Source: The White House
Quincy Jones was a musical genius who transformed the soul of America – one beat, one rhythm, and one rhyme at a time.
Growing up as a child facing segregation and poverty, he found music to be a refuge. As a teenager, he trained with some of the greatest musicians ever.
Over the next seven decades, he became a producer, composer, instrumentalist, executive, and so much more, discovering some of our most iconic artists and shaping the most memorable records and scores in history.
His God-given talent earned him countless awards and honors in music, film, and television. He was one of few Americans to earn an EGOT and received 28 Grammy Awards – among the most of all time.
In only a way he could, Quincy Jones solidified Black culture as American culture.
He was a great unifier, who believed deeply in the healing power of music to restore hope and uplift those suffering from hunger, poverty, and violence, in America and the continent of Africa.
Jill and I send our love to his entire family and everyone whose spirit was elevated by his extraordinary contributions.
May God bless Quincy Jones.
He lived his life unapologetically, using his gifts to lift others up. He broke down barriers and opened doors for those who came after him, not for praise but because he knew the power of our shared potential.
For more than half a century, as a composer, arranger, record and movie producer, Quincy Jones created art that brought joy to millions of people. As an activist, Quincy Jones championed civil and human rights. He brought together artists who wanted to unite their voices to drive change. As a role model, in particular for young people of color in the music industry, Quincy Jones offered inspiration and mentorship.
I was honored to call Quincy a friend. I will always remember his generosity of spirit, his selfless support, and his deep kindness. Our world has lost a giant. But in his melodies, and in the lives he touched, Quincy’s legacy will live on forever.
Today, Doug and I are praying for the Jones family and all those who loved him.
The latest Conservation Board appointments will help to strengthen environmental efforts across Aotearoa New Zealand, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Mr Potaka today announced 64 appointments to the country’s 14 Conservation Boards.
“Conservation Boards play a vital role as liaison between DOC with their regions, making their community’s voice heard on conservation issues,” Mr Potaka says.
“The boards are independent bodies that empower local communities and iwi to contribute to the management of conservation areas. Boards provide a voice for local concerns to gain traction in DOC’s work, and on a national level where required.
“’Nau mai haere mai’ to those members stepping up for the first time, ‘hoki mai’ to those returning, and ‘ngā mihi’ to all the outgoing representatives for their important contributions to conservation mahi in their regions.
“There were 394 applications for the public Conservation Board positions in this round, and the level of community interest in conservation management is heartwarming.
“The variety of skills and qualities the appointees bring fills me with hope that together we can make a real difference for our native species and ecosystems.”
Conservation Board appointments took effect from 1 November 2024.
BLUEFIELD, WV — Gov. Jim Justice today announced the award of a $58 million contract for the construction of a 2.5-mile stretch of the King Coal Highway, connecting Littlesburg to the Mercer County Airport.
The King Coal Highway is a four-lane highway approximately 95 miles long running through McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wyoming, and Wayne counties, along or near currently existing US 52 from US 119 near Williamson to Interstate 77 in Bluefield.
The Roads to Prosperity Project is helping open Southern West Virginia to economic development.
“Years ago, I had a vision for Roads to Prosperity, and it’s taken off in ways I never thought possible,” Gov. Justice said. “The King Coal Highway is one of our most crucial projects because it unlocks the potential for Southern West Virginia. It sat on the sidelines for 30 years until we had a leader who truly believed in our state and the benefits our roads could bring. Today, we’re celebrating another big milestone for the King Coal Highway, with even more projects on the way. We’re not slowing down or taking a backseat—West Virginia is on the move, and we’re going to keep it rolling.”
BLUEFIELD, WV — Gov. Jim Justice today announced the contract award for Roaring Run Bridge, completing the Kerens to Parsons section of Corridor H. Triton Construction Inc. has been awarded the over $77 million project.
Gov. Justice made the announcement during an event along the King Coal Highway, where he announced another contract award.
“Getting the Roaring Run Bridge project off the ground is just another piece of the puzzle for Corridor H,” Gov. Justice said. “This final piece for the Kerens to Parsons section is a massive milestone in our ultimate goal of finishing this corridor. These announcements bring us closer to running through the finish line on Corridor H. I’ve said it over and over again, but Corridor H is the most important project for West Virginia. Celebrating these days feels amazing, and when we finally say that Corridor H is finished, it will be a historic day for West Virginia.”
Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E. said. “This accomplishment involved many late nights of work and after-hour meetings involved in coordinating with our partners at FHWA, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Monongahela National Forest, local leaders, our design consultants, and residents of the local communities. With this project now being underway, only two sections remain in achieving the ultimate goal of fully completing Corridor H.”
Kerens to Parsons carries Corridor H through some of the most rugged terrain on the entire route.
When Gov. Jim Justice took office in 2017, he made completing Corridor H a priority of his administration. The four-lane highway begins at Weston and travels across central West Virginia to eventually link up with Interstate 81 in Strasburg, Virginia.
The highway is expected to open some of West Virginia’s most remote areas in Grant, Tucker, and Hardy counties to economic development, connect West Virginia’s highlands with eastern ports, speed travel times through the mountains, and provide a smooth, safe highway for travelers and residents.
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
This week I will welcome India’s Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar to Canberra, for the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.
Australia and India are close partners with strong strategic, economic and community ties – almost one million Australians trace their heritage to India.
We share a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.
Ahead of 2025 – the fifth year of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue is an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made, and to chart the way forward for the next phase in our relationship.
Minister Jaishankar and I will discuss how we can advance our cooperation in important sectors – including science and technology, clean energy, trade and investment – and how we can deepen our defence and maritime security engagement.
India is the world’s fastest growing major economy, and on track to be the third largest by the end of the decade. India is an essential partner as we diversify our trade links and secure our supply chains.
Minister Jaishankar and I will also attend ‘Raisina Down Under’, the Australian iteration of India’s Raisina Dialogue. This is an important forum to share views on the trends shaping our region.
I look forward to what will be my 19th meeting with Minister Jaishankar and continuing to advance the Australia–India relationship.
This October, students from Watson Lake Secondary School (WLSS)’s grade 12 class participated in an on the land hunting adventure on Kaska Traditional Territory alongside Watson Lake RCMP and Yukon conservation officers.
