New Zealand Tongan actor JP Foliaki has won TVNZ’s Celebrity Treasure Island and done it for his home in South Auckland, and for children and young people in the Pacific.
“As a charity, (ChildFund) provide fresh water to the Pacific. It’s one thing to be for your community here in New Zealand, but it’s another thing to look out for your people back home.”
“All of us at ChildFund, from our teams in Auckland, to the teams in Tarawa and the islands of Kiribati and Honiara and Temotu Province in Solomon Islands thank JP with all our hearts for his win tonight,” says CEO of ChildFund, Josie Pagani.
The $100k win will now go to ChildFund’s work in the Pacific, bringing clean water to children and their families who otherwise would not have easy access to drinking water.
“It is unacceptable in 2024 that 1 in 10 deaths for children under 5 years in parts of the Pacific is linked to diarrhea, vomiting and dirty water. This is a problem that is fixable. So let’s fix it,” says CEO of ChildFund Josie Pagani.
The Pacific has some of the highest rates of preventable deaths for children in the world, due largely to dirty water.
ChildFund is bringing clean water to children in Kiribati and Solomon Islands, and will expand its programmes across the region over the next year.
“The Pacific is our home and for many New Zealanders these children are our extended family. We can’t fix all the problems in the world but we can make a difference in the place we call home too.”
“This is how we can help to power the Pacific’s future by making sure children and young people have a decent chance at learning skills and getting an education – rather than getting sick or worse, says Josie Pagani.
Dirty water is linked to diarrhea and vomiting, and causes some of the highest numbers of preventable child deaths in the Pacific:
– 1 in 10 deaths for children under 5 years in Kiribati
– 1 in 14 deaths for children under 5 years in Solomon Islands
– Only 16% of school children In Solomon Islands, have clean, safe water
– Only 27% of households in Kiribati have access to clean, safe water
JP’s win will help to complete the following projects:
– Rebuild a water pipe and pump system that will provide water to 3,000 people in 18 communities as well as the local school the Temotu Province of Solomon Islands
– Provide families in some of the 33 islands and atolls of Kiribati with 10 litre Solvatten units that use solar energy to purify water in just a few hours. Each unit can provide 6,000 litres of safe drinking water every year.
– Install 75 litre solar powered distillation tanks at pre-schools, schools and community centres – giving children access to clean safe drinking water every day.
–Build rainwater harvesting infrastructure (roofs and gutters) to capture precious, albeit infrequent rain.
“We would also like to thank the teams and crew at Celebrity Treasure Island for making this possible, and all the New Zealanders who continue to support our work.”
For every dollar donated, the New Zealand government provides an additional $4
AUCKLAND, Thursday 17 October 2024: The countdown to Tuia 2024 has begun, and in less than a week Māori leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators will gather in Hamilton for an event focused on providing insights and mobilising action that will shape Māori business and industry for future generations.
There has been a transformative shift in the country’s population, with one million people identifying as Māori and nearly 30 per cent of New Zealanders under 25 as Māori. The Service sector contributes over $120 billion yearly to the GDP, which accounts for about 30 per cent of our country’s economic activity. Within the Service sector are an estimated 130,000 Māori, including around 7,000 Māori-owned businesses contributing over $14 billion in GDP. This represents a significant pillar of New Zealand businesses and the future workforce, with the Māori economy valued at $70 billion in GDP.
Tuia 2024 is hosted by Ringa Hora, one of six industry-led workforce development councils established to ensure that vocational education meets industry needs and gives a stronger voice to Māori business and iwi development through qualification development and skills leadership.
With sessions structured around the Māori economy, mobilising Māori business and mokopuna futures, the event will explore the journey of Māori industry, recognise excellence, and drive innovation to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our mokopuna.
Ringa Hora Poumatua, Ben Ngaia, says, “Tuia 2024 is an opportunity for attendees to celebrate the achievements of Māori, learn from our shared experiences, and mobilise for a prosperous future. We know vocational education plays an important part in building the skills of our future workforce to help our mokopuna achieve success.”
Ringa Hora will welcome the attendees and a premium lineup of speakers on the day: Tahu Kukutai, Professor of Demography at the National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, University of Waikato, Tahana Tippet-Tapsell, General Manager of Culture and Legacy at Tūaropaki Trust, James Whetu, Consultant and Owner Operator of Durham Street Precinct in Ngāruawāhia, Brittany Teei, board member of Whāriki Māori business network and Poutama Trust, Anton Matthews, business owner of Hustle Group and advocate for Te Reo Māori, and Dan Te Whenua Walker, experienced business development leader for Microsoft and Deputy Chair of Māori Tourism.
Keynote speaker Tahu Kukutai says, “Our current data tells a powerful story of Māori resilience—today, with a population nearing one million, Māori are a thriving, youthful force in Aotearoa. With Māori comprising a growing share of those entering the workforce, the smart move is to plan for this future”.
Ringa Hora will also present a preview of their research, Tirohia ki Tua, which delves into the profound impact Māori have had on the Service sector and the success of Māori entrepreneurship through applying Te Ao Māori values, while capturing the aspirations of attendees for their mokopuna.
“As Māori, our potential within the Service sector is limitless, and Tirohia ki Tua offers an opportunity to reflect on our entrepreneurial legacy and envision the future we’re building for our mokopuna,” says Camilla Karehana, Strategic Advisor Māori.
LOGANSPORT, Ind., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Logansport Financial Corp., (OTCQB, LOGN), parent company of Logansport Savings Bank, reported net earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 of $192,000 or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to earnings in 2023 of $371,000 or $0.61 per diluted share. Year to date the company reported net earnings of $808,000 for 2024 compared to $1,501,000 for 2023. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $1.32 compared to $2.46 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Total assets at September 30, 2024 were $256.9 million compared to total assets at September 30, 2023 of $244.3 million. Total Deposits at September 30, 2024 were $216.6 million compared to total deposits of $219.4 million at September 30, 2023. The company paid a total of $1.35 per share in dividends in the first nine months of 2024 compared to $3.85 in 2023. This included a special dividend of $2.50 per share in 2023.
The statements contained in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involves a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause results to differ materially from the objectives and estimates expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the financial condition of issuers of the Company’s investments and borrowers, changes in economic conditions in the Company’s market area, changes in policies of regulatory agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for loans in the Company’s market area, changes in the position of banking regulators on the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, and competition, all or some of which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. These factors should be considered in evaluation of any forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
Ningde, China, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oriental Rise Holding Limited (“Oriental Rise” or the “Company”) (NasdaqCM: ORIS), an integrated supplier of tea products in mainland China, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 1,750,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4 per ordinary share, for total gross proceeds of $7 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. The ordinary shares are expected to commence trading on Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “ORIS” on October 17, 2024.
The Company has granted the underwriter an option, exercisable within 45 days from the date of the underwriting agreement, to purchase up to an additional 262,500 ordinary shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and expenses. The Offering is expected to close on October 18, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for: i) settlement of the outstanding amount for the acquisition of the contractual agreement rights of some of its existing tea gardens; ii) establishment and construction of its new production plant; iii) acquisition of new machinery and equipment; and iv) general corporate purposes and working capital.
US Tiger Securities, Inc. is acting as sole book runner for the Offering. The Crone Law Group is acting as counsel to the Company. VCL Law LLP is acting as counsel to the underwriter with respect to the Offering.
A registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-274976), relating to the Offering was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by the Company, and subsequently declared effective by the SEC on September 30, 2024. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus relating to the Offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus related to the Offering may be obtained, when available, from US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10022, or by telephone at +1 646-978-5188.
Before you invest, you should read the final prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Oriental Rise Holding Limited
Oriental Rise Holding Limited is an integrated supplier of tea products in mainland China. Our major tea products include (i) primarily-processed tea consisting of white tea and black tea, and (ii) refined white tea and black tea. Our business operations are vertically integrated, covering cultivation, processing of tea leaves and the sale of tea products to tea business operators (such as wholesale distributors) and end-user retail customers in mainland China. We operate tea gardens located in Zherong County, Ningde City in Fujian Province of mainland China. For more information, visit the Company’s website at https://ir.mdhtea.cn/.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.
