists. I continue to support a two-state solution as the best opportunity for peace, and I vehemently oppose the deployment of U.S. troops that this twisted and dangerous scheme would require.”
February 10, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesEnforcement and Removal
Two federal law enforcement officers coordinate with other officials on the ground during an enhanced immigration enforcement operation near Washington, D.C. Feb. 4.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a series of enhanced immigration enforcement operations across the nation between Feb. 1 and Feb. 7 in Baltimore, Maryland; Charleston, South Carolina; Hillsboro, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C. and several other cities across the nation. ICE’s routine daily operations continue, running in tandem with enhanced enforcement operations involving federal law enforcement partnerships with the FBI, the DEA, the ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Marshals Service for a whole-of-government approach.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrest an undocumented Guatemalan alien charged with trespassing and possessing a loaded handgun and ammunition in the Baltimore area Feb. 1. The arrest was part of a routine daily operation for Baltimore’s ICE officials, who arrested this alien after local officials declined to honor an immigration detainer.
Federal law enforcement officials conduct a pre-operational briefing in a Washington, D.C.-area parking lot Feb. 4. This enhanced immigration enforcement operation involved cooperation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its federal law enforcement partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Two federal law enforcement officers coordinate with other officials on the ground during an enhanced immigration enforcement operation near Washington, D.C. in the early morning hours of Feb. 4.
ICE and DEA law enforcement officials conduct a pre-dawn briefing prior to an enhanced immigration enforcement operation in a Washington, D.C. suburb on the morning of Feb. 4.
Federal law enforcement officials working with ICE and the DEA coordinate prior to beginning an enhanced immigration enforcement operation in the Washington, D.C. area before dawn Feb. 4.
Federal law enforcement officials map out tactical plans before beginning an enhanced immigration enforcement operation near Washington, D.C. Feb. 4.
ICE arrested Jesus Vazquez Daniel, a 58-year-old undocumented alien from Mexico, Feb. 2 near Hillsboro, Texas. Vazquez is wanted in Hidalgo, Mexico, for aggravated homicide for allegedly beating a homeowner to death during an attempted burglary.
ICE and the DEA arrested Raul Buitron Vidal in Philadelphia Feb. 4. Buitron is Mexican national with a history of illegal reentry and several DUI arrests in Pennsylvania.
ICE and the DEA arrested Raul Buitron Vidal in Philadelphia Feb. 4. Buitron is Mexican national with a history of illegal reentry and several DUI arrests in Pennsylvania.
ICE arrested German Ronal Del Cid Carranza, 33, during routine daily operations in Silver Spring, Maryland, Feb. 4. Del Cid, a known MS-13 member, was convicted of a weapons crime and sentenced to two years in prison in 2023.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Tim Lenzen and ICE acting Director Caleb Vitello reviewing plans for an enhanced immigration enforcement operation at the Operations Command Center in Denver Feb. 5.
Federal law enforcement officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the ATF and the FBI run an enhanced immigration enforcement operation from the Operations Command Center in Denver Feb. 5.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office Director Matt Elliston and FBI Special Agent in Charge William Del Bagno coordinate ahead of an enhanced enforcement operation in Baltimore Feb. 5. The operation targeted MS-13 gang members in Maryland.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office Director Matt Elliston and a team of federal law enforcement officers from the FBI, the ATF and other agencies take an alleged MS-13 member into custody during an enhanced enforcement operation near Baltimore Feb. 5.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office Director Matt Elliston and a group of federal law enforcement officers take an alleged MS-13 member into custody during an enhanced enforcement operation near Baltimore Feb. 5.
ICE officials arrest Tren de Aragua gang members in Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 3 during a routine daily operation.
An ICE official arrests a Tren de Aragua gang member in Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 3 during a routine daily operation.
An ICE official arrests a Tren de Aragua gang member in Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 3 during a routine daily operation.
Federal law enforcement officials talk to an MS-13 member after his arrest during an enhanced enforcement operation near Baltimore Feb. 6.
Track quarterly ICE arrest, detention and removal statistics
Call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or fill out ICE’s online tip form to report crimes and suspicious activity.
Access B-roll and images of ICE’s most current arrests and removals on ICE’s DVIDS page and ICE’s Flickr Photostream. Get breaking news, public safety information and more by following ICE on X at @ICEgov. You can also follow ICE on Facebook and follow ICE on Instagram for updates and more.
Deer Park, WA – On February 10, 2025, after more than three years of evading capture, Lorenzo Eugene Delgado Martin was arrested today by the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). Martin, 35, was taken into custody at his residence in Deer Park, Washington, in coordination with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, United States Border Patrol (USBP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Martin has been the subject of a nationwide search after the State of Oregon for the County of Jackson, issued two arrest warrants for him. He is facing a total of 18 charges, including 13 counts of Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Sodomy in the 1st Degree, two counts of Private Indecency, and one count of Sexual Penetration in the 1st Degree. The charges stem from allegations involving two victims, of whom were both reportedly under the age of 14 at the time of the alleged abuse. The victims claim they were subjected to abuse for several years.
