Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
A prescribed hazard reduction burn on East West Road near the Blue Range Recreation Area will commence tomorrow, Tuesday 15 April 2025, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions.
The prescribed hazard reduction burn on East West Road is being conducted to reduce the fire hazard in the area.
Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation Service fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operations. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and may be visible across parts of Canberra.
Fire crews will be on the ground monitoring and patrolling the prescribed burn to its conclusion.
Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be seen at this site, which is normal for these types of operations. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.
Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT’s annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe.
More information about prescribed hazard reduction burns is available on the Parks ACT website.
At least 130 families lost their homes in the western Mongolian province of Govi-Altai due to strong winds and dust storms, the country’s National Emergency Management Agency said Sunday.
Meanwhile, roofs of around 17 apartments were taken down in the dust storms that hit the province on Saturday, the agency said.
In addition, the dust storms disrupted power supply to some households, mainly in the western parts of the country, it added.
Mongolia has a harsh continental climate as strong winds, snow and dust storms are common in spring.
Climate change-related desertification is the main factor behind the increasing frequency of dust storms in Mongolia in recent years, according to the country’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Around 77 percent of Mongolia’s total territory has been affected by desertification and land degradation, according to official data.
Firefighters are struggling to contain a raging mountain fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in Zezhou County in north China’s Shanxi Province, local authorities said. Strong winds are fueling the rapidly expanding fire near a village in Chuandi Township, complicating the firefighting efforts, the county publicity department said. Local authorities received the report of the fire at 3:23 p.m. Sunday.
Auckland councillors have approved the approach for the future use of around 1,200 properties bought out following the 2023 storms.
The policy guidingfuture land use decisionswas approved by the council’s Policy and Planning Committee. The 1,200 properties with high-risk homes are expected to be purchased by the end of 2025 – making this one of the largest land acquisitionprogrammes undertaken in Auckland.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the policy is an important step.
“We have to think about the future and this policy allows the council to consider the different ways the land can be used, including, importantly, what we can do to recoup ratepayer money allocated to purchase the high-risk properties,” says Mayor Brown.
“I’m committed to getting value for money for what is a significant investment for council, so it makes sense we carefully consider how we utilise land safely, sensibly, and economically to reduce the cost of the storm damage and return some of that investment, to Auckland ratepayers.”
Committee chair, councillor Richard Hills says it’s important to remember that severely storm-affected land (Category 3) has inherent risks that must be considered for any future use.
“To move people out of harm’s way – that’s why these properties were assessed and purchased in the buy-out scheme. While we want to use the land effectively to provide homes and maintain strong communities, safety will always be our top priority,” says Cr Hills.
Under the policy, the council will retain a large number of properties for flood resilience projects, other council services or where hazards such as unstable land must be safely managed. The council will also consider opportunities to sell some properties that can be used safely for other purposes.
Cr Hills stressed that with hundreds of pieces of land to assess, it will take several years before final decisions are made, a factor which he knows will be frustrating for affected communities.
“We understand communities have a keen interest in the future of storm-affected land, but we have to carefully make the best decisions for the land and the community.”
Director Policy, Planning and Governance Megan Tyler says the policy is all about finding safe and sensible options for the land, within the constraints of any hazard risks.
“This policy will guide how we assess the potential for each property, so that safety, future resilience and value for Aucklanders are top of mind.”
Aucklanders told the council through consultation in September 2023 they wanted to see the impact on rates from the buy-out programme minimised, which along with other recovery costs tallies to more than $1 billion.
If you have suggestions for specific Category 3 sites, you can provide these in theexpressions of interest register.
The removal of storm-affected homes will continue until late 2027, and the council will maintain the vacant land until the future land use is determined. You can read the frequently asked questions onOurAuckland.
E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.
Thank you for inviting Richard and me to join you today for this very special celebration of Vaisakhi at Gurudwara Sahib. It’s an honour to be the first Governor-General to visit your temple.
I wish to begin by acknowledgingyour holy book the Guru Granth Sahib. I also join you in celebrating the bounty of harvest-time, and in your expressions of gratitude for the food that will nourish our communities.
As Governor-General, one of my over-riding goals is to encourage a sense of inclusion and unity in New Zealand. I enjoy meeting New Zealanders of all faiths and backgrounds, and appreciate the contributions, expertise and aspirations we all bring – in our different ways – to Aotearoa.
This afternoon’s celebration is one of those occasions – in this instance, I welcome this opportunity to meet members of the Sikh community – and learn more about Sikhism, the sacred space of Gurudwara, and the traditions associated with visiting this temple and the celebration of Vaisakhi.
