Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, May 21 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed hope that the appointment of a new prime minister in Sudan would help bring peace, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The head of the world organization took note of the appointment of Kamil Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan, noted S. Dujarric.
“The Secretary-General hopes that this appointment will serve as a first step towards inclusive consultations aimed at forming a broad-based technocratic government and establishing peace,” the statement said.
A. Guterres stressed that efforts to achieve consensus must be a priority and lead to tangible progress for the benefit of all Sudanese people, including through a ceasefire, the provision of basic services to the entire population and the establishment of a basis for a common vision for the future of Sudan.
The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, signed a constitutional decree on Monday appointing K. Idris as Prime Minister.
The post has been vacant since civilian leader Abdallah Hamdok resigned in January 2022 following the military coup carried out by A.F. Al-Burhan in October 2021. –0–
Massive fires fueled by climate change led global forest loss to smash records in 2024, according to a report issued on Wednesday.
Loss of tropical pristine forests alone reached 6.7 million hectares (16.6 million acres), an 80% spike compared to 2023 and an area roughly the size of Panama, mainly because Brazil, the host of the next global climate summit in November, struggled to contain fires in the Amazon amid the worst drought ever recorded in the rainforest. A myriad of other countries, including Bolivia and Canada, were also ravaged by wildfires.
It was the first time the annual report, issued by the World Resources Institute and the University of Maryland, showed fires as the leading cause of tropical forest loss, a grim milestone for a naturally humid ecosystem that is not supposed to burn.
“The signals in these data are particularly frightening,” said Matthew Hansen, the co-director of a lab at the University of Maryland that compiled and analyzed the data. “The fear is that the climate signal is going to overtake our ability to respond effectively.”
Latin America was hit particularly hard, the report said, with the Amazon biome hitting its highest level of primary forest loss since 2016.
Brazil, which holds the largest share of the world’s tropical forests, lost 2.8 million hectares (6.9 million acres), the most of any country. It was a reversal of the progress made in 2023 when President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office promising to protect the world’s largest rainforest.
“This was unprecedented, which means we have to adapt all our policy to a new reality,” said Andre Lima, who oversees deforestation control policies for Brazil’s Ministry of Environment, adding that fire, which was never among the leading causes of forest loss, is now a top priority for the government.
Bolivia overtook the Democratic Republic of Congo as the second country with the most tropical forest loss despite having less than half the amount of forest as the African nation, which also saw a spike in forest loss last year.
Bolivia’s forest loss surged by 200% in 2024, with a drought, wildfires and a government-incentivized agricultural expansion as the leading causes. Across Latin America, the report noted similar trends in Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
Conflicts in Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo also boosted deforestation rates, as armed groups used up natural resources.
Outside the tropics, boreal forests, which evolved with seasonal fires, also posted record-high tree loss in 2024, with Canada and Russia each losing 5.2 million hectares (12.8 million acres) in 2024 as wildfires got out of control.
Southeast Asia bucked the global trend with Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia all posting double-digit decreases in primary forest loss, as domestic conservation policy, combined with efforts by communities and the private sector, continued to effectively contain fires and agricultural expansion.
Another outlier was the Charagua Iyambae Indigenous territory in southern Bolivia, which was able to keep the country’s record fires at bay through land-use policies and early warning systems.
Rod Taylor, the global director for forests at the WRI, said that as leaders descend on the Amazonian city of Belem for the next climate summit, he would like to see countries make progress in introducing better funding mechanisms for conservation.
“At the moment,” he said, “there’s more money to be paid by chopping forests down than keeping them standing.”
CFA has further extended the Fire Danger Period (FDP) in parts of northeast Victoria as underlying dryness continues to elevate fire risk.
With an average rainfall of 41mm and only 2mm reaching the far northeast in April, the area is susceptible to fire ignition which could be challenging for firefighters to control.
As a result, the fire restriction has been extended for Towong Shire Council until 1:00am on 23 June 2025.
All other Victorian municipalities fire restrictions have been lifted.
District 24 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brett Myers said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.
“While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control,” Brett said.
Residents within Towong Shire Council are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.
Since 1 April to 20 May, CFA has responded to 178 escaped burn-offs across the state.
“Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern,” Brett said.
“By extending the fire restrictions, we’re hoping to avoid preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding.
“Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers.”
Brett also urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts, by registering their burn-offs.
“We’re asking all landowners in areas without fire restrictions to register their burn-offs online, to help prevent false alarms which divert resources from other emergencies,” Brett said.
Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Landowners can apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Burn off safety checklist:
Obtain a permit if required and check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.
Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.
Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
Ensure you have enough water on hand (10 litres for small fires).
Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn effectively.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):
Question:
It has been reported that during the Labour Day Golden Week holiday on May 2 when a large number of Mainland tourists visited Hong Kong, the mobile network and Wi-Fi system at MTR Lok Ma Chau Station were overwhelmed as a large number of passengers simultaneously used their mobile phones to scan QR code tickets to enter and leave via turnstiles, and thus a significant number of passengers were stranded. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of passengers stranded at Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2 due to the failure of the mobile network and station Wi-Fi system;
(2) as passengers were being stranded at Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2, whether the Government has communicated with relevant Mainland authorities to notify passengers who intended to enter Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point that they should use alternative boundary control points (BCPs); given that Shenzhen Metro Line 4 is operated by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), whether the Government has urged MTRCL on the same day to immediately notify passengers travelling on Line 4 of the passenger stranding situation at Lok Ma Chau Station and called on them to cross the border via alternative BCPs;
(3) whether the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has conducted drills with relevant Mainland authorities regarding unexpected incidents at BCPs and formulated various contingency plans; and
(4) whether simulation tests have been conducted at all BCPs to establish co-ordination mechanisms and joint response measures between the Mainland and Hong Kong for handling peak passenger flows and potential unexpected incidents (including emergency situations such as malfunctions of immigration systems, baggage and security screening system failures, and railway service disruptions); if so, of the time when such tests were conducted; if not, whether such tests will be conducted in the future?
Reply:
President,
The Golden Week holiday is the peak period of Mainland visitors visiting Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and parties to prepare well for arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs), public transportation, crowd management, etc, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience to them. In view of this year’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) had made advance preparations by enhancing the train services for cross-boundary railways (including Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Stations of the East Rail Line, and the Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station), as well as deploying additional staff and strengthening information dissemination. Meanwhile, the MTRCL maintained close liaison with relevant departments at the BCPs, so as to adjust train services in a timely manner according to the situation at the BCPs, and provide visitors with safe, reliable and convenient railway services.
In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Transport Department (TD) and the MTRCL, my consolidated reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong is as follows:
(1) As observed by the MTRCL, during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday, the number of visitors arriving in or exiting from Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point using the MTR East Rail Line and the total patronage were slightly higher than those of the same period last year. On May 2 (Friday) this year, the peak arrival and departure periods for Mainland visitors were in the morning and evening respectively, during which an average of approximately 7 500 visitors entered and exited Lok Ma Chau Station per hour.
During the peak departure period in the evening, a relatively large number of passengers used their phones at the same time to activate QR codes at ticket gates, resulting in a sudden surge in mobile data demand within a short period of time; the pressure on the mobile network providers’ provision of mobile data also intensified the passengers’ demand for Wi-Fi capacity at the station. As a result of the overall overloading of mobile data and Wi-Fi networks, passengers needed longer time for connection to the network to retrieve the QR codes, leading to a higher passenger flow at the stations’ entry/exit gates and concourse at certain periods of time. The MTRCL immediately took contingency measures in response to the actual situation, such as diverting passenger queues before the gates, adjusting the operation of individual escalators as appropriate to control the passenger flow, and intermittently allowing passengers to exit the gates without having to tap their cards from approximately 9.45pm to 10.30pm to divert passenger flow. Throughout this period, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the TD maintained close communication with the MTRCL and promptly urged the MTRCL to enhance services in all aspects to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the station in face of the large patronage.
To cope with the peak travelling period for visitors during the Labour Day Golden Week this year, the MTRCL anticipated that there would be an increase in demand for network data capacity by passengers. As such, arrangements were made before the Golden Week to increase the in-station Wi-Fi capacity for supplementary purpose to cater for the needs of passengers who require internet access but do not have mobile network data. In light of the situation that occurred on the evening of May 2, the MTRCL promptly contacted mobile network providers in that same evening to immediately upgrade the mobile data capacity near BCPs as well as further increase the Wi-Fi capacity at Lok Ma Chau Station so as to facilitate the use of QR codes for passengers to take trains.
In response to the aforementioned situation, the TLB has requested the MTRCL to review its arrangements for future visitor peak periods based on the experience gained this time. The MTRCL will also enhance its publicity efforts on Mainland social media platforms to remind visitors to activate their QR codes for payment in advance, thereby reducing the time spent at the gates. In addition, the MTRCL will promote the use of mobile Octopus for tourists as another payment option that does not require internet connection. The MTRCL will further discuss with relevant parties on how to manage passenger flow more effectively and plan ahead to ensure that the peak passenger flow can be handled more smoothly in future.
(2) The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre, comprising the Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department and relevant parties (including the MTRCL), was activated during the Labour Day Golden Week (i.e. from May 1 to 5, 2025) to monitor the real-time situations at various BCPs. The Joint Command Centre maintained close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms, and took timely contingency actions as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the land control points.
In addition, relevant departments at BCPs continuously monitored real-time situations at the control points and maintained liaison with the corresponding Mainland port authorities, including immediate mutual notification of the passenger flow situation upon learning about the heavy network traffic at the MTR Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2 this year as well as implementation of appropriate crowd control and diversion measures to facilitate passenger flow and maintain order at the BCP.