The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force – Oregon, worked tirelessly to track down Martin, following leads across multiple states, ultimately locating him in Deer Park.
“The capture of Martin is a significant achievement for law enforcement in our ongoing commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crimes. Thanks to the combined efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service PNVOTF, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, USBP, and ATF, this individual is now off the streets and will face the legal consequences of his actions,” said Craig Thayer the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington.
Martin is currently being held in custody at the Spokane County Jail pending extradition to Oregon.
The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips.
New York, NY, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pure Wallet LLC is pleased to announce the introduction of its new blockchain transaction system, which utilizes patented offline technology to facilitate decentralized digital payments and asset storage. The system is designed to address several challenges associated with traditional blockchain transactions, including dependency on internet connectivity, gas fees, and reliance on hardware-based cold storage solutions.
At its core, Pure Wallet’s technology provides an alternative approach by enabling users to conduct transactions without an active internet connection, a feature intended to extend the accessibility of blockchain services to areas with limited connectivity. In addition, the platform eliminates gas fees, significantly reducing transaction costs for frequent users. The solution has been developed to offer a high level of security, supported by ISO 27001 certification, while removing the need for dedicated hardware devices commonly required by conventional cold storage systems.
According to the company, Pure Wallet’s system is engineered to simplify blockchain transactions while maintaining robust security measures. This approach may offer an alternative to established cold storage providers in a market that has traditionally depended on hardware solutions from companies such as Ledger and Trezor. With its streamlined design and focus on operational efficiency, Pure Wallet aims to provide a practical method for managing digital assets, particularly in environments where access to the internet is intermittent or unavailable.
Pure Wallet overcomes the major limitations of blockchain payments—gas fees, slow speeds, and reliance on the internet. With its revolutionary security, cost-efficiency, and offline functionality, it is poised to disrupt both the payments and cold storage markets, making blockchain transactions truly practical for everyday use.
Designed for ease of use, Pure Wallet offers a straightforward transaction experience, eliminating the delays and costs often encountered in conventional blockchain operations. By removing common barriers, the platform could enable broader adoption of blockchain technology, particularly for microtransactions. The company anticipates that its solution will be of interest to both end-users and investors, contributing to the evolution of digital asset management.
Pure Wallet LLC is a technology firm dedicated to advancing decentralized digital transactions and secure asset storage. Founded by Andrew Cha and Dr. Dong Seong Kim, the founder and CEO of NS Lab, the company has developed a blockchain solution that leverages patented offline transaction technology and ISO 27001-certified security protocols. The platform is designed to provide cost-effective, secure, and user-friendly blockchain transactions without the limitations of traditional hardware-dependent systems.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), a leading, vertically integrated operator of large-scale energy infrastructure and one of North America’s largest Bitcoin miners, today announced it will release financial results for the full year of 2024 before the market opens on March 3, 2025. The Company will host a conference call and webcast to review the results on the same day at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Date: Monday, March 3, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
Investors can join the live webcast here. Analysts can register here.
Supplemental Materials and Upcoming Communications
The Company expects to make available on its website materials designed to accompany the discussion of its results, along with certain supplemental financial information and other data. For important news and information regarding the Company, including investor presentations and timing of future investor conferences, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, https://hut8.com/investors, and its social media accounts, including on X and LinkedIn. The Company uses its website and social media accounts as primary channels for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.
Upcoming Conferences and Events
February 12, 2025: Maxim Group Digital Assets 2025: To Bitcoin and Beyond Conference, Virtual
February 24–25, 2025: Capacity Media Metro Connect USA, Fort Lauderdale
February 24–28, 2025: Bitcoin Investor Week, New York
February 25–27, 2025: Infocast ERCOT Market Summit, Austin
March 11–12, 2025: Cantor Crypto, Digital Assets & AI Infrastructure Conference, Miami
March 16–18, 2025: 37th Annual ROTH Conference, Dana Point
About Hut 8
Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure operator and Bitcoin miner with self-mining, hosting, managed services, and traditional data center operations across North America. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Hut 8 Corp. has a portfolio comprising fifteen sites: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Hut8Corp.
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flow Capital Corp. (TSXV:FW) (“Flow Capital”) has announced the issuance of 100,000 new Performance Stock Units (PSU’s) to certain officers of the Company under its omnibus long term incentive plan. The PSU’s will vest upon the attainment of certain performance criteria including certain levels of share price and certain levels of free cash flow.
About FlowCapital
Flow Capital Corp. is a publicly listed growth venture debt lender dedicated to supporting high-growth companies. Since its inception in 2018, the Company has provided financing to businesses in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, helping them achieve accelerated growth without the dilutive impact of equity financing or the complexities of traditional bank loans. Flow Capital focuses on revenue-generating companies seeking $2 to $10 million in capital to drive their continued expansion. For more information on Flow Capital, please visit www.flowcap.com.