I was interested to learn that Sikhism is the fastest-growing religion in New Zealand, and about the role Gurudwara play in bringing your communities together and enabling you to hold fast to your cultural and spiritual heritage.
The last few years have tested our resilience in ways we could never have imagined. Last year, when we visited Hawkes Bay communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, it was a great privilege to meet Sikh people there who had showed such extraordinary compassion and generosity to people who had, in many instances, lost everything in the floods.
I want to acknowledge your efforts to not only promote egalitarian and humanitarian values, but also for doing your best to live them on a daily basis. Your generosity and compassion to those in need are deeply appreciated, and a reminder that true spirituality is expressed in our actions towards others.
My thanks once again for welcoming us into your temple and sharing this special occasion with us.
As restrictions lift, CFA is urging residents to remain fire-aware, as dry Autumnal conditions combined with strong winds can still lead to fast-moving grassfires.
CFA District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said low fire activity over the past few weeks and the cooler conditions has allowed fire restrictions to ease in the area.
“Conditions are still dry, however fuel loads have been significantly reduced thanks to livestock and the breakdown of the crop and grass,” Chris said.
“Despite the lifting of these restrictions we are urging residents to be extremely careful if they are planning to undertake private burn-offs and have appropriate resources on hand to contain it.
“We haven’t had a lot of rain in the region, so it is important the proper precautions are taken before igniting any burns and the weather conditions are suitable.”
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their private burn-offs. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response and allow 000 call-takers to prioritise emergency calls.
Burn-offs can be registered online at Fire Permits Victoria atwww.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant, as fire danger periods in other regions may still be active.
As families head outdoors for Easter adventures, nothing beats toasting marshmallows over a warm fire. However, fire and land authorities are warning if people are not careful, a campfire or fire pit can go from a cozy glow to a full-blown bushfire faster than you can say ‘Easter egg hunt’.
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY — First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, alongside advocates across government, public health, law enforcement, the judicial system, and advocacy, will present the findings of a final report from the Working Group on Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault. Convened in 2023 by the First Partner, the Working Group was tasked with reimagining a more compassionate, just, and effective response to sexual violence.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 15 at 10 a.m.
LIVESTREAM: First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s Instagram.
**NOTE: This in-person press event will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending mustRSVP by clicking hereno later than7:30 a.m., April 15. Location information will be provided upon confirmation.
Media Advisories, Recent News
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
    Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-lowering ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 6pm today (April 12) will be cancelled.
    If the thunderstorm warning is cancelled and weather conditions permit by then, the flag-lowering ceremony may be resumed without further notice.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) co-organised the third edition of the InnoEX at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for four consecutive days starting today (April 13). The Digital Policy Office (DPO) set up a large-scale Smart Hong Kong Pavilion to showcase over 100 technology solutions, including those developed by different government departments in relation to citizens’ daily lives. Through interactive experiences and on-site demonstrations, the Pavilion demonstrates the solid achievements in advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city in Hong Kong brought about by the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and various sectors.
On the opening day of the Pavilion, a number of officials, including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited the Pavilion. They were briefed by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, on how the DPO leads various government departments in leveraging I&T to enhance city management and operational efficiency, delivering enhanced public services to citizens. The DPO has all along worked in close collaboration with the local I&T industry to develop a variety of innovative solutions, with a view to continuously enhancing public services for the benefit of the public and businesses, jointly strengthening Hong Kong’s leading position as an international I&T hub.
This year’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion focuses on AI and data-driven applications, and showcases I&T solutions contributed by 20 government departments and the winning entries of international and domestic I&T competitions, including the Hong Kong ICT Awards, Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards, Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter and Open Data Hackathon, from local innovators and students. Through the exhibition, the DPO hopes to recognise outstanding local innovations, encourage and inspire industry players to develop more innovative solutions as well as promote Hong Kong’s I&T development to local industries, exhibitors and experts from home and abroad.
Following are highlights of the six areas of the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion:
Smart Living: “iAM Smart”, the one-stop personalised digital services platform that provides citizens with access to over 1 100 government, public and private online services and government e-Forms; the Hong Kong Observatory’s AI-powered weather prediction models that provide reference in preparing weather forecasts and tropical cyclone forecast tracks; and the industry’s award-winning solution, a smart packaging system from the Hong Kong Productivity Council that significantly increases packaging output of Chinese medicine and reduces manpower requirements.