Following the success of the youth hunt collaboration in 2023, the First Nations School Board met with key stake holders and purchased canvas wall tents, stoves, and a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), ensuring the program could continue.
This year, the hunt was held the week of October 7 to 11. David Dickson, Land and Language Connector for WLSS, organized Elders to attend the camp for the week to share the knowledge of the area, traditions, and culture of the Kaska Nation. Elder Agnes Chief, who was born at Frances Lake, told of stories about living off the land and making the long journey down the Frances River to Watson Lake for supplies. Students also learned about the community of Frances Lake and the forts that existed during the fur trade.
Elder Charlie Dickson, taught the students about traditional methods of preparing a moose head. Elder Agnes Chief taught about local, traditional medicines, where to find them and how to prepare them for consumption.
The youth were shown how to field dress and care for meat. They learned about giving thanks to the animals and the traditional ways of giving respect to the harvested moose. The harvested meat was shared throughout the community, benefiting Elders, students, community members, Liard Aboriginal Women Society, and the First Nations Health Program. The First Nations Heath Program will use the meat for traditional meals and will be shared among all three Yukon Hospitals for patients.
“Traditions being passed down to the younger generation is what life is all about, I was very honoured to be apart of such a meaningful hunt. Seeing Elders and youth interact together brought back so many memories from when I was young. Being raised to hunt was always apart of my upbringing, and now that I’m older and able to provide for my family it has taken on a whole different meaning. Being that role model to my kids but also being a strong woman role model for young lady hunters is also very empowering. Seeing the young ladies dive in with no fear of getting dirty was very heart filling and made me proud” – Nicole Donovan from First Nations Health Program
“The Yukon Territory provides unparalleled access to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. The WLSS Grade 12 Youth Hunt, with the support of the Watson Lake RCMP Detachment, Yukon Conservation Officer Services, Liard First Nation, First Nations School Board, and local community members, is an impressive joint-effort to ensure that the next generation is exposed to these amazing opportunities. The experiences, skills, ethics, and knowledge shared with the youth will stay with them for the rest of their lives, and hopefully provide some youths with the first step to taking on the age-old tradition of being a provider to one’s family and community. As a Conservation Officer, I believe that there is no experience more fulfilling to a young man or woman than putting hard work into a hunt, and as a result, providing wholesome food for their family and community. There is a deep sense of pride instilled in a young person when they experience the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from a hunt. That is the greatest benefit of the youth hunt, and I am optimistic that all of the participating youth will carry that sense of accomplishment and pride with them for the rest of their lives.” – Yukon Conservation Officer, Parker Antal
“The continued success of this program could not have been achieved without the community support of Liard First Nations, First Nations School Board, Liard Aboriginal Women Society, WLSS, Yukon Conservation Officer Services, and the community volunteers. We look forward to 2025. ” – Sergeant Jordan Cropper, Detachment Commander Watson Lake RCMP
“It’s important for me to be part of this initiative, on my traditional territory. I am happy to participate. Sógá sénlá’.” – David Dickson, Land and Language Connector with the First Nation School Board
A new study co-funded by the African Development Bank finds that applying technology to healthcare delivery, management, and research could provide more Africans with universal health coverage and significantly advance Africa’s progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The report, titled Policy Blueprint to Fast-Track Healthtech Innovations in Public Health in Africa, examined the potential of health technology innovations – called healthtech to benefit patients, health systems and communities across the continent. Commissioned by HealthTech Hub Africa and produced by VillageReach, the study was funded by UBS Optimus Foundation and the African Development Bank Group’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab with financing from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
The study, conducted between May 2023 and February 2024, involved data collection and stakeholder consultation with innovators, startups, investors, civil society, and government and civil society representatives across 11 African countries — Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Cameroon.
The findings offer policy guidance, specific actions and practical examples to accelerate healthtech in Africa while supporting innovation development, testing and sustainability.
Dr. Babatunde Omilola, the African Development Bank’s Manager for Public Health, Security and Social Protection, emphasized the timeliness of the report. “This policy blueprint comes at a very opportune time as it gives policy directions to governments across Africa who are witnessing increased entrepreneurs involved in developing innovative healthtech products. The policy guidance will help create an enabling environment for products that can improve healthcare access and quality while reducing costs for millions.”
The report identified several challenges hindering mainstreaming health tech in Africa, including:
Lack of unified, comprehensive and updated policies
Complex licensing processes
Fragmented and poorly digitized health data systems
Insufficient funding and innovation incentives
To address these issues, the report recommends:
Strengthening dialogue and coordination among healthtech stakeholders
Refining policies on health data access and interoperability
Accelerating innovation while safeguarding data
The study aligns with the African Development Bank’s broader efforts to improve healthcare across the continent. In 2022, the Bank approved its Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure for Africa 2022-2030, which supports facilities like connection to water and sanitation, energy, transport, and communications services. In 2020, it adopted the Pharmaceutical Sector Action Plan to enhance local production capacities of medicines and vaccines and support research and development of pharmaceutical products.
Just one day after President Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration, a minister announced plans to resume the transmigration programme in eastern Indonesia, particularly in Papua, saying it was needed for enhancing unity and providing locals with welfare.
Transmigration is the process of moving people from densely populated regions to less densely populated ones in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s most populous country with 285 million people.
The ministry intends to revitalise 10 zones in Papua, potentially using local relocation rather than bringing in outsiders.
The programme will resume after it was officially paused in Papua 23 years ago.
“We want Papua to be fully united as part of Indonesia in terms of welfare, national unity and beyond,” Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, the Minister of Transmigration, said during a handover ceremony on October 21.
Iftitah promised strict evaluations focusing on community welfare rather than on relocation numbers. Despite the minister’s promises, the plan drew an outcry from indigenous Papuans who cited social and economic concerns.
Papua, a remote and resource-rich region, has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with its people enduring decades of military abuse and human rights violations under Indonesian rule.
Human rights abuses Prabowo, a former army general, was accused of human rights abuses in his military career, including in East Timor (Timor-Leste) during a pro-independence insurgency against Jakarta rule.
Simon Balagaize, a young Papuan leader from Merauke, highlighted the negative impacts of transmigration efforts in Papua under dictator Suharto’s New Order during the 1960s.
“Customary land was taken, forests were cut down, and the indigenous Malind people now speak Javanese better than their native language,” he told BenarNews.
The Papuan Church Council stressed that locals desperately needed services, but could do without more transmigration.