47 Colborne Street, Suite 303, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1P8
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
Certain statements herein may be “forward-looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Flow or the industry to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof. Flow assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.
The African Development Bank will launch its new three-year Action Plan for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Illicit Financial Flows (2024-2026) through an online event on February 25, 2025. The event will bring together experts to discuss practical solutions for protecting Africa’s financial resources from criminal activities.
Research shows that Africa’s losses from illicit financial flows have nearly doubled from $50 billion annually in 2015 to $90 billion in 2020. This represents 3.7% of the continent’s total economic output and nearly equals the combined foreign investment and aid Africa receives each year.
While money laundering and illicit financial flows affect all countries, their impact hits African countries hardest, especially those recovering from conflict or with limited resources. These activities weaken governments and threaten security, often funding long-running conflicts and making it harder for countries to collect revenue and generate resources.
The new action plan will provide a framework to help African countries build stronger systems to detect and prevent money laundering and illicit financial flows. It will showcase the importance of collaboration between the Bank, regional member countries, and development partners to combat financial crimes.
Member countries and regional and international experts will share their experiences fighting money laundering and illicit financial flows. They will discuss how the Action Plan can strengthen these efforts. The discussion will show how stopping financial losses can increase local revenues, support economic stability, and promote sustainable development across Africa.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act to strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities:
“The dairy industry is an essential part of the American economy. It is crucial that we provide the resources that dairies in Tennessee need to expand and create new products,” said Senator Blackburn. “With many small Tennessee dairies struggling to remain open, this bill will allow these businesses to diversify and expand their market competitiveness.”
“My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow their operations, tap into new markets, and innovate new products,” said Senator Baldwin. “From expanding facilities and growing their operations to improving packaging and lowering their shipping costs, this program has helped Wisconsin businesses grow their bottom lines and create jobs in our rural communities. I’m fighting to expand this vital program so more farmers, cheesemakers, and dairy processors have the tools to innovate and drive our rural economy forward.”
DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION ACT:
The DBII program was created in the 2018 Farm Bill, establishing multiple dairy business and innovation centers to serve producers across the country. These centers, in partnership with dairy farmers and processors, are spurring innovation in dairy businesses, fostering the development of new dairy products and modernizing existing dairy plants. As a result, the program has gone on to add value to the milk produced by American farmers and expand their market access.
Each regional initiative is tasked with providing technical assistance and grants to farmers and processors, including:
Supporting new and expanding dairy businesses—Centers provide assistance with business plan development, accounting, market evaluation, and strategic planning.
Promoting innovation in dairy products—Dairy businesses receive assistance with product innovation, marketing and branding, packaging, distribution, supply chain innovation, food safety training and consultation, and dairy product production training.
Assisting with dairy plant modernization and process improvement—Dairy businesses receive assistance with processing facility improvement, including assistance with plant upgrades, food safety modernization, energy and water efficiency, byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and waste treatment.
The Dairy Business Innovation Act builds on the support for regional dairy research and innovation centers across the country by raising the program’s annual authorization from $20 million to $36 million.
ENDORSEMENTS:
The legislation is endorsed by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, National Milk Producers Federation, Organic Valley, and International Dairy Foods Association.
“Tennessee’s dairy farmers are an integral part of our rural economy and provide wholesome, nutritious milk products to consumers. We thank Senators Blackburn and Baldwin for filing the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative which will be a successful opportunity for dairy farmers to add value to their milk and increase on-farm profitability. Further investments into DBII can create increased opportunities for consumers to access local dairy products and support their regional agricultural economy.” – Eric Mayberry, President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation
“We are grateful to Senators Blackburn and Baldwin for their support of the Dairy Business Innovation Act. It has had a historic impact on our Tennessee dairy industry and the development of the new Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee. These resources will continue to help UTIA provide Real.Life.Solutions. to producers and processors across the region. Additionally, it has provided us with new partnership opportunities around the country.” – Dr. Keith Carver, Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
“The Dairy Business Innovation Act continues to be a critical tool for dairy farms and processors across the Southeast region to overcome a history of low income, limited reinvestment into existing businesses, and high barriers to entry for new dairy businesses. As the program manager for the Southeast region, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) strongly supports the continuation and expansion of this valuable assistance to producers, processors, and the allied industries impacted by them. Since 2021, over $17 million has been directly invested into 189 dairy businesses across the 12 states and 1 territory in our region. Within Tennessee, 40 awards totaling almost $3.4 million have supported existing dairy farmers, processors, and emerging value-added dairy ventures. The funding for administration and research around the dairy industry has resulted in 5 new dairy Extension positions across Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina and has increased our understanding of consumer motivations around dairy. The new Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee is a direct outcome of these grants, providing a unique hub of food, animal, economic, and consumer interaction to support the dairy industry.” – Dr. Elizabeth Eckelkamp, Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Program Director and Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
“We thank Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for their continued bipartisan leadership in strengthening the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program. Dairy has a storied history of pioneering effective new products and practices as dairy farmers and their cooperatives work to supply the U.S. and the world with nutritious, sustainably produced food. This program helps support researchers and their industry partners working to drive this innovation forward.” – Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation
“Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senator Marsha Blackburn should be commended for a bill that enhances the assets and investments in the U.S. the dairy industry. Dairy is an economic engine in rural communities – we at Organic Valley know dairy processors who are doing more with support from this initiative and American farmers who are better positioned to bring milk to market because of it.” – Adam Warthesen, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs at Organic Valley
“IDFA applauds Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for introducing the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025. The bill promotes innovation in the dairy processing sector and will help industry members work together to address common challenges and create new market opportunities for healthy and nutritious dairy products.” –Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President & CEO of International Dairy Foods Association
Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the proposed cut to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants. Today, 22 state attorneys general – including Minnesota’s – filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging this action.