Smart Mobility: Award of the Year in the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024, a solution from the MTR Corporation Limited and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that adopts a digital twin calibrated with big data for railway planning and simulating service disruptions and congestion, thereby assisting the MTR to plan corresponding arrangements early to meet the travel needs of citizens.
Smart Environment: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Shark Species Rapid DNA Identification technology that uses AI to rapidly identify the species of shark fins and more efficiently determine whether the imported shark fins are regulated; and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s AI-powered Aqua-bot that is used in early detection and rapid response to invasive alien species to protect ecosystems in wetlands.
Smart People: The Architectural Services Department’s Wall-Climbing Robot that can move flexibly on building facades and conduct building facade assessments efficiently and accurately; the Drainage Services Department’s Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot with Embodied Intelligence, honoured with a Gold Medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024, that can monitor condition of pipelines through clear 360-degree panoramic videos and AI technology; as well as the Highways Department’s adoption of geospatial and AI technologies to automatically detect various road objects and create survey maps, enhancing efficiency of road construction projects.
Smart Government: The Hong Kong Fire Services Department’s Virtual Fire Scene Incident Command Training System that allows firefighters to practice command and decision-making skills in an immersive experience; the Hong Kong Police Force’s The New Generation Scenario-based Interactive Multiplayer Simulation System that adopts multimedia broadcasting and simulated communication systems to train officers to respond to various simulated incidents; and the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service that fosters ease in cross-boundary mobility.
Smart Economy: The Lands Department’s leverage of spatial data and Geographic Information System to enhance the safety, efficiency and planning of drone operations, supporting low-altitude economy development; and the award-winning solution, Hong Kong Housing Authority Project Information Management and Analytics Platform, that implements digital project management from planning to handover stages, thereby expediting decision-making process.
The annual I&T mega event of Hong Kong, InnoEX, brings together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications and explore global collaboration opportunities. Themed “Innovation • Automate • Elevate”, this year’s InnoEX will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas: low-altitude economy, AI, robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility. Interested parties from the trade can register free of charge at the HKTDC’s website (www.hktdc.com/event/innoex/en).
Meanwhile, another major I&T highlight this April – the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit – a high-level conference in the global Internet field, will take place on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC concurrently. Under the theme “Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the Summit will focus on forward-looking discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life, attracting around 1 000 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including representatives from governments and enterprises, international organisations, internet giants, experts and scholars to attend.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In response to and in support of the 10th National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department (FSD) held an open day today (April 13) at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) in Tseung Kwan O to deepen the public’s understanding of the department’s work in safeguarding national security, public safety and public order, as well as enhancing their awareness of the responsibility in safeguarding national security. The event attracted more than 9 000 visitors.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the flag-raising ceremony in the morning. Speaking at the ceremony, he highlighted the FSD’s pivotal role in safeguarding national security. He mentioned that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region search and rescue team, which recently returned from completing a search-and-rescue mission in earthquake-stricken areas of Myanmar, comprised of 41 members from the FSD. Mr Chan commended the search and rescue team’s swift response and professionalism, stating that their efforts demonstrated the country’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts, and exemplified the spirit of taking the promotion of international security as a support, which is one of the five essential elements of the holistic approach to national security.
Accompanied by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, Mr Chan visited the exhibition on national security, and toured the National Security Education cum Resource Centre in the FASA. The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, also visited national security education game booths in the company of the Commandant of the FASA, Mr Cheu Yu-kok.
The open day featured exhibition boards and game booths on national security to enhance public awareness of the importance of national security through interactive engagement. Moreover, simulation training facilities, the simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, the Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum, and the National Security Education cum Resource Centre were open to the public. Members of the public could learn more about the department’s firefighting and rescue services, as well as its mission of “saving those in distress and protecting the community”.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
To echo the 10th National Security Education Day, the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) held an open day today (April 12), drawing the participation of over 4 000 citizens. The open day featured a range of activities, including introduction and demonstrations of the daily work of the Immigration Department (ImmD), exhibitions, guided tours and booth games, with the aim to raise public awareness of national security and strengthen their sense of national identity through interactive experiences, while highlighting the ImmD’s values and mission in defending against national security risks and firmly guarding the country’s southern gateway.