(3) and (4) The HKSAR Government and relevant Mainland authorities have conducted incident drills at various BCPs from time to time, simulating emergencies such as fires, power supply failures, immigration system malfunctions and infectious disease incidents. These drills aim to formulate and practise contingency plans, strengthen co-ordination between departments and various parties and enhance overall response capabilities, thereby ensuring safety and order at BCPs in the event of unexpected incidents. Recent joint exercises include the flooding evacuation drill at the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point in March 2025 and the joint exercise at the Lo Wu Control Point in October 2024 to simulate scenarios of power supply and system network incidents at the Hong Kong Port and contingency measures taken by relevant parties.
The EU and Britain announced new sanctions against Russia on Tuesday without waiting for Washington to join them, a day after President Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin brought about neither a ceasefire in Ukraine nor fresh U.S. sanctions.
London and Brussels said their new measures would zero in on Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and financial firms that have helped it avoid the impact of other sanctions imposed over the war.
“Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.
He said it “would be good” if the United States added its help, adding: “It is important that America remain involved in the process of bringing peace closer.”
The sanctions were unveiled without an immediate announcement of corresponding steps from Washington, despite intense public lobbying from European leaders for the Trump administration to join them if Russia rejected a ceasefire.
“We have repeatedly made it clear that we expect one thing from Russia – an immediate ceasefire without preconditions,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on the sidelines of a meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels.
As Russia had not accepted a ceasefire, “we will have to react,” he said. “We also expect our U.S. allies not to tolerate this.”
Trump told reporters on Tuesday he was deliberating over what actions to take, but gave no further details.
“We’re looking at a lot of things, but we’ll see,” he said.
In a two-hour conversation with Putin on Monday, the U.S. president dropped his earlier insistence on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and signalled that the war he once promised to end in 24 hours was no longer his to fix – a message that leaves Ukraine vulnerable and its allies worried.
Asked on Monday why he had not imposed fresh sanctions to push Moscow into a peace deal, Trump said that could make the situation worse and affect the chance of a deal, while adding: “But there could be a time where that’s going to happen.”
Trump said after talking to Putin he had told Zelenskiy and European leaders that Russia and Ukraine would immediately start negotiations on conditions for a ceasefire, a process Russia said would take time.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in more than three years on Friday at Trump’s behest, but failed to agree a truce after Moscow presented conditions that a member of the Ukrainian delegation called “non-starters”.
POPE WILLING TO HOST TALKS
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that Pope Leo had confirmed to her his willingness to host in the Vatican the next round of negotiations to try to end the war.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that Putin had not received any real concessions in the U.S. effort to initiate talks and existing U.S. sanctions on Russia remained in place.
“The president … believes that right now, you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking, and there’s value in us being able to talk and drive them to get to the table. We’ll see,” Rubio said.
Ukraine says it is ready for an immediate ceasefire. The Europeans say Russia’s insistence on talks first is proof that Putin, who started the war by invading his neighbour in 2022, is not prepared to end it.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a further package of sanctions was being prepared.
“It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire,” she wrote on X.
RUSSIA SAYS IT WILL NOT BOW TO ULTIMATUMS
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would never bow to what she called ultimatums.
Putin said on Monday that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord. “Now, accordingly, the ball is in Kyiv’s court,” Zakharova said.
Brussels and London signalled they have not given up hope of persuading Washington.
“Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy,” France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.
Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy said “delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and use our sanctions to restrict Putin’s war machine”.
The latest sanctions are aimed mainly at cracking down on a shipping fleet Russia uses to export oil, circumventing a $60 a barrel price cap imposed by the G7 group of industrialised countries to limit Russia’s income.
Britain and the EU said they would also work to lower the cap, which imposes far less of a discount on Russian oil now that global prices have fallen this year.
Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
The first impulse is to kick it. After all, it’s a sand sculpture. And as everyone who has grown up near a beach appreciates, if it’s made of sand, then it’s asking to be kicked. But for the wall-high protective glass, Mirrorscape, by the French artist Théo Mercier, may not have survived my visit to MONA.
On a low, curved stage sits a scene of mundane wreckage. Two utility vehicles serve as centrepieces. One is upturned, its front chassis exposed. It rests on the carcass of a two-seater lounge. A mattress is draped over the upper side of the wreck, a broken log, a signifier of the non-human world in this otherwise secular scene of anthropocentric waste, rests against the lower side.
The other vehicle is upright but seriously damaged. Another mattress rests against it. A bundle of electrical conduit spills out of the tray. A worker’s boot limps over the bedding like a deflated balloon.
It’s as though a couple of ute loads of tradies have smashed into a Derwent Park bungalow. Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Strewn around the battered wrecks are pieces of domestic infrastructure and appliances: bricks, cracked concrete slab, a washing machine, broken joists and beams, snarled corrugated iron sheets.
It’s as though a couple of ute loads of tradies have smashed into a Derwent Park bungalow and scampered off.
This scene is framed by a curved wall of brushed metal panelling, lit above by fluorescent light panels, and sealed behind a wall of glass. This glass is both a protector of the delicate eroding sculpture, and another contrasting visual metaphor employing the work’s foundational element, sand.
Commitment to realism
Mercier is a sculptor and a stage director, and the controlled composition of this scene of chaos attests to his multiple talents.
The team of sculptors – Kevin Crawford, Enguerrand David, Sue McGrew and Leonardo Ugolini – have crafted a remarkable piece.
The commitment to realism is impressive, from the quilting in the mattresses, to the indentations on the utes’ bodywork, to the creases in the sofa cushions, and the sly joke of a finely crafted sandshoe as if discarded by one of the artists as they stepped from the sculptural into the spectatorial space.
Looking closer, the human objects – utes, mattresses, sofas – merge into or out of sandstone rock faces, like those found along Derwent River, including the peninsula upon which MONA stands.
The commitment to realism is impressive. Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
What are we to make of the deliberate collapsing of the “natural” and “human-made” in this piece?
Mercier styles Mirrorscape as a “diorama of catastrophe”. He describes it as:
a sculpted dystopian landscape […] using 80 tonnes of compacted sand […] inspired by different dark forces, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, wars, bulldozers – the powers of destruction.
The conflation of “natural” and “man-made” here, and in the composition of the work, grates. While Mirrorscape may reflect a “man-made” landscape of disaster, precisely whose landscape is it, and who ultimately is responsible for it?
A work about class
Mirrorscape is superficially a work about class. Its blunt appropriation of the signifiers of working-class labour and domesticity contradicts the claim that the scene is an archetypal landscape, or humanity’s refuse.
Mirrorscape might be appreciated as a witty piece reflecting on the kind of “treasures” of our age that future archaeologists might excavate in a local tip. But I found it provided little connection to the contemporary subjects of our present-day disasters.
Mirrorscape is haunted, so to speak, by the figures who drove the wrecked utes, slept on the wasted mattresses. But their identities and complex lives, very much of our own time, are rendered invisible.
As a meditation on catastrophe and the “powers of destruction,” Mirrorscape offers a conservative reckoning: that the contemporary human tragedies of inequality, alienated labour, class division and the waste these produce are the “natural” order of things.
Mirrorscape is haunted by the figures who drove the wrecked utes, slept on the wasted mattresses. Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
This is evident in the way the human objects merge into and out of the rock faces, each designed to erode to the common element: sand.
In interviews, Mercier stresses the work’s debt to locality, and his engagement with the working-class suburbs neighbouring MONA:
It was really important to me that everything was really strongly locally grounded, so that you can actually see your own mattress, your own car, your own catastrophe […] it’s a landscape that mirrors you.
But really, how local is this scene, and what value is there in the reflections it provokes? There is little in this sculpture that relates it directly to the place where it is displayed.
The images Mercier has chosen, while unconventional, are nevertheless generic. This dulls the potential for the kind of reflection on catastrophe that might impel a change in the minds of its viewers.
Will MONA’s well-heeled attendees recognise their implication in the human catastrophe this work seeks to capture? Will visitors from the suburbs that neighbour MONA appreciate the reflection that Mirrorscape offers?
If art is to play any role in motivating us to confront the catastrophes that are now upon us, it needs to go beyond the kind of slowly eroding stasis that is Mirrorscape’s defining quality.
Mirrorscape is at MONA, Hobart, until February 16 2026.
Robert Clarke 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.
PERTH, Monday 19 May 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific and the Conservation Council of WA today confirmed they had lodged a joint referral of Woodside’s high-risk Browse carbon dumping project – also referred to as carbon capture and storage (CCS) – to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The environment groups state that the ongoing seismic blasting from the carbon dumping project, and risk of CO2 blowouts, would have immediate impacts on Scott Reef and the surrounding ecosystem. They argue that projects posing significant risk of harm to WA’s environment must be referred to the WA EPA for proper assessment.
Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Carbon dumping is an expensive distraction corporations use to greenwash their emissions, and a diversion from real action to slash climate pollution.
“Woodside has tried for years to push through carbon dumping for its highly polluting Browse gas proposal, but the federal environment department highlighted the risks of the new technology to our oceans and marine life, as well as the risk of the injection site failing.
“Woodside’s carbon dumping plans pose a serious risk to the pristine and fragile Scott Reef and its marine life. It is unacceptable for Woodside to bypass state assessment of its carbon dumping plans given the threat to the WA environment — its plans must be properly assessed by the WA EPA.