“This illegal move endangers critical clinical studies and research, and extinguishes hope for so many Americans looking for cures. At the University of Minnesota alone, it could derail life-saving medical research on cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. NIH research also supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country and spurs economic growth, including nearly 8,000 jobs and $1.7 billion of economic activity in Minnesota. This lawsuit is a crucial step to reversing this illegal move that will set back medical innovation and lead to unnecessary suffering.”
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2
Media Advisory
Monday, February 10, 2025
NIH study identifies previously unknown adaptation.
What
Influenza A virus particles strategically adapt their shape—to become either spheres or larger filaments—to favor their ability to infect cells depending on environmental conditions, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists. This previously unrecognized response could help explain how influenza A and other viruses persist in populations, evade immune responses, and acquire adaptive mutations, the researchers explain in a new study published in Nature Microbiology.
The study, led by intramural researchers at NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), was designed to determine why many influenza A virus particles exist as filaments. The filament shape requires more energy to form than a sphere, they state, and its abundance has been previously unexplained. To find the answer, they developed a way to observe and measure real-time influenza A virus structure during formation.
The researchers found:
Influenza A viruses rapidly adjust their shape when placed in conditions that reduce infection efficiency, such as the presence of antiviral antibodies or host incompatibility.
A virus’ shape is dynamic and impacted by its environment, rather than being fixed by strain, as commonly believed.
The study assessed 16 different virus-cell combinations that resulted in predictable shape trends.
Prior experiments by the research team showed that influenza A virus filaments can resist inactivation by antibodies, and the team is working understand exactly how antibodies influence shape and infection efficiency. They also anticipate learning how viral mutations affect the shape of the virus. Many other viruses – such as measles, Ebola, Nipah, Hendra and respiratory syncytial virus – also incorporate a mixed-shape infection strategy, the researchers note.
Article
E Partlow, et al. Influenza A virus rapidly adapts particle shape to environmental pressures. Nature Microbiology DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-01925-9 (2025).
Who
Tijana Ivanovic, Ph.D., is chief of the Single Virion Biology and Biophysics Unit in the NIAID Laboratory of Viral Diseases.
NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
Released by: Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government
NSW residents searching for love this Valentine’s Day are being warned to guard their hearts – and wallets – against charming con artists posing as the real deal.
In 2024, scammers managed to steal more than $8.9 million from NSW residents using romance scams, according to ScamWatch.
Fraudsters are skilled professionals at lying and deceiving their victims and seemingly there is no age limit, with all age groups represented in 798 reports of romance and dating scams last year in NSW including under 18s.
Tips to avoid falling victim to a romance scam include:
Minimise the amount of personal info on your dating profile and adjust your privacy settings. Limit the disclosure of full names, addresses, work, location, and information about any children.
Keep conversations on the app. Online safety features on the app can only protect people while they’re using the app.
Look out for suspicious photos or profiles. Many dating apps now include verified photos which show a person is legitimate. An image search can also determine if a person is who they say they are.
Set up multi-factor authentication for accounts. Multi-factor authentication will help secure and minimise the risk of being hacked.
If it doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You don’t have to talk to someone just because you have been matched. You don’t have to agree to anything that you’re unsure about, or that makes you feel uncomfortable. It is always your decision.
Anyone interested in learning more about scams, warning signs, and protecting their identity can sign up now for a free online event on romance scams on 14 February hosted by ID Support NSW.
The event starts at 11:00am and will run for one hour. It will feature advice on how to spot common dating and romance scams, tools for protecting yourself and there will be opportunities to ask questions directly to experts.
ID Support NSW also has a range of tools and information to protect people from scammers including a Data Breach Portal which checks if an email anyone has received from ID Support NSW is authentic.
Anyone concerned about the security of personal information they store can use ID Support NSW’s Personal Information Risk Assessment Tool (PIRAT) to understand the potential risks in holding customer data. The tool can be used both proactively and in the wake of a data breach to assess risk from low to extreme based on the information’s usage and its appeal to cybercriminals.