Various thematic exhibitions and booth games were set up to introduce the public to the ImmD’s technologies used in detecting suspicious documents, counter-terrorism work, management work of detention centre and tactical equipment, etc. Members of the public could also try out training facilities, such as the mock immigration clearance hall and mock court room, to better understand how the ImmD has been leveraging the work of effective immigration control, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
In addition, the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) also set up an interactive booth, where IDYL members crafted panda and golden snub-nosed monkeys dough figurine for the members of the public on site, aiming to drawn public attention to endangered animal species while promoting the concept of ecological security and its importance to members of the public in a lively and interesting way.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung attended the open day. Accompanied by directorate officers of the ImmD, they toured the exhibition booths, interacted with the public, and encouraged members of the Immigration Service to remain dedicated and steadfast in upholding national security.
The open day offered an array of splendid programmes, including a musical performance by the Immigration Band and a Chinese-style foot drill demonstration by the Departmental Contingent. Holding flags printed with the five essential elements of the holistic approach to national security, the Departmental Contingent formed the shape of a shield, symbolising the logo of the National Security Education Day, as well as demonstrating the ImmD’s concerted efforts to safeguard the sovereignty, security and development interests of our nation. Afterwards, the Emergency Response Team of the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre demonstrated how to handle emergencies and quell disturbances professionally and promptly with the use of various firearms and anti-riot equipment, showcasing the ImmD’s capabilities to deal with incidents endangering public security and its commitment to maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Also, there was a demonstration session of the ImmD’s vehicles at the open day, introducing the multi-purpose vehicle of ImmD’s Enforcement Division and the mobile identification tactical unit to members of the public, so as to help them to learn more about the ImmD’s work in preventing and defending against national security risks.
CFA is calling on Victorians to dig deep alongside thousands of volunteers rattling tins for the annual Good Friday Appeal (GFA) this week, supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital.
From fire trucks to traffic lights, community clubs to local events, Victorians can expect to see CFA volunteers out in force this Good Friday. In fact, you’re likely to find a CFA volunteer shaking a tin in nearly every town across the state.
Since 1951, CFA brigades have proudly raised more than $39 million for the Appeal, becoming a cornerstone of the fundraising effort. This year, CFA is aiming to reach a historic milestone – raising a grand total of $40 million.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the image of CFA volunteers in their firefighting gear collecting donations has become an iconic part of Good Friday.
“A significant number of our CFA members will be out in force again this year, and it’s just one of the things that truly defines the spirit of the Good Friday Appeal,” Jason said.
“Our long-standing partnership with the GFA is not possible without the incredible generosity and passion of our CFA volunteers who give up their time year after year to raise funds for kids who are in need of care.
“So, this Friday, give what you can to a firey – and help us make a difference.”
This year, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan will have the honour of presenting CFA’s total collection amount live on-air during the Good Friday Appeal telethon late on Friday night.
He will be joined by Epping CFA volunteer Rohan Stevens, whose son Jack is one of the official faces of the 2025 Appeal.
Jack received life-saving care from the Royal Children’s Hospital, and the support his family received during that time has left a lasting impact. Their story is a powerful reminder of why every donation matters.
The continued partnership between CFA and the Good Friday Appeal reflects the selfless dedication and community-first ethos that CFA volunteers embody. For many, it is a powerful way to give back and connect.
Members of the community are encouraged to look out for CFA crews in their local area and donate generously – every dollar makes a difference to the lives of children and families across the state.
WASHINGTON — National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Vice Chair Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma issued the following statement regarding the fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg:
“We are relieved to hear that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe following the arson attack on the Governor’s Residence. On behalf of the nation’s governors, we extend our support to the Shapiro family as they recover from this distressing event.
“We strongly condemn all acts of violence and ask our citizens to rise above these kinds of destructive actions.
“Governors are not only public leaders but also parents, spouses, and neighbors. Incidents like this remind us of the very real challenges government officials and their families can face. We are thankful for the swift actions of local first responders and emergency personnel who helped ensure everyone’s safety.
“The National Governors Association stands in solidarity with Governor Shapiro and his family during this time.”
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the fire was determined to be an act of arson. Governor Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.
Australian politics has historically been a male domain with an overwhelmingly masculine culture. Manhood and a certain kind of masculinity are still considered integral to a leader’s political legitimacy.
Yet leadership masculinity changes along party lines. We are now halfway through the election campaign and can already see differences in the masculine performances of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
State Daddy versus Strongman Tough Cop
In a recent open-access study, I identified the emergence of two Australian political masculinities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, the traditional “Daggy Dad” of former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison, centred around the nuclear family and paternalistic protection.
Second, the “State Daddy”, embodied by Labor leaders such as Albanese, who perform a more compassionate masculinity focused on social provision. In the 2022 election, Albanese effectively used his caring masculinity against Morrison’s faltering protective paternalism, highlighting many of Morrison’s weaknesses and especially his unpopularity with women.