“Ultimately, if we are serious about tackling the climate crisis we must stop emissions before they are produced — carbon dumping has not been proven to work at scale anywhere in the world and must be called out for the false promise it is.”
Matt Roberts, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of WA, said: “By evading proper, robust environmental assessment of the potential risk this project would pose to the WA marine environment in WA state waters, Woodside is simply attempting to fast-track its approval and bypass due process.”
“Even in light of revised plans before the WA EPA lodged by Woodside, they are simply tinkering around the edges. In reality, nothing has changed.
“Carbon dumping is a failed technology — we’ve seen this with Chevron’s Gorgon project where less than 3% of total emissions have been sequestered successfully.There are no examples of carbon pollution dumping that have met dumping targets or been delivered on time or on budget.
“Failed offsets should not be used to support the development of new gas projects like Browse. We need much stronger commitments to abate carbon pollution, not false promises of dumping. The only safe way to prevent catastrophic climate change is to phase out the use of fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy.”
Scott Reef is already subject to multiple environmental pressures, including marine heatwaves, coral bleaching and cyclone activity, driven by the burning of fossil fuels like gas. Woodside’s proposed carbon dumping and gas extraction activities threaten the long-term viability of the reef and the endangered species that rely on it.
The EPA’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is designed to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposals, including both direct and indirect (secondary) effects. The WA EPA is required to assess the environmental acceptability of any proposal likely to have a significant effect on the WA environment.
ENDS
For more information or interviews, contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]
Nhill Fire Brigade has officially received the keys to their new light tanker and field command vehicle, celebrating the additions to the engine bay alongside fellow members.
Nhill Captain Robert Schneider who has been involved with the brigade for 18 years, said it’s a real privilege to receive two vital appliances to our fleet.
“These vehicles are more than just an upgrade, they are a direct investment in the safety and resilience of our community,” Robert said.
The light tanker is a low-profile and lightweight firefighting vehicle, equipped with up-to-date safety features and a generous water carrying capacity of 2000 litres.
“We often get called out to spots where the terrain is rugged, areas are narrow, and access is tricky,” Robert said.
“The new light tanker will help us move safely and comfortably across the challenging landscapes we are often called to, in a timely manner.”
“The stability and reliable handling of the tanker also improves our response to incidents.”
The replacement Field Command Vehicle (FCV) is a four-wheel-drive, off road vehicle built for effective operation in bush environments.
“It’s a massive upgrade to our fleet. It’s purpose-built, reliable and suited to support us in the tough conditions we work in,” Robert said.
“It gives us the ability to direct our fire trucks to get right where we need to be.”
“This will support us in doing what matters most, which is serving our community in critical moments.”
District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle congratulated the brigade on their new additions.
“With Nhill’s dense trees and challenging terrain, the features of both vehicles will assist with greater and efficient incident response,” Chris said.
“Both vehicles will be valuable assets for incident response and in keeping our members and community safe for years to come.”
The new light tanker and field command vehicle were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant contributions from the community.
Greenpeace says that Federated Farmers’ intent to ‘go to battle’ over methane targets is yet another example of the agri-business lobby group’s selfish approach to life on our collective home.
Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb and Dairy NZ have been pushing for methane targets aligned with ‘no additional warming’ – an approach that has been harshly criticised by climate scientists, the Climate Commission and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson says “The New Zealand dairy industry is the country’s worst climate polluter. The oversized dairy herd is cooking the climate with superheating methane emissions, yet agri-industry lobby groups refuse to play their part in tackling the climate crisis, instead leaving it to the rest of us to clean up their mess.
“Yet again, Federated Farmers are attempting to convince us that they are the exception to the rule. But this new concept they’re promoting – no additional warming – is not based on science. They’ve simply come up with a way to count emissions differently so that they can justify doing less.”
Methane emissions are responsible for a third of global heating to date, and the agricultural industry is the single biggest source. Those emissions are rising faster than at any other time in history.
“The consequence of the livestock industry selfishly absconding their climate responsibility is that everyone else has to pick up the slack. Or, alternatively, that we all suffer the consequences of more floods, storms, fires and droughts. All of which affect frontline farming communities first,” says Larsson.
Greenpeace says the key flaw in no additional warming is that it ignores the historic pollution caused by intensive livestock farming.
“It’s a bit like expecting your mortgage to magically be written off. The catch is that your debt still exists, it’s just that someone else will have to pay for it. Ignoring the historic methane emissions from agriculture won’t make that pollution – or its warming impact – go away.”
Israeli forces killed at least 55 Palestinians in airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, local medics said, continuing to bombard the enclave despite mounting international pressure to halt military operations and allow unimpeded deliveries of aid.
Britain announced it was suspending trade talks with Israel and summoning its ambassador over “egregious policies” in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, while European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas asked for a review of the EU-Israel trade deal, according to Dutch news agency ANP.
The war, now in its 20th month, has left Gaza in ruins and its population facing a worsening hunger crisis. It has strained Israel’s relations with much of the world and those with its closest ally, the United States, now appear to be wavering.
The United Nations said no humanitarian aid had been distributed yet in Gaza, although Israel eased its 11-week-old blockade on Monday.
“Israeli authorities are requiring us to offload supplies on the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing and reload them separately once they secure our team’s access from inside Gaza,” said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
He said four trucks of baby food were dropped off on the Palestinian side of the border on Monday, and that a few dozen trucks of flour, medicine, nutrition supplies and other basic items entered Gaza on Tuesday.
Israel’s military said 93 UN aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday via Kerem Shalom “after a thorough security inspection”.
Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas militants in Qatar appeared to falter again, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he had decided to bring back the senior negotiating team from Doha for consultations.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of entering the talks in bad faith, pretending to participate in a bid to mislead global public opinion. “No real negotiations have taken place since last Saturday,” the Palestinian Islamist group said in a statement.
Israel’s military chief said during a Gaza field tour that the army would expand its operations against Hamas, capture additional territory and “clear and destroy the terrorist infrastructure until (Hamas) is defeated”.
18 DEAD IN AIRSTRIKE ON TWO HOMES, MEDICS SAY
Israel conducted further airstrikes on Tuesday across the densely populated enclave and medics said the sites hit included two homes where children were among the 18 dead, and a school housing displaced families.
Israel’s military, which on Monday warned those in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis to evacuate to the coast as it prepared for an “unprecedented attack”, had no comment. Israel says Hamas uses civilian buildings for cover; Hamas denies this.
In Gaza City, Reuters footage showed men, women and children sifting through the rubble of the Daraj neighbourhood school where they had been sheltering, and where charred pieces of clothing and a red teddy bear lay among scattered belongings.
At nearby Al-Ahli Hospital, men said prayers over bodies wrapped in white shrouds, before carrying them to their graves.
“What is our fault? What is the fault of children? What is the fault of the women we found on the stairs with their hair and clothes torn and burned?” said Omar Ahel, who had been sheltering at the school. “By God, this is injustice.”
Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past nine days as the military campaign has intensified, Gaza medics say.
SANCTIONS
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament he, along with the leaders of France and Canada, was “horrified” by Israel’s military escalation, repeating calls for a ceasefire.
The three nations had warned on Monday of “concrete actions” against Israel if it did not stop military operations in Gaza and lift restrictions on aid.
In addition to suspending trade talks, Britain announced sanctions against a number of individuals and groups in the Israeli-occupied West Bank over alleged violence against Palestinian residents.
EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers have been prepared but have so far been blocked by one member state, the EU’s Kallas said, without naming the country.
“External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction,” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein posted on X.
Israel’s ground and air offensive has displaced nearly all Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and killed more than 53,000, according to Gaza health authorities.
The campaign began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities near Gaza’s border in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
The hunger crisis in Gaza deepened after Israel imposed a blockade on supplies from March 2. The U.N. says at least 500 trucks of aid and commercial goods need to enter Gaza every day to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Louise Wateridge of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said on Tuesday there was little food left.
“Everything’s empty. The warehouses, the distribution centres, they’ve been empty for weeks,” she said, speaking from a warehouse in Jordan that she said had food for 200,000 people that could be driven to Gaza in just a few hours.
Israel’s leadership has insisted that it can free remaining hostages and dismantle Hamas through stepped-up military action. Hamas has said it would free the hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the release of Palestinians in Israeli jails.
The Victorian Budget 2025–26 delivers $11.1 billion to strengthen Victoria’s public health system – supporting frontline staff, expanding access to care, and improving health outcomes across the state. This includes a $9.3 billion boost for hospitals.
The additional funding means Victoria is investing a record $31 billion in our healthcare system this year.
The Budget focuses on delivering practical support for services that communities rely on, ensuring Victorians can access timely, high-quality care close to home. Supporting hospitals and expanding capacity
Supporting hospitals and expanding capacity
The budget supports expanding and operationalising hospitals, and supporting workforce across Victoria to keep delivering world-class care. This includes:
$634.3 million to open and operationalise nine new or upgraded hospitals, including the new Footscray Hospital, Frankston Hospital redevelopment, Maryborough and District Hospital, and community hospitals in Cranbourne, Craigieburn, and Phillip Island Community Hospitals.
Additional investments to modernise and future-proof our hospitals include:
$57+ million for essential building upgrades at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
$61.8 million for the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program
$52.3 million for the Medical Equipment Replacement Program.
An additional $95 million will support nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers through clinical placements and professional development at all stages of their careers.