LONDON, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crown LNG Holdings Limited (“Crown” or “Crown LNG” or the “Company”), a leading provider of LNG liquefaction and regasification terminal technologies for harsh weather locations, today announced that on October 16, 2024, Crown filed the unaudited financial statements of Crown LNG Holding AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crown, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 on Form 6-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The filing is available online through the SEC’s website.
Crown LNG continues to execute against its strategic priorities – moving its India and Scotland projects toward Final Investment Decision, pursuing revenue generating M&A, and exploring possibilities for liquefied natural gas export facility development. These priorities were laid out and discussed in the Crown’s Corporate Update, which is available on the Crown LNG Investor page here.
About Crown LNG Holdings Limited Crown LNG is a leading provider of offshore LNG liquefaction and regasification terminal infrastructure solutions for harsh weather locations, which represent a significant addressable market for bottom-fixed, gravity based (“GBS”) liquefaction and floating storage regasification units, as well as associated green and blue hydrogen, ammonia and power projects. Through this approach, Crown aims to provide lower carbon sources of energy securely to under-served markets across the globe. Visit http://www.crownlng.com/investors for more information.
Esterhazy RCMP are on the scene of a collision that resulted in a train derailment north of Gerald, Saskatchewan. People are asked to avoid Range Road 1322 at this time.
This is an unfolding investigation and further details and updates will be provided as they become available.
On October 12, 2024 at approximately 12:00 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of an ATV rollover on Highway #4 north of the Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation.
Officers responded along with local EMS and located an injured male teenager, who had been the driver of the ATV. He was transported to hospital, where he later died. The family of the youth, who is from the Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation, has been notified.
Two additional occupants, both teenage males, reported minor injuries and were treated by EMS on scene.
Battlefords RCMP continues to investigate with the assistance of the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – In today’s environment, cyber threats are more pervasive than ever. Transnational criminal groups and nation-states engage in daily cyber attacks, targeting critical infrastructure.
The U.S. Army National Guard Cyber Hygiene Assistance Team helps protect our grid. They conducted an assistance mission from Aug. 19 to 23, 2024, to assist the Wyoming Army National Guard with preparations for the U.S. Army Cyber Command Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment to evaluate their cybersecurity posture.
The assessment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the highest level of security across the Department of Defense Information Network.
“Every computer and networking device connected to the network is an avenue nefarious actors can use to access our network,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Fish, the Army Guard CHAT team lead. “Ensuring these devices are secure is not just about protecting data but safeguarding our entire national defense infrastructure.”
The CORA inspection is a comprehensive process that scrutinizes both the technological infrastructure and the operational practices related to cybersecurity. This two-week inspection assesses an organization’s overall risk to the DOD Information Network, with risk levels ranging from very low to very high. Organizations with high or very high risk may face severe consequences, such as being quarantined or disconnected from the network.
“CORA isn’t just a check on the technology in use,” Fish explained. “It’s an all-encompassing inspection that looks at the security-minded culture of users, leadership engagement in cyber and personal security, policies, procedures, and how information is secured on classified and unclassified networks. This holistic approach reduces overall risk to our national security.”
The Army Guard’s preparation for CORA begins six months before the inspection, with weekly meetings and in-depth evaluations of various cybersecurity areas. The CHAT conducts a one-week on-site mission three months before the inspection, collaborating directly with personnel and administrators to access and enhance their cybersecurity posture. After this mission, preliminary results are presented to state senior leadership, providing a clear picture of their security status and allowing them to make informed decisions on necessary actions.
“The CHAT program has been instrumental in increasing cybersecurity across the Army Guard,” Fish said. “When I started in 2019, the Army Guard had a pass rate of around 50% in the predecessor to CORA, the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection. Thanks to the efforts of the CHAT program, this pass rate has soared to over 90%, a testament to the effectiveness of our approach.”
Fish shares the secret to his team’s success.
“We don’t just come to do an assessment, leave a location with a list of things to fix and wish them luck,” he said. “We start working with locations months in advance, build relationships and stick with them all the way through the end of their inspection.”
Additionally, the team includes highly talented Soldiers from multiple states, according to Fish. “Active duty and reserves do not have the capability or flexibility in force structure to establish the same type of program, which is why we are so successful.”
In response to these escalating cyber threats, the Army Guard has implemented proactive measures to strengthen its defenses. However, Lejeune emphasized that every user plays a role in safeguarding the network.
“The Army National Guard deploys a sophisticated and effective cyber defense infrastructure to protect against these threats,” said Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard deputy chief of staff information management. “However, technology alone is not the answer—people are the solution. Our G6 [Department of Information Management] has a very talented group of individuals who fight this fight every day, but everyone who uses the network is needed to defend it.”
Lejeune provides five essential tips for regular users to enhance cybersecurity efforts:
Don’t leave your Common Access Card in your computer, and avoid using your phone number as your PIN: With the rise of identity theft and the ease of accessing personal information, securing your access credentials is crucial.
Avoid using wireless keyboards and mice: The frequencies used by these devices are not secure and can be intercepted. Wired versions offer a more secure alternative.
Protect personally identifiable information and adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements: Preventing identity theft is essential for maintaining individual readiness.
Follow controlled unclassified information, operational, informational and physical security measures: Protecting sensitive and classified information is vital to national security.
Educate and protect yourself: Start with the personal measures outlined in the annual Cyber Awareness Challenge. These steps will protect you and safeguard your loved ones.
“The collective effort of every individual using the network is crucial to defending it against potential threats,” Lejeune said. “By adhering to these tips, users can significantly bolster the cybersecurity efforts of DOIM, ensuring a more secure environment for all.”
SANTA FE – A public health order that imposed temporary firearm restrictions, enhanced drug monitoring, and other public safety measures in response to gun violence and substance misuse expired on Saturday and will not be renewed, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday.
“The public health order, though temporary, allowed us to implement urgent and necessary measures that have had a measurable, positive effect on public safety in our state,” Lujan Grisham said. “I have decided to allow the public health order to expire, but our fight to protect New Mexico communities from the dangers posed by guns and illegal drugs will continue.”
Lujan Grisham first issued the public health order in September 2023 after the tragic shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Albuquerque. Emphasizing the urgent need to address gun violence in the state, the governor’s temporary restrictions banned firearms in public parks and playgrounds in Bernalillo County, strengthened oversight of firearm sales and implemented wastewater testing for fentanyl in public schools.
The Public Health Order also led to the establishment of memorandums of understanding between the state of New Mexico and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department and the 2nd Judicial District to share public safety data and ensure transparency and accountability.
In the year since the governor’s public health order went into effect, significant strides were made in reducing gun violence in New Mexico. Key accomplishments include:
More than 1,700 firearms collected through gun buy-back events.
A doubling of arrests in Albuquerque including 36% related to violent and/or gun-related crimes.
Increased public awareness about the serious issue of juveniles being detained for gun possession.
Fewer gunfire incidents in Albuquerque, as reported by the city’s gunshot detection system.
In the last year, 52,743 free gun locks have been distributed by the New Mexico Department of Health.
The New Mexico Department of Health has distributed 31,806 doses of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, with 3,653 overdose reversals reported in the last year.
An interactive dashboard developed by the New Mexico Environment Department that shows drug testing of wastewater from public schools across the state, helping school officials and communities understand drug trends in their areas.
Increased inmate population at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
A coalescing of state and local agencies, including New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff, and others, to develop a coordinated response to tackle gun violence.
“Our work is not done,” said Lujan Grisham. “We need the legislature to pass stronger public safety laws, increase penalties for violent offenders, and ensure that those suffering from substance misuse have access to treatment. This is no time to slow down—we must accelerate our efforts to protect our families. The legislature must also prioritize budget requests from our law enforcement agencies, who need more resources to continue their fight against crime.”