The 2025 election is shaping up to be another “gender election”, this time between the State Daddy and the Strongman Tough Cop.
Albanese and Dutton’s adoption of certain masculine identities reveals not only how they want to be perceived but also how they envision the electorate, the nation, and its defining values.
Dutton is a “tough-nut” conservative who portrays himself as a “strongman” protector. His leadership masculinity combines that of several other Liberal leaders, notably John Howard. But his conservatism is more reactionary, focusing less on economics and more on stoking culture wars.
Like Tony Abbott, he is a pugilistic opposition leader who promises to keep Australians safe while reinforcing fear and uncertainty. Following Morrison’s lead, Dutton also targets outer-suburban electorates that traditionally vote Labor.
His plan is to tap into voters’ anxiety and offer his “strongman” masculinity as its antidote. Since becoming leader, Dutton has frequently attempted to emasculate Albanese, labelling him “weak”, “woke”, and too preoccupied with “elite” issues, such as the Voice Referendum, to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
Dutton positions himself as the traditional masculine protector of the nation. The mobilisation of fear of a threat, real or imagined, is core to this identity. Dutton vows to protect Australians by being tough on crime, immigration and “wokeness”.
Yet his strongman persona and conservative policies do not resonate with women, who fear he will follow Trump’s lead on gutting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives or cuts to the public service and rights to work from home.
The strongman protective persona is aimed at men in the outer suburbs, especially those at risk of voting Labor.
In contrast, Albanese’s State Daddy masculinity targets women over men and seeks to inspire hope, care, and a collective response. The focus is on issues of equality, embodying a caring masculinity to rival traditional conservative masculine identities.
Physical attractiveness is integral to the State Daddy image. For example, before the 2022 election, Albanese underwent what is colloquially termed a “glow up”.
Seeking to appeal to the female gaze, he gave an “at home” interview for The Australian Women’s Weekly. These images are a useful tool for State Daddies for two reasons. First, to physically differentiate them from the dishevelled look preferred by conservative political leaders, such as Morrison, Boris Johnson or Donald Trump. Second, to visually signal their commitment to women voters.
Both the Daggy Dad and Strongman Tough Cop often fall short. They claim to provide financial and physical protection to citizens, but only in exchange for subordination to their masculine authority. These limitations are often exposed when it’s necessary to protect citizens during crises such as, in Morrison’s case, bushfires, flood or plague. This protector masculinity fundamentally fails to recognise citizens’ needs and exposes the empty rhetoric at the core of protectionism.
Who can we see at the 2025 election?
Albanese is a far less popular leader than he was in 2022, for many reasons. However, the ALP are again campaigning on boosting the care economy, with major commitments to health care, aged care, and childcare. These are primarily women-dominated industries that Dutton, like Morrison before him, has repeatedly failed to support and engage.
In contrast, Dutton was forced into an embarrassing back-down on a promise to end work-from-home arrangements for public servants, 57% of whom are women.
Distracting from the Coalition’s long-standing “women problem”— which in part cost them the 2022 election — Dutton has been implying that Albanese’s “wokeness” has left men behind.
Taking a page from the Trump playbook, Dutton has appeared on podcasts targeting mainly male audiences. On one appearance, he made a pitch to young male voters, noting: “Young males feel disenfranchised [and] ostracised”. He sympathised with the “anti-woke revolution” and argued that young men are “fed up” with “woke” practices.
Albanese, meanwhile, has appeared on podcasts targeting mainly women audiences, including Abbie Chatfield’s “It’s A Lot” or Cheek Media’s podcast. He spoke about Labor’s policies supporting women’s health in areas including endometriosis care, contraceptives and menopause.
It’s clear that both leaders are targeting very different parts of the voter bloc, in policy platforms and social media strategies.
Blair Williams 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.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University
A weather station in Santa Cruz, Calif. Cuts to government agencies monitoring the weather will increase the impacts of extreme weather events.(Shutterstock)
The strategy addresses the risks to lives, property, economies and ecosystems that are increasing at an alarming rate due to the warming planet. It highlights that U.S. citizens are in harm’s way, infrastructure is increasingly outdated and at risk and, in many places, not designed for new environmental realities and extreme weather events.
In February 2025, Donald Trump’s administration reduced the government’s size. The NOAA was severely affected, experiencing budget cuts and the termination of about 800 employees’ positions. NOAA is a critically important government organization, and includes the National Weather Service (NWS).