Better, faster care in an emergency
To help more Victorians access emergency care faster:
$437 million to expand the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, increasing its capacity to 1,750 calls per day by 2028–29
$48.2 million will support Urgent Care Clinics and expand the Community Pharmacist Program, allowing pharmacists to treat a broader range of conditions for free.
$84.2 million will strengthen rural and regional ambulance services through 15 dual paramedic crews, four peak-period units, and four 24-hour services
$58.4 million will improve patient flow through emergency departments.
Expanding mental health and wellbeing care
Funding in this year’s Budget will give Victorian mental health services the resources they need to care for more Victorians and focus on prevention and early intervention, especially for young people and our regional and rural communities.
Key investments include:
$34.5 million to expand Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, with seven new locations joining the existing 15 sites. These services provide free care without a referral or Medicare card for all Victorians aged 26 and over
$48.5 million for early intervention programs like the Perinatal Emotional Health Program, Rainbow Door, Responder Assist, Koori Mental Health Liaison Officers and more
Over $300 million to maintain access to mental health beds, across emergency, hospital, and in-home settings
Continued rollout of the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
Opening of three Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) services in regional areas from July 2026
$47 million for workforce development including junior psychiatry rotations and registrar training
$10.1 million to support lived experience and peer-led services, including young carers through the Satellite Foundation and consumer leadership through the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council
$7.5 million for suicide prevention initiatives like HOPE, Yarning Safe n Strong, Strong Brother Strong Sister, and LGBTIQA+ aftercare services
$10 million for the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund to help services provide safe and therapeutic environments for recovery
The Budget invests $44 million in alcohol and other drug services to expand the pharmacotherapy program, support outreach programs and strengthen residential rehabilitation services.
Strengthening specialist and community care
The Budget also supports Victorians with complex, chronic or long-term health needs by delivering services that help people live safely and independently in their communities. This includes:
$22 million to support the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People and provide allied health assessments to support NDIS access
$2.7 million to enhance the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program
$34.6 million for public sector residential aged care services to continue delivering high-quality care and $7.5 million to improve facilities across the sector
$7.6 million to support safer medication management in aged care
$38.3 million to Local Public Health Units to maintain safe drinking water and operate the thunderstorm asthma early warning system
$8.1 million to support our world-class cancer services, including the Victorian Cancer Biobank and Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium.
Inclusive and culturally safe care
To ensure our health system supports all Victorians, the Budget includes:
Funding of over $13 million will support Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited fund an upgraded, modern facility to deliver clinical, social and wellbeing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Melbourne’s south east
$15.8 million for ten Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to provide culturally safe pregnancy and postnatal care
$15.3 million for targeted LGBTQIA+ health initiatives.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 21, 2025.
Australian para sport has issues everywhere – here’s what must be fixed ahead of the Brisbane Paralympics Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Raw, Lecturer, Sport Management, Swinburne University of Technology Bratislav Kostic/Shutterstock Australia’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has raised serious questions about how well our adaptive sport system is working. The Paris games returned our lowest medal tally since 1988, from our smallest team since
What’s the difference between skim milk and light milk? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology bodnar.photo/Shutterstock If you’re browsing the supermarket fridge for reduced-fat milk, it’s easy to be confused by the many different types. You can find options labelled skim, skimmed, skinny, no fat, extra light, lite, light, low fat, reduced fat,
AI is now used for audio description. But it should be accurate and actually useful for people with low vision Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Locke, Associate Researcher in Digital Disability, Centre for Culture and Technology, Curtin University Chansom Pantip/Shutterstock Since the recent explosion of widely available generative artificial intelligence (AI), it now seems that a new AI tool emerges every week. With varying success, AI offers solutions for productivity, creativity,
NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Shutterstock/Olivier Le Queinec A lack of strategy and research funding – by both the current and previous governments – has been well documented, most comprehensively in the first report
Starvation of Gaza – a distressing continuation of a decades-old plan SPECIAL REPORT: By Jeremy Rose Reading an NBC News report a couple of days ago about a Trump administration plan to relocate 1 million Gazans to Libya reminded me of a conversation between the legendary Warsaw Ghetto leader Marek Edelman and fellow fighter and survivor Simcha Rotem that took place more than quarter of a
Spotify continues to change music. What’s next – will AI musicians replace music made by humans? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Spotify was started, according to its official claims, because its founders “love music and piracy was killing it”. In Mood Machine, music journalist Liz Pelly argues this is rewriting history. In fact, she
Feats of the human body behind Tom Cruise’s stunts in Mission: Impossible movies Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol He’s leapt from cliffs, clung to planes mid-takeoff and held his breath underwater for as long as professional freedivers. Now, at 62, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt for one final mission – and
After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to
The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achievement Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock After two years of publishing the gender pay gaps of Australia’s private-sector companies, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has released public-sector employer data for the first time. The report shows a stark contrast between the private
For making stars, it’s not just how much gas a galaxy has that matters – it’s where it’s hiding Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Catinella, Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), The University of Western Australia One of the galaxies mapped by WALLABY: the red shade shows the atomic hydrogen gas content of the galaxy, overlaid on an optical image showing the stars.
The Queensland melioidosis outbreak is still growing. What’s keeping this deadly mud bug active? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University ap-studio/Shutterstock The outbreak of the deadly “mud bug” melioidosis in north Queensland has not yet abated since it began at the start of this year. So far there have been 221 cases and 31 deaths from the disease
‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jun Eric Fu, Senior Research Fellow, Youth Research Collective, The University of Melbourne LBeddoe/Shutterstock Australia’s school system – and whether it is doing its job – is often under the microscope from politicians, experts and parents. The most recent NAPLAN results in 2024 triggered a wave of
Culture at the core: examining journalism values in the Pacific ANALYSIS: By Birte Leonhardt, Folker Hanusch and Shailendra B. Singh The role of journalism in society is shaped not only by professional norms but also by deeply held cultural values. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Islands region, where journalists operate in media environments that are often small, tight-knit and embedded within traditional communities.
The band is breaking up: has the Coalition stopped making sense? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University I remember seeing footage, several years ago, of a jubilant Malcolm Turnbull, then prime minister and Liberal leader, speaking in Tamworth to loyal members of the National Party. These were the rank and file who had spent weeks
Health chief ‘conductor of an orchestra who’s never played an instrument’ ANALYSIS: By Ian Powell In February 2025, Dr Diana Sarfati resigned, not unexpectedly, as Director-General of Health after only two years into her five-year term. As a medical specialist, and in her role as developing the successful cancer control agency, she had extensive experience in New Zealand’s health system. However, she did not conform to
RBA cuts interest rates, ready to respond again if the economy weakens further Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock speaks at a forum during the World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington in April. Jose Luis Magana/AP The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official interest rate for the
The Coalition is on a break, but the Nationals risk finding their former partner doesn’t want them back Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University In the weeks since the federal election, there’s been much speculation about the future of the Coalition agreement. In their soul-searching, it seemed possible the Liberals might pull the pin, given the degree of their
Israel slammed over ‘cynical’ sidestep of global rulings on Gazan humanitarian aid Asia Pacific Report Israel has been accused of “manipulation” and “cynical” circumvention of global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the besieged Gaza enclave. “In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip — covering both the devastated
Keith Rankin Analysis – The Aratere and the New Zealand Main Trunk Line Analysis by Keith Rankin. Government-owned Kiwirail is supposed to be presiding over the New Zealand Main Trunk (Railway) Line, from Auckland to Invercargill. As such it runs a ferry service (The Interislander) between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. We are being told by Kiwirail (and see today’s report on Radio NZ) that the only
Police have made two arrests and removed a firearm from the community in Manurewa.
On Tuesday afternoon, Manurewa Police were called to a Great South Road property after a man was reportedly trying to gain entry.
Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin says Police were called at about 3.40pm.
“It was reported that a known offender was likely involved, and concerningly for us it was reported that he was in possession of a firearm,” he says.
“Armed staff made an approach to the address, and located the victim who was unharmed, and the offender had not gained entry.”
Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed into the Manurewa area and located a vehicle of interest parked in Browns Road.
“Eagle observed a man and woman exit an address and get into this vehicle and tracked it to South Mall,” Inspector Adkin says.
Armed Police staff approached the parked vehicle and quickly took both occupants into custody.
Inspector Adkin says methamphetamine was located in the vehicle, and a 42-year-old woman was arrested in relation to this.
“No firearm was located in the vehicle; however a search of the Browns Road property located a cut down firearm, which is an excellent outcome.”
“Seizing illegal firearms such as this, will reduce harm in our community and enhance public safety.”
A 38-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court charged with unlawful possession of a pistol and ammunition, along with speaks threateningly.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India in properly handling their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Beijing on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar, saying that this is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, conducive to regional peace and stability, and also the common expectation of the international community.
China and Pakistan have maintained close strategic communication on consolidating traditional friendship, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly addressing challenges, which reflects the high level of bilateral relations, Wang said.
He added that as ironclad friends, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, in resolutely combating terrorism, and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Wang also emphasized China’s commitment to continuously deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with Pakistan.
He called on both sides to join hands to create an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and promote cooperation on industry, agriculture, energy and minerals, human resources development, counter-terrorism and security.
Dar said Pakistan cherishes the brotherly friendship with China, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and supports China in safeguarding its national interests and dignity.
He added that Pakistan admires China’s new development achievements, especially in innovation and sci-tech progress, looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation with China, and hopes to continue to receive strong support from China in overcoming current difficulties and promoting national development, security and stability.
Pakistan will do its best to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, he said.