Anyone who has experienced a scam and is seeking advice on what to do next can also call ID Support NSW on 1800 001 040 to speak with one of our advisors for personalised advice. Advisors are available from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Interpreter services are available.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:
“Fraudsters aren’t afraid to give you heartache this Valentine’s Day and will use sophisticated scams to try and steal from people across NSW.
“People can protect themselves from being rorted by Romeo or jilted by Juliet by not sending money to anyone they have not met in person.
“It’s important victims of romance scams speak up and get the help they need. ID Support NSW is here to help you – and remember, there is no shame in falling victim to a con artist.”
Director ID Support NSW, Jacki Muir said:
“Know the warning signs and take steps to protect yourself so you don’t fall victim to these convincing imposters.”
The NSW Government will today introduce two bills to protect places of worship and further criminalise Nazi symbols, as part of a crackdown on recent racial hatred and antisemitism.
The Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025 is part of a package of reforms announced last week to give police additional powers and resources to respond to acts of racial violence and hatred.
The latest proposed changes to the Crimes Act create two new offences to ensure people of faith can attend their place of worship in safety:
Intentionally blocking, impeding or hindering a person from accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship without a reasonable excuse; and
Harassing, intimidating or threatening a person accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship.
The maximum penalty for the new offences is 200 penalty units and/or two years’ imprisonment.
The Bill will also amend the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 to authorise a police officer to issue a move on direction to a person who is participating in a demonstration, protest, procession or assembly occurring in or near a place of worship. This would not apply in circumstances where the relevant action is within an authorised public assembly.
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill also:
Clarifies that graffiti is a “public act” for the purposes of the offences of threatening or inciting violence and displaying Nazi symbols;
Provides for tougher sentencing for displaying by public act a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, the Jewish Museum or a Jewish school; and
Aggravates sentences when a person’s conduct is partially or wholly driven by hate.
These reforms provide greater protection to the community against public displays of hate and crimes that may be partially motivated by hate and prejudice.
The Department of Communities and Justice held targeted consultation on the legislation, including with faith institutions, key legal stakeholders and relevant government agencies.
The NSW Government is currently finalising new laws on hate speech.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Disgusting acts of antisemitism and intimidation have no place in NSW – acts designed to divide will not work.
“Our package is a strong response to recent antisemitism, but will also protect any person, of any religion.
“We are sending a clear message that these disgusting attacks have to stop.”
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“People of faith have the right to attend their place of worship without fear or obstruction.
“Blocking access to a church, mosque, synagogue or other holy building is a completely unacceptable behaviour that has no place in our society. These proposed changes provide strong penalties and expand police powers to ensure people can practice their beliefs in safety.
“The NSW Government is also expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal.
“We believe these proposed reforms strike the right balance between protecting people of faith and the community’s right to protest.”
It comes as new data shows NSW Health’s youth-targeted campaign has supported or persuaded almost 40,000 young people in NSW to quit vaping.
Meanwhile, the latest seizure data suggests a severe disruption to product availability following the introduction of laws stopping vapes at the border.
NewPaveapp to support quitting vaping
The new Pave app being launched today will provide users with helpful tips, motivation, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, as well as activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.
It provides a daily check-in feature supporting users to reflect on their progress and a click-to-call function to connect with Quitline counsellors.
The app was developed by the Cancer Institute NSW, and designed together with young people who vape or had recently quit vaping.
Their experiences informed the content and user interface of the app.
It’s free and available to download on iOS and Android.
Campaign supports or persuades 40,000 to quit
In January 2024, we launched the ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ behaviour change campaign to reduce the health impact of vaping among 14 to 24 year olds in NSW – the campaign running across TV, public transport and social media.
The campaign connects young people to information about vaping and quit support, including telephone support through the Quitline, general practitioners and now digital apps such as Pave.
New research shows the campaign motivated 24,000 young people in NSW to quit vaping, and persuaded a further 15,000 to consider quitting.
Research also shows that 80 per cent of young Aboriginal people who vape felt motivated to try to quit after being exposed to the campaign.
The campaign is now entering a new phase which will highlight the health harms of vaping including nicotine addiction, lung damage, breathlessness, nicotine poisoning and burns from exploding vapes.
These health materials are available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Nepali and Arabic, and can be accessed here.
Tens of thousands of illegal products removed from community
Between 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024, over 47,000 vaping products were seized from 300 inspections.
This is compared to the same period the previous year, when just under 80,000 vaping products were seized from 238 inspections.
Despite the higher number of inspections, the lower number of products seized is likely the result of the disruption in product availability in the market following the introduction of the commonwealth vaping laws.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Ryan Park:
“I am very concerned about the prevalence of illegal vapes in our community.
“In particular, I’m worried about the impacts it will have on the community’s health, and ultimately, our health system, long into the future.
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to prevent a ticking timebomb in public health.
“Our efforts against vaping cannot be solely about enforcement – we’ve got to persuade young people to take ownership of their health, as well as clean our streets of illegal products.
“I am encouraged by our efforts to create awareness among young people of the dangers of vaping, as well as to instil in them a desire to say no, or to quit.
