[PRESS RELEASE – 24th March 2025] – The Samoa Bureau of Statistics through its Census, Survey and Demography Division will be hosting an official opening of the Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 main training for enumerators on Monday 24th March, 2025 at the DBS Conference room level 6 at 9:00am.
The main aim of the training is to assist and equip the enumerators with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the DHS-MICS 2025 data collection activity.
The training will be officially opened by the Government Statistician (GS) followed by official remarks from the respected partners namely Australian High Commissioner in Samoa, UNICEF Chief Fieldwork Officer in Samoa and UNPFA Assistant Representative in Samoa. Other invited guests are Senior Government Officials and members of the DHS-MICS Steering Committee from the Nuanua O le Alofa (NOLA), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and Ministry of Finance.
The Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 will collect information in the areas of population, health and nutrition targeting women and men of 15-49 years of age and children. The overall objective of the DHS-MICS 2025 is to provide data and information that will enhance the monitoring of most of the indicators under the Social Sectors of the economy namely Health, Education, Community, Law and Justice, as well as Water and Sanitation and Environment Sectors. The updated data will guide in the prioritization of most of the social sector programs and activities to be implemented in the next 5 years
Throughout the duration of the training, resource persons from key sectors will be invited to clarify some of the concepts in the questionnaires to better inform the enumerators before they start the data collection activity.
The training has been made possible by the support of our development partners namely UNICEF, UNFPA and the Tautua program under the Government of Australia DFAT. The Main fieldwork is scheduled to be started from May 5th -July 5th 2025 and we kindly request the public and communities support when the survey fieldwork starts.
For more information, please contact Kaisarina Moananu at email kaisarina.moananu@sbs.gov.ws or Victoria Tuivaiti at email victoria.tuivaiti@sbs.gov.ws or phone number 23033.
LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING IS SOUL OF ANY LAW, CLARITY AND SIMPLICITY IN LEGISLATION VERY IMPORTANT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER IT IS IMPORTANT FOR LEGISLATORS AND OFFICIALS TO BE WELL VERSED WITH LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS FROM 13 COUNTRIES ATTENDING 36TH INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING TRAINING PROGRAMME CALL ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER
PARTICIPANTS PRAISED THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PARLIAMENT OF WORLD’S LARGEST DEMOCRACY
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 9:05PM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi; 03 April, 2025:Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today observed that Legislative Drafting is the soul of any law. Stressing on clarity and simplicity in legislation, he highlighted that as laws impact society and people for a long time, they must be clear and simple for understanding of the common people. This will lead to less litigations in courts and in turn save the resources. In the context of the dynamic socio-economic transformation of the world, he stated that it is very important for Legislators and officials to be well versed with Legislative Drafting in order to ensure that the needs of the public are fulfilled. This also results in meaningful debate and discussion on draft bills in the Parliament, he said.
Shri Birla made the remarks during an interaction with a group of 28 foreign participants from 13 countries attending the 36th International Legislative Drafting Training Programme being organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of Lok Sabha Secretariat in Parliament House, today.
भारतीय संसद के प्रशिक्षण संस्थान @LokSabha_PRIDE द्वारा आयोजित किए जा रहे 36वें अंतर्राष्ट्रीय लेजिस्लेटिव ड्राफ्टिंग प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम के प्रतिभागियों के साथ आज संसद भवन स्थित कार्यालय में वार्ता की।
The participants praised the legislative processes adopted in world’s largest democracy and the use of technology in simultaneous interpretation in 22 Indian languages and 6 foreign languages.
The programme is being conducted from March 26 to April 22, 2025 in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India) as part of the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) scheme.
Highlighting India’s growing stature as the world’s largest democracy, Shri Birla highlighted that PRIDE is playing a vital role in capacity building of legislatures from around the world. He observed that good Legislative Drafting is the core of proper legislation and hoped that this training programmes would be very helpful for all participants.
During the programme, participants are being trained on several themes, including the Constitution of India, the legislative process, parliamentary privileges, administrative law, consumer protection, and the new criminal laws. The participants will also have attachments with the Ministry of Law and Justice and State Legislatures.
The Commission is closely monitoring Greece’s compliance with the relevant Directives[1]. Should the Commission identify any shortcomings in the transposition or implementation thereof, will initiate further action to address them.
In particular, Directive (EU) 2021/2167 on credit servicers and credit purchasers aims to support the development of secondary markets for non-performing loans in the EU, by providing a harmonised framework for their sale from banks to credit purchaser and servicers. At the same time, the directive ensures that the sale of such loans does not undermine borrowers’ rights.
Furthermore, to protect consumers and prevent them from losing their homes, the Mortgage Credit Directive 2014/17/EU[2] provides safeguards[3].
The same Directive enables Member States to introduce, in line with EU law, more stringent provisions in order to protect consumers[4].
Regarding individual disputes, national authorities and courts ensure the rights of consumers granted under EU law.
Regarding the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, everyone has the right to respect for his/her private and family life, home and communications. Within its scope of competence, the Commission remains committed to ensuring this right.
In addition, to help tackle the housing crisis, the Commission has appointed the first-ever Commissioner responsible for housing and established a Task Force for Housing.
The Commission will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan and conduct an analysis of the impact of housing speculations and its economic consequences. During these activities, the Commission will give due consideration to the matters described by the Honourable Member.
[1] Directive 2009/65/EC concerning undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) OJ L 302, 17.11.2009, p. 32-96. Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment Fund Managers, OJ L 174, 1.7.2011, p. 1-73 Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29-34. Directive (EU) 2021/2167 on credit servicers and credit purchasers, OJ L 438, 8.12.2021, p. 1-37.
[3] Such as ensuring that the creditworthiness of a borrower is assessed before a mortgage can be granted as well as obliging creditors to have adequate policies and procedures so that they make efforts to exercise, where appropriate, reasonable forbearance before foreclosure proceedings are initiated. Such measures may consist of a total or partial refinancing of a credit agreement, or of a modification of the existing terms and conditions of a credit agreement.
[4] For example, the Greek insolvency code already establishes a safety net for vulnerable debtors, with a temporary subsidy of their loan instalment in out-of-court restructuring and a sale-and-leaseback regime in case of insolvency or if their primary residence is about to be auctioned: Law 4738/2020 transposing Directive (EU) 2019/1023, as amended by law 4818/2021 and law 5024/2023. The new sale-and-leaseback regime aims to avoid past moral hazard behaviour and the adverse impact it has had in the cost of credit in Greece. Until said mechanism becomes operational, Law 4916/2022 provides for the protection of the primary residence of eligible vulnerable debtors by means of a state subsidy and the suspension of liquidation measures.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Environment Agency secures proceeds of crime award for £313,382
The Environment Agency has secured a proceeds of crime judgment for £313,382.45 against men from Northampton who ran an illegal waste tyre site.
Multiple piles of used tyres
A pair of Northampton men are to pay for their role in an illegal tyre waste site in Daventry.
At Northampton crown court on Friday 28 March, a confiscation hearing concluded against Nimesh Patel, aged 52, of Jasper Walk, Thorplands Brook, and Andrew Eyre, aged 55, of Poppyfield Road, Wootton.
Patel was ordered to pay £175,013.93 and a £122 surcharge, while Eyre received an order for £138,368.52 and £140 surcharge.
Both men have been given 3 months to pay or will face 3 and 2 years in prison respectively. Eyre was also fined £250 for breach of his first suspended sentence of imprisonment he received in January 2020.
The duo had been prosecuted for their part in running a waste tyre site, Synergy Tyres (Midland) Ltd., at Broad March Industrial Estate in Daventry.
In September 2024, Eyre, a director of the company, had received an 18-week prison sentence that was suspended for 12 months, on condition that he completed 30 days of rehabilitation activities.
Patel, who had been operations manager, was sentenced to 14 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, on condition that he perform 80 hours of unpaid work.
The Daventry site operated without an environmental permit and tyres were stored in an unsafe manner, creating a significant fire-risk and, therefore, a high-pollution risk.
From February 2020, Environment Agency officers inspected the site multiple times over the course of a year, and each time witnessed huge amounts of tyres that exceeded the legal limit.
Paperwork obtained showed that waste tyres were continuously delivered to the site throughout the year, with Eyre being the sole director, and Patel having day-to-day control of the site.
The investigation found that the 40-tonne weekly limit for the storage or treatment of waste tyres was exceeded in 52 out of the 59 weeks analysed.
This probe followed a court case in January 2020 for the same nature of offending, when Synergy Tyres (Midland) Ltd. had been fined £11,250. Eyre received a suspended 12-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, on condition that he stayed out of trouble and performed 150 hours of unpaid work.