Dar briefed on the latest situation following the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, as well as Pakistan’s considerations. He thanked China for upholding justice and making unremitting efforts and significant contributions to the ceasefire and promoting peace, noting that Pakistan will resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to maintain dialogue with India and ease the situation.
The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening regional cooperation and deepening coordination in multilateral mechanisms.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned.
Lammy said in a statement in the House of Commons, lower house of the British parliament, that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is “morally wrong, unjustifiable, and it needs to stop.”
Lammy said he thinks all lawmakers “should be able to utterly condemn the Israeli government’s denial of food to hungry children.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as “utterly intolerable,” and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Addressing the parliament, Starmer said, “The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable,” and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are “horrified by the escalation from Israel.” He said an “immediate ceasefire” remains “the only way to free the hostages.”
He also reaffirmed Britain’s opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate,” Starmer said. “We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve.”
Britain, France and Canada said on Monday in a joint statement that “if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid,” they will take further concrete actions.
Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 3,300 people and injured over 9,350, according to the Gaza-based health authorities.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would allow the entry of a “minimal and basic” quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent “images of mass starvation.” Later, five UN aid trucks entered Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom border crossing on Monday after undergoing security inspections.
Australia’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has raised serious questions about how well our adaptive sport system is working. The Paris games returned our lowest medal tally since 1988, from our smallest team since 2004.
This result hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Ahead of the 2032 Brisbane games, now is the time to rebuild and strengthen grassroots disability sport across the country.
To do this, we must focus on inclusive, sustainable and community-driven approaches that truly support people with disabilities from the very start.
Issues at grassroots level
Grassroots disability clubs are vital to the health of para sports in Australia.
These local clubs give people with disabilities the chance to be active, which supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Just as importantly, they provide places where people can build friendships, feel included and develop a sense of belonging.
Many paralympians start their journey in these environments; they’re not just places to play sport, they’re key to developing future talent.
Current and former athletes have called for more and better participation opportunities in adaptive sport.
Paralympian Leanne Del Toso called for more support for women’s wheelchair basketball after Australia missed qualification for the Rio and Paris Olympics.
It shouldn’t be about funding, it shouldn’t be about access, it should be about equality.
The message is clear: we need to rebuild from the ground up, starting with a stronger and more supportive grassroots system.
Australia’s para sports system is often fragmented and inconsistent, especially compared to mainstream sports such as swimming or athletics, which usually have national pathways, structured support and a clear line from beginner to elite.
But adaptive sports are often run in disconnected ways across different states, clubs or organisations.
Another big part of the problem is the “mainstreaming” of adaptive sport: instead of creating separate systems designed specifically for people with disabilities, many sports fold disability sport into their existing structures.
While this can sound inclusive, it often creates problems.
Research shows this approach can actually narrow who gets to participate.
Even well-meaning attempts at inclusion can backfire if they don’t involve people with disability.
That’s why researchers now believe adaptive sport only works when paired with real disability-specific knowledge, community consultation and strong systems of accountability.
Without that, we risk reinforcing the very inequalities we’re trying to fix.
Another problem is the lack of participation data.
One of the main sources of sports participation data in Australia is the AusPlay survey.
This gives some insight into who is playing sport and being active, but it doesn’t give enough detail when it comes to disability sport.
For instance, while the AusPlay survey indicates 51% of adults with a disability engage in physical activity once per week, it lacks specificity regarding the activities these people participate in.
This makes it hard for policymakers, funders and sport organisations to make smart decisions, as they don’t have enough information about who is participating, where the gaps are or how things are changing over time.
With better data, we could target resources where they’re needed most, especially in communities that currently miss out.
Some possible solutions
If we want to fix these problems, we need a different approach.
That starts with co-design: involving people with disabilities in designing the systems, programs and policies that affect them.
It’s not just about asking for feedback, it’s about giving real decision-making power.
This success shows what’s possible when sport organisations stop designing systems for people with disabilities and start designing with them.
When people feel valued and heard, they are more likely to get involved and stay involved.
Recent initiatives, such as the new para unit launched by the Western Australian Institute of Sport (the original home of Australia’s Paralympic movement), demonstrate promising steps towards a more cohesive para sport system.
But grassroots sport isn’t about medals. While we all love to celebrate paralympic success, local sport has a much bigger role to play.
It helps people with disabilities stay healthy, feel included and connect with their communities. It can change lives on and off the field.
As we look to Brisbane 2032, it’s clear paralympic success doesn’t start at the top. It starts in the community and on local fields.
If we invest now in grassroots sport and centre people with disabilities in the design and delivery of programs, we can create a stronger and more inclusive future for para sport in Australia.
Katherine Raw 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.
A man will appear in court on firearm and drug charges following the search of a Paradise home yesterday.
About 1pm on Tuesday 20 May, Detectives from Eastern District CIB searched a Paradise residence and located a loaded firearm and a clandestine laboratory.
A 45-year-old male from the address, has been arrested and charged with possessing a firearm without a licence, possessing an unregistered firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence, trafficking a controlled drug, manufacturing a controlled drug, possessing prescribed equipment to manufacture controlled drug. The man did not apply for bail and will appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
LOS ANGELES – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners in California and Florida, arrested 13 alleged members and associates of Armenian organized crime syndicates May 20. Those arrested are charged in five federal complaints with a series of crimes, including attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal firearm possession and thefts estimated to be in millions of dollars related to online retailer shipments.
“This transnational criminal organization operated with the structure and brutality of an international cartel, inflicting significant harm on public safety and causing substantial damage to legitimate commerce and supply chains,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Dwayne Angebrandt.
Among the defendants charged are Ara Artuni, 41, of Porter Ranch, California who is charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and a rival, Robert Amiryan, 46, of Hollywood, California who is charged with kidnapping.
The defendants arrested in California are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Vahan Harutyunyan, 50, of Hollywood, Florida, made his initial appearance earlier today in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was ordered detained. Two of the remaining defendants, Levon Arakelyan, 45, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Ivan Bojorquez, 33, of Gardena, California are presently detained in state custody on unrelated matters.
Law enforcement seized approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms during the operation.
According to affidavits filed with the criminal complaints, Armenian Organized Crime, a Russian mafia-affiliated transnational criminal organization, has made Los Angeles County a center of U.S. operations. Since 2022, two local leaders within the organization, also known as avtoritet, which in Russian means “authority,” allegedly have engaged in a power struggle for control in their territory, resulting in multiple murder attempts and a kidnapping.
Artuni, an avtoritet, is charged with ordering the attempted murder of Amiryan during the summer of 2023. In retaliation, Amiryan, also an avtoritet, allegedly conspired with members of his own criminal organization to kidnap and torture one of Artuni’s associates in June 2023.
In addition to attempted murder, Artuni and his criminal enterprise has, since at least 2021, allegedly committed additional crimes, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and “cargo theft” targeting online retailers such as Amazon.com Inc. Artuni Enterprise members and associates enrolled with Amazon as carriers, contracted for trucking routes, and then, while transporting the goods, diverged from the route and stole all or part of the shipment. To date, the Artuni Enterprise has allegedly stolen goods from Amazon worth more than $83 million, according to estimates provided by Amazon.
The Artuni Enterprise also ran a “credit card bust-out” scheme in which they charged various credit cards to a sham business, then drained the business account before the credit card companies could collect the to-be disputed funds.
“Today’s arrests reflect that my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping America safe by dismantling transnational criminal organizations,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Let today’s enforcement action be a warning to criminals: Our communities are not your playground to engage in violence and thuggery.”
“Investigators from the Burbank Police Department spent hundreds of hours investigating these heinous violent crimes,” said Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero. “The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the assistance from its law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in holding these individuals accountable for their actions.”
“Dismantling transnational criminal organizations is at the core of HSI’s mission,” continued Angebrandt. “Through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, HSI is holding these perpetrators accountable and disrupting their criminal enterprise at every level.”
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted of all charges, the defendants will face statutory maximum sentences ranging from 10 years in federal prison to life imprisonment.
Homeland Security Investigations; The Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section; the Burbank Police Department; Northridge and Ventura offices; the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; IRS Criminal Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Kenneth R. Carbajal of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case. The Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section provided substantial assistance.
Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-DHS-2-ICE. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Senator Reverend Warnock Encourages Atlanta Business, Civic Leaders to Continue Putting Service Over Self in Remarks to Rotary Club of Atlanta
Senator Reverend Warnock encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty
The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from various non-profit and small business leaders across the Atlanta region
Established in 1913, the Rotary Club of Atlanta has grown to be one of the most influential business and civic clubs in the world
ICYMI from Saporta Report: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock: ‘Uncertainty is never a friend of business’
Watch Senator Reverend Warnock’s remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta HERE
Atlanta, GA – In remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA)encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty.
“As an alum of Head Start, as an alum of Upward Bound, another federal program called Trio that put a kid in housing projects on a college campus every summer so that I could know that I belonged there, as someone who’s been a beneficiary of Pell grants and low-interest student loans. I’m fighting for that kid on Cape Street, and every variation of that kid in rural communities all across our state. And so in this moral moment, I hope that we will recommit ourselves to standing in the best of the Rotarian spirit of service over self. It’s the reason why I’m deeply concerned about much of what is happening right now. I am worried about our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Metro Chamber, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Ideas United, and various non-profit and small business leaders representing industries across the Atlanta region.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock greeting constituents and local business and civic leaders
After greeting constituents, the Senator was recognized by the Club’s Board Chair John Yates with a personalized poem he authored highlighting Senator Warnock’s commitment to service for all Georgians. The Senator was introduced by Program Chair and CEO of Ideas United David Roemer ahead of his keynote remarks, where the Senator discussed the detrimental effects of policy unpredictability on businesses and his concerns about tariffs impacts on Georgia small businesses and consumers. Senator Warnock encouraged business leaders to advocate for common-sense leadership and to be unafraid in using their voices to call out the danger and damage Washington politicians pose to Georgia workers and families.