“Papuans need education, health services and welfare – not transmigration that only further marginalises landowners,” Reverend Dorman Wandikbo, a member of the council, told BenarNews.
Transmigration into Papua has sparked protests over concerns about reduced job opportunities for indigenous people, along with broader political and economic impacts.
Apei Tarami, who joined a recent demonstration in South Sorong, Southwest Papua province, warned of consequences, stating that “this policy affects both political and economic aspects of Papua.”
We firmly reject Indonesia’s new transmigration policy to relocate Indonesians to West Papua, along with the world’s biggest deforestation project in Merauke, as it threatens the survival of West Papuans.
— Free West Papua Campaign (Nederland) (@FreeWestPapuaNL) November 4, 2024
Human rights ignored Meanwhile, human rights advocate Theo Hasegem criticised the government’s plans, arguing that human rights issues are ignored and non-Papuans could be endangered because pro-independence groups often target newcomers.
“Do the president and vice-president guarantee the safety of those relocated from Java,” Hasegem told BenarNews.
The programme, which dates to 1905, has continued through various administrations under the guise of promoting development and unity.
Indonesia’s policy resumed post-independence on December 12, 1950, under President Sukarno, who sought to foster prosperity and equitable development.
It also aimed to promote social unity by relocating citizens across regions.
Transmigration involving 78,000 families occurred in Papua from 1964 to 1999, according to statistics from the Papua provincial government. That would equal between 312,000 and 390,000 people settling in Papua from other parts of the country, assuming the average Indonesian family has 4 to 5 people.
The programme paused in 2001 after a Special Autonomy Law required regional regulations to be followed.
Students hold a rally at Abepura Circle in Jayapura, the capital of Indonesia’s Papua Province, yesterday to protest against Indonesia’s plan to resume a transmigration programme, Image: Victor Mambor/BenarNews
Legality questioned Papuan legislator John N.R. Gobay questioned the role of Papua’s six new autonomous regional governments in the transmigration process. He cited Article 61 of the law, which mandates that transmigration proceed only with gubernatorial consent and regulatory backing.
Without these clear regional regulations, he warned, transmigration lacks a strong legal foundation and could conflict with special autonomy rules.
He also pointed to a 2008 Papuan regulation stating that transmigration should proceed only after the Indigenous Papuan population reaches 20 million. In 2023, the population across six provinces of Papua was about 6.25 million, according to Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS).
Gobay suggested prioritising local transmigration to better support indigenous development in their own region.
‘Entrenched inequality’ British MP Alex Sobel, chair of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua, expressed concern over the programme, noting its role in drastic demographic shifts and structural discrimination in education, land rights and employment.
“Transmigration has entrenched inequality rather than promoting prosperity,” Sobel told BenarNews, adding that it had contributed to Papua remaining Indonesia’s poorest regions.
Pramono Suharjono, who transmigrated to Papua, Indonesia, in 1986, harvests oranges on his land in Arso II in Keerom regency last week. Image: Victor Mambor/BenarNews]
Pramono Suharjono, a resident of Arso II in Keerom, Papua, welcomed the idea of restarting the programme, viewing it as positive for the region’s growth.
“This supports national development, not colonisation,” he told BenarNews.
A former transmigrant who has served as a local representative, Pramono said transmigration had increased local knowledge in agriculture, craftsmanship and trade.
However, research has shown that longstanding social issues, including tensions from cultural differences, have marginalised indigenous Papuans and fostered resentment toward non-locals, said La Pona, a lecturer at Cenderawasih University.
Papua also faces a humanitarian crisis because of conflicts between Indonesian forces and pro-independence groups. United Nations data shows between 60,000 and 100,000 Papuans were displaced between and 2022.
As of September 2024, human rights advocates estimate 79,000 Papuans remain displaced even as Indonesia denies UN officials access to the region.
Pizaro Gozali Idrus in Jakarta contributed to this report. Republished with the permission of BenarNews.
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Revelton Distilling Company of Clarke County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
“Revelton Distilling Company has found a neat way to keep spirits high with award-winning bourbon created from Iowa-grown corn,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “For the last four years, master distillers Robert and Christi Taylor have supported local farmers and found new ways to stay dedicated to their old fashioned craft. Let’s raise a toast and celebrate this Clarke County business earning international recognition!”
After learning that Kentucky bourbon producers source their corn from Iowa farmers, Robert and Christi Taylor decided to attend distillery school in 2016 and opened Revelton Distilling Company in 2020. Revelton Distilling Company offers a wide variety of spirits, including their barrel-aged bourbon whisky and their award-winning mulberry gin. The taste and design of Revelton Distilling Company’s products have earned them multiple international awards from the Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and San Francisco Spirit Awards. Today, over 600 bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and grocery stores carry their spirits.
Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $538,352 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study regulation of T cell memory in tissue immunity.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“I am pleased to see this substantial investment by one of our National Institutes of Health in research being done at our premier children’s research hospital. Insights gained will lead to potential therapies and best-practices, and ultimately will save lives.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a symposium with select exhibitors and buyers attending the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday said that China will open its doors wider to the outside world, regardless of how the international environment changes.
Li made the remarks during a meeting with select exhibitors and buyers attending the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), including Synopsys, General Electric Company, MSD and China FAW Group Co., Ltd.
The foreign-funded enterprises at the meeting expressed optimism about the Chinese market, saying that they will deepen their presence and increase investment in the country.
Despite a sluggish global economic recovery, China’s overall economic operations have remained generally stable and seen progress, Li said, stressing that the Chinese market is still one of the best choices for global enterprises.
China will continue easing market access and push for the orderly expansion of opening-up in sectors like telecommunication, education, culture and medical care, the premier said.
He pledged to continue improving the business environment and provide equal opportunities in accessing production factors, qualification licensing and participation in government procurement, among other areas.
Li expressed the hope that China will become not only an export destination for foreign enterprises, but also a land of investment and entrepreneurship, facilitating closer links between China and the global market.
He noted his expectation that Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs will continue to support economic globalization firmly, work together to promote technological advancement and industrial upgrading, and foster new growth engines for the world economy.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a symposium with select exhibitors and buyers attending the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Nevis Bluff spring/summer rockfall scaling programme will shortly get underway, on SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The scaling occurs every autumn and spring with abseilers, suspended on ropes, inspecting the rocky face and removing loosened rocks that are hazardous to highway users.