At that hearing, John Mullen, then 59, of Frankston Avenue, Milton Keynes, received a 6-month community order with a requirement that he completed 15 days of rehabilitation activities.
At the confiscation hearing on Friday 28 March, Mullen received an order for £1 and a surcharge of £85.
Eyre and Mullen had been joint directors of a company called IN4 Ltd until February 2017, when Eyre retired, leaving Mullen as the sole director.
That company was found by investigators in March 2017 to be storing more than 1,300 tonnes of tyres – more than 15 times the amount allowed under its environmental permit.
Peter Stark, enforcement leader for the Environment Agency in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:
“The case shows that we’re not just content to prosecute those who run illegal waste sites, we’ll also come after them to get back the profits they made from their illegal activities and to recoup taxpayers’ money spent on pursuing them.
“Waste crime can have a serious environmental impact that puts communities at risk and undermines legitimate business and the investment and economic growth that go with it.
“We support legitimate businesses and we are proactively supporting them by disrupting and stopping the criminal element backed up by the threat of tough enforcement as in this case.
“We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.
“If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed we urge you to report it immediately to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A joint Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police crackdown on nuisance bikes will hit the streets again in the coming weeks.
Operation Transom targets riders who damage green spaces and put the public at risk through the use of off-road motorbikes.
The operation is a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team and Staffordshire Police. It will see increased patrols in hotspot areas, with officers seizing bikes that are used to commit anti-social behaviour.
The increased council and police presence will also serve as a visible deterrent to those causing a nuisance in the community.
This crackdown is strategically timed with the start of the warmer months, as reports of nuisance bikes often increase as the weather improves.
Signage is displayed in hot spot areas, warning offenders of the laws that give Staffordshire Police the power to seize vehicles that are being driven in a way that causes – or is likely to cause – nuisance, alarm or distress.
The ASB Team will take enforcement action against anyone who is found to be a Stoke-on Trent City Council tenant or in any way linked to a tenancy.
Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for community resilience for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are continuing to work closely with colleagues at Staffordshire Police to tackle, deter and educate those who continue to blight our communities with anti-social behaviour.
“I want to reassure residents that we hear you, and action is being taken.
“We are so fortunate to have so many green spaces in the city. We will not let people ruin them with mindless, arrogant behaviour.
“Every one of us has the right to live in a cleaner, greener and safer city.”
In 2024, over 350 reports were received concerning nuisance bikes.
The local policing and ASB teams jointly investigated and took enforcement action including home visits, issuing Community Protection Warnings, and taking action against city council tenants.
Since October 2024, the Roads Policing Team has conducted 12 proactive operations across the city, leading to three arrests, the seizure of two stolen quad bikes, and the recovery of six off-road pit bikes.
Chief Inspector Dave Barrow, from the Stoke South local policing team, said: “Tackling reports of anti-social behaviour remains a neighbourhood priority for the team, and nuisance bikers are no different.
“They can be a constant source of concern within our communities and can put both the public and themselves in danger. We simply will not tolerate that.”
Alongside enforcement activity, a new programme of education will ensure potential riders – and their parents – know it is illegal to ride off-road bikes in any public space in Stoke-on-Trent. This includes parks, pavements, waste grounds and parkways.
It was announced in February 2025 that, under the Crime and Policing Bill, new powers will mean police officers no longer need to issue a warning before seizing off-road bikes.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently met with Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison, Staffordshire Police and Fire Commissioner Ben Adams, and officers from the ASB Team and Road Crime Team at Staffordshire Police Headquarters.
The Home Secretary heard how Operation Transom had been jointly launched by Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ASB Team in 2021 – and that the work had seen increased patrols, along with regular operations in hotspot areas of the city.
To report nuisance bikes in your area to Operation Transom, please email operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk. You can also ring 01782 233400. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Incidents that are happening live should be reported directly to Staffordshire Police through the live chat on the website www.staffordshire.police.uk or by calling 101.
Following a ruling by a district judge, a council tenant has been evicted this morning, Thursday 3 April, after drug-related activities and anti-social behaviour caused misery for her neighbours.
The council was granted a possession order by York County Court to end the tenancy of Mandy Livesey, of 20 St Stephen’s Square, Acomb, York. This follows reports from neighbours to the council and police about drug-taking and dealing, loud noise and arguments at the apartment, and an endless succession of visitors. The anti-social behaviour in the home and area was a continual source of disruption and concern for local people who were worried about its impact on their families.
City of York Council officers served a legal warning of eviction (a Notice of Intention to Seek Possession) on Ms Livesey, which she breached.
Following complaints from neighbours and evidence of loud noise, drink and drug-taking and numerous anti-social visitors, the council returned the case to York County Court. After considering evidence, the judge granted the council permission to apply for a warrant of eviction.
Council officers then evicted Ms Livesey today, advising her where she could get information on her housing options, should she need it.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:
Thank you to all the neighbours and officers involved in ending this anti-social behaviour. This much-needed home will be re-let as quickly as possible.
“This case proves that together, we can tackle this kind of disruption and so improve the quality of life of those affected. Please report your concerns and work with us so we can take appropriate and effective action.”
Ben Ambler, Acting Sergeant of North Yorkshire Police, added:
Drug use and anti-social behaviour has a detrimental impact on the quality of life for local people. It’s unacceptable and we’ll use all the powers and resources available to us to take action against those who make other people’s lives a misery.
“This result is evidence of our joint working with City of York Council and my thanks go to them for their work that has culminated in this eviction. I hope local residents are reassured that we will take action to tackle issues relating to drugs and anti-social behaviour and the impact these have on our communities.”
Find information on how to report anti-social noise levels, or telephone 01904 551525 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm. From 9.00pm on Friday to 3.00am on Saturday and between 9.00pm on Saturday to 3.00am on Sunday, please call the Noise Patrol on telephone 01904 551555.
Young people – predominantly males – are being urged to ‘belt up in the back’, as new data highlights the staggering number killed in car crashes not wearing their seatbelts.
Recent analysis by The AA Charitable Trust shows almost half (43%) of young passengers (17-29) who die in car crashes are not belted up.
Young, male car passengers are twice as likely to die in a car crash than their female peers due to being unbelted. The research, based on five years of car crash data where seatbelt wearing status was known, shows 68% of young passengers who die unbelted are male.
These crashes are also more likely to happen at night, with 74% of young, unbelted, passenger fatalities happening after dark.
Provisional figures show that in 2024 across Merseyside there were 14 casualties killed or seriously injured who were not wearing their seatbelt at the time of the collision.
Six of those were vehicle drivers (43%) and eight were vehicle passengers (57%). Also six of the casualties were 17–29-year-olds (43) and eight were 30+ year old (57%).
Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death by around 50%, meaning up to around one quarter of all young car passenger deaths could be avoided if all young passengers put their belts on.
Every week, four young people aged 17 to 29 were either killed or seriously injured on our roads when not wearing a seat belt. (Data on latest year of full data – 2023).
In 2024, Merseyside Police issued 3,066 tickets for drivers and or passengers not wearing their seat belt.
THE FACTS:
• In a crash, you’re twice as likely to killed or seriously injured if you don’t wear a seat belt. • Younger drivers and passengers have the lowest seat belt-wearing rates, combined with the highest accident rate. • People are less likely to use seat belts on short or familiar journeys – putting them at serious risk of injury in a crash.
THE LAW:
• Drivers and passengers who fail to wear seat belts in the front and back of vehicles are breaking the law. • For those aged 14 and over, failure to wear a seat belt could result in an on-the-spot fine of £100. If prosecuted, the maximum fine is £500.
Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “It is an utter tragedy that young people are dying as passengers and drivers because they have failed to put their seatbelt on. It’s such a quick and easy thing to do – and it could save your own life or the lives of the people around you.”
Inspector Gavin Dixon of Merseyside Police, Roads Policing Department, said: “Merseyside Police work really hard to try and encourage everyone to wear their seatbelts in all forms of transport.
“The figures speak for themselves; you are more likely to die in a collision if you don’t wear a seatbelt. As with mobile phone enforcement, we are constantly using new and innovative ways to catch people who choose not to wear their seatbelt and risk their own and their passengers’ lives.”
This photo shows a scene during a session for the ruling on the impeachment against President Yoon Suk-yeol at South Korea’s constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. (James Lee/Pool via Xinhua)
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was ousted from office Friday as the constitutional court upheld a motion by the parliament to impeach Yoon over his short-lived martial law imposition last December.
Moon Hyung-bae, acting chief of the court, read a ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, which was broadcast live nationwide, saying it was a unanimous decision of eight justices.
Moon said Yoon broke his duty of protecting the constitution as he damaged the constitutional institutions, such as the National Assembly, and violated the basic rights of people by mobilizing the military and the police.