“What I’m determined to see as minister is the requisite supports to help them do it.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM
“It’s encouraging to see that tens of thousands of young people are trying to quit vaping or thinking about doing so.
But vaping remains a significant public health issue and the new Pave app is another option we can provide to encourage young people to seek help and stay on track on their quit journey.
“Vaping can cause significant health harms and can be highly addictive.
“Like cigarettes, vapes are also full of harmful chemicals that have been known to cause cancer and there is growing evidence that young people who vape are more likely to take up smoking, which can significantly increase their cancer risk.”
“It’s important that people avoid taking up vaping or seek help to quit. While quitting can be hard, with support, taking that first step can be life changing.”
Quotes attributable to former vaper Jillie Clarke
“The craziest thing about vaping is that I genuinely don’t believe anyone wants to be a vaper.
“I didn’t realise I was addicted until I tried to quit and I couldn’t.
“But quitting vaping is 100 per cent possible, it’s a journey but every step is progress and you can do it.
“Vaping had a noticeable impact on my breathing, it felt like my lungs were working harder than they used to and I ended up getting really sick with a lung infection.
“What was really scary for me was learning that the impacts of vaping go beyond respiratory issues, with other damage not being felt until it’s too late – I didn’t want to risk getting to that stage.”
Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Thirteen highly skilled design practices have been commissioned by the Minns Labor Government to contribute additional low and mid rise designs to the NSW Pattern Book.
This is the second tranche of designs to be added to the NSW Pattern Book to make the delivery of homes in NSW faster, providing more homes for those who need them.
Six designs for terraces, semi-detached dual occupancy and manor houses or low-rise apartment buildings will be produced alongside six designs for mid-rise residential flat buildings.
Additionally, one landscape design practice has been commissioned to develop design guidance for the low-rise and mid-rise patterns, for both private and shared open spaces.
Once complete, these designs will become part of the NSW Pattern Book alongside the five winners from the professional category of the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition that were announced in November last year.
The NSW Pattern Book will provide families, builders and developers with a collection of pre-approved, architecturally designed and cost-effective patterns to choose from. Those that use the designs will have access to a fast-tracked planning pathway.
Restoring choice and diversity is at the centre of the Minns Government’s housing reforms. This means building more homes that offer people at different stages of life more options.
The Pattern Book builds on the Minns Government recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:
· Establishment of the Housing Delivery Authority to allow for major housing projects to be prioritised by being assessed directly by the NSW Government.
· The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs.
· The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.
· $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.
· $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and fire fighters.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Sydney is currently the second most expensive city in the world and has less housing diversity than it did a century ago. This means less optionality and less opportunity for our families, young people, workers and downsizers to live in NSW.
“As we see the average household change and evolve, we want to make sure there are homes to suit everyone, and this means more than just single dwellings and high-rise apartments.
“We’re not sacrificing quality for quantity as we deliver more homes, the NSW Pattern Book will have the stamp of approval from the NSW Government Architect.
“We want new homes to be built faster, but the Pattern Book will mean those homes are good quality, sustainable and cost-effective.”
Released by: Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading
Greater accountability and transparency are at the heart of new strata laws now in effect which require strata managers in NSW to be upfront with owners about kickbacks and conflicts of interest.
The reforms give property owners better information and increase accountability for strata managers through improved transparency around their financial relationships and potential conflicts of interest.
The expanded disclosure requirements mandate clear and timely information-sharing by strata managers.
Under the new laws, strata managers must:
Disclose any connections with suppliers and developers, including the nature of the relationships
Provide detailed breakdowns of insurance quotes, including commissions and broker fees
Report in real time if any new connections or interests arise during their appointment
Additionally, strata managers must now provide enhanced annual reports to owners corporations which detail any supplier and developer connections.
NSW Fair Trading will be enforcing these new obligations, with strata managers required to understand and comply with the new requirements, including auditing their previous disclosure practices to identify any gaps, and implement processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting under the new requirements.
Strata property owners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes and discuss any concerns with their strata manager.
Targeted compliance operations and education initiatives will embed recent reforms and improve consumer confidence in strata management.
Managers who fail to meet the new disclosure obligations may face penalties of up to $110,000.
These new rules form part of the second tranche of reforms the Government has passed through the NSW Parliament to improve the strata industry.
A third tranche of reforms is currently being debated in the NSW Parliament and will increase accountability of developers to ensure initial strata levies are accurate so owners aren’t hit with higher fees once they move in, and will introduce financial hardship provisions for people struggling to pay their fees and protect owners from unfair contract terms.
For more information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website:
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:
“These reforms are about ensuring transparency and accountability for everyone living in strata communities.
“These enhanced disclosure requirements will give strata property owners the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their homes or investments.
“Strata managers have an obligation to act in the best interests of their clients, which includes maintaining the trust of owners corporations. These reforms will improve oversight and ensure strata managers’ practices are open and transparent.