Headline: Sixteen Hells Angels & Red Devils Motorcycle Gang Members Face Charges Related to Violent Racketeering Enterprise
An indictment was unsealed in the Eastern District of North Carolina charging 16 members of two outlaw motorcycle gangs — the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) and the Red Devils Motorcycle Club (RDMC) — for their alleged roles in a criminal enterprise engaging in violent criminal activity in and around Raleigh and Fayetteville, North Carolina. The RDMC is the main support club nationwide for the HAMC.
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all flags in the state of New Mexico to be flown at half-staff in honor of former state senator John Arthur Smith, who passed away on October 7. Flags will be lowered from sunrise on October 18 until sundown on October 21.
Smith served the people of New Mexico for over three decades, representing District 35—which includes Dona Ana, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra Counties—from 1989 until his retirement in 2020. As the longtime chairman of the New Mexico Senate Finance Committee, he earned the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum, guiding the state’s fiscal policy with prudence and ensuring that funds were used wisely to benefit New Mexicans.
Smith championed wise state investments in healthcare and education, particularly in his hometown of Deming, where he advocated for improved hospitals and schools. He also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department trust fund, laying the foundation for universal, high-quality childcare in New Mexico and serving as a national leader in early childhood education reform.
“Senator John Arthur Smith’s dedication to our state, his financial expertise, and his commitment to improving the lives of New Mexicans will leave a lasting legacy,” said Lujan Grisham. “It is fitting to honor his life of public service through this period of mourning.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)
October 16, 2024
SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a plan to grant San Antonio International Airport (SAT) one of the ten new direct flights slots from Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Castro, a longtime advocate for direct flights from SAT to DCA, worked to secure the additional direct flights as part of the FAA Authorization Act of 2024.
“For years, I’ve been working with my colleagues in the San Antonio delegation to get our city a direct flight to the nation’s capital. Today’s announcement is a long-sought win for travelers, businesses, and the military families that call our city home. When finalized, these direct flights will make it easier for San Antonio’s business sector, including our growing cybersecurity industry, to work directly with the federal government to support job growth and economic development at home. I appreciate the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to bring these flights to San Antonio and I look forward to welcoming new travelers to my hometown.”
Currently, 96 American cities with smaller populations than San Antonio offer direct flights to DCA, including Tulsa, Akron, Cedar Rapids (IA), and Pensacola (FL).
Congressman Castro has worked consistently to secure federal funding and resources to expand San Antonio International Airport and make the airport an attractive partner for more direct flights. After working to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with approximately $1.2 billion for Texas airports, he was quickly able to secure $20 million of those funds for the construction of a Ground Load Facility at SAT to improve airport operations and capacity. As part of the FY2023 federal appropriations bill, he additionally secured $1.5 million to allow the airport to purchase three electric passenger buses and assorted infrastructure to transport passengers from the car rental facility and lower the airport’s carbon footprint.
“We are committed to ensuring Alberta has a continuing care system that provides Albertans with the health care, personal care services and accommodations they need to support their independence and quality of life.“Establishing a new provincial health agency dedicated to continuing care gives us the opportunity to broaden our efforts to care for all Albertans who need daily supports and services in continuing care homes, supportive living or through home and community care.“Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon will become the sector minister for the new continuing care provincial health agency. “As the oversight minister, and the minister responsible for the health care system in Alberta, I will ensure Alberta Health works alongside the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services as we continue to deliver these critical services and build towards the standing up of the new continuing care agency. Alberta Health will continue to assist in determining how services will be delivered in the future.”
“As the new sector minister for continuing care, I am committed to ensuring seniors, people with disabilities, people facing homelessness and other vulnerable Albertans are supported with comprehensive, wraparound services that meet both their medical and non-medical needs.“This change will not interrupt service delivery or impact funding in any way.“We will be looking to ensure all aspects of continuing care – including home care and community care – can be expanded in innovative ways to support people as their situations and needs evolve.“We will be looking to make the system easier to access. A new, unified approach will include a new, user-friendly online platform to connect partners and Albertans to continuing care supports and enable people to request the services they need directly.“And we won’t be doing this in isolation – we are establishing a transitional committee that will help guide the transformation, and we will be consulting with key organizations, operators and experts.”With the experience of health care professionals and social service specialists, we will develop services that work together, while continuing to support Albertans in choosing where and how they would like to live.”
Projectworks secures US$5m in Series A funding round
The round values the company at NZ$100m
New US-based CEO to turbocharge North American expansion
Funds will be used to build a Silicon Valley development team Wellington office to expand
17 October 2024 New Zealand-founded startup Projectworks is turbocharging its North American expansion after a successful USD$5 million (NZD$8.2 million) Series A capital raise and the appointment of a US-based chief executive Mark Orttung.
The latest round, which includes both existing and some new shareholders, values the company at NZ$100m – a stunning achievement in just five years. The management software company has experienced explosive growth since being founded in 2019 by Wellington entrepreneurs Julian Clarke, Matthew Hayter and Doug Taylor.
Projectworks’ capital raise was led by U.S.-based Bridgewest Group, with contributions from Orttung and existing shareholders including local venture capital firm Punakaiki Fund and the founders.
Dr. Masood Tayebi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bridgewest Group said, “The growth that Projectworks has achieved is extraordinary and we look to continued success. They are well positioned in a market that is rapidly evolving, where opportunities are vast. They have a top-notch management team with their sights firmly set on growth and customer success. We are thrilled to have led and completed this Series A round to fuel its strategic expansion into the US.”
New CEO for U.S. growth
New CEO Mark Orttung joined Projectworks in March and says he came on board after being impressed with the founders and the company’s ambition.
“Joining Projectworks was a natural fit. Its founders are innovators who think about problems differently, creating entirely fit-for-purpose solutions.
“There is a huge opportunity for Projectworks in the US market and this injection of funding will fuel our expansion into the U.S., and meet significant demand in the mid-market services industries we serve.
“The funding will be used for a number of initiatives, including to drive global customer acquisition, increase our investment in R&D, and build out a Silicon Valley-based product and engineering team.
“This will all help create a powerful platform for Projectworks to expand throughout the U.S. and other markets.
Hayter, former CEO and now President and Chief Product Officer, says, “Orttung’s appointment was made after I came to realise we have the product, the team, the market, and the timing to build a truly significant, global software business.”
Orttung is well qualified, having held senior executive positions in many successful companies. His track record includes President and Chief Operating Officer of bill.com (now listed on the NYSE), founder and CEO of Nexient, one of America’s largest cloud-based services businesses (acquired by NTT Data in 2021) and leadership roles in GetThere and Genesys, both of which went to IPO.
Kiwi built
Projectworks’ exceptional performance won it 557th place in this year’s coveted Inc 5000 list, due to the company’s ~800% revenue growth within three years. Projectworks expects its growth to continue, with North America as its key future market.
The Wellington-founded company attracted strong investor support early, including Bridgewest Group and local VC, Punakaiki Fund.
Nadine Hill, partner at Punakaiki Fund, says: “Punakaiki Fund is a strong supporter of Projectworks. The team has done an incredible job of building momentum across the globe.
“They embody our distinct preference for teams relentlessly focused on building world-class solutions.”
Hayter, who remains in New Zealand, expects the Wellington team to expand to support the growth.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact Projectworks has on the lives and businesses of our customers. Mark is at the helm, I’m running product development and management, and we have the resources and team to keep spreading that impact across the global consulting industry.”
Projectworks, which offers intuitive, innovative professional services automation software, is known for delivering fit-for-purpose solutions for service companies. It now provides over 500 mid-market consultancies around the world with a complete, easy-to-use platform that allows them to run more profitable projects and businesses.
Notes
About Projectworks
Projectworks is professional services automation software that was founded in 2019, after being created from within a software services firm. It now provides over 500 mid-market consultancies around the world. Projectworks recently completed a strategic move to relocate its NZ headquarters to the U.S. to meet increased demand in the North American markets.
What customers say
Cam Brookes, Founder and Managing Director of Kiandra says, “What we got with Projectworks was really aligned with the way we wanted our business to work. It’s truly a system built for services businesses. It is what we would have built if we were to have done it ourselves.”