Moon stressed that the benefit of protecting the constitution through Yoon’s dismissal will overwhelmingly exceed the national loss from his dismissal.
Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.
Throughout the midnight hours of the botched martial law attempt, military helicopters landed at the National Assembly and hundreds of armed special forces troops broke into the parliamentary building.
By law, the ruling comes into force immediately after the reading, and a snap presidential election is required to be held within 60 days. The election is expected to fall in late May or early June.
The conservative leader officially lost all presidential power, becoming the country’s second sitting president to be forcibly removed from power following former conservative President Park Geun-hye’s ouster through impeachment in 2017.
Yoon also became the third leader to be impeached by the National Assembly in the country’s constitutional history. Late liberal President Roh Moo-hyun was reinstated in the presidency after impeachment in 2004.
Since the passage of Yoon’s impeachment motion on Dec. 14 last year, a total of 11 hearings have been held in the constitutional court until Feb. 25.
It took 111 days before the court’s final verdict, compared to 92 days for Park’s impeachment and 64 days for Roh’s impeachment.
Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested and prosecuted.
If convicted of the insurrection ringleader, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
He was released on March 8 as the prosecution decided not to appeal against a court’s release approval.
Yoon will be stripped of most privileges granted to a former president, including a monthly pension, one chauffeur and three secretaries. Free medicine and the cost of a personal office will not be given to him.
For the forcibly ousted president, the period during which the presidential security service provides guards will be reduced from 10 years to five years. After the five-year period, police officers will guard Yoon and his wife.
Kwon young-se, interim chief of the ruling People Power Party, apologized to people over the constitutional court’s decision, saying his party will take it seriously and humbly accept it.
He emphasized that there should never be violence or extreme action in any case, calling on supporters to overcome the current crisis in peace and order.
Lee Jae-myung, chief of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, expressed his sincere respect for and gratitude to ordinary people who stood against soldiers and armored vehicles at the time of martial law imposition.
The most-favored presidential hopeful added that the unarmed people dramatically revived democracy by peacefully confronting the armed forces, vowing to do his best to prevent the repeated tragedy of the constitution’s destruction.
Following the impeachment verdict, anti-Yoon demonstrators were seen crying tears of joy, hugging each other and cheering in celebration near the constitutional court, with some holding signs that read “Immediately dismiss Yoon, the ringleader of insurrection.”
Yoon’s supporters, who rallied just hundreds of meters away on the street, reacted furiously. A man wearing a helmet and a gas mask was caught red-handed after breaking the window of a police bus, parked for a police line along the court, with a club.
Hemmed in by police officers, other supporters burst into tears, rocked barricades and even swore at riot policemen.
A recent Gallup Korea survey showed that almost six out of 10 South Koreans consented to Yoon’s ouster while 37 percent objected to his impeachment.
It was based on a poll of 1,001 voters conducted from Tuesday to Thursday. It had a plus and minus 3.1 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level.
Security was ramped up nationwide. The police issued the highest level of emergency order to deploy about 20,000 riot policemen across the country for expected protests and crowd control.
Of the total, some 14,000 riot policemen were deployed in Seoul to prevent possible conflicts near the constitutional court, the presidential residence and the parliament.
Police commandos, as well as paramedics and ambulances, were on standby around the court to respond to possible emergencies.
A new Chair has been appointed to lead the independent review of Creative Scotland, Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced.
Angela Leitch CBE will replace Dame Sue Bruce, who withdrew from the role on health grounds in March.
In a letter to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs & Culture Committee, Mr Robertson said Ms Leitch would be supported in the role by Stuart Currie as Vice Chair.
The Culture Secretary also confirmed that the timeframe to publish recommendations would be extended until November, to allow the new Review team sufficient time to gather and consider evidence from the sector.
Mr Robertson said:
“I am delighted to report that Angela Leitch CBE has agreed to lead the independent review, supported by Stuart Currie as Vice Chair. Both Angela and Stuart bring a wealth of local government and public sector experience.
“With the 2025-26 Scottish Budget including a record £34 million uplift for culture, including an additional £20 million for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme, the review will consider Creative Scotland’s functions and remit to maximise the impact of this increase and ensure it can meet the culture sector’s needs.
“In the meantime, I welcome the fact that our survey seeking the culture sector’s views on how culture and the arts are currently supported and areas for change, received more than 750 responses from individuals and organisations across Scotland. This feedback, which will be published later this Spring, will no doubt inform the independent Creative Scotland review.”
Ms Leitch said:
“Culture and the arts provide us with a sense of belonging, preserving our history and traditions, and promoting an understanding of different perspectives. It’s well recognised that the sector and the people who work within it contribute significantly to Scotland’s society, our communities, and the economy.
“It’s also recognised that the context cultural organisations and artists are now operating in has changed considerably since Creative Scotland was established in 2010. I welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues in Creative Scotland and across the sector to review its remit and functions with a view to ensuring it continues to be relevant today.”
Background:
Angela Leitch has more than thirty years’ experience in local government, having worked in West Lothian and the City of Edinburgh councils before becoming Chief Executive firstly in Clackmannanshire Council and then East Lothian Council. In 2019 Angela was appointed as the Chief Executive of the newly formed Public Health Scotland, which amongst other responsibilities, played a crucial role in producing data, evidence and advice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. She stepped down from this role in April 2023.
Angela was Convenor of the Board of the Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee which presented its report on changes to the payments to elected members, in December 2023, to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and Scottish Government Ministers.
She is a member of the Accounts Committee and the Scottish Police Authority. She is also Chair of YouthLink Scotland and is a Trustee of the homelessness prevention charity Cyrenians.
The independent review into Creative Scotland was first announced in the 2024-25 Programme for Government, as the first review of Creative Scotland since its establishment in 2010. The Scottish Budget 2025-26 provides an increase of £34 million to culture in Scotland, including £20 million for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme.
Following Dame Sue Bruce’s withdrawal on health grounds, and the appointment of Angela Leitch CBE as the new Chair, the independent review is now expected to publish recommendations in November 2025. Further details on the review process, including the terms of reference, will be set out to Parliament in due course.
The full text of the Culture Secretary’s letter to update the CEEAC Committee on the appointment of Angela Leitch CBE as Chair of the independent review of Creative Scotland is as follows:
2 April, 2025
Dear Clare,
INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF CREATIVE SCOTLAND
As I shared in my previous letter of 4 March 2025, unfortunately Dame Sue Bruce has had to withdraw from leading the Review of Creative Scotland on health grounds.
The process for appointing a successor to chair the Review of Creative Scotland has now concluded and I am delighted to report that Angela Leitch CBE has agreed to lead the Review. Angela brings a wealth of public sector experience having worked at senior level in local authorities for over two decades and served as Chief Executive for Public Health Scotland for four years. I am also pleased to confirm that the Chair will be supported by Stuart Currie who has agreed to act as Vice Chair. Stuart brings a wide range of skills and knowledge in both local government and the public sector.
I know the Committee shares my view that the Review will be immensely valuable work and should be completed without undue delay. Unfortunately Dame Sue’s withdrawal means that the timescale for completion will be longer than originally anticipated. I am sure you will agree that whilst the delay is unfortunate it is important that the Chair has time to undertake an evidence led Review of Creative Scotland. I have therefore asked the Chair to provide the Scottish Ministers with recommendations and a written report in November. I can also confirm that good progress is being made with consideration of the responses to the sector wide survey which took place earlier this year and the analysis of the consultation responses will be published later this Spring.
The key objectives of the Review will be to:
consider Creative Scotland’s functions and remit, as set out in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, to ensure they continue to be relevant for the culture sector and meet Ministers’ aspirations;
evaluate how Creative Scotland delivers its functions including appropriateness of existing governance arrangements; and
maximise the impact of the funding Creative Scotland provide to the culture sector by ensuring Creative Scotland use and distribute funding appropriately and effectively.
I appreciate the Committee’s continued interest and involvement in the work to date and I would like to thank you for your patience whilst the appointment process has been underway. I know that the Chair will be keen to meet with you to discuss the final remit of the Review. The Secretariat of the Creative Scotland Review would be happy to help in arranging a meeting and can be contacted at creativescotlandreview@gov.scot
Dr Eva RubinovaThe impact of AI and other emerging technologies on modern policing will be investigated during an annual psychology event taking place in Aberdeen later this month.
Organised jointly by the University of Aberdeen, Abertay University and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, the Applied Psychology in Policing Settings conference will focus on the use of new technology to support and work with vulnerable groups, as well as the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on policing research and practice.