“Like many of you, I’m very concerned about these tariffs. I haven’t met anybody yet who’s excited about it. I talked to business leaders. They are worried. I was down in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia a couple of weeks ago meeting with leaders at the port. […] And while there I was talking to leaders and farmers and small businesses, and they feel the uncertainty. One gentleman involved with beekeeping and honey paid more than $25,000 in tariffs on his last import. He’s a small business owner. He doesn’t get to just move something around and be okay for the next quarter. He could lose his business. He does not know what he is going to do. He does not want to pass that cost on to the consumer, but understandably, he does not want to eat those costs himself. We’re hearing stories like that across Metro Atlanta, where business owners and leaders are left scratching their heads because the math ain’t mathing,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
“They cannot plan in this uncertain, unpredictable environment. […] And so this is such an important moment for business leaders to stand up, to raise your voices, to use your influence in the ways that you can. Now, I’m not naive. I know that when you’re running a business, you want to stay as far from politics as you can. I don’t blame you. But there comes a moment when that which is so fundamental to opportunity and possibility is at stake that we have to raise our voices. We have to use our influence in the same way to stand up and fight for tax cuts, stand up and fight for immigration policy that makes good business sense,” Senator Reverend Warnock continued.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock gives remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta
Additionally, Senator Warnock reflected on his new report that uplifts the success of the clean energy tax credits he helped put into law and propelled Georgia to the forefront of our nation’s clean energy economy, but which are now under threat as Washington Republicans seek to scale back these clean energy jobs and investments.
“According to my report, in Georgia, nearly all the new [clean energy] investments and the new jobs are in counties outside of Metro Atlanta. Nationwide analyzes show that the vast majority of projects announced following the passage of these clean energy tax credits. Over three and four projects have gone to House districts currently held by Republicans. But this is especially true in Georgia. […] This is good news for Georgia, and to undermine it does not make good sense, it’s hard to defend that. The data is clear, and so my colleagues have a decision to make about who they will fight for and what they believe in. Who will they support? But this I do know: uncertainty is never a friend of business, right? It’s hard to know where they invest. You’re not certain about what’s going to happen along the supply chain, it’s hard to know that you should continue to lean in and invest in a clean energy future in Georgia if the Congress can simply undo two years later what it decided to do two years ago, right at the moment that we’re beginning to make progress,”said Senator Reverend Warnock.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock participates in a fireside chat with Program Chair and Ideas United CEO David Roemer
Following his remarks, the Senator participated in a fireside chat conversation with David Roemer and fielded questions from members of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Senator Warnock closed by reiterating his service to all Georgians is rooted in his mission to see America win by making sure every child has a chance, and the next kid growing up in public housing or relying on low-interest loans for an education knows that anything is possible in America.
“It’s our job to tell our children that in America anything is possible,” Senator Reverend Warnock said in closing.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
VIDEO: Kennedy falsely claims: ‘We have a team in Milwaukee.’; Reed: ‘What about the rest of the United States? This is not a problem exclusively in Milwaukee.’
WASHINGTON, DC – After successfully working to appropriate $51 million to protect children from lead exposure, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today confronted President Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., about why he effectively shut down a branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that is responsible for monitoring childhood lead poisoning.
Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem. Lead is a neurotoxin that can impair brain development, particularly when children are exposed before the age of 6. Lead exposure most commonly occurs through peeling or flaking lead paint or household dust containing lead, though it can also be ingested through water traveling through lead pipes, soil, or in the air near contaminated industrial facilities. CDC estimates that approximately 500,000 children in the United States have concerning blood lead levels that could adversely impact their health.
During today’s hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Senator Reed criticized the Trump Administration’s costly mishandling of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP), the flip-flopping messages, and failure to assist state health agencies and non-profits. HHS’s short-sighted cuts are likely to lead to data blind spots when it comes to lead poisoning surveillance, making it harder for health authorities and researchers tracking childhood blood lead levels. Other state agencies and federal departments also rely on this type of data..
Reed led the effort to fund the CLPPP and support childhood lead surveillance and technical capacity, provide lead poisoning prevention training to public health professionals, support childhood blood lead surveillance systems, expand public health laboratory capacity, and ensure targeted screening and case management. But rather than helping states prevent lead poisoning, the Trump Administration fired the teams responsible for administering programs that keep children safe and healthy from lead poisoning.
During today’s hearing, Reed asked Secretary Kennedy about shutting down the Childhood Lead Program and what effect the Trump Administration’s abrupt layoffs could have on state and local lead poisoning prevention efforts. Mr. Kennedy seemed confused and gave conflicting answers before falsely suggesting that HHS had a team of experts in one city: Milwaukee. Senator Reed noted that HHS has a responsibility to help protect children in all fifty states:
SEN. REED: Mr. Secretary, I want to ask you about the CDC’s Childhood Lead Program, because we’ve heard a lot of conflicting messages about…
SEC. KENNEDY: Childhood?
REED: Yes, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. We’ve heard a lot of conflicting messages. First, the program was eliminated as part of your restructuring of HHS and all the program staff was fired. You suggested that that was a mistake and that the program will be brought back online. Last week you told Senator Baldwin that lead poisoning among children was a very significant issue. And as Congress appropriated the money, the program would continue.
Well, Congress has appropriated the funding. And as far as we can tell, staff has not yet been hired. And I see no statements reversing your decision to eliminate the program. So which is it?
KENNEDY: We are continuing to fund the program. And in Milwaukee, we have a team in Milwaukee, and we’re giving laboratory support to the to the analytics in Milwaukee. And we’re working with the Health Department of Milwaukee.
REED: Well, that’s Milwaukee. What about the rest of the country?
KENNEDY: Well, I don’t– as I said, I have I have a a TRO now, you know, a federal TRO that does not allow me to talk about the re-org. What I can tell you is that if you appropriate the money, that we are going to spend it.
REED: We have appropriated the money, Mr. Secretary. You indicated that you have a program in Milwaukee. What about the rest of the United States? This is not a problem exclusively in Milwaukee.
KENNEDY: My understanding is that that program is continuing. I’m hoping to, I’m, I’m very, very happy to talk to you, Senator, after this and find out exactly what the details are.
REED: Well, it should be a very simple answer: The program’s back up and running. We’ve hired the staff, which I don’t think you have. And that doesn’t indicate that you’re serious about getting the program running again.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
READ MORE — CNN: After NIH staffing cuts, cancer patient in clinical trial worries she may lose crucial time; Washington Post: NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it.
Senator Murray: “If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
****FROM TODAY – WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s exchange with RFK Jr.***
***FROM LAST WEEK –WATCH: Senator Murray rebuts Secretary Kennedy’s claims about her constituent, Natalie***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s outburst during today’s Senate Appropriations hearing, where Secretary Kennedy repeatedly lied, dodged Senator Murray’s questions, and made a number of totally unfounded allegations, in particular relating to Senator Murray’s constituent, Natalie, who is suffering from Stage Four colorectal cancer and whose care was delayed as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing cuts across HHS. Senator Murray brought up Natalie’s story to Secretary Kennedy at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing last week; additional background on that exchange is below.
At the appropriations hearing today, Secretary Kennedy claimed to Senator Murray: “You told me two or three days ago, four days ago that we had cut a clinical trial in your state and it turned out what you said turned out to be completely untrue and you knew it was not true because you corresponded.” This was not at all what Senator Murray suggested or what happened. At the HELP hearing on May 14th, Senator Murray laid out how Natalie’s treatment in a trial at the NIH Clinical Center had been delayed by the staffing cuts, according to her doctors at NIH, and then she asked Secretary Kennedy directly how many staff were cut from the NIH’s Clinical Center. Video and transcript of their initial exchange on May 14th is HERE. A full transcript of their exchange today is available HERE.
“RFK Jr. is a shameless liar and a dangerous conspiracy theorist—he should have never been confirmed. As much as he lies and deflects, I’m not going to stop holding him accountable for the real harm he is inflicting on people in this country.
“Natalie’s care has been complicated, but here’s what’s not: her NIH doctor told her twice that her care was explicitly delayed due to NIH staffing cuts—specifically, that she would have to wait eight weeks rather than four to have her cells re-infused. On the question of credibility, I will trust an NIH doctor over an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist every day.
“After an initial contact with RFK Jr.’s office last Wednesday, it was complete radio silence with no answers until about an hour before today’s hearing. It should not take me raising this issue with RFK Jr. face-to-face to make sure NIH is working the way it’s supposed to.
“I still have no answer about how many NIH clinical staff have been fired. I still have no answer why Natalie was told by her NIH doctor that her care was being delayed due to staffing cuts. For weeks, my staff has been demanding answers about agency staffing cuts.
“Meanwhile, my staff has been in constant touch over the past three weeks with dedicated career staff at NIH and FDA—the same people the Trump administration is trying to push out the door—to address Natalie’s case. But it has been no thanks to RFK Jr. or HHS political leadership.”