“People should be ready for delays up to about ten minutes and allow some extra travel time for journeys between Cromwell and Queenstown,” says Peter Standring, NZTA Maintenance and Contract Manager in Central Otago.
The work is scheduled to take place over three weeks from Monday, 11 November, through to Friday, 29 November, 8 am to 5 pm weekdays, subject to weather conditions.
“People using the section of SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown are advised to build in extra time of about 10 minutes as delays will be inevitable while the work is carried out,” says Mr Standring.
“We know these delays can be frustrating, but we’re asking people to be patient and to understand that they are necessary to ensure the safety of road users, which is our number one concern.”
Abseilers working over the rocky schist faces aim to release rock, loosened by the freezing and thawing winter conditions, in a controlled way when there is no traffic on the highway.
The Nevis Bluff is about half-way between Cromwell and Queenstown – 25 minutes from Cromwell, 35 minutes from Queenstown.
Work on the cycle trail, currently under construction, will be paused for a few days while the abseilers are overhead.
NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and for taking care while this important safety work is completed leading into the busy summer period.
The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Annette Shun Wah as the next Chair of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) Board, and the reappointment of Mrs Lucinda Brogden AM as a member of the NFSA Board.
A treasured national collecting institutions now in its 40th anniversary year, the NFSA collects, preserves and shares Australia’s audiovisual culture – providing an unbroken record of Australian creativity and diversity.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Albanese Labor Government had safeguarded the NFSA’s future after a decade of chronic underfunding by the Coalition – and these two appointments would help the iconic cultural institution thrive.
“Both Annette and Lucinda have accomplished and varied careers in their respective fields, and both have a strong commitment to preserving Australia’s audiovisual legacy.
“We want to protect our beloved cultural institutions and part of that is ensuring you have experienced, knowledgeable and representative voices leading the way.
“I want to thank the current Chair of the Board, Caroline Elliott, whose term ends in December and who has guided the Archive in its commitment to implement the National Cultural Policy,Revive.”
Ms Annette Shun Wah is currently the Programming Adviser of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia Festival, where she was Artistic Director from 2020-2023, and also serves as Director of the Board of the Sydney Theatre Company.
Ms Shun Wah has had an extensive career across radio, television, publishing and theatre, including as an actor, host, producer and writer on a range of shows and feature films since 1982. In 1996, she was nominated for an Australian Film Industry award for her supporting role in Australia’s first foreign language feature film,Floating Life.
In 2018, Ms Shun Wah was inducted into the Adelaide Festival Centres Walk of Fame, and in 2023 was awarded an Honorary Master of Fine Arts from the National Institute of Dramatic Art. She was appointed as the Deputy Chair of the NFSA Board in October 2023 and will commence as the Chair of the Board in December 2024.
Mrs Lucinda Brogden AM has been a member of the NFSA Board since December 2021 and has more than 30 years’ experience in accounting, finance and organisational psychology. She currently serves on a number of boards including as Chair of the Diabetes Australia Research Trust, Director of the Corporate Mental Health Alliance, Director at Australian Unity, and a Director of Be Kind Sydney.
Mrs Brogden was also formerly the Chair and Commissioner of the National Mental Health Commission Advisory Board and Director of the Sydney Community Foundation.
In 2019, Mrs Brogden was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Lucinda is proud to be a great-niece of the late Ken G Hall AO. As a child she used to play with Ken’s Oscar and Logie; both are now in the care of the National Film and Sound Archive.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Annette Shun Wah as the next Chair of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) Board, and the reappointment of Mrs Lucinda Brogden AM as a member of the NFSA Board.
A treasured national collecting institutions now in its 40th anniversary year, the NFSA collects, preserves and shares Australia’s audiovisual culture – providing an unbroken record of Australian creativity and diversity.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Albanese Labor Government had safeguarded the NFSA’s future after a decade of chronic underfunding by the Coalition – and these two appointments would help the iconic cultural institution thrive.
“Both Annette and Lucinda have accomplished and varied careers in their respective fields, and both have a strong commitment to preserving Australia’s audiovisual legacy.
“We want to protect our beloved cultural institutions and part of that is ensuring you have experienced, knowledgeable and representative voices leading the way.
“I want to thank the current Chair of the Board, Caroline Elliott, whose term ends in December and who has guided the Archive in its commitment to implement the National Cultural Policy,Revive.”
Ms Annette Shun Wah is currently the Programming Adviser of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia Festival, where she was Artistic Director from 2020-2023, and also serves as Director of the Board of the Sydney Theatre Company.
Ms Shun Wah has had an extensive career across radio, television, publishing and theatre, including as an actor, host, producer and writer on a range of shows and feature films since 1982. In 1996, she was nominated for an Australian Film Industry award for her supporting role in Australia’s first foreign language feature film,Floating Life.
In 2018, Ms Shun Wah was inducted into the Adelaide Festival Centres Walk of Fame, and in 2023 was awarded an Honorary Master of Fine Arts from the National Institute of Dramatic Art. She was appointed as the Deputy Chair of the NFSA Board in October 2023 and will commence as the Chair of the Board in December 2024.
Mrs Lucinda Brogden AM has been a member of the NFSA Board since December 2021 and has more than 30 years’ experience in accounting, finance and organisational psychology. She currently serves on a number of boards including as Chair of the Diabetes Australia Research Trust, Director of the Corporate Mental Health Alliance, Director at Australian Unity, and a Director of Be Kind Sydney.
Mrs Brogden was also formerly the Chair and Commissioner of the National Mental Health Commission Advisory Board and Director of the Sydney Community Foundation.
In 2019, Mrs Brogden was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Lucinda is proud to be a great-niece of the late Ken G Hall AO. As a child she used to play with Ken’s Oscar and Logie; both are now in the care of the National Film and Sound Archive.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 706 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 525 PM CST Mon Nov 4 2024
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southwest Arkansas Southeast Oklahoma Northeast Texas
* Effective this Monday afternoon from 525 PM until Midnight CST.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms occurring ahead of a cold front will continue to pose a threat for a few tornadoes this evening, with a strong tornado remaining possible. Otherwise, strong to damaging winds up to 60-70 mph will also be possible with thunderstorms occurring along a cold front.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles east and west of a line from 25 miles north northeast of De Queen AR to 20 miles southwest of Longview TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 704…WW 705…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 22030.