Academics from the Universities of Aberdeen, Stirling and Birmingham City will give presentations on a range of topics, including the effects of alcohol on memory recall in investigative interviews, using virtual reality to improve eyewitness testimony and how facial recognition assists police investigations.
Dr Eva Rubinova, Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen’s School of Psychology, co-organised the event with Dr Penny Woolnough, Reader in Forensic and Investigative Psychology at Abertay University and Associate Director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research; and Dr Julie Gawrylowicz, Reader in Applied Cognitive Psychology at Abertay University.
Dr Rubinova will give a presentation on her research exploring strategies for interviewing witnesses in domestic abuse cases. Her project aims to collect information about practices currently used by Police Scotland officers when collecting witness statements in these cases, to inform future research.
“We are excited to host the fourth networking conference of the Evidence and Investigation Network of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research at the University of Aberdeen,” said Dr Rubinova. “The lineup of speakers includes Aberdeen, Scottish and UK academics, all experts in their fields who will share their cutting-edge research focused on innovative technologies and evidence gathering in cases involving vulnerable groups.
“Delegates will have opportunities to network and develop new collaborations focused on solving issues in everyday policing practice. We hope the conference will educate and inform our audience and inspire the development of new ideas and knowledge exchange.”
Dr Clare Sutherland and Dr Travis Seale-Carlisle, from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Psychology, will also give talks at the event on hyperrealistic AI and improving eyewitness identifications respectively.
Free to attend, Applied Psychology in Policing Settings 2025 will take place on 16 April, 10am to 4pm, at the University of Aberdeen King’s College Conference Centre. You can book your place and find out more here.
GOLDEN, COLORADO—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright received strong support from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Lab and nuclear weapons assembly plant directors after he announced expedited permitting reforms for construction projects on Energy Department lands. These common sense reforms will save at least hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and rapidly accelerate project completion dates, helping better unleash American innovation, restore energy dominance, and modernize America’s nuclear stockpiles.
What America’s National Lab Directors Are Saying:
“The recent guidance issued by the Department of Energy related to how the Laboratory executes our construction activities is intended to provide new tools to improve our operations and increase our effectiveness. This guidance will have positive impacts on our construction scheduling, budgeting, work execution and safety. We believe this guidance will have a net positive impact on most of our construction activities now costing less than $300,000,000 including, Energetic Materials Characterization modular facilities and Pajarito Corridor Office Complexes (PCOCs). The new guidance will save the federal government tens of millions of dollars on projects at LANL like these by reducing costs and avoiding overruns due to delays. In addition, allowing the Laboratory to better utilize existing Occupational Health and Safety Administration standards (OHSA) will increase the number of construction companies that can bid on work at LANL and provide a more competitive bidding process that will assist in lowing the costs of construction.” —Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason
“I appreciate Secretary Wright’s bold action to empower the National Laboratories to more efficiently deliver transformative scientific and technological outcomes that will benefit American taxpayers. This is the most substantive and quickest change in improving lab operations that I have seen in my many years with DOE.” —Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Director Dr. Steven Ashby
“Secretary Wright’s decisive actions in easing permitting rules and regulations for construction projects at the Department of Energy’s National Labs are welcome progress. These reforms are a significant step forward in accelerating critical infrastructure improvements, ensuring that our National Labs can continue their vital work. Ames National Laboratory is soon to launch several major infrastructure improvement projects across its campus, projects that are necessary to continue to meet our scientific mission and the mission of the Department of Energy. These reforms will expedite our ability to meet the needs of our researchers and engineers, and continue our pursuit of delivering critical materials solutions to the nation.”—Ames National Laboratory Director Adam Schwartz
“Sandia National Laboratories welcomes the Department of Energy’s move to simplify permitting for critical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements will help us respond faster to national security threats and technology challenges. One clear example of where streamlined permitting has the potential to benefit Sandia is the planned Power Sources Capability project. This new $400 million facility will replace a 75-year-old structure that serves as the primary research, design, surveillance and production location for power sources within the Nuclear Security Enterprise. That includes a range of advanced technologies such as primary batteries, thermal batteries, and energy conversion systems. Streamlined permitting processes could accelerate construction timelines, allowing us to quickly consolidate operations, improve efficiency and better support our employees with a modern and reliable workspace. Ultimately, this new facility ensures Sandia can continue providing innovative, reliable power source solutions essential to national defense and security.”— Sandia National Laboratories Director James Peery
“I’m excited to see Energy Secretary Wright taking significant early action to help the National Labs — including Brookhaven — operate more effectively. In particular, the changes announced last week will help us build America’s next collider, the Electron-Ion Collider, faster and more efficiently. His ongoing engagement with the national lab directors is greatly appreciated and will help us all achieve our — and DOE’s — crucial missions.”—Brookhaven National Laboratory Director JoAnne Hewett
“As the Chair of the National Laboratory Directors’ Council, I want to thank Secretary Wright and his team for acting quicky to remove bureaucratic barriers and create operational flexibility for the DOE National Labs. These decisive actions will have immediate and long-lasting positive impacts on operations, accelerating the delivery of the research and development infrastructure needed to ensure global leadership in energy, science and technology. I applaud Secretary Wright’s bias for action and look forward to continuing to partner with him and DOE staff to identify and develop further actions to enhance efficiency.”—Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner
“Pantex anticipates receiving contractual direction associated with the implementation of the recent DOE Secretarial Order released on March 21, 2025 regarding strengthening efficiency and mission execution throughout the department. We anticipate a number of benefits that will improve our ability to deliver the mission at Pantex once the changes are incorporated.”— Pantex Nuclear Weapons Assembly Plant PresidentDr. Kelly Beierschmitt
“Because of the transformative updates to DOE Order 413.3B and the culture of efficiency it drives, Jefferson Lab will be able to more quickly occupy the Applied Research Center – a request for proposal approval that would normally take 6 months only took a few days. Similarly, revising the compensation clauses affords Jefferson Lab the flexibility needed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This could result in up to 40% time savings in onboarding key personnel critical to our mission at Jefferson Lab. These recent actions reflect a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, and position Jefferson Lab to more effectively deliver the scientific and technological advancements essential to the nation.”—Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Director Kimberly Sawyer
“NETL is a proud member of the DOE National Laboratory system and excited to be a part of Secretary Wright’s reform activities that will strengthen the efficiency and mission execution of the national labs. We look forward to pursuing the opportunity to expand the delegated project authority at DOE’s fossil energy government-owned and government-operated research lab. Streamlining the strategic partnership projects/cooperative research and development agreement process will accelerate America’s energy innovation.” —National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Marianne Walck
“As the energy systems laboratory, NREL stands ready to support the Secretary of Energy and the administration in shaping our nation’s energy future. Reducing barriers to innovation will enable us to move faster, increase value, and accelerate science and engineering for advanced energy solutions. This will unleash America’s energy innovation—making energy more abundant, reliable, secure, and affordable for all Americans”—National Renewable Energy Laboratory Director Dr. Martin Keller
“Thank you Secretary Wright for your efforts to ease burdensome rules and regulations at our country’s 17 National Labs. These reforms are vital to helping the Labs more efficiently and effectively fulfill the national labs’ missions and ensure the U.S. remains the world leader in advanced science and technology. As the Secretary has said, ‘We must protect and accelerate the work of the Department’s national laboratory network to secure America’s competitive edge and security.’”— Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Director Mike Witherell
“Argonne National Laboratory strongly supports Secretary Chris Wright’s actions to streamline permitting and modernize project delivery across the DOE National Laboratories. These reforms will enhance Argonne’s ability to advance cutting-edge science and technology with greater agility and impact—accelerating innovation, reducing delays, and focusing resources on mission execution. By lifting these administrative rules, the Department is empowering Argonne and its peers to more effectively contribute to national priorities in energy, security, and scientific leadership. We appreciate Secretary Wright’s vision and commitment to helping drive this new era of innovation and operational excellence.”— Argonne National Laboratory Director Paul Kearns
“Thank you to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright for taking action to help the labs more efficiently and effectively fulfill our critical missions. I greatly appreciate his early and active engagement with the national lab system.” — Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director Stephen Streiffer
“The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory extends appreciation for the construction-related reforms outlined in Secretary Wright’s March 21 memo. Thanks to the Department of Energy’s support through initiatives like the Science Laboratories Infrastructure (SLI) program, we have been able to upgrade our facilities, enabling world-class science that benefi ts the U.S. and humanity. As we embark on the construction of the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center — our first new building in almost 50 years — we’re excited to establish a state-of-the-art hub for fusion research and plasma science that will drive scientific innovation and uphold U.S. leadership in critical industries. We are eager to see how reforms implemented under Secretary Wright’s leadership will accelerate construction processes, enabling us to deliver on mission critical facilities as we enter a new era at PPPL. We are thankful for Secretary Wright’s commitment to advancing energy abundance and for being a strong advocate for the national labs. As a longstanding leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion, a potentially limitless energy source, PPPL looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Wright and the DOE staff to ensure energy resiliency. Secretary Wright’s leadership is instrumental and will allow the National Labs to continue producing groundbreaking research.”—Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Director Steve Cowley
“At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, we are grateful for Secretary Wright’s early and active engagement with the national lab system. These decisive actions will strengthen the national labs with greater efficiency and effectiveness to fulfill their critical missions. These reforms will provide increased productivities for Fermilab’s construction projects in support of the lab’s growth in particle physics and breakthroughs in emerging fields such as quantum science and AI. As a global leader in fundamental research, Fermilab depends on the kind of forward-thinking leadership shown by Secretary Wright to remain at the cutting-edge of discovery. We look forward to building on this momentum in partnership with DOE to keep Fermilab as the country’s premier particle physics laboratory delivering transformative science.”— Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Interim Director Young-Kee Kim
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Peter Vale, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria., University of Pretoria
In a rare move, the Trump administration expelled Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, in mid-March 2025. In a post on X, US secretary of state Marco Rubio accused Rasool of hating the US and President Donald Trump, and said the ambassador was “no longer welcome in our great country”. The expulsion came after comments Rasool had made during a webinar organised by a South African think-tank, the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Studies. Rasool had said he thought that Trump was “mobilising a supremacism” and trying to “project white victimhood as a dog whistle” as the white population faced becoming a minority in the US.