About Mark Orttung
Mark Orttung joined Projectworks as CEO in March this year. Orttung, who is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, was previously COO at Bill.com, which builds fintech solutions for small and medium businesses, and CEO at Nexient, America’s largest 100% US-based software services partner, focused on Agile development and business acceleration. Orttung has been on the Projectworks board since January 2023.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
THOMASVILLE, Ga. –Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced that several counties in Georgia’s Second Congressional District were added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene. The counties include:
Thomas County– Individuals and households are now eligible to apply for financial and direct services (FEMA Individual Assistance)
Dooly County, Grady County, Mitchell County, and Thomas County – local governments are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance for repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities (roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, parks, recreational, other facilities)
Before and since Hurricane Helene hit Georgia and the southeast United States, Congressman Bishop has been in contact with the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA. He and his staff have also been in regular contact with the Georgia Governor’s office, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA), and nongovernmental partners as they prepared for and responded to fallout from the hurricane.
“I have worked with federal, state, and local officials to make sure our efforts are coordinated to expedite assistance to our families, farmers, business owners, cities, and counties,” said Congressman Bishop. “Working with Congressman Austin Scott, Senators Ossoff and Warnock, the entire Georgia Delegation, and our Georgia state government partners we helped guide President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other federal emergency agencies through our Georgia communities that were hit hard by this storm.”
“Seeing the impact, first-hand, is crucial in understanding the challenges we face and appreciating the resilient spirit of Georgians as we rebuild,” added Congressman Bishop. “I will continue working to assure that Congress provides the needed resources to Georgia communities impacted by this hurricane.”
In response to Hurricane Helene, Congressman Bishop, along with his congressional colleagues urged President Biden to issue an expedited major disaster declaration for Georgia counties significantly impacted by the storm. That request was honored within 24 hours. He also sent a letter to U.S. House and U.S. Senate leadership asking for appropriations to be made available as soon as possible to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs.
Over 8,500 federal personnel have been on the ground, working side-by-side with state and local officials, to help survivors get what they need to begin their recovery. As of today, FEMA has approved over $860 million, which includes $507 million in assistance for individuals and communities affected and over $351.5 million for debris removal and activities to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent damage to public and private property.
Georgia residents that need emergency or immediate assistance should contact GEMA viahttps://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-heleneor apply for financial assistance atdisasterassistance.gov. These websites provide updated information on resources and shelters.
Georgia residents that need farm or ranch assistance can reach out to the USDA either by calling 877-508-8364 or visitinghttps://www.farmers.gov. For personalized assistance for your individual operation, use theDisaster Assistance Discovery Tool (https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/disaster-tool) to determine eligibility.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, announced $25,018,750 in federal funding for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) Terminal Planning Project. The investment comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects (INFRA) grant program.
“I am thrilled today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded over $25 million for the Port of Coos Bay Intermodal Project,” said U.S. Representative Val Hoyle. “This project has the potential to bring over 8000 jobs to Southwest Oregon’s coastal communities and to strengthen our nation’s supply chain. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to rebuilding the South Coast as an economic engine for the state and introduces more pathways to the middle class.” She added, “I would like to thank Secretary Buttigieg, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the White House, and my partners in Congress for their support and persistence to help bring this project closer to fruition.”
“Today’s $25 million announcement takes a significant step forward to landing this Port of Coos Bay project that will ultimately generate thousands of good-paying jobs on the South Coast and extend huge economic and environmental benefits throughout Oregon,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “There’s still more work to be done, and I am committed to keep pressing the case along with Congresswoman Hoyle and Senator Merkley to provide all the federal investment this project has earned and fully deserves.”
“This $25 million federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic win for Oregon’s rural South Coast and our entire state and is the kickstart that Coos Bay’s transformative container port project needs. This project will create thousands of good-paying union and permanent local jobs, boost the economy, and help address bottlenecks in the national supply chain, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. “I have long championed this critical project alongside Representative Hoyle, Senator Wyden, Port leadership, and a diverse community of stakeholders, and together we advocated to the highest levels of the Biden administration to ensure this federal commitment. Today’s win moves the Port of Coos Bay forward toward the vision of becoming the first fully ship-to-rail port facility on the West Coast and is a testament to the power of collaboration and never giving up—the Oregon Way.”
In addition to creating thousands of jobs in a rural area that has been too often overlooked, the PCIP project will benefit the nation’s supply chain by easing congestion at West Coast Ports. It will also be the nation’s first ship-to-rail port on the West Coast, meaning the facility will not need to rely on trucks to move cargo. The project is also anticipated to use renewable energy sources to provide green electricity, which will allow for the use of electric-powered cargo handling equipment, vehicle charging, and onshore power. The Port will be fitted with electric power plug-ins to power ships at berth (known as “cold ironing”) during the process of unloading.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
FORT VALLEY, Ga. –Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) is happy to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $6,134,765 to the Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council, $7,186,306 to the Fort Valley State University, and $705,440 to the Enrichment Services Program, Inc. in Columbus, GA to support their Head Start programs. The Head Start program supports disadvantaged families by providing early learning and development, health, and well-being to newborns and children up to five years of age.
“The years leading up to primary school are crucial in setting children up to be successful throughout their education and eventually finding good-paying jobs. The Head Start program enriches youngsters by providing a quality preschool experience, while also providing working parents with affordable, reliable childcare,” said Congressman Bishop. “It is so important that these funds are made available to dependable organizations in every community to support for family activities and childhood development.”
“The funds provided will be utilized to purchase a facility that will serve over 160 children in the Chattahoochee Valley. And with this purchase it will allow us to provide a safe location for children to gain school readiness skills and set them up to be successful in school and life,” said Enrichment Services Program, Inc. CEO Belva Dorsey-Mott. “We thank Congressman Bishop for his ongoing support to ensure that funds are available to help children prepare for school and support families which are the foundation for strong communities.”
“This is exciting news, and we are very honored to have been named recipient of this federal grant award,” said Ms. Sarita R. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council. “This substantial funding is designated for the construction of our new Head Start building in Macon, tentatively scheduled for completion in December 2025. The 32,000 sq. ft. building will provide 24 classrooms that will accommodate up to 384 children. This will have a meaningful impact on the many lives of those we support by increasing the invaluable services provided by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.”
“Fort Valley State University’s Head Start program will create a safe and innovative learning environment that empowers families, supports mental health, and promotes school readiness.” Said Ms. Nikkia Mosley, Executive Program Director at Fort Valley State University. “Together, we will make a lasting impact on our community and foster the growth and well-being of every child.”
Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Middle and Southwest Georgia provide comprehensive, high-quality family and community services to eligible children. Head Start programs help prepare young children, infants to school aged, to succeed in school and throughout the rest of their lives through individualized learning experiences in a creative environment.
Congressman Bishop is a strong supporter of the Head Start Program. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, he has worked to establish substantial funding that meets the changing needs of the program each year.
16 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The 2024 Cremer-Passy Prize, the MP of the year award, has been awarded to Dr. Haroun Kabadi, former President of the National Assembly of Chad (2011 to 2021) in recognition of his exceptional work in promoting peace and security.
Currently, Dr. Kabadi heads Chad’s National Transitional Council, which is playing the role of legislative body as the country returns to constitutional order following the death of the President in 2021.
Born in 1949, Dr. Kabadi holds a doctorate in agronomy and a master’s degree in rice genetics.
His extensive political career includes serving as a Minister, Special Advisor to the President, Secretary-General of the Presidency and Prime Minister.
During his tenure as President of the National Assembly, Dr. Kabadi worked tirelessly to strengthen peace, security and socio-political stability in Chad, the Sahel region, Central Africa and internationally.
He contributed to the adoption of several legal instruments promoting peace and security within regional and sub-regional parliamentary organizations.
As President of the G5 Sahel Interparliamentary Committee, he mobilized efforts against terrorism and advocated for dialogue and socio-economic development.
In July 2022, Dr. Kabadi organized an international meeting on the role of parliaments in security and peace. He also met with members of the European Parliament to discuss the situation in the Sahel and seek their support for peace and security in the region.