…Gleason
SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 706 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 525 PM CST Mon Nov 4 2024
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southwest Arkansas Southeast Oklahoma Northeast Texas
* Effective this Monday afternoon from 525 PM until Midnight CST.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms occurring ahead of a cold front will continue to pose a threat for a few tornadoes this evening, with a strong tornado remaining possible. Otherwise, strong to damaging winds up to 60-70 mph will also be possible with thunderstorms occurring along a cold front.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles east and west of a line from 25 miles north northeast of De Queen AR to 20 miles southwest of Longview TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 704…WW 705…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 22030.
…Gleason
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW6 WW 706 TORNADO AR OK TX 042325Z – 050600Z AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 25NNE DEQ/DE QUEEN AR/ – 20SW GGG/LONGVIEW TX/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM E/W /53N TXK – 18SW GGG/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 22030.
LAT…LON 34389344 32169419 32169573 34389502
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU6.
Watch 706 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (50%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (10%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (80%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Nov. 4, 2024 Release Number 20241104-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – Since August 29, in partnership with security forces in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) conducted 95 Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) operations, some of which included unilateral strikes in Syria. These operations resulted in 163 terrorists killed and 33 captured, including over 30 senior and mid-level ISIS leaders.
These successful operations resulted in the seizure of significant enemy materiel that could aid in future disruptions.
Sustained pressure on ISIS leaders has constrained their ability to operate and to plan attacks.
“Alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists and disrupt their capability to conduct operations against U.S. interests, as well as those of our allies and partners,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who is here for the 7th China International Import Expo, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who is in Shanghai for the 7th China International Import Expo.
On China-Uzbekistan ties, Li noted that the two heads of state have met twice this year, reaching important common understandings on developing an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, and on building a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future from a higher starting point.
China will work with Uzbekistan to transform those common understandings into concrete actions and cooperation results so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, Li said.
China and Uzbekistan should always view their relations from a strategic, long-term perspective, provide firm mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and be trustworthy friends and partners, Li said.
The two countries should further align their development strategies, expand economic and trade cooperation, strengthen connectivity infrastructure construction, and build the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway into a flagship project of the Belt and Road cooperation, he said.
Li also stressed tapping into cooperation potential in emerging industries such as new energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, 5G and green mining.
China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan in areas such as culture, education, tourism and poverty reduction, and to facilitate the people-to-people exchange, Li said.
The two countries should continue to strengthen their coordination and cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the China-Central Asia Mechanism, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries and all other developing countries, he added.
Aripov spoke highly of China’s development achievements and its increasing global influence, saying China has been sharing its development opportunities and achievements with the world.
Uzbekistan firmly abides by the one-China principle and supports the Belt and Road Initiative, Aripov said, expressing the willingness to expand practical cooperation on trade, investment, energy, manufacturing, connectivity, people-to-people exchange, and transportation and logistics.
He also stressed jointly combating the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism and separatism.
Uzbekistan is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China within the framework of the SCO and the China-Central Asia Mechanism to promote the greater development of Uzbekistan-China relations, he said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who is here for the 7th China International Import Expo, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
7th CIIE opens service station for foreign participants
Updated: November 5, 2024 07:23Xinhua
An Italian exhibitor (C) applies for a visa at the overseas personnel service station for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. The service station opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th CIIE, on Monday. Shanghai has introduced a comprehensive range of services to suit the convenience of CIIE participants. [Photo/Xinhua]An Italian exhibitor shows her visa applied at the overseas personnel service station for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]An Italian exhibitor (R) talks with staff members outside the overseas personnel service station for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Fees Free from 2025 Final-year Fees Free online content updated The final-year Fees Free eligibility criteria and settings are now available on the TEC and Fees Free websites.
Fees Free website – the home page of the Fees Free website directs learners to either the final-year or first-year information depending on when they are starting their study or training. TEC website –information on first-year Fees Free and final-year Fees Free is now available on the following pages:
Updating your website Please review and update the Fees Free copy on your website, using the following information. This clarifies to learners starting study or training for the first time in 2025 that Fees Free will cover final-year fees, for eligible learners. Content for TEO websites – final-year Fees Free We will keep you informed as this important mahi progresses. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject line [EDUMIS #] – final-year Fees Free policy or call 0800 601 301. Student services fees: 2024 reports due Since 1 January 2023, student services fees (SSFs) are regulated through funding conditions determined by the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills and administered by the TEC. Funding conditions outline the rules that TEOs must follow when receiving TEC funding, including that TEOs that charge an SSF must report on it annually.
Tertiary education institutions (TEIs) must report on their SSF in their annual reports. Registered private training establishments (PTEs) must provide a written report to their learners. They must then forward this report to the TEC.
Thank you to those who have already submitted their 2024 report. For TEOs that charge an SSF but have not yet submitted their report, please send your current SSF report to ssf@tec.govt.nz. For more information about how to report on SSFs, including what to include in your report, see the guidance: Student services fees: Guidance for tertiary education providers (PDF 1.1 MB). If you have any questions, please contact ssf@tec.govt.nz. Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM) The Government regulates how much tertiary providers can increase their fees for domestic students each year through the AMFM. This caps the percentage increase on fees for existing courses at level 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Following consultation, the Minister has confirmed that the AMFM rate will be set at 6.0% for the 2025 calendar year. This permits an increase of up to a 6.0% on the fees (GST exclusive) charged to domestic students in 2024. The increase aims to strike a balance between supporting providers to manage cost pressures and supporting affordable tertiary education for students and their whānau. The micro-credential fee cap The micro-credential fee cap sets a per-credit cap on the fees that providers can charge domestic students enrolled in micro-credentials. Following consultation, the Minister has confirmed a $64 (GST inclusive) per credit fee cap will be maintained for the 2025 calendar year. 2025 AMFM exceptions TEOs may apply for an AMFM exception to increase your fee by up to an additional 6% above the permitted AMFM. We may only grant an exception to the AMFM policy under exceptional circumstances. The exception criteria are published in the funding mechanisms. How to apply for an exception to the AMFM The application process for 2025 is now open. TEOs must submit applications for any courses that start between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 by 5.00pm on 29 November 2024. Please read the exceptions information: AMFM exceptions – Application guidelines and assessment information (PDF 501 KB). Submit applications and all supporting information with the subject line [EDUMIS] – Exception to the AMFM to our Customer Contact Group at customerservice@tec.govt.nz. For more information, see Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM). Monitoring the AMFM During TEC audits we monitor compliance with the AMFM and associated conditions. Recent audits have identified some issues, including:
TEOs increasing fees for some courses above the AMFM rate. Audits will look at increases in fees in each course to ensure they stay within the cap. Discrepancies between the fees being charged to learners and the fees that are recorded in Services for Tertiary Education Organisations (STEO). It is a condition of your funding that you must report in STEO accurate information regarding the fee you are charging learners.