Relations between the two countries had reached a new low in the first weeks of the Trump administration. Trump had lashed out at South Africa for taking Israel to the International Court of Justice on accusations of genocide in Gaza; frozen all funding to South Africa; and offered asylum to white Afrikaners from South Africa, emboldening fringe far-right groups in the country. Peter Vale, regarded as an authority on South Africa’s place in the world, answers questions about the ambassador’s expulsion.
What was your initial reaction to the Rasool appointment?
I know and respect Ebrahim Rasool – we worked together at the University of the Western Cape 30 years ago – and I also thought he had done a fine job as ambassador to the US during the Obama years.
Remember, his appointment under the Trump administration was announced a week after the November poll. Preparations for this would have been months in the making. So, one question was, did the South African government think Joe Biden would win? If so, they were not following the polls very closely. South Africa’s relations with the US under Biden, although at times testy, were managable and Rasool was familiar with the individuals responsible for their making.
Never step into the same river twice, for it is not the same river, and he is not the same man.
Politics in the US has changed in paradigmatic proportions since Obama.
Then there was the fact that Rasool’s politics are rooted at the sharpest edge of the African National Congress: the United Democratic Front faction. Speaking plainly in the language of the country’s streets was the gift the United Democratic Front gave national politics. It was the most important internal anti-apartheid movement in the 1980s, bringing together youth, student and civic organisations.
Nevertheless, this, the language of the heart (as we might call it), has been eclipsed by the rise of techno-speak of the 2020s – a language that consists of buzzwords, esoteric language, or technical jargon and has become a kind of diplo-speak: diplomatic language in which the careful use of euphemism and noncontroversial language obscures points that might cause contention. Both bedevil South Africa’s domestic politics and mute the country’s foreign policy because racial justice, gender equality and compensation for colonialism seemingly have no place in everyday political discourse.
What happened at the Mapungubwe seminar?
The fracas arose during a virtual seminar organised by a leading South African think-tank which discussed the deepening tension in the relations between Pretoria and Washington.
I think that Rasool was confounded by the audience to which he spoke – was it local or was it local and foreign?
If there was deceit in the gathering itself, this was not to Rasool’s account. This points instead to a journalist looking to trip up any position South Africa took in the matter seemingly to advance his career. This is said to be the Breitbart journalist Joel Pollack, who made no secret of his desire to be the US ambassador in South Africa. He was registered as “Anonymous” on the webinar call. He did not disclose his name, or profession, when he asked Rasool a question.
In my opinion, disclosure is a professional responsibility.
Interestingly, there is no indication that the meeting was operating under the well-known Chatham House Rule by which
participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor any other participant, may be revealed.
Although not without its critics, myself included, this rule binds participants to non-disclosure by creating a safe space for candid and honest discussion.
Where does the responsibility of an ambassador lie?
The consensus among observers and commentators that’s emerged since the expulsion is that it was Rasool’s responsibility to hold his tongue – a kind of golden rule in diplomacy.
There is another way of thinking about this.
There have been many cases where the professional responsibility of diplomatic representation should follow a higher standard than that set by the incumbent government.
This choice faced diplomats in the country during apartheid. So, for instance, in 1986, the apartheid government expelled the Swedish ambassador following that country’s strong opposition to apartheid. There were other expulsions, too. These moves were part of the broader international pressure surrounding apartheid, where responsibility of the diplomats shifted from the minority incumbent government to the country’s people.
However, most famously, this understanding emerged in the writing of Thomas Paine, the American pamphleteer, that Benjamin Franklin (then the ambassador of the fledgling United States to Paris) was “not the diplomat of a Court, but (that the Ambassador) represented MAN (KIND)”.
This intervention is regarded as the first recognition that human – as opposed to state – rights enjoyed currency in international relations.
The age of turbulence through which we live has further muddied this water.
What do you make of the reaction to Rasool’s explusion?
A cacophony of voices, both within and without the country, have debated the pros and cons of the American decision.
Of concern to those with an ethical interest in international relations was that the trope “the national interest” appeared again and again and that, as it did so, the form it took was economic. So, it is in the national interest that South Africa “grow the economy”, “create jobs” and “fight HIV” with American money.
Nevertheless, le affaire Rasool has reminded South Africans that the country also has other “national interests” like fighting climate change and defending human rights worldwide.
Peter Vale 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.
Please attribute to Acting Detective Sergeant Konrad Tamati:
A man has been arrested and charged after an assault involving a parking warden in Palmerston North recently.
Police were made aware of an incident on 26 March where a warden on duty reported that a man had thrown an unidentified liquid at him, staining his skin, clothing and work equipment.
Enquiries led to Police arresting the man today.
He has been charged with assault and is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on 10 April.
This type of unprovoked attack on someone simply going about their daily work is unacceptable, and Police are pleased to have made an arrest and put someone before the courts to be held to account.
As the matter is now before the courts, Police will not comment further.
Jewish students at Columbia University chained themselves to a campus gate across from the graduate School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) this week, braving rain and cold to demand the school release information related to the targeting and ICE arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a former SIPA student.
Democracy Now! was at the protest and spoke to Jewish and Palestinian students calling on the school to reveal the extent of its involvement in Khalil’s arrest.
Transcript:
AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, The War and Peace Report. I’m Amy Goodman.
Here in New York City, Jewish students chained themselves to gates at Columbia University on Wednesday in support of Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia student protest leader now in an ICE jail in Louisiana.
On March 8, federal agents detained Khalil at his university-owned apartment building, even though he is a legal permanent resident of the United States. They revoked his green card.
I went up to Columbia yesterday and spoke to some of the students at the protest.
PROTESTERS: Release Mahmoud Khalil now! We want justice! You say, “How?” We want justice! You say, “How?” Release Mahmoud Khalil now!
CARLY: Hi. My name is Carly. I’m a Columbia SIPA graduate student, second year. And I’m chained to this gate today as a Jewish student and friend of Mahmoud Khalil’s, demanding answers on how his name got to DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and which trustee specifically handed over that information.
We believe that there is a high chance that our new president, Claire Shipman, handed over that information. And we, as Jewish students, demand transparency in that process.
Protesting Jewish students chain themselves to Columbia gates. Video: Democracy Now!
AMY GOODMAN: What makes you think that the new president, Shipman, gave over his [Khalil’s] information?
CARLY: There was a Forward article with that leak. And there has not been transparency from the Columbia administration to Jewish students, when they claim that they are doing all of this to protect Jewish students.
We would like to be consulted in that process, instead of being spoken for. You know, as Jewish students and to the Jewish people at large, being political pawns in a game is not a new occurrence, and that’s something that we very much are here to say, “Hey, you cannot weaponise antisemitism to harm our friends and peers.”
AMY GOODMAN: And talk about being chained. Are you willing to risk arrest or suspension or expulsion from Columbia?
CARLY: Yeah, I mean, just for speaking out for Palestine on Columbia’s campus, you know that you’re risking arrest and expulsion. That is the precedent they have set, and that is something that we all know at this point.
We are now in a situation where, for many of us, our good friend is in ICE detention. And as Jewish students, we feel we need to do more.