“Strata owners deserve clear, timely, and honest information from their managers, and these laws provide a vital step in restoring trust and supporting better decision-making for strata communities.”
Quotes to be attributed to Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann:
“With more than 87,000 strata schemes and more than 1.2 million people living in strata across NSW, these reforms are vital in ensuring fairness and trust for everyone living in strata communities.
“We will be working to educate the industry on their obligations and monitor compliance with NSW strata laws, with penalties of up to $110,000 for those flouting the law.”
Topics: Antisemitism; US tariffs on aluminium and steel; US-Australia trade relationship; NDIS; Foundational supports; Australian federal election.
PETER FEGAN, HOST: Someone that had a front row seat to the action, Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth. She joins me on the line. Minister, it’s great to have your company this morning.
AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Good morning. Great to be with you.
PETER FEGAN: Antisemitism is a very touchy subject. Now, the Attorney-General has accused the Coalition of politicising antisemitism. But look, I think the sad reality is, Minister, it is a political issue, but I think it was a little childish of the Coalition yesterday to try and attempt to silence the Attorney-General because Mark Dreyfus is Jewish.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: It was a pretty unusual circumstance. We had Mark Dreyfus getting up and talking very personally about the impact that antisemitism has had on him and his family. In fact, he has direct family members that died in the Holocaust. So, it was a really moving comment. And he was making the point how dangerous it can be to politicise. Now, to shut down the Attorney-General by moving a motion that he no longer be heard was ironic. I mean, that was pretty ironic and pretty concerning, especially when the Parliament should be about free speech and canvassing these types of issues.
PETER FEGAN: Yeah, look, I thought the move was very strange considering that, yes, he is Jewish and he had personal experiences. I thought it would have been more touching to allow Mark Dreyfus to talk. But look, it is politics. I want to move on, Minister, if I can, to President Trump’s threat to impose these 25 per cent tariffs on Australia’s aluminium industry. It is a really scary prospect. But, you know, particularly given the cost to Rio Tinto and, you know, and big companies like that BlueScope as well. But look, we don’t export a lot of those materials to America. But I think more broadly there’s an issue here, and it’s the relationship between the US and it hangs in the balance here. Do you think that the comments made by Anthony Albanese and Kevin Rudd may come back to bite us on the backside here?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Look, I think that the Prime Minister in particular has demonstrated already he is able to build strong relationships with world leaders. If you have a look at it, before President Trump even took office, our Prime Minister had had a conversation with him. Very few countries got an invite to the inauguration. Penny Wong was there, and we have Richard Marles meeting his Defence Minister counterpart just over the weekend. So, the relationship is strong. We will be working in our national interest. Our Prime Minister always does that. Obviously, President Trump has made comments that he will impose these across every country, but we will be working very closely in our national interest. I think the relationship is very strong. We’ve been working on it, and we’ll keep working on it in our national interest.
PETER FEGAN: Let’s move on to your brief. The NDIS, it is as a ‘you know what’ sandwich. It’s been handed to you by Bill Shorten. The first question I want to ask you, Minister, and I hope you don’t deny this, have you been handed, have you been left a mess by Bill Shorten? Because the opinion of Australia is the NDIS couldn’t be in worse shape.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, firstly, I would say that the problems in the NDIS are not new. The reason why many of Australians understand some of the challenges in the NDIS is because Minister Shorten actually raised them. Just a couple of things…
PETER FEGAN: He raised them, but he didn’t fix them, though, Minister. I mean, come on, let’s call it what it is. He never fixed the issues in the NDIS. He may have raised them, but under his watch you had NDIS carers taking patients or taking their clients to strip clubs, cash buying vehicles, going on holidays. It was an absolute mess, and it all happened under Bill’s watch.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: No, no, that is just not true. Some of these things had happened for a long time. What we did, and what Minister Shorten did, was have a list of what things could be funded and what couldn’t. Before that, there hadn’t been a list of what could be and couldn’t be funded. Firstly, I would make the point that the NDIS does provide lifechanging supports for many Australians with disability. What I’m hearing, though, of course, and this is the work that Minister Shorten started and I will continue, is firstly, bring integrity back to the system and making sure that people are spending the money and getting support for the things that make a difference in their lives. Secondly, I would say that I hear a lot about making sure that there is fairness and consistency in decision making at the same time as making sure that individuals have an individualised plan. But the crackdown on some of the misuse of NDIS money was only brought to the fore because Bill Shorten decided to set up a fraud task force and actually have a look at this. Some of the practices previously, were invoices weren’t even being checked, they were just being paid.
PETER FEGAN: But how do we get to that stage? How do we get to that stage where invoices aren’t even checked? I mean, the captain goes down with the ship, unfortunately, Minister.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: No, no, they are now. We’ve got to bring integrity [to the system] and that’s what Minister Shorten started. It’s a long process because quite frankly, the previous government just did not pay attention to the work that needed to be done in the NDIS. So, we need to get it back to its original intent and that was providing reasonable and necessary support so that individuals with disability can achieve their goals and aspirations. And I think that is where we need to get back to and that’s what I’m absolutely committed to doing.