Background
The Prize is named after the IPU’s two founders, parliamentarians Frédéric Passy and Sir William Randal Cremer, who created the IPU in 1889.
The Cremer-Passy Prize is open to any sitting parliamentarians who make an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of the IPU’s objectives, as well as those “who contribute to a more united, peaceful, sustainable and equitable world”.
Previous winners include Ms. Cynthia López Castro of Mexico and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2022), and Mr. Samuelu Penitala Teo of Tuvalu (2023).
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced and more innovative institutions. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
With the recent establishment of a new Social Investment Agency – described as a “driving project” for the government by Finance Minister Nicola Willis – it seems New Zealand has come full circle on this approach to social welfare.
First championed by then finance minister Bill English in 2015, social investment was rebranded “social wellbeing” by Labour-led governments between 2017 and 2023. But Willis signalled before last year’s election that its time had come again.
In a speech in 2022, she argued taxpayer money wasn’t being spent responsibly by the Labour administration, and that a targeted social investment approach was needed. During the 2023 election campaign, the National Party promised social investment would return.
Essentially, the policy involves using data to calculate which groups of people cost the government the most over a lifetime. Interventions aimed at reducing that cost are then targeted at those people. The idea is that early investment saves later social costs.
Right now, however, we don’t know the finer details of how Willis intends to implement the policy. But we do know how it worked in the past – and what lessons might be drawn from its earlier, short-lived implementation.
An actuarial approach to welfare
In New Zealand, the idea of social investment can be traced back to the fifth National government which held office for three terms between 2008 and 2017.
In September 2015, English outlined his approach in a Treasury lecture, explaining how the government had commissioned Australian actuary firm Taylor Fry to calculate the lifetime welfare cost to the state of people on benefits.
Typically, actuaries use statistics to calculate risk for insurance companies, information that is then used to set premiums. English said the Taylor Fry calculations would identify which beneficiary “is going to cost us the most money”.
The answer was single parents receiving a benefit. Consequently, they were deemed most in need of direct government intervention, including giving an approved mentor control of their money.
According to English’s version of social investment, data enabled the government to calculate the “forward liability” of its citizens, and target interventions accordingly.
This is not the only way to define social investment, however, and other countries often adopt a more universal approach. For example, European models tend to focus on social equality and inclusivity rather than targeting specific groups.
English’s model focused on applying benefit sanctions and conditions. The aim was to “reduce the lifetime public cost of the welfare-recipient population, thereby offering fiscal returns-on-investment, absorbed into public coffers”.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis: social investment is a ‘driving project’ for the National-led government. Getty Images
No accounting for structural disadvantage
Official thinking about social investment predates the establishment of the unit and agency. In 2015, the second of two reports produced by an expert panel review of the Child, Youth and Family agency (now Oranga Tamariki) recommended a new child-centred social investment agency be created.
The report’s analysis and advice focused on intervening early to reduce the risk of vulnerable children growing up to be beneficiaries, teen parents, substance users or prisoners (among other negative outcomes).
It was suggested these potential future behaviours almost always stemmed from the actions (or inactions) of parents. Māori were identified as being especially costly due to their over-representation in child protection statistics. They were described as a “forward liability associated with poor outcomes”.
The proposed response was early intervention and social investment. That would include the removal of very young children from whānau/families where they were perceived to be at high risk. The reasoning was that the predicted damage might then never eventuate, thereby saving taxpayer dollars.
As my doctoral research found, no consideration in the report was given to the effects of systemic conditions such as poverty and the legacies of colonisation.
Costs to the state
The social investment model, with its emphasis on financial liability to the state, became a major influence on Oranga Tamariki’s practice.
It led to an increase in the early removal of tamariki Māori, especially babies, from their birth families – as demonstrated in the 2019 Hawkes Bay “uplift” case, where social workers attempted to remove a Māori baby soon after birth.
In 2017, the new Labour government promised a review of the Social Investment Agency, renaming it the Social Wellbeing Agency in 2020. The social development minister at the time, Carmel Sepuloni, said the agency would have a more holistic approach. Data would be only one of a number of considerations when delivering social services.
But with the agency now reverting to its original name, the idea of using data to guide early intervention seems to be central again. It’s unclear, however, whether the actuarial approach of Bill English’s earlier model will return.
Nicola Willis does seem to be aware of the criticism of the English-era model’s apparent focus on fiscal risk and returns. She has stressed that measuring other outcomes is also important.
As yet, though, there is no indication the policy’s highly targeted approach to welfare will account for structural factors such as colonisation and poverty.
Given the government’s drive to remove any special policy considerations based on te Tiriti of Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi, the risk remains that some Māori will again come to be viewed as a “cost” to the state.
Eileen Joy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Good morning and it’s so great to be with you all this morning.
I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, and pay my respects to elders past and present.
And importantly, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge every carer in the room today – and the important role each of you play in caring for your family members and loved ones.
I would like to thank both Women’s Agenda and Carers Australia for inviting me to speak with you this morning, as we gather to recognise National Carers Week.
National Carers Week is a time where we celebrate and recognise all carers in Australia – many of you here today – who put their heart and soul into caring for someone close to them.
But it is more than this – it is also an important opportunity to raise awareness among the wider community around the important role of unpaid carers in our society, what caring looks like and who carers are – so that anyone who is providing care knows there is support out there.
I’m proud our Albanese Government has continued to fund and support this week in helping to foster a deeper understanding of our nation’s carers.
But as every carer in this room will know, the value and importance of the work unpaid carers do is something to be celebrated beyond just a single week.
Three million Australians provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend across the country according to the latest data.
Time and time again, we see the incredible dedication and resilience of unpaid carers, including many women who provide unwavering support to their families and loved ones.
The importance of your role in supporting a family member or friend to achieve their daily tasks, as well assisting them through daily challenges cannot be overstated.
Carers provide a sense of connection and stability for the loved ones in our lives.
Carers remind us every day that the spirit of support and compassion knows no bounds.
Some people might not even recognise that they are carers – they are simply getting on with helping someone they love or care for who needs support.
Our Government deeply respects and appreciates the immense work of Australia’s unpaid carers who provide support. We recognise that these efforts often come at a personal expense.
Better supporting carers is something – as the Minister responsible for this area – I’ve been focused on since coming to Government.
We know there is a diverse range of carers. From young carers, caring for a parent, grandparent or sibling, to carers who look after a partner, an elderly parent or a child. There are carers who work, study or volunteer along with their caring roles and there are carers who focus solely on caring.
There are carers who have just become carers and carers who have been caring for decades.
We recognise that every carers’ experience is different, some may be caring for someone day in and day out, and others may be providing occasional care. And we know that the type of support carers need will differ depending on the stage of their caring journey and who they are caring for.
Whatever your caring situation, or the situation of someone you know or love, we want every carer to feel recognised, valued and supported to fully participate in society and in their caring roles.
One area in particular we are doing that is through our Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative, which was something developed as a result of the Jobs and Skills Summit we convened shortly after coming to Government.
At the Summit a clear theme emerged that carers often struggle to balance their caring role with employment.
The Initiative recognises that employers have a crucial role to play in creating carer-inclusive workplaces, through the adoption of flexible work arrangements and creative inclusive workplace cultures.
Carers often work fewer hours than they may want to, with under-employment, unfortunately, much more common among unpaid carers than the general population.
I have heard from carers time and time again about the frustration of unpredictable rostering, and how that prevents carers from taking on employment.
Something as simple as a predictable roster is an easy change for employers to make which could have significant benefits for carers.
These supports of course do not only benefit the staff. The research is clear. Carers bring important skills and experience to the workplace that any employer should find valuable: organisation, resilience, leadership to name a few.
Carer-inclusive practices are leading to employers having an increase in productivity and reduction in turnover rates.
That’s exactly why our Government partnered with Carers Australia to develop the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative – which we launched last year. And also to promote the Initiative through this partnership with them and Women’s Agenda.