If you have any questions about fees, including how to update fees in STEO or how to calculate your fee increases, please contact your relationship manager or customerservice@tec.govt.nz. Correctly reporting course results and end dates We have recently identified a number of inconsistencies in some TEOs’ reporting of courses where a result has not yet been determined. Please continue reporting courses in the Single Data Return (SDR) until a result is available, after the course end date has elapsed. This may mean manually adding a course enrolment record to the SDR if the course end date was in a previous calendar year. Note that you should not change the end date of extended or un-resulted courses. Although this may be a workaround to keep the record active in your student management system (SMS), it will result in funding anomalies (including over-funding) when you change end dates from one December SDR to subsequent SDR.
For courses at Levels 1–8, you must report a result within 11 months of the course end date. A result means a completion code that is not code 0, 6 or 7. Courses at Levels 9 or 10 can continue to be reported in the SDR with a non-completion code of 6 or 7 indefinitely. You can do this until a completion result is available (code 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5).
Please do not change course start or end dates once returned in a previous December SDR. The preferred approach is to continue reporting extended Level 9 and 10 courses with a completion code of 6 or 7. You can do this each year without changing the course end date, until a result of code 1,2,3,4 or 5 is available and reported in the SDR. More information can be found on page 135 of the SDR Manual: SDR Manual (PDF 1.73 MB). If you have any questions, please contact your relationship manager or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
In a major milestone for one of regional Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.
The Coffs Harbour bypass tunnelling team working on either side of the 410-metre-long Gatelys Road Tunnel broke through the northbound tube on Monday 28 October.
Today, they have broken through the southbound tube, completing the first major phase of the three tunnels to be built as part of the bypass.
Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, with each tube capable of carrying two lanes of traffic. There will also be room to accommodate cyclists.
The Australian Government is investing $1.76 billion towards the project, with the remaining $440 million investment provided by the New South Wales Government.
In a sign of how quickly things are moving for the tunnelling teams, a breakthrough at the 320-metre-long Shephards Lane tunnel is expected in mid-April next year.
The work comes despite a traditional tunnel boring machine not being feasible for use on the short tunnels due to the mobilisation time and cost.
Workers will now start excavating the tunnel floor, carry out the permanent tunnel lining works, install drainage, build the pavement, and complete the fit-out of the mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and intelligent transport systems.
All the equipment will then be tested and commissioned before the bypass is opened to the public.
The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project.
“During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition.
“Being able to pass through from one side of this large hill to the other is a major achievement, and I look forward to the work over the next two years as the tunnels start to take their final shape.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“It’s great to see a major tunnel project in the regions that has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD. This will reduce travel times and deliver vital safety improvements.
“We see and hear regularly about tunnel projects around Sydney where tunnellers bore largely through sandstone or similar softer materials, but here in Coffs it’s been more challenging due to the material and location.
“I want to thank the project team for their hard work and commitment to delivering this critical piece of enabling transport infrastructure for the Coffs region and the entire country.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy:
“The bypass, when it opens to traffic at the end of 2026, will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work and visit.
“The tunnels are a major component of this project, and it is wonderful to see them progressing so well.”
This morning at about 7:10 AM we received a call of a capsized boat with two men on board near Mussel Point, south of Salmon Creek. Our Marine Unit was already in the area preparing to search for the boaters who went missing late Saturday night. We were joined by Sonoma County Fire District, the Coast Guard, Goldridge Fire District, and California State Parks.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Zircuit (ZRC) on its pre-market trading platform, providing early access to this new token before it enters spot trading. Users can now engage in ZRC/USDT trades on Bitget’s platform, giving traders an exclusive opportunity to interact with ZRC ahead of its full listing.
Bitget’s pre-market trading platform allows users to engage in over-the-counter transactions of new tokens before their official listing. This feature offers a peer-to-peer marketplace where buyers and sellers can negotiate prices, facilitating advanced liquidity and strategic investment opportunities. Participants can secure coins at favorable prices, allowing for optimized investments without the immediate need for sellers to possess the coins.
Zircuit, a fully EVM-compatible protocol, leverages zero-knowledge rollup technology to provide a highly efficient, scalable environment for transactions. This new addition aligns with Bitget’s focus on integrating advanced blockchain solutions, enhancing user experience, and expanding digital asset availability. With a total supply of 10 billion tokens, ZRC represents Bitget’s commitment to broadening its offerings and introducing technologies that support secure and effective blockchain interactions.
Through Bitget’s pre-market trading platform, users can explore trades and set prices before an asset’s public listing. This OTC (over-the-counter) setup enables buyers and sellers to agree on terms and reserve liquidity in advance, offering flexibility and access to price discovery prior to market entry. Unlike typical spot trading, pre-market trades on Bitget allow sellers to complete transactions even if they do not initially hold the required coins, as long as they acquire them before the final delivery time. This unique structure is designed to empower both parties to achieve optimal trading results.
The pre-market launch of Zircuit highlights Bitget’s continuous efforts to provide flexible, user-centric solutions in the evolving digital asset landscape. This initiative reaffirms Bitget’s drive to offer innovative trading opportunities that accommodate diverse user needs and enhance accessibility within the crypto sector.
Bitget has established itself as one of the leading crypto spot trading platforms, offering a diverse selection of over 800 coins and more than 900 trading pairs across various ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, Base, and recently, TON. The pre-market platform, launched in April 2024, has facilitated early access to over 150 high-profile projects such as EigenLayer (EIGEN), Zerolend (ZERO), Notcoin (NOT), and ZkSync (ZKSYNC), providing a unique opportunity for investors to engage with emerging tokens at an early stage. The addition of ZRC to this lineup further enhances Bitget’s commitment to offering users access to promising Web3 projects.