PETER FEGAN: My guest this morning is the Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth. One of the things I will agree with, which I think is a good move by the Albanese Government, is people with milder disabilities will be on a different system. It’s an all new system. And I think that’s what part of the NDIS may have been – the determination between people with milder disabilities, with more severe disabilities. But the only problem is the states aren’t getting on board. What’s the update? Because I know that you’ve been working behind the scenes on this, you want to try and get this rolled out by about July 1. Are the states playing ball?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: This is a joint effort between states and territories and just last week, First Ministers agreed to continue work on what are called foundational supports. And I have to be really clear, these supports will be critical for people. We also need to make sure the evidence is there behind these supports as well. So, we’re working very closely with the states and territories, and we will continue to do so. We are still expecting that foundational supports will start to be rolled out in the second half of this year. Although just to be clear, it was never expected the whole system would be set up in the second half of this year. As the NDIS Review pointed out, there was a long term process. But look, I’m working with absolute good faith with the states and territories. Look, there’s different views and we’ll keep working with them, but I know they are keen as well to make sure that children particularly with disability, get the best evidence-based support they can that actually make a difference and actually change the trajectory of their lives. And that’s what I’m focused on.
PETER FEGAN: Minister, before I let you go, I’ve just had a message here from the Prime Minister’s office that says Pete, you can ask the Minister, we’re giving her permission to let us know when the election is. You’re right to go.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Unfortunately that’s above my pay grade.
PETER FEGAN: I’d say April 12. You’ll be busy. I’d say April 12. Minister, thanks for having for jumping on this morning. Nice to have your time.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-17 as a precautionary measure to prepare for hazardous winter weather expected to impact the State of Missouri starting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11. The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed.
“With hazardous winter weather forecasted for this week across much of the state, we want to be as prepared as possible,” Governor Kehoe said. “We ask that all Missourians be proactive, stay aware, and use extreme caution during these potentially dangerous winter weather events. This Order helps ensure homes in Missouri can stay warm and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist.”
Executive Order 25-17 suspends hours of service regulations for motor carriers transporting residential heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil. The Order also gives the Adjutant General of the State of Missouri the authority to call and order into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to aid Missourians.
After a round of light snow primarily across the Ozarks Monday night into Tuesday, the National Weather Service forecasts a more significant winter storm to impact the state beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to lead to widespread travel impacts. Mainly snow is expected north of the I-44 corridor with a chance of at least four inches across northern Missouri, and a wintery mix is expected along and south of the I-44 corridor.
Motorists are encouraged to postpone travel if possible. If you must travel, use extreme caution and check road conditions before driving to help determine if your trip can be completed safely. The Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Traveler Information Map app can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices here.
Executive Order 25-17 will expire on March 10, 2025. To view the Order, please click here.
A Dominican national was sentenced today to nine years in prison for his involvement in a deadly human smuggling venture that resulted in the deaths of 11 smuggled aliens.
According to court documents, on or about the evening of May 12, 2022, Fermin Montilla, 45, piloted a vessel carrying 48 individuals from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, with the intent of bringing those individuals to the United States illegally. At some point during the journey, the vessel took on water and capsized, and 11 people drowned.
“The defendant attempted to illegally smuggle 48 migrants into the United States, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human smugglers threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable people for profit with no regard for their safety. The Criminal Division is committed to eliminating these transnational criminal smuggling organizations and protecting the public and those who would fall victim to them.”
“Human smuggling operations not only violate U.S. law and threaten our national security, but they also endanger the lives of the smuggled migrants and result in death as in this case,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring those who smuggle illegal aliens to justice and dismantle their criminal organizations.”
“It is essential to send a strong message to individuals that take advantage of the vulnerable by endangering lives undermining the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan. “In this one incident we lost 11 lives, we need to protect individuals from this heinous crime. We will continue to use all resources to pursue and to bring to justice transnational criminal organizations that jeopardize the safety of others exploiting immigration laws. To those seeking to be smuggled into the United States, please remember that it’s extremely dangerous and is not worth your life, these individuals do not care.”
On Sept. 13, 2024, Montilla pleaded guilty to one count of bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry resulting in death.
HSI San Juan investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
Trial Attorney Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case.
The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
Last June, the Justice Department formally transmitted to Congress a new legislative proposal to increase the recommended penalties for the most prolific and dangerous human smugglers. The proposal, titled the “Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024,” would amend U.S. Sentencing Guideline 2L1.1, which governs human smuggling offenses, by creating steeper penalty tiers based on the number of people smuggled by the defendant; increasing penalties when the defendant’s conduct results in injury or death to more than one person; and ensuring defendants are subject to sentencing enhancements for sexual assault and other types of prohibited sexual conduct committed during the smuggling offense, even if that conduct occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction. The Department has been working with interested Members of Congress to advance the proposal so that the Sentencing Guidelines accurately account for the full scope of violence that can result from human smuggling.