AMY GOODMAN: How did you know Mahmoud Khalil? You said you’re at SIPA. What are you studying there?
CARLY: Yeah, so, I’m a human rights student, and we were classmates. We were classmates and friends. And it’s been a deeply troubling few weeks. And, you know, everyone at SIPA, the students at SIPA, we really are just hoping for his safe return.
For me as a graduate in May, I truly hope we get to walk together at graduation.
AMY GOODMAN: Did he hear that you were out here? And did he send you a message?
CARLY: Yes. So, it has gotten back to Mahmoud that Jewish students are out here chained to the gate, and he did send a message that I read earlier that expressed his gratitude.
AMY GOODMAN: Can you tell me what he said?
CARLY: Yes, I can pull up the message. I don’t want to misquote him. OK.
“The news of students chaining themselves to the Columbia gates has reached Mahmoud in the detention center in Louisiana, where he’s currently being held. He knows what’s happening. He was very emotional when he heard about it, and he wanted to thank you all and let you know he sees you.”
SARAH BORUS: My name is Sarah Borus. I am a senior at Barnard College.
AMY GOODMAN: Why a Jewish action right now?
SARAH BORUS: So, the government, when they abducted Mahmoud, they literally put — Donald Trump put out a post that said, “Shalom, Mahmoud.”
They are saying that this is in the name of Jewish safety. But there is a reason that it is four white Jews that were on that fence or that were on that gate, and that’s because we are not the ones that are being targeted by the government.
It is Muslim students, Arab students, Palestinian students, immigrant students that are being targeted.
AMY GOODMAN: How do you respond to those who say the protests here are antisemitic?
SARAH BORUS: I have been involved in these protests for my last two years here. The community of Jewish students that I have found is one of the most wonderful in my life. To call these protests antisemitic, honestly, degrades the Jewish religion by making it about a nation-state instead of the actual religion itself.
SHEA: My name is Shea. I’m a junior at Columbia College. I am here for the same reason.
AMY GOODMAN: You’re wearing a keffiyeh and a yarmulke.
SHEA: Yes. That’s standard for me.
AMY GOODMAN: Are you willing to be expelled?
SHEA: If the university decides that that is what should happen to me for doing this, then that is on them. I would love to not be expelled, but I think that my peers would also have loved to not be expelled.
I think Mahmoud would love to not be in detention right now. This is — I obviously worked very hard to get here. So did Mahmoud. So did everyone else who has been facing consequences.
And, like, while I obviously would prefer to, you know, not get expelled, this is bigger than me. This is about something much more important. And it ultimately is in the hands of the university. If they want to expel me for standing up for my friend, for other students, then that is their choice.
PROTESTERS: ICE off our campus now! ICE off our campus now! We want justice! You say, “How?” We want justice! You say, “How?” Answer our demands now! Answer our demands now!
MARYAM ALWAN: My name is Maryam Alwan. I’m a senior at Columbia. I’m also Palestinian, and I’m friends with Mahmoud. I’m here in solidarity with my Jewish friends, who are in solidarity with all Palestinian students and Palestinians facing genocide in Gaza.
We are all here today because we miss our friend, and it’s inconceivable to us that the board of trustees are reported to have handed his name over to the federal government, and the fact that these board of trustees have now taken over the university.
Just yesterday, the University Senate at Columbia released an over 300-page report called the Sundial Report, which reveals that the board of trustees has completely endangered both Palestinian and anti-Zionist Jewish students in the name of quashing dissent and cracking down on protests like never before, eroding shared governance, academic freedom.
And so this has been a long-standing process over 1.5 years to get us to the point where we are today, where people are getting kidnapped from their own campuses. And we can’t just sit by and let the federal government do whatever they want to our own university without standing up against it.
So, whatever we can do.
AMY GOODMAN: And what does it mean to you that it’s Jewish students who have chained themselves to the gates?
MARYAM ALWAN: It means a lot to me, especially because of all of the rhetoric that surrounds these protests saying that we’re violent or threatening, when, from day one, I was part of Students for Justice in Palestine when it was suspended, and we were working alongside Jewish Voice for Peace from day one.
The media just completely twisted the narrative. So, the fact that my Jewish friends are still to this day fighting, no matter what the personal cost is to them — I’ve seen the way that the university has delegitimised their Jewish identity, put them through trials, saying that they’re antisemitic, when they are proud Jews, and they’ve taught me so much about Judaism.
So it just means a lot to see, like, the solidarity between us even almost two years later now.
AHARON DARDIK: My name’s Aharon Dardik. I’m a junior here at Columbia. And we’re here to protest the trustees putting students in danger and not taking accountability.
AMY GOODMAN: Why the chains on your wrists?
AHARON DARDIK: We, as Jewish students, chained ourselves earlier today to a gate on campus, and we said that we weren’t going to leave until the university named who it was among the trustees who collaborated with the fascist Trump administration to detain our classmate, Mahmoud Khalil, and try and deport him.
AMY GOODMAN: Where are you originally from?
AHARON DARDIK: I’m originally from California, but my family moved to Israel-Palestine.
AMY GOODMAN: And being from Israel-Palestine, your thoughts on what’s happening there?
AHARON DARDIK: There’s never a justification for killing innocent civilians and for war crimes and genocide that’s being committed now. And I know many, many other people there who are leftist Israeli activists who are doing their best to end the occupation, to end the war and the genocide and to end Israeli apartheid.
But they need more support from the international community, which currently sees supporting Israel as synonymous with supporting the fascist Israeli government that’s perpetrating this genocide, that’s continuing the occupation.
AMY GOODMAN: Voices from a protest on Wednesday when Jewish students at Columbia University chained themselves to university gates in support of Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia student protest leader now detained by ICE in a Louisiana jail.
Students continued their action into the early hours of yesterday morning through the rain, even after Columbia security and New York police arrived on the scene to cut the chains and forcibly remove protesters.
Special thanks to Laura Bustillos.
Republished from Democracy Now! under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
“Operation Double Down” leads to seizure of over $16 million in currency, accounts, and assets, as well as arrest of illegal aliens
HOUSTON – Several Houston-area residents are now in custody on various charges including conspiracy, operating illegal game rooms, bribery and money laundering in one of the largest ever law enforcement operations in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m.
In addition to those indicted in the scheme, authorities also arrested 31 illegal aliens on various immigration and firearms charges during the operation April 2. One of those included an illegal alien who allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer.
The indictment, returned March 26 and unsealed upon the arrests, alleges Nizar Ali, 61, Richmond, and others allegedly conspired to own, operate or assist in the operation of illegal game rooms. All also conspired to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of the illegal gambling business, which totaled more than $22 million, according to the charges.
More than 700 law enforcement officers from 18 agencies served a total of 45 search and 40 seizure warrants at locations throughout Houston and the surrounding area. The locations included 30 illegal game rooms with names such as El Portal and Yellow Building.
During the operation, authorities recovered more than $4.5 million in cash as well as $5 million in property and vehicles, 2000 slot machines, 100 Rolex watches and eight firearms. Law enforcement also seized approximately $6.5 million from bank accounts and other financial institutions pursuant to the court-issued warrants.
In addition to Ali, others taken into custody include Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond; Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg; Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land; Yolanda Figueroa, 40, Pasadena; Viviana Alvarado, 45, LaPorte; and Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Precela Solis, 27, Maria Delarosa, 53, Claudia Calderon, 37, and Lucia Hernandez, 34, all of Houston.
Two others – Sayed Ali, 59, Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, Houston – are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests.
All are charged with conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business and interstate travel in aid of racketeering which each carry possible prison terms of five years as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering which has a maximum 20-year possible prison term.
Ali is also charged with 32 counts of federal program bribery for allegedly paying more than $500,000 to an undercover officer in an attempt to protect the illicit game rooms from law enforcement intervention. If convicted, he faces up to 10 more years in prison on each count.
With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation along with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) and the assistance of Houston Police Department (HPD); FBI; High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program; Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct One; Harris County District Attorney’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Drug Enforcement Administration. Other agencies providing support include ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties, Houston Fire Department, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and police departments in Baytown and Pasadena.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre, John Marck and Carolyn Ferko are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Fyffe and Tyler Foster are handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – For almost a month, the sports complex’s game room hosted vivid battles at a football tournament dedicated to Nikolai Petrovich Dyakov, who created the NSU football club and trained a large number of athletes. The competition was included in the Spartakiad among the university’s faculties and institutes, and 10 teams divided into 2 subgroups took part in it.
In the final, FIT defeated the IFP team with a score of 6:0, and in the match for third place, the NSU SUNC won against the EF students by only 1 goal with a score of 4:3.