“If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
__________________________________
At last week’s HELP Committee hearing with Secretary Kennedy, Murray grilled Kennedy on the Trump administration’s moves to slash staff and block funding at the National Institute of Health (NIH), and laid out how is affecting one of her constituents, Natalie Phelps of Washington state: “One of my constituents, Natalie Phelps—a mom of two from Bainbridge Island in Washington state. She has been fighting aggressive Stage Four colorectal cancer for nearly five years now. Her best hope now is a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center. She flew out to the NIH just a few weeks ago for her first appointment, and her care team wanted her to come back in four weeks to start treatment. But because of the thoughtless, mass firing of thousands of critical employees across NIH and HHS that you have carried out, Natalie’s doctors at that clinical center have told her that they have no choice but to delay her treatment by an additional four weeks. Now, an extra four weeks may not sound like a long time but, I will tell you, for Stage Four cancer patients like Natalie, this could mean the difference between life and death.” Video of the full exchange between Senator Murray and Secretary Kennedy is available HERE.
Later in the hearing, Secretary Kennedy asserted that Natalie was ineligible for her clinical trial and called her story a “canard,” saying: “Senator Murray had raised the issue of a constituent of hers who she said had been denied a place in a clinical trial in Washington due to the RIF. We’ve been able to run down that case. The patient was medically ineligible for that trial. It had nothing to do with the RIF. And NIH has been trying to get her into another clinical trial, but none of our clinical trials have been shut down because of the RIF. That was a canard.”
Senator Murray returned to the hearing to respond directly to Secretary Kennedy: “Secretary Kennedy came back and said my constituent, who I spoke about earlier, [her care] was not delayed by staffing cuts. First off, she is already enrolled in that clinical trial. It’s not a question of eligibility—the issue, as I stated clearly, was the delay in care that she got. And what you stated, Secretary Kennedy, is not true.”
“I spoke with Natalie, actually, last night. She asked her NIH doctor directly why, when she was informed of the delay, and her doctor at NIH said very plainly TWICE: her care was delayed because of staffing cuts. And Mr. Chairman, I think it’s important for the record to show, my staff has put in inquiries with HHS leadership and they’ve been unresponsive so far.And, just to make clear, this is just one case of many. But those are the facts,” Senator Murray said.
Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments.
Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
Senator Murray’s opening remarks at today’s hearing, as delivered, are below:
“Secretary Kennedy—things are not going well. It is clear what you are doing across HHS is devastating to children, families, seniors, and the millions of Americans HHS programs support.
“You were required to send us an operating plan detailing how you’re spending funds that Congress provided for programs families rely on. You sent us what you titled the ‘Hill Version,’ which had over 530 asterisks in place of funding levels.
“Mr. Secretary, we need the real version with actual funding levels. This committee needs to know how you are spending taxpayer dollars right now—and what programs you’re cutting and eliminating.
“You are blocking billions in funding that Congress appropriated from going out the door, including $3 billion at NIH, and $1 billion in Head Start and $3 billion in child care funding alone.
“And that’s on top of all of the other funding you’ve illegally ripped away: $11 billion from state and local health departments, $1 billion supporting local substance use and mental health programs, and $66 million in Title X funds for cancer screenings, birth control, and preventive care.
“You are dismantling HHS, throwing away generations of investments in our health care system and firing critical employees. We’re talking about the people who administer Head Start, LIHEAP, and Meals on Wheels. Or entire teams working on preventing chronic disease and Alzheimer’s, tracking IVF success rates and safety, maternal health, and much more.
“On top of all of this, you propose a budget with truly devastating cuts that would leave America sicker and weaker.
“But you’re not waiting to see whether Congress approves that budget proposal. This administration is starting to unilaterally implement it right now—in defiance of Congress and the laws we have passed. If you aren’t already, you are sprinting down the road of illegally impounding billions in funding, through intentional action and through incompetence.
“To my colleagues on this dais: We heard several weeks ago, what we risk by ceding American leadership on biomedical research. If we bless these staffing and funding cuts across HHS, that means deciding we are comfortable with China leading the future development of every drug, device, and vaccine. The supply chain challenges we faced during the pandemic will be the new normal. Our access to the latest treatments and cures will depend on other countries.
“It’s time to stand up and assert Congress’ authority. This Committee has dedicated itself in a bipartisan manner over decades to make sure we are the global leader in research and development. And now all of us know this administration is setting us back where it may take decades to regain that position.
“If we don’t, decades of scientific breakthroughs and medical discovery—and the bipartisan work to support them—risks being burned to the ground, and it will be very hard to rebuild.”
WASHINGTON — On May 19, a federal judge sentenced three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang who were convicted at trial of a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy that included multiple murders, drug trafficking, fraud, and robbery.
Francis Clement, 58, was found guilty by a jury in February of RICO conspiracy and five separate counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Each of these murders was committed while Clement was in state prison. Clement was sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The jury also found Kenneth Johnson, 63, guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Johnson was also sentenced to life in prison.
A third defendant, John Stinson, 70, was found guilty of one count of RICO conspiracy. Stinson, who was already serving a lengthy prison sentence in the California state prison system, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2023, Aryan Brotherhood members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, including murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking crimes. Johnson and Clement, who both held leadership roles in the gang, directed crimes committed by Aryan Brotherhood members both inside and outside of prison using cellphones that had been smuggled into prison. Because of his rank in the gang, Clement received a cut from the illegal drug sales and fraud schemes the Aryan Brotherhood committed. According to trial testimony, the Aryan Brotherhood regularly smuggled drugs, including methamphetamine, into prisons throughout the California prison system, which defendants and other gang members then sold to inmates.
In October 2020, Johnson and Clement together ordered one murder during the execution of which another individual was also killed. Johnson and Clement also ordered another murder of an individual who was subsequently killed. It was further proven at trial that in February 2022, Clement ordered the murder of an individual and the following month, in March 2022, Clement ordered the murder of two more individuals. For each murder, the killings were ordered because defendants believed the victims either violated gang rules or owed the gang money.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stinson was a high-ranking leader of the Aryan Brotherhood and had substantial authority over the enterprise, including sponsoring multiple individuals for membership, resolving disputes among members, and approving the murder of current and former members. During the investigation, Stinson used a contraband cellphone within his prison cell to conduct business on behalf of the Aryan Brotherhood. The jury heard some of these communications from Stinson through court-authorized wiretapped conversations. Evidence was presented that Stinson also engaged in drug trafficking, and that, given his position within the gang, he received a cut of illegal drug sales that took place in prison and out on the street.
“The convicted defendants led a notorious prison gang that committed ruthless murders, widespread methamphetamine trafficking, and perpetuated a culture of mayhem, fear, and disorder within the prison system that bled into the outside world,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Organized crime within the prison system, enabled by the use of contraband cellphones, endangers American neighborhoods by flooding streets with dangerous drugs. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue crime syndicates, like the Aryan Brotherhood and their facilitators, to ensure they go to prison and the harm they inflict on society ends once incarcerated.”
“Today’s sentences are yet another blow to the leadership of a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons and spanning multiple counties and states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The Aryan Brotherhood has maintained its deadly influence over members, associates and others both inside and outside prison. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.”
“These sentences send a clear message: the walls of a prison do not shield violent gang leaders from justice,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Aryan Brotherhood’s leadership operated a brutal criminal enterprise from behind bars — ordering murders, trafficking drugs, and fueling violence in our communities. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs wherever they operate and hold their leaders accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”
The indictment in this case charged 11 defendants with RICO conspiracy and other crimes. There are five defendants awaiting trial and the three defendants have pleaded guilty.
This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the ATF, with assistance from the Office of Correctional Safety (CDCR), U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Torrance Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and James Conolly for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
SAN JOSE — Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.
For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.
During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, Calif. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.
In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.
Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.
Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green and Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Watts, 57, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and James Kinard, 47, of Temple Hills, Md., were found guilty by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and PCP in the DMV. The conspiracy also used firearms to protect their narcotics and the proceeds from their trafficking operation.
The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The jury found both defendants guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP. The jury also found defendant Kinard guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2025. Watts and Kinard each face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Watts has two prior felony drug convictions. Kinardhas a prior 1995 conviction for second-degree murder while armed and a prior 2016 conviction assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and related offenses. Kinard was on supervised release during the investigation in this case.
Three co-defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial on May 7.
Melvin Grayson, 51, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, more than 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and more than one kilogram or more of PCP. Grayson faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of ten years. He has two prior felony drug convictions from 1993.
Tyrone Ragland, 56, aka “Tech,” of the District, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of PCP. Charles Cunningham, 58, of the District, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to their plea agreements, Ragland and Cunningham will be required to serve 15 years in prison. Cunningham has four prior felony drug convictions.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department intercepted a package containing six kilos of PCP at a FedEx facility in Maryland. The officers set up a controlled delivery of the package and stopped defendant Kenneth Watts after he picked it up. In Watts’ cell phone, investigators found text messages linking Watts to the package and to co-defendant Melvin Grayson.
Through controlled purchases and wiretaps, evidence showed that Grayson distributed PCP, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The investigation also showed that defendants Ragland, Cunningham, Kinard and others conspired with Grayson to distribute the narcotics. In search warrants conducted at various residences, agents recovered four firearms, more than 2.5 kilos of PCP, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $50,000 in cash.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Cross Border Task Force and the DEA Washington Field Office, with assistance from MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The Cross Border Task Force is a part of the FBI’S Safe Streets Initiative and targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Iris Y. McCranie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
OAKLAND – Adesola Kehinde was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.