For more information on Zircuit tokens on Pre-market, please visit here.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Urge Federal Agencies Expand Outreach on Discharging Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy
New data shows vast majority of borrowers using the new guidance received recommendations for either full or partial debt discharge
ICYMI from Business Insider: More student-loan borrowers are taking advantage of an updated route to get rid of their debt in bankruptcy court, top Democratic senators say
Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers: “We encourage your agencies to continue to expand awareness of the guidance so that the 43 million borrowers in the United States… may be able to access relief if they need to file for bankruptcy”
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Education (ED) to continue expanding awareness to student loan borrowers who are struggling financially about available resources to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy.
In November 2022, the DOJ and ED issued guidance to DOJ attorneys that sought to streamline the process of discharging student loans in bankruptcy. Prior to this change, borrowers had to undergo a confusing, invasive, and time-consuming process in bankruptcy court to prove repayment would constitute an “undue hardship.”
“The ‘undue hardship’ standard historically set an unnecessarily high bar that essentially required borrowers to demonstrate a certainty of hopelessness to obtain relief,” wrote the senators.
99.9% of borrowers who filed bankruptcy from 2011 to 2019 did not have their student loans discharged — borrowers came to believe that there was no way out of the crushing weight of student loans, even through bankruptcy. Since DOJ and ED’s new process was announced, more and more borrowers have received relief. New data obtained by Senator Warren’s office show that, under the Biden administration’s new guidance, 85% of borrowers who sought relief received recommendations for either full or partial debt discharge.
The high rates of total or partial discharge for those who have applied through the new guidance suggest that many other borrowers could also qualify if they applied. The senators are pushing to expand awareness on the more transparent, fair, and accessible process.
“We thank you for your agencies’ ongoing commitment to helping borrowers struggling with student debt and urge continued outreach to expand awareness of the streamlined process for qualified borrowers,” concluded the senators.
Senator Reverend Warnock has long advocated for comprehensive action to address the student loan crisis and has continued pushing the Administration to deliver meaningful student debt relief. Most recently, Senator Warnock led the first Senate Banking committee hearing in over a decade to focus on private student loans and explored the lack of data and transparency in that market and loan servicing concerns while highlighting the potential legislative and regulatory recommendations and measures to stop these abusive practices and to better protect students and taxpayers. Additionally, in August of 2023, the Senator pushed President Biden to swiftly fulfill his promise to deliver targeted student debt cancellation to working and middle-class families following the misguided SCOTUS decision overturning the President’s student debt cancellation.
The letter can be found HERE and text of the letter is below:
Dear Attorney General Garland and Secretary Cardona:
We are writing today to highlight and support your agencies’ progress in making it easier for borrowers struggling financially to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy. In November 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Education (ED) released guidance to DOJ attorneys that sought to streamline the process of discharging student loans in bankruptcy. In the time since, more and more borrowers have taken advantage of this guidance and received relief.
The 1978 Bankruptcy Code allowed borrowers to discharge their federal student loans by demonstrating that repayment would impose an “undue hardship” on the borrower or by showing that the loan became due at least five years before the borrower’s bankruptcy filing. Subsequent amendments benefitting lenders, however, removed the second option. Further, the “undue hardship” standard historically set an unnecessarily high bar that essentially required borrowers to demonstrate a certainty of hopelessness to obtain relief. The federal government’s aggressive challenges in bankruptcy court against students who pursued undue hardship claims only exacerbated the issue. The lack of clarity resulted in a situation where 99.9% of borrowers who filed bankruptcy from 2011 to 2019 did not have their student loans discharged and remained burdened by student loans even after exiting the bankruptcy process.
In November 2022, after we advocated for a more simplified and transparent process, DOJ and ED published new guidance to make it easier for borrowers to discharge student loans through bankruptcy. The guidance outlined a more transparent, fair, and accessible process designed to empower borrowers burdened with crippling student loan debt who previously had no clear pathway for relief.
Previously unpublished data obtained by our offices show the impressive growth of the program thus far. For example, while only roughly 200 borrowers attempted to discharge student debt in each of Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 and 2022, that number rose to 648 in FY 2023. In less than eight months in FY 2024, nearly 900 borrowers sought to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy, adding up to 1,520 borrowers since the guidance was implemented.
Equally important, both unpublished and publicly available data show that the overwhelming majority of those who sought discharge using the new guidance were provided debt relief through full or partial discharge. The Biden Administration recommended approximately seven in 10 borrowers who filed using the updated guidance for full student loan debt discharge. The Administration recommended another 15% of borrowers receive partial debt discharge, meaning 85% of borrowers using the new guidance received recommendations for either full or partial debt discharge. Critically, courts accepted those recommendations in 98% of cases, meaning borrowers received real relief at the end of this process.
ED and DOJ deserve praise for the complete turnaround of student loan bankruptcy outcomes and you should continue to build on the successes of the streamlined guidance so that more borrowers with crushing student loan debt can find relief. We encourage your agencies to continue to expand awareness of the guidance so that the 43 million borrowers in the United States, who carry a total of $1.6 trillion dollars in student loan debt, may be able to access relief if they need to file for bankruptcy. The high rates of total or partial discharge for those who have applied through the new guidance suggest that many other borrowers would also qualify if they have applied. For years, borrowers came to correctly believe that there was essentially no way out of the crushing weight of student loans, even through bankruptcy. ED and DOJ have changed this narrative and you should continue to educate potentially qualifying borrowers, their attorneys, and other individuals and organizations who work to help borrowers.
We thank you for your agencies’ ongoing commitment to helping borrowers struggling with student debt and urge continued outreach to expand awareness of the streamlined process for qualified borrowers. Further, for Congress and the public to better assess your agencies’ plans to increase borrowers’ access to relief through bankruptcy, please provide responses to the following questions by November 12, 2024:
What types of education and outreach have your agencies already used to reach borrowers regarding the new guidance?
What are your agencies’ plans for continued and improved education and outreach about the streamlined process to borrowers who may benefit from it?
What specific goals do your agencies have for measuring the success of increased education and outreach to borrowers who may benefit from the streamlined process? How will these goals change over time if at all?
Do your agencies have systems in place so that borrowers who have filed for bankruptcy can track their filing? If a system does not yet exist, what resources do your agencies need to create one?