As usual, the following were singled out and awarded:
Best Goalkeeper – Fedor Brykin, FIT
Best defender – Alexander Chulzhanov, NSU SUNC
Best forward – Maxim Ermolaev, FIT
Best player – Mikhail Korotkov, FIT
As a result, the places in the Spartakiad were distributed as follows:
1st place – Faculty of Information Technology: Nikolay Balyasnikov, Ivan Sheldyakov, Sergey Netesov, Saveliy Trushkov, Mikhail Korotkov, Maksim Ermolaev, Dmitry Kravchuk and Fedor Brykin 2nd place – Institute of Philosophy and Law: Saveliy Nekhoroshev, Arseniy Tikhanchik, Ivan Polyakov, Sergey Budyakov, Vladislav Gerasimov, Nikita Pyatakov, Maksim Uporov and Ivan Ugrovatov 3rd place – SUNC NSU: Aleksandr Chulzhanov, Pavel Zinoviev, Aleksandr Plasteyev, Viktor Rudenko, Anton Kan, Artem Bakhetkin, Aleksandr Kornilov and Aleksandr Ruban 4th place – Faculty of Economics
5th place – Faculty of Geology and Geophysics
6th place – Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
7th place – VKI
8th place – Faculty of Natural Sciences
9th place – Institute of Intelligent Robotics
10th place – Zelman Institute of Medicine and Psychology competitions
Congratulations to the winners and prize winners, thanks to all the teams for their participation, coach Sergei Mezentsev for organizing, and football veterans, NSU graduates, for helping to hold the tournament!
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
This week, Representative Sharice Davids helped lead a bipartisan, bicameral legislative package to make child care more affordable and accessible. The two bipartisan bills, known as the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act, would strengthen existing tax credits that lower child care costs and increase the supply of child care providers.
“Child care costs are skyrocketing, and too many families are struggling to find affordable, quality options,” said Davids. “That’s why I’m proud to be leading this bipartisan, bicameral child care package that will directly address these challenges. By modernizing tax incentives and creating new opportunities for the child care workforce, this legislation will ease the financial burden on parents and strengthen our local child care centers. This is a clear example of both parties coming together to prioritize working families and build stronger communities.”
To introduce the package, Davids was joined by Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), as well as U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). To make child care more affordable and boost the sector’s workforce, this package would:
give businesses a bigger tax break for helping their employees pay for child care;
let workers set aside more money from their paychecks, tax-free, to cover child care costs;
help create more good child care programs by making sure child care workers get better pay.
Davids has worked diligently to bring down child care costs and improve child care access in Kansas. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan Affordable Child Care Act, which doubles three different tax credits, putting money directly in parents’ pockets. Last year, she voted for legislation that would expand the Child Tax Credit, which benefits 136,000 children in Kansas. She also toured a local child care facility and visited multiple Head Start programs to highlight how federal investments have supported the workforce and daily operations of local child care small businesses and education centers.
Additional Member quotes:
“Families on the Central Coast share a common concern: the high cost and limited availability of child care. Many families either can’t find the care they need or simply can’t afford it. At the same time, businesses are facing hiring challenges due to the shortage of child care options. The lack of affordable child care is holding back both families and local economies,” said Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24). “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act, a bipartisan, bicameral child care package aimed at both modernizing tax programs to help families afford child care and strengthening the workforce.”
“I’m proud to be working in a bipartisan, bicameral way with Senators Kaine and Britt and Rep. Carbajal to expand the child and dependent care tax credit,” said Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). “Putting more money back in the pockets of young working and middle-class families will help them achieve their financial goals, care for their kids, and provide a better future for all Americans.”
“This commonsense proposal is about more than just addressing our child care crisis – it is a direct investment in the hardworking families and local small businesses striving to achieve their American Dream across our nation. I’m proud of this effort to empower parents, which ultimately opens the door to more opportunities for their children and tackles our nation’s urgent workforce needs to help unleash a new era of American prosperity,” said Senator Katie Britt (R-AL). “Our legislation is pro-family, pro-Main Street, and pro-growth. We are sending a strong message to the American people that we can and will get the job done to improve the affordability and accessibility of quality child care.”
“The child care crisis is holding our families and economy back. I hear from Virginia parents all the time about how hard it is to find affordable child care, from child care providers who are forced to leave their jobs because of low wages, and from businesses who are having trouble finding the employees they need,” said Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, and I hope more of my colleagues will join us in passing this comprehensive proposal to support child care providers, make it easier for families to access the care they need, and boost economic growth by providing parents with the opportunity to get back into the workforce.”
“As a father of six, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find convenient and affordable child care,” said Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06). “The high cost of care and an ongoing workforce shortage is leading to a crisis in child care that is affecting families in southern Arizona, and across the U.S. I’m proud to join Rep. Carbajal in this bold, bipartisan solution that makes child care more accessible by strengthening existing tax credits to lower costs as well as addressing the workforce shortage.”
Kōrero flowed about all things emergency management at a community forum in Tāmaki Makaurau on 29 March.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) hosted Auckland’s first Community Civil Defence Emergency Management Forum at Te Manawa Community Hub, Westgate. In attendance were iwi and marae, community groups and emergency service partners including NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ), Hato Hone St John, Neighbourhood Support NZ, Citizens Advice Bureau, New Zealand Response Teams, NZ Red Cross and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The forum was also attended by Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell and Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee.
“It was pleasing to see a range of different groups represented at the forum, where attendees made new connections and engaged in robust discussion about emergency readiness,” says Councillor Stewart.
“Having these discussions and regularly connecting is essential for enhancing emergency readiness in Tāmaki Makaurau, from grass roots community organisations to official response agencies.”
Dr Angela Doherty, AEM’s Principal Science Advisor, talks at the forum.
Dr Angela Doherty, AEM’s Principal Science Advisor, facilitated a session on “Understanding hazards – community perspectives”. Dr Doherty emphasised that preparation is key no matter what the hazard or emergency Aucklanders may face and educating Aucklanders about risks is essential to give people the information they need to make informed choices about preparing for emergencies.
FENZ representatives spoke about fire seasons and why it is important to go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting outdoor fires. Attendees also heard from the Ministry for Primary Industries about biosecurity responses including the recent response to oriental fruit fly in Birkdale – a pest that could negatively affect New Zealand’s agricultural export sector.
This session allowed people from a range of community organisations and networks to highlight their neighbourhood emergency readiness planning. Speakers who began the session and people engaged in the discussion that followed represented resilience networks, churches and faith centres, marae, schools, advisory and advocacy groups, neighbourhood groups and Auckland Council advisory panels.
Greg Morgan, AEM’s Principal for Business and Partnerships.
Adam Maggs, General Manager for AEM says the forum was a success.
“This year’s inaugural Community Civil Defence Emergency Management forum was an essential event in Auckland Emergency Management’s calendar this year. It brought emergency management groups together to connect, share ideas, and ultimately enhance emergency readiness for both frontline organisations and the wider community.
“A big thank you to everyone who attended the forum. This was only possible because multiple groups stepped up to share their unique experiences and knowledge.
“Just as importantly, they were willing to listen to others and will be taking what they learnt to refine their emergency management plans and practices.”
A man has been charged with 48 offences following an investigation into vehicle damage and fuel theft across Launceston. Between January and April this year, several vehicles were targeted. Northern Criminal Investigation Branch today charged a 31-year-old Waverley man with 24 counts of stealing and 24 counts of injure property. He will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date. Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
“The people have spoken, and it is a big fat no to that bill,” says New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku.
Parliament’s Justice Committee has released its report into the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and has recommended it does not proceed.
“The call to scrap the bill is common sense and to show the nation it is listening, this Coalition Government should do away with it right now,” Nuku says.
In January, Nuku with chief executive Paul Goulter, delivered asubmissionon the bill to the select committee.
“As advocates for more than 60,000 nurses, midwives and healthcare workers, we argued that if those principles were removed or tampered with, it would cost more lives starting with Māori lives.”
The bill was the most submitted on proposed law in the history of this country, opposed by 90% of the 300,000 submitters.
Nuku also said the coalition should see the opposition to this bill as a warning for othersimilar legislationit had in the pipeline.
“They also need to save the nation, Parliament and themselves another headache, or walk to nowhere, and scrap another planned bill [Regulatory Standards Bill] which not only undermines the Treaty but puts our already struggling health workforce at risk.”
Later this month, Nuku and other representatives from NZNO will head to the United Nations in New York torequest that a special rapporteurtravel to Aotearoa to investigate the series of attacks by the Government on Māori health.
“Even if these anti-Treaty bills are scrapped, there are still other attacks happening on Māori health, so we still intend to ask the UN to do what they can to help us. If the UN can’t stop these attacks, then at least they can let the world know what’s happening to Māori,” Nuku says.