Kehinde, 38, of Alameda, was charged by complaint in January 2024 and by information in May 2024. On Dec. 16, 2024, Kehinde pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). According to the plea agreement, Kehinde admitted that on Jan. 9, 2024, officers with the Alameda Police Department detained him while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car, which was parked outside of his apartment building. At the time, Kehinde was on parole after serving a state prison sentence for human trafficking of a minor, threats with intent to terrorize, and robbery. Officers searched Kehinde’s car and located a loaded Glock pistol with one round in the chamber and six rounds inside the magazine inserted into the pistol.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced Kehinde to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Alameda Police Department.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 308 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 725 PM EDT Tue May 20 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Georgia Eastern Kentucky Far Southwest North Carolina Eastern Tennessee Far Southwest Virginia
* Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 725 PM until 200 AM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A mix of supercell thunderstorms and clusters will spread generally eastward this evening into the early overnight hours. A few tornadoes may occur with this activity, and a strong tornado and isolated very large hail will also be possible with any sustained supercell. Otherwise, an increasing threat for scattered to numerous damaging winds appears likely as thunderstorms attempt to organize into a line later this evening. Peak gusts may reach up to 60-70 mph.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles north northeast of London KY to 20 miles southeast of Rome GA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 303…WW 304…WW 305…WW 306…WW 307…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector 26030.
…Gleason
SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 308 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 725 PM EDT Tue May 20 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Georgia Eastern Kentucky Far Southwest North Carolina Eastern Tennessee Far Southwest Virginia
* Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 725 PM until 200 AM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A mix of supercell thunderstorms and clusters will spread generally eastward this evening into the early overnight hours. A few tornadoes may occur with this activity, and a strong tornado and isolated very large hail will also be possible with any sustained supercell. Otherwise, an increasing threat for scattered to numerous damaging winds appears likely as thunderstorms attempt to organize into a line later this evening. Peak gusts may reach up to 60-70 mph.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles north northeast of London KY to 20 miles southeast of Rome GA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 303…WW 304…WW 305…WW 306…WW 307…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector 26030.
…Gleason
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW8 WW 308 TORNADO GA KY NC TN VA 202325Z – 210600Z AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 35NNE LOZ/LONDON KY/ – 20SE RMG/ROME GA/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /34NNE LOZ – 39NW ATL/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26030.
LAT…LON 37548292 34148405 34148580 37548475
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU8.
Watch 308 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (40%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (80%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Today, United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Congressman Ritchie Torres, released the following statement on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) decision to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices:
“As New Yorkers, we know firsthand how destructive faulty lithium-ion batteries can be, causing hundreds of fires, including fatalities, just last year. These unregulated products have killed and injured innocent New Yorkers, while putting our public safety officers, especially our firefighters, in harm’s way. We were pleased with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s initial decision to begin the rulemaking process that would make the lithium-ion batteries safer. However, we are dismayed at their decision to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking. We need the CPSC as a partner to help make critical progress in our fight to crack down on unregulated lithium-ion batteries, and we encourage them to reevaluate their dangerous and faulty decision.”
If enacted, the NPRM would start the process to finalize federal regulations for lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, and Congressman Torres authored the bipartisan Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices. The House of Representatives passed this critical legislation on April 28, 2025.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in e-bikes, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices, are often manufactured abroad without being subject to acceptable safety standards. As a result, they commonly cause explosions and fires that lead to property damage and loss of life. In New York City alone, the New York City Fire Department reports that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 1,000 fires since 2019, resulting in 523 injuries, 34 deaths and damage to over 650 structures. In 2024, there were 279 e-bike and e-mobility device battery fires in NYC, a dramatic increase from the 30 that occurred in 2019.
Last month, Gillibrand, Schumer, and Torres called on the CPSC to vote in favor of the NPRM on lithium-ion batteries as soon as possible in order to protect the lives of Americans who rely on e-bikes and e-scooters.
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
Howick’s green spaces are growing stronger thanks to ecological efforts funded by the Howick Local Board — and the community is part of the story.
Across parks and reserves, an ecological restoration programme is quietly transforming the landscape in Howick.
Weeds are being removed, native plants are going in, and habitats are coming back to life. It’s all part of a wider effort happening right now to restore local nature, support wildlife, and protect our environment.
This work shows a real commitment to helping Howick’s green spaces thrive—not just now, but for the long run.
Board chair Damian Light says, “Our environment / Tō Tātou Taiao, is a key part of our local board plan. We are committed to protecting and nurturing our natural surroundings, ensuring that we leave a healthy, well-cared-for world for future generations. We can’t do this alone and we’re committed to empowering the community to take environmental action with practical support.”
Chisbury Terrace, Shelley Park.
The restoration programme spans 28 local sites, covering a total of 133 hectares. This includes well-loved places like Macleans Park, Point View Reserve, Whitford Road Esplanade, Te Naupata / Musick Point Park, and Mangemangeroa Reserve—just to name a few.
Whether it’s getting involved in planting days, joining a weeding bee, learning about native species, or simply enjoying the spaces and treating them with care, small actions add up.
Senior Ecological Specialist Jillana Robertson adds, “We’re in a constant battle against invasive species. Without pest control contracts, our parks would be overrun by weeds like moth plant and climbing asparagus, while rats and possums would devastate native wildlife. These green spaces play a vital role in erosion control, stormwater filtering, and carbon storage—but Council’s budget can’t cover it all year round. Volunteers are essential and work alongside contractors to protect these ecosystems.”
Murphy’s Bush Reserve.
As progress continues, the changes—and the benefits—will become easier to see. The goal is cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.
King Fern or Para at Pt View Reserve (at risk species).
Light shares, “Howick is a busy, growing part of Auckland — full of homes, shops, roads, and people. But with all that growth, we’ve lost a lot of our natural spaces. Only a small amount of native bush remains, mostly in places like Point View Reserve, Murphy’s Bush, and Mangemangeroa Reserve. These special spots are now more important than ever.”
Support is going into restoring nature across the area – through planting, pest control, and stream clean-ups – to protect wildlife, care for the land, and create clean, green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
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Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Tuesday’s forum featured former agency officials from FDA, ACF, CMS, and HRSA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today led their colleagues in kicking off a two-day spotlight forum, entitled “Trump’s Destruction of HHS: Mass Firings, Reorganization, and the Human Harm Caused.” The forum is examining the human harm caused by the Trump Administration’s sweeping reorganization and mass terminations at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“The whole point of what we’re doing is to try to bring to the attention of the American people what the reality is of the Trump Administration’s attack on the federal workforce and many federal programs. These are programs that are not abstract in what they do—they really affect the lives of young people and the wellbeing, the health of our country. And these things have to built overtime—to get the expertise, the have the infrastructure, to have an established set of procedures where you can actually deliver services that make a difference…” said Senator Welch. “It’s a real threat because when you erode that foundation that has been established over time at an institution, it’s not as though a year later, two years later, you can come in and flip a switch and you’re back to where we were. Damage is done.”
Watch the livestream here:
Senator Welch also thanked fired federal workers, many of whom have traveled to the Capitol every week to meet with lawmakers and raise awareness of the harm caused by Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce.
The first day of the two-day forum featured testimony from Dr. Robert Califf, the former Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Dr. Meg Sullivan, the former Acting Secretary for Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Ms. Chiquita Brooks La-Sure, the former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); and Ms. Carole Johnson, the former Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Tomorrow’s forum will feature Dr. Anne Schuchat, the former Principal Deputy Director, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Ms. Trina Dutta, the former Chief of Staff, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Dr. Sean Bruna, the former Senior Advisor, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); Professor Alison Barkoff, the former Administrator for Administration for Community Living (ACL); and Dr. Jeremy Berg – former Director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences at NIH.
Senator Welch was joined today by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
Watch the livestream here.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch on Trump using the IRS for political goals: “The president is not restrained by what’s legal or not.”
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) grilled President Trump’s nominee to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Senator Welch asked former Congressman Billy Long about how cuts to IRS staff will affect the ability of the IRS to hold billionaire tax cheats accountable, and how gutting IRS funding and staff will hurt services and help for U.S. taxpayers. Senator Welch also questioned Mr. Long on President Trump’s actions to undercut institutes of higher education.
Welch: The Administration, President Trump, has specifically gone after higher education. There have been significant cuts in research funding to Columbia, to Harvard, and to other universities. The president, who will be your boss, has explicitly stated that he wants to eliminate the tax-exempt status for Harvard. What’s your opinion about the recommendation by the president that Harvard loses its tax-exempt status?
Long: I’m not over there. I haven’t seen why they would think that. But it’s something I want to get into and figure out once I’m over there. I’ve never been around it, so I don’t know.
Welch: One of the concerns here is that if a president is using the IRS as a tool to achieve his goals—
Long: That should not be done by anybody.
Welch: Alright, so you will tell Trump to pound sand if he comes to you as Commissioner—
Long: That’s my understanding. Like I said, if it is fair, not fair, legal, or not legal. If what you are saying is not legal, it should not be done and nobody should by able to do that.
Welch: You know, the President is not restrained by what’s legal or not…The president is explicitly stating he wants to go after Harvard—or [another] higher education institution is next—you will be in the line of fire on that. And what I’m looking for from you is not something you are able to give me right now, and that’s assurances that you will tell the president ‘no’ when he is using the IRS for a political objective.
Long: I said earlier the IRS will not and should not be politicized on my, or any, watch.
Watch the full exchange here:
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Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:
Senate Committee on Finance
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution
Senate Committee on Rules & Administration
Learn more about his work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.