The Initiative helps employers develop and adopt practices that support employees with caring responsibilities, making their workplaces more inclusive for carers.
Employers who participate can be recognised as committed to carer inclusivity and receive a Government-endorsed carer inclusive workplace logo to display at their place of business and in their marketing materials.
And today, a year on from when we launched the Initiative, I am pleased to share an update.
In just 12-months there are:
Over 580 subscribers to the Carers Inclusive Workplace Initiative newsletter; and
A total of 256 businesses registered, with 164 completing self-assessments and 117 businesses receiving a high inclusivity score.
This is a fantastic achievement. Please let others know about this initiative as we look to increase registrations.
The recent webinar by Women’s Agenda on understanding and supporting carers in Australia did a fantastic job at amplifying how we can build better supports policies and practices that can be modelled and implemented daily in the workplace.
It is efforts such as these that are supporting us to shift towards a culture of understanding and meaningful support for carers.
Carer Payments are another way our Government provides a safety net to carers and we provide around $11 billion per year to Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.
Another step we have taken to help support carers to more easily work is changing the participation rules for Carers Payment.
The legislation that I introduced and has now passed the Parliament means that Carer Payment recipients will be able to work 100 hours over a four week period rather than the current 20 hour per week limit from 20 March next year.
The changes I put forward in our last Budget mean Carer Payment recipients will be able to work 100 hours over a four-week period rather than the current 25 hour per week limit.
We know that around 31,000 Carer Payment recipients currently work and may benefit from the ability to work more flexibly as their caring duties fluctuate.
The changes to remove travel, education and volunteering from the participation limit will make a huge difference for many carers who either have to travel long distances to get to work or may travel to different jobs they may be employed in.
All who want to upskill to look at other opportunities through education, or to connect to their community through volunteering.
I met one carer who, while providing unpaid care to someone close to them, also utilised her skills to work as a paid carer.
She told me that excluding the time she travels between jobs would make a huge difference for how much she could actually work before her carer payment was affected.
She also said that a result of these changes, she was planning to take up further study in the new year.
There are also changes to the flexibility surrounding Temporary Cessation of Care days starting 20 March.
As many carers can attest to, these Temporary Cessation of Care days provide great respite and a chance for carers to prioritise their own wellbeing or engage in other activities including paid work. With our changes, carers will be able to use single days rather than the current requirement to take these in week long blocks. This means that carer can take on last minute shift work for a day, without having to use up 7 of their 63 respite days.
Combined, these changes allow greater flexibility for carers to balance their caring duties and employment responsibilities.
As well as providing greater flexibility, the changes will also include a six-month suspension period for recipients who work over the new flexible limit, meaning if their circumstances change they won’t need to reapply to access Carer Payment during that six month period.
Aside from the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative and investment and flexibility with the Carer Payment, our Government has listened to what carers have been asking for and delivered a range of other supports.
We provided more than $343 million to extend Carer Gateway for two years, to ensure carers have access to supports, knowing they don’t always seek help when caring for a loved one.
That means more carers will be able to access tailored support packages to support them in their caring role day-to-day.
This includes in-person or phone counselling, to ensure their mental wellbeing is supported. Or potentially emergency respite, to ensure that when they become ill, the person they care for can continue to receive care.
We have also doubled the support for young carers to continue their education with a funding boost of almost $10 million for the Young Carer Bursary Program.
In 2024 more than 2000 young carers received a bursary, reducing the need for them to undertake part-time work while studying and managing caring responsibilities.
These initiatives aim to make life for carers easier where we can, while recognising that the experiences of carers are all different.
But we’re also working with the carer community to chart a vision for a society where all carers are recognised, valued, and empowered.
The Albanese Government is committed to delivering a National Carer Strategy.
The previous Strategy – introduced by the Gillard Government in 2011 – lapsed in 2015 and has not been replaced since.
We’ve been working to develop a new National Carers Strategy since coming to Government and today I am pleased to announce that, during National Carers Week, we have released the draft National Carer Strategy for public consultation.
The new National Carer Strategy is being developed in consultation with carers across Australia to ensure it reflects their diversity and the diversity of challenges they face.
Over the last six-months to put together the draft, we have held over 70 consultation activities across Australia held in-person, online and over the phone.
Public consultations and engagements have been held across all states and territories in metropolitan, regional, and remote locations, as well as online, and through a public submission process.
During consultation to inform the draft strategy we heard clearly that:
There are low levels of community awareness about carers, and what caring is which contributes to a lack of self-identification of people in caring roles, and a lack of identification in the community.
A Lack of self-recognition as a carer leads to people either not accessing support or accessing support late, and at a time of crisis.
Carer supports and services can be difficult to access and navigate and may not be effective or fit for purpose.
The caring role impacts carers’ health, safety, financial security and wellbeing.
The draft Strategy outlines a vision of “an Australian community in which all carers are recognised, valued and empowered with the support they need to participate fully in society and fulfil their caring role”.
There are five principles in the draft Strategy which will guide how carer-related policies will be delivered, and a roadmap for supporting carers long into the future.
It will be a framework for coordination of carer policy across Commonwealth portfolios including health and aged care, disability, veterans’ affairs and mental health.
So much has changed since 2015 when the last Strategy lapsed.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out. Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 was released. Reforms to aged care have been rolled out following the Aged Care Royal Commission and the Disability Royal Commission has concluded.
The people carers care for often interact with these systems and unpaid carers play a role in navigating them. Carers have told us that they often feel invisible when trying to navigate these systems and the Carer Strategy seeks to elevate their role.
A new National Carer Strategy is important to reflect the new world carers operate in.
But it’s also important to ensure the voices of carers are elevated. That we have their experiences and input into policy development that impacts them.
Thank you to those of you here today who have provided invaluable contributions to the Strategy.
The public consultations carried out over this year have informed the draft strategy, developed with the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee.
Now we want everyone to play a role in refining the Strategy. We want to hear from carers, the people they care for, and organisations in the sector about the draft strategy.
Consultation will be open from today through to 3 November. So if you haven’t provided feedback already or if you have and you want to provide some more – please do so.
I look forward to sharing the Strategy with you all when it is finalised, and seeing the positive changes it will inspire.
As we celebrate National Carers Week, the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to supporting unpaid carers is stronger than ever.
Together, with the involvement of employers, advocates, and all levels of government, we can create a society where every carer feels valued, supported, and empowered to continue their important work.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to making a difference.
Let us continue to work together to ensure that no carer is left behind.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)
WASHINGTON, D.C. –On Wednesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) lednine of his House GOP colleagues in joining with the Mountain States Legal Foundation to file an amicus brief on the harms of proxy voting to the U.S. Fifth Circuit of Appeals in Texas v. DOJ.
The brief supports the State of Texas’ position – which the U.S. District Court’srulingaffirmed – that the passage of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill for FY 2023 violated the Constitution’s physical quorum requirement.
“Our government is one of checks and balances. For our constitutional structure to work, however, it must be followed. While it may be easy to adopt legislative shortcuts or turn a blind eye to the Constitution in times of crisis, our Framers ensured that no such measures could be taken,”the brief adds.
Wednesday’s brief follows Senator Mitch McConnell’s (KY) recent defenseof the House’s proxy voting practice in an amicus brief for the case arguing that courts should not interfere with Congress’ voting practices — despite his previous warnings to Democrats against the practice.
“This about-face is alarming,”the brief contends. “If Senator McConnell—one of the Nation’s most powerful political leaders—is willing to suddenly turn a blind eye to the House’s constitutional transgressions, it underscores the urgent need for this Court’s robust statement about the confines of Congress’s legislative power.”
Signers of the amicus brief also include Representatives H. Morgan Griffith (VA-9), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Clay Higgins (LA-3), Warren Davidson (OH-8), Gary Palmer (AL-6), Matt Rosendale (MT-2), and John Rose (TN-6).
CASE BACKGROUND:In December 2022, 226 Members of the House of Representatives voted by proxy on final passage of the omnibus spending bill – marking the first time in American history that a chamber of Congress passed a bill without a physical majority present.