How much time elapses, on average, between a borrower’s bankruptcy filing and a discharge determination entered by a court under the new process? Please provide a timeline of the different phases of the process (e.g., filing of an adversary proceeding, review by the assigned DOJ attorney, review by ED, recommendation filed by DOJ and ED) and how long each phase typically takes.
Do your agencies track or record the reasons for denial of discharge based on the factors considered under the guidance? If so, please describe the 3-5 most common reasons you have identified.
Do your agencies track or record student loan discharge outcomes by region? If so, please describe any regional trends you have observed.
How can Congress support your agencies as you increase your education and outreach efforts to borrowers?
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:
“Today, I was briefed by the State Department on their efforts to protect religious minority rights, especially those of Hindus, in Bangladesh. The State Department emphasized that the protection of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh is a top priority that they discuss in practically every high-level diplomatic meeting with the government of Bangladesh. In addition, the State Department is actively working to bolster Bangladesh’s civilian security force with training specifically related to safeguarding religious minority rights. I continued to urge the State Department to provide more public information related to their efforts in Bangladesh and statistics regarding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh as we work to eliminate religious violence, discrimination, and bigotry. I appreciate the State Department’s attention to this important issue and will follow up again in the coming weeks.”
China on Monday appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the EU’s final ruling of countervailing measures on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), according to China’s commerce ministry.
China firmly opposes the final measures of the EU to impose high countervailing duties on Chinese-made EVs, despite a barrage of objections raised by relevant parties, including the governments of EU member states, the industry and the public, said a ministry spokesperson.
To safeguard the development interests of the EV industry and global cooperation on green transformation, China decided to make the appeal to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, the spokesperson said.
The complaint followed China’s previous appeal to the organization against the EU’s initial anti-subsidy measures for Chinese EVs, according to the ministry.
China believes that the EU’s ruling, lacking factual and legal basis while violating WTO rules, is an abuse of trade remedy measures and a practice of trade protectionism in the name of countervailing, the spokesperson noted.
China has urged the EU to face up to its own mistakes, immediately correct its illegal practices, and jointly safeguard the stability of the global EV industrial chain and supply chain as well as the overall China-EU economic and trade cooperation, the spokesperson said.
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi and Takeo Akiba, special adviser to the Japanese cabinet and secretary general of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, held consultations under the China-Japan high-level political dialogue mechanism in Beijing on Monday.
Noting that China-Japan relations are at a critical stage of improvement, Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said the two sides should follow the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, stick to the right direction of improving and developing bilateral relations, and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.
Wang said the Japanese side should establish an objective and rational understanding of China, honor its political commitment on the Taiwan question and earnestly safeguard the political foundation of China-Japan relations, urging the Japanese side to take concrete actions to implement the important consensus of “being each other’s cooperation partners rather than threats,” and promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral ties.
The two sides reiterated that they will abide by the principles and consensus set out in the four political documents between China and Japan and commit to comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit between the two sides, reaching agreement to maintain high-level intercourse, dialogue and exchanges in various fields, and send more positive signals to the outside world.
The two sides believed that China and Japan, as two important neighbors with development closely linked to each other and highly complementary economies, should not and will not decouple, pledging to jointly promote the healthy development of economic and trade cooperation and the stable and smooth production and supply chain.
On the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the two sides agreed to accelerate the follow-up and implementation of the bilateral political consensus.
Stressing that China is firmly committed to the path of peaceful development, pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and is a major country with the best record of peace and security, Wang said China will continue to uphold fairness and justice to prevent war or chaos in the region.
It is hoped that all parties will jointly resist non-regional forces inciting confrontation in the area and take concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability, Wang added.
Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Open in Hardee County
Disaster Recovery Center Open in Hardee County
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Hardee County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Milton. Survivors of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Debby can also be served by the center. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.Center location:Hardee CountyPioneer Park231 Wilbur C. King Blvd.Zolfo Springs, FL 33890Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Sunday. To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. wesley.lagenour Mon, 11/04/2024 – 22:37
Source: US State of California Department of Justice
OAKLAND — Ahead of tomorrow’s General Election, California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general in issuing the following joint statement condemning possible violence in response to the election results:
“Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, we expect that Americans will respond peacefully and we condemn any acts of violence related to the results. A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles we serve.
We call upon every American to vote, participate in civil discourse and, above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process. Let us come together after this election not divided by outcomes but united in our shared commitment to the rule of law and safety of all Americans. Violence has no place in the democratic process; we will exercise our authority to enforce the law against any illegal acts that threaten it.”
The joint statement, a copy of which can be found here, was issued by the attorneys general of: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Dear Friends, Last week, I joined 26 other states in filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging it to allow Virginia to continue removing non-citizens from its voter rolls. The Biden-Harris Department of Justice sued Virginia to halt this process, insisting that non-citizens remain on the rolls through the upcoming presidential election. Unfortunately, a lower court initially sided with the Administration, temporarily stopping Virginia’s efforts to maintain accurate voter lists. I’m pleased to share that, just 24 hours after our brief was filed, the Supreme Court rejected the Administration’s attempts to interfere. This decision allows Virginia to immediately resume its work to ensure that only eligible citizens are listed on its voter rolls. This is a critical win for election integrity. This victory reinforces our commitment to fair and transparent elections, safeguarding the voice of each eligible voter. Allowing non-citizens on voter rolls undermines confidence in our election process, and it’s alarming that the Biden-Harris Administration would legally challenge the removal of ineligible voters. Coupled with their lack of action at the southern border—where over 13 million people have crossed illegally—their resistance to basic election integrity raises serious questions. When the government fails to protect the integrity of our elections, it erodes public confidence in the entire system. Voting is one of our most fundamental rights in a democratic republic—a powerful act of self-determination. Ensuring that elections are fair, transparent, and free of outside interference is essential to maintaining that right. In Idaho, I have consistently fought to keep non-citizens off our voter rolls and to hold organizations accountable when they misrepresent themselves or their issues to voters. While this victory in Virginia is significant, the fight to protect our Republic and ensure election integrity continues across every city and state in our nation. As your Attorney General, I remain committed to preserving the integrity of our elections and the trust in our democratic processes. The foundation of our Republic deserves nothing less. Best regards, Not yet subscribed to the Labrador Letter? Click HERE to get our weekly newsletter and updates. Miss an issue? Labrador Letters are archived on the Attorney General website.