Norfolk Island sees its United States tariff as an acknowledgment of independence from Australia.
Norfolk Island, despite being an Australian territory, has been included on Trump’s tariff list.
The territory has been given a 29 percent tariff, despite Australia getting only 10 percent.
It is home to just over 2000 people, sitting between New Zealand and Australia in the South Pacific
The islands’ Chamber of Commerce said the decision by the US “raises critical questions about Norfolk Island’s international recognition as an independent sovereign nation” and Norfolk Island not being part of Australia.
“The classification of Norfolk Island as distinct from Australia in this tariff decision reinforces what the Norfolk Island community has long asserted: Norfolk Island is not an extension of Australia.”
Norfolk Island previously had a significant level of autonomy from Australia, but was absorbed directly into the country’s local government system in 2015.
Norfolk Islanders angered The move angered many Norfolk Island people and inspired a number of campaigns, including appeals to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, by groups wishing to re-establish a measure of their autonomy, or to sue for independence.
The Chamber of Commerce has taken the tariff as a chance to reemphasis the islands’ call for independence, including, “restoration of economic rights” and exclusive access to its exclusive economic zone.
The statement said Norfolk Island is a “sovereign nation [and] must have the ability to engage directly with international trade partners rather than through Australian officials who do not represent Norfolk Island’s interests”.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters yesterday: “Norfolk Island has got a 29 percent tariff. I’m not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States.”
“But that just shows and exemplifies the fact that nowhere on Earth is safe from this.”
The base tariff of 10 percent is also included for Tokelau, a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand, with a population of only about 1500 people living on the atoll islands.
US President Donald Trump’s global tariffs . . . “raises critical questions about Norfolk Island’s international recognition as an independent sovereign nation.” Image: Getty/The Conversation
US ‘don’t really understand’, says PANG Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) deputy coordinator Adam Wolfenden said he did not understand why Norfolk Island and Tokelau were added to the tariff list.
“I think this reflects the approach that’s been taken, which seems very rushed and very divorced from a common sense approach,” Wolfenden said.
“The inclusion of these territories, to me, is indicative that they don’t really understand what they’re doing.”
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined the Detroit Economic Club to discuss Michigan’s leadership in national security, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. In a fireside chat with the Detroit News’ Nolan Finley, Peters discussed the impact of recently imposed tariffs on Michigan businesses and suppliers as well as the future of Michigan’s auto industry. Peters also highlighted his work on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to support the safe, responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen U.S. cybersecurity, improve drone and counter-drone authorities, and expand Michigan’s role in Northern Border security.
Below are key highlights from Peters’ remarks:
Peters on impact of uncertainty surrounding scope of Trump Administration’s tariffs: “What we’ve seen with this Administration is things can change on a dime, pretty quickly, and that is also a part of the problem. If you’re trying to help an industry, to grow an industry… having some certainty is really important. Chaos is not good for business.”
Peters on Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing: “You cannot have a manufacturing sector in this country if you don’t have a strong and vibrant auto sector. Autos drive so much of manufacturing, no matter what you make.”
Peters on expanding Michigan’s role in border security efforts, including by establishing the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: “I want to make sure we’re coordinated…I was able to write legislation, pass it, and fund it, and it’s going to open on Selfridge Air National Guard Base… And that will coordinate all the operations across the Northern Border. It will happen here in Michigan… and that will help make sure we keep Selfridge as a viable military base for years to come.”
To watch Peters’ full remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, click here.
The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) was formed in 1934 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization that promotes discussion and debate of important business, government, and social issues.
Peters was recently rated the most effective U.S. Senator for the third time in a row by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking, which released its biannual effectiveness ratings for the 118th Congress (2023-2024). Peters was also rated the most effective Senator by the Center in the 116th (2019-2020) and 117th (2021-2022) Congresses. In the 118th Congress, Peters earned the highest effectiveness score for a U.S. Senator ever recorded in the fifty years since the Center for Effective Lawmaking began tracking this data. He also becomes the first Senator in more than four decades to be named most effective three times in a row. Peters achieved this recognition by authoring 15 standalone bills that were passed and signed into law. He also authored 10 additional bills that were passed into law as part of larger legislative packages.
Tasmania Police has welcomed 15 new constables into its ranks today, with recruit course 5/2024 officially graduating from the police academy. Education and Training Commander Damien George said the new officers have worked hard to complete their training and are ready to begin serving the Tasmanian community from next week. “Each one of these 15 people should be extremely proud of what they have already achieved, and I look forward to seeing where their new career takes them,” he said. “From project managers to personal trainers, our new police officers will bring a range of past experiences to the job when they hit the beat in Glenorchy, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, Bridgewater and Hobart.” “They’re stepping into roles which are anything but ordinary, with each shift offering a new opportunity to serve and engage with our communities.” “I encourage anyone who’s looking to find purpose and a job where every moment matters to consider applying to join Tasmania Police.” “At Tasmania Police, your actions have meaning, your efforts have purpose, and your presence makes a difference.” Constable Callan Sexton and Constable Kate McMaster have been awarded Dux of Course and Runner-up Dux of Course, respectively. Both new officers said they are looking forward to their first day in the job. “It’s an exciting thing to be finishing up our time at the academy and then starting brand new at our stations,” Constable Sexton said. Constable McMaster said she can’t wait to start her new career. “My advice for anyone thinking of applying, is to go for it.” “It’s never too late to apply or change your career – prior to joining Tasmania Police I had been studying at university for a decade”. “I decided to apply because of the dynamic nature of the job, and the endless opportunities provided,” she said. For more information about Tasmania Police recruitment, visit https://recruitment.police.tas.gov.au/
Police have charged a 25-year-old Hobart man in relation to the alleged theft of a motor vehicle from a business in Western Junction on 15 March 2025. The stolen vehicle was intercepted by police last week in Rosny Park, and the driver was subjected to a roadside drug test that returned a positive result. The man was charged with one count of motor vehicle stealing, and he will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 13 June 2025.
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) Peter Welch (D-Vermont), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), and 53 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act.
This legislation would expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress extends them.
“Telehealth is an essential part of our health care system – especially for those who live in rural America,” said Senator Marshall. “The CONNECT for Health Act is a critical step to ensure Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country – including Kansas – can connect with their doctors regardless of where they live. I’m glad to work with my colleagues to expand health care access for all Americans.”
“While telehealth use has rapidly increased in recent years, our laws have not kept up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”
“We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”
“Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care,” said Senator Warner. “I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it.”
“Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”
“Telehealth is a critical for rural states like Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”
Joining Senators Marshall, Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso are Senators Alex Padilla (D-California), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Ben Ray Lujan (D-New Mexico), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Angus King (I-Maine), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Adam Schiff (D-California), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and John Boozman (R-Arkansas).
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Mike Thompson (D- California-4), Doris Matsui (D-California-7), David Schweikert (R-Arizona-1), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio-12).
The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
This legislation has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
The CONNECT for Health Act would:
Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirements for telemental health services;
Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, its impacts on quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and ten of their Senate colleagues who are LIHEAP champions today sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on the recent reported elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) workforce.
The letter comes in response to the Trump Administration’s reduction of about 10,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These cuts reportedly include the entire staff running the $4.1 billion LIHEAP, which helps millions of American households afford their heating and cooling bills.
The federally funded LIHEAP program is a crucial lifeline that helps over 6 million low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills, including those who use natural gas, propane, electricity, and home heating oil. Without this assistance, many Americans may not be able to afford their utility bills and could end up falling victim to extreme weather.
Today, the 13 Senators sent a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., writing: “We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).”
In addition to Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
The Senators also expressed concerns that the termination of the entire staff that oversees LIHEAP could holdup hundreds of millions of dollars in funding that Congress already appropriated to assist low-income Americans — especially with summer heat approaching.
“As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month. Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season,” the Senators wrote.
Senators Reed, Collins, and Murkowski led the successful effort to provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP this fiscal year, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.
HHS has already released 90 percent of those federal funds to state partners. The remaining 10 percent, almost $400 million, used by states to pay for summer cooling, and emergency funding for households that need additional assistance and weatherization, cannot be released until HHS determines the state-by-state allocation. Now, it’s unclear how the remaining funds could be disbursed to the states.
“Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents,” the 13 Senators wrote.
Full text of the letter follows:
The Honorable Robert Kennedy, Jr.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Kennedy:
We write regarding reports that you have terminated staff responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP). If true, these terminations threaten to devastate a critical program dedicated to helping Americans afford their home energy bills.
For over 40 years, LIHEAP has been the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors pay their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. Each year, more than six million households across the country rely on LIHEAP to afford their energy bills. It is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine.
We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month. Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season.
Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.