MORE FROM WEDNESDAY’S FILING:
“[C]onstituents rely on their Representatives hearing their concerns, and being able to consider these concerns when voting, even up to the moment when a vote occurs”
“Consistent with the principles surrounding representative government, the Constitution does not permit the House of Representatives to adopt an exception to the rule that one must vote in person.”
“In short, to do business, Congress must have a quorum physically present in the House.”
“Now, the District Court has appropriately answered that question below—legislation that is not enacted through an unconstitutional process is not valid merely because the government says that it’s really important. This Court should this affirm, holding that Plaintiff is correct that the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 is unconstitutional because Congress lacked a quorum when the House voted to accept the Senate’s amendments on December 23, 2022.”
The full text of the amicus brief may be viewed here.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Raymond Anthony Rabago Montoya, 23, of Phoenix, was sentenced on October 2, 2024, by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $3,000 to the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. His co-defendant and mother, Griselda Guadalupe Montoya-Gastelum, 50, of Sonora, Mexico, was previously sentenced by Judge Lanza on July 8, 2024, to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montoya-Gastelum pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Lacey Act on April 25, 2024, and Rabago Montoya pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 26, 2024.
Defendants coordinated the illegal importation of exotic and protected wildlife from Mexico, including tigers, panthers, monkeys, and exotic parrots, into the United States, concealed through ports of entry, for financial gain. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began investigating the defendants in August 2022 after receiving a report from a person who believed that the four exotic parrots they had purchased from Rabago Montoya had been illegally imported. This report and further investigation led to the January 2023 execution of a search warrant at the home of Carlos Castro, where a tiger cub, an alligator, 12 snapping turtles, 6 tortoises, and boxes of other reptiles were found. Snapchat messages revealed that Montoya-Gastelum and Castro discussed illegal exotic animal sales and trades. Castro was subsequently convicted of Unlawful Sale of Wildlife in the Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County.
After federal agents observed advertisements for the sale of spider monkeys on Facebook, they conducted two undercover purchases of monkeys from the defendants for $6,000 each, one in April and one in May 2023. In June and August 2023, Rabago Montoya was encountered by law enforcement with dozens of endangered parrots concealed in his vehicle, many of which were deceased. Defendants were indicted on September 12, 2023, and arrested the following day.
“Once again we see Arizonans profiting from the concealment of contraband through the Nogales and Lukeville Ports of Entry,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Here, in lieu of controlled substances we have mistreated protected animals: and the sentences imposed send strong messages both of deterrence and of the importance of robust environmental protections.”
“Wildlife trafficking is illegal and immoral, as countless animals that are taken from the wild are smuggled across borders in inhumane conditions,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “In the case of spider monkeys, many trafficked animals perish due to inadequate care, while those that survive face a life of captivity. We hope this case emphasizes that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our partners will continue to ensure that those engaged in wildlife trafficking are brought to justice.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Zander and Lisa Jennis, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01305-PHX-DWL RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-138_Montoya et al.
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZfor the latest news.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)
WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday after the Department of Transportation approved American Airlines’ application to fly a non-stop flight between San Antonio International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.:
“Today’s announcement is a long-awaited and well-deserved victory for the people of San Antonio, the surrounding region, and our nation’s military and veterans. This nonstop flight between San Antonio and Washington Reagan Airport is the direct result of a yearslong, hard-fought battle to secure the legislative language necessary to make this happen in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
For far too long, residents of America’s seventh-largest city — including the tens of thousands of active duty servicemembers and veterans in Military City USA — were denied a direct, nonstop flight to our nation’s capital for no other reason than outdated legislation and crony protectionism.
I have relentlessly fought for a nonstop flight between San Antonio and Washington Reagan Airport in the House of Representatives. In April 2023, I led a bipartisan letter signed by every member of the San Antonio delegation in support of securing the legislative language ultimately signed into law. In the Rules Committee, I made sure the House considered an amendment to add seven flights at Washington Reagan. While that amendment came up short, it paved the way for the compromise struck by Senator Cruz and included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which I proudly supported. In July 2024, Senator Cruz and I led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 36 Texans urging the DOT to approve American Airlines’ application to fly this route.
I am grateful for Senator Ted Cruz and his steadfast leadership, members of the San Antonio congressional delegation, and American Airlines for working to break through the gridlock and deliver this much-needed improvement for San Antonio.“
Background:
Rep. Roy leads 7 Texans in supporting authorization of non-stop flight from Military City USA to nation’s capital
Rep. Roy issues statement on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
Sen. Cruz, Reps. Roy, Castro, Mayor Nirenberg Outline Next Steps for Nonstop Flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.
Texas Delegation Letter to the Department of Transportation
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2024.
Corbin Mudlin, age 31, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mudlin was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 1, 2024.
In January of 2024, a Rapid City Police Officer observed Mudlin walking in Rapid City and knew that Mudlin had an active warrant for his arrest. The officer contacted Mudlin and arrested him on his active warrant. At the time he was arrested, Mudlin had a SIG Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his waistband with an extended magazine containing 20 rounds of ammunition. Mudlin knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2016 felony conviction.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Mudlin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
A man with fifteen prior felony convictions who used a stolen motorcycle to drive from Minnesota to Iowa and broke into a Winneshiek County home to steal firearms and other items pled guilty on October 15, 2024, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Steven Michael Current, age 58, from Canton, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of possession of firearms as a felon and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle.
In a plea agreement, Current admitted that he had fifteen prior felony convictions, and on September 26, 2022, he broke into a rural Winneshiek County home and stole eight firearms. Current also admitted that he drove a stolen 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle from Canton, Minnesota, to the burglary scene in Iowa on September 26, 2022. This motorcycle was stolen from a home in Rochester, Minnesota, on June 9, 2022. Current admitted that, during the burglary, he dropped two unscratched Minnesota lottery tickets from his pocket. Current was identified by images captured on a home camera system, and by images from the Minnesota store where Current purchased the lottery tickets.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Current remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Current faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by Winneshiek County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore County, Minnesota, Sheriff’s Office, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Organization Distributed Deadly Narcotics to Middle Georgia from Atlanta Supplier
MACON, Ga. – A member of an armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization operating in Middle Georgia was sentenced to serve more than 19 years in prison for his crime.
Travis Warthen aka “Trap,” 40, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Warthen previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Sept. 28, 2023. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal handed down the sentence on Oct. 16. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Travis Warthen is a repeat armed drug trafficker who put the community at additional risk when he dangerously attempted to outrun law enforcement at high speeds, which he’s done before,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and our law enforcement partners are focused on combatting dangerous armed drug trafficking organizations, which heighten violent crime in our communities.”
“Violent and dangerous drug traffickers are enriching their lives by profiting off someone else’s pain and addiction,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Travis Warthen will now face significant federal prison time for his crime.”
“This organized criminal network peddled poison onto the streets of our community,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry W. Deese. “Most law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources to handle investigations to combat organizations like this one. We are fortunate to have federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia that recognize the benefit of working together to keep our communities safe.”
The following codefendants have been sentenced to prison:
Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison on Aug. 14. Breland previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting others to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023;
Randall Heath, 64, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison on Aug. 13. Heath previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023;
Raiford Reeves aka “RH,” 44, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison on May 15. Reeves previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on March 29, 2023;
Jeremiah Kaleta, 47, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 77 months in prison on July 23. Kaleta previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 3, 2023;
Lucretia Snellgrove, 52, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison on Jan. 24. Snellgrove previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 12, 2023;
Kendall Howard, 32, of Centerville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison on Jan. 24. Howard previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 12, 2023;
Luis Acosta, 36, of Centerville, was sentenced to time served on Jan. 24. Acosta previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 16, 2023; and
Kenneth Maddox, 32, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve four years of probation on Oct. 16. Maddox previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 15, 2023.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between Oct. 2021 and June 2022, DEA agents and local law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by co-defendant Reeves and several of his criminal associates including Warthen and Breland. Breland—the supplier to this DTO—was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics, primarily methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Reeves out of her condominium located in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from cell phones belonging to Breland and Reeves and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reeves. Reeves would supply other co-defendants, including Warthen, with some of the narcotics to sell.
On May 25, 2022, Reeves obtained methamphetamine from Breland in Atlanta and met with Warthen in Warner Robins to supply him with the illegal narcotic. After the transaction, agents followed Warthen and attempted a traffic stop. Warthen fled from authorities, driving into oncoming traffic and reaching speeds more than 100 miles per hour. The defendant lost control and wrecked before exiting the vehicle and running on foot. Warthen fell to the ground and was eventually detained. Agents seized a stolen 9mm caliber handgun under the front passenger seat and found a blue plastic container holding 274.2 grams of methamphetamine in the rear floorboard area. Warthen has a lengthy criminal history including prior felony convictions in both state and federal courts for illegal drug distribution.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley Travels to Buncombe and Henderson Counties
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley Travels to Buncombe and Henderson Counties stonizzo
North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will travel to Buncombe and Henderson counties tomorrow with Senator Jim Burgin to survey damage and meet with people impacted by Hurricane Helene in these counties. They will first stop in Henderson County at the Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP) Assistance Center in Hendersonville and then travel to the Henderson County Health Department to discuss recovery efforts and hold a brief media availability. Later, they will travel to Buncombe County with stops at the General Public Shelter at the Western NC Agricultural Center and Beloved Asheville, where there will be a brief media availability.
WHAT: NC Health and Human Services Secretary travels to
Buncombe and Henderson Counties
WHO: Kody H. Kinsley, Secretary, NCDHHS
Jim Burgin, NC State Senator, R-District 12
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
WHERE: D-SNAP Assistance Center
Blue Ridge Commons Shopping Center
2111 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Tour and Media Availability
12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.
BeLoved Asheville
32 Old Charlotte Hwy
Asheville, NC 28803
Tour and Media Availability
2:30– 3 p.m.
MEDIA: Credentialed media should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov for each stop they plan to attend.
Headline: Governor Cooper Visits Yancey and Mitchell Counties to Survey Storm Damage as Federal, State, Local and Non-profit Partners Continue Unprecedented Response to Helene
Governor Cooper Visits Yancey and Mitchell Counties to Survey Storm Damage as Federal, State, Local and Non-profit Partners Continue Unprecedented Response to Helene mseets
Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Pensacola and Bakersville where he was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe and Commander of the State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddie Johnson to assess storm damage, witness relief operations and speak with those affected by Helene. In Pensacola, the Governor visited a supply distribution center operating at the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department. In Bakersville, the Governor joined Mayor Charles Vines for a walking tour to see areas that sustained damage during the storm.
“Today I was on the ground in Pensacola, Yancey County and Bakersville, Mitchell County, talking with folks affected by Helene and seeing how hard people are working to rebuild from this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and we will keep working with them to surge resources and to recover and rebuild their communities.”
The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes the following North Carolina counties and designations which were added Tuesday night:
Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union, and Yadkin counties for Individual Assistance,
Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
Swain County for permanent work (already designated for Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
The Major Disaster Declaration already includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Also today, Governor Cooper issued an emergency Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, to increase the amount of weekly unemployment payments available to North Carolinians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As a result of this Order, weekly unemployment benefits will increase from a maximum of $350 a week to a maximum of $600 a week. Prior to the executive order, many low-income and part-time workers would have received less than the $350 weekly maximum. To ensure that these workers receive necessary benefits in the wake of Helene, the order will also increase benefits by $250 a week (up to the $600 cap) for all eligible workers. This order is tied to the State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene, and will remain in effect until the end of the Emergency or until it is rescinded.
Law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of responders amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA officials remain in communities and are conducting operations to help people impacted by these storms recover as quickly as possible following reports of threats on the ground. Governor Cooper has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to identify specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure the safety and security of all involved as this recovery effort continues.
North Carolina National Guard and Military Response
Nearly 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.
National Guard and military personnel are operating 12 aviation assets and approximately 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.
FEMA Assistance
More than $102 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 181,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 2,000 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.
Approximately 1,400 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.
North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.
Help from Other States
More than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 142 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.
Beware of Misinformation
North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.
Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.
Storm Damage Cleanup
If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.
Power Outages
Across Western North Carolina, approximately 11,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.
Road Closures
Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.
NCDOT currently has approximately 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on approximately 7,000 damaged road sites.
Fatalities
Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.
Volunteers and Donations
If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc
Additional Assistance
There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.
If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.
For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.
NASA research pilots are experts on how to achieve the right flight-test conditions for experiments and the tools needed for successful missions. It is that expertise that enables pilots to help researchers learn how an aircraft can fly their technology innovations and save time and money, while increasing the innovation’s readiness for use. NASA pilots detailed how they help researchers find the right fit for experiments that might not advance without proving that they work in flight as they do in modeling, simulation, and ground tests at the Ideas to Flight Workshop on Sept. 18 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. “Start the conversation early and make sure you have the right people in the conversation,” said Tim Krall, a NASA Armstrong flight operations engineer. “What we are doing better is making sure pilots are included earlier in a flight project to capitalize on their experience and knowledge.” Flight research is often used to prove or refine computer models, try out new systems, or increase a technology’s readiness. Sometimes, pilots guide a research project involving experimental aircraft. For example, pilots play a pivotal role on the X-59 aircraft, which will fly faster than the speed of sound while generating a quiet thump, rather than a loud boom. In the future, NASA’s pilots with fly the X-59 over select U.S. communities to gather data about how people on the ground perceive sonic thumps. NASA will provide this information to regulators to potentially change regulations that currently prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land.
“We have been involved with X-59 aircraft requirements and design process from before it was an X-plane,” said Nils Larson, NASA chief X-59 aircraft pilot and senior advisor on flight research. “I was part of pre-formulation and formulation teams. I was also on the research studies and brought in NASA pilot Jim Less in for a second opinion. Because we had flown missions in the F-15 and F-18, we knew the kinds of systems, like autopilots, that we need to get the repeatability and accuracy for the data.” NASA pilots’ experience can provide guidance to enable a wide range of flight experiments. A lot of times researchers have an idea of how to get the required flight data, but sometimes, Larson explains, while there are limits to what an aircraft can do – like flying the DC-8 upside down, there are maneuvers that given the right mitigations, training, and approval could simulate those conditions. Less says he’s developed an approach to help focus researchers: “What do you guys really need? A lot of what we do is mundane, but anytime you go out and fly, there is some risk. We don’t want to take a risk if we are going after data that nobody needs, or it is not going to serve a purpose, or the quality won’t work.”
Sometimes, a remotely piloted aircraft can provide an advantage to achieve NASA’s research priorities, said Justin Hall, NASA Armstrong’s subscale aircraft laboratory chief pilot. “We can do things quicker, at a lower cost, and the subscale lab offers unique opportunities. Sometimes an engineer comes in with an idea and we can help design and integrate experiments, or we can even build an aircraft and pilot it.” Most research flights are straight and level like driving a car on the highway. But there are exceptions. “The more interesting flights require a maneuver to get the data the researcher is looking for,” Less said. “We mounted a pod to an F/A-18 with the landing radar that was going to Mars and they wanted to simulate Martian reentry using the airplane. We went up high and dove straight at the ground.” Another F/A-18 experiment tested the flight control software for the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis missions. “A rocket takes off vertically and it has to pitch over 90 degrees,” Less explained. “We can’t quite do that in an F-18, but we could start at about a 45-degree angle and then push 45 degrees nose low to simulate the whole turn. That’s one of the fun parts of the job, trying to figure out how to get the data you want with the tools we have.”
Headline: Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. Charles Parish
Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. Charles Parish
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in New Sarpy will close permanently at3 p.m., today, Oct. 16.
The center is located at the Alan Arterbury Building, 14564 River Road, New Sarpy LA 70078.
Additional locations in Ascension,Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishesare open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Residentsin all nine parishescan visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center.
The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).
You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.
Additional options when applying include:
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.