Recent developments regarding science and scholarship in the U.S., including major reductions in federal research funding and censorship around topics such as climate change and gender, are forcing many U.S. science agencies and research organizations to abruptly suspend normal operations.
As former assistant deputy minister of the Meteorological Service of Environment Canada between 1994 and 2000, I regularly met with my colleagues at the NWS and other weather agencies. We worked together to share information to provide the best weather services possible in our countries.
Climate and misinformation
In January of this year, the World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report. This ranked the global risks that could have major impacts on the global population, GDP or natural resources in the short term (two years) and long term (10 years).
For the short term, the top risk identified is “misinformation and disinformation,” with “extreme weather events” being the second-highest risk. Extreme weather events include storms, floods, wildfires, heat and others, with a warming climate leading to more severity and impacts. By geography, extreme weather events is ranked as the highest risk for Northern America and most other regions.
The risks due to misinformation and extreme weather events are interconnected. If an extreme weather event is about to occur and people are not informed, or are misinformed, about the occurrence and risks, they do not take actions to reduce exposure and vulnerability, resulting in higher impacts.
Impacts of layoffs
Because of the importance of the NOAA, NWS and other climate research bodies, many have spoken out about the negative impacts of these job terminations and budget reductions.
The NWS has developed leading weather forecast models by working with the academic and global science communities, and partners with others beyond national borders to share their data. The multi-year development and implementation of these weather systems has led to high quality and reliable information for weather, climate and ocean situations.
“There’s an enormous, and justified surge of criticism from private-sector and academic meteorologists from across the political spectrum over the purge of expertise and supporting staff under way at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service.”
Meteorologists Jeff Masters and Bob Henson wrote that “cuts to U.S. weather and climate research could put public safety at risk… and slow emergency disaster response and weaken resilience efforts.”
Ilan Kelman, professor of disasters and health at University College London, stated that the “mass job termination” will have major negative impacts across the U.S. and nearby countries, such as Canada. This will be due to reduced aviation and shipping safety; lack of information for communities to respond to severe weather; safety assessments for search-and-rescue; and other concerns.
Alarming increases
With a warming climate, the impacts of extreme weather events are rising around most of the world. The year 2024, the warmest on record, was also the single-most expensive year on record in terms of Canadian insurance payouts of C$8.5 billion, with the number of catastrophe claims exceeding 273,000. Disaster costs in the U.S. also increased with many billion-dollar events.
On Oct. 17, 2024, NOAA shared initial imagery from the GOES-19 lightning mapper showing lightning activity in two extremely hazardous hurricanes – Helene and Milton — on Sept. 24. (GOES-19/NOAA)
The U.S. Air Force Weather Reconnaissance Squadron provided information for the NHC to upgrade the storm to Tropical Storm Helene. Follow-up research by the World Weather Attribution concluded with “high confidence” that Helene was made worse by climate change.
Reliance on observation and collaboration
Forecasting extreme weather events relies on observational systems that provide weather information over a significant area which extends beyond a country. In North America, the U.S. weather forecasts rely on information from Canada, Mexico and countries across the Gulf of Mexico, and vice versa.
The World Meteorological Organization, the UN’s lead agency on weather and climate, co-ordinates international co-operation for the free and unrestricted exchange of data and information, products and services in real time. This is critical for the safety and security of society, economic welfare and protection of the environment.
With the NOAA’s reductions in resources, there will be negative impacts across all services in the U.S. and on the effective sharing of data between internationally collaborating weather services.
Gordon McBean receives funding from Western University and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction to undertake research on building climate resilient communities. None of my affliations are relevant to this paper.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Wolfgang Alschner, Hyman Soloway Chair in Business and Trade Law, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs have shaken the global trading system. Canadians have rightly been preoccupied by the tariff’s devastating impact on U.S.-Canada relations, but the wider ripple effects could prove just as damaging.
The tariffs have redirected billions of dollars in exports originally bound for the U.S., which are now poised to flood global markets — including Canada’s. This will trigger a historic trade diversion that will put even the most free trade-minded nations to the test.
These days are now over. On April 2, the U.S. increased its average tariff rate seven-fold to a staggering 22 per cent — by far the highest among countries with a major economy.
Together, they form a tariff wall around the U.S. unlike anything seen in generations.
The Great Trade Diversion
Much of the trade disruption stems from China. In 2024, China exported US$438.9 billion worth of goods to the U.S. Millions of parcels, sent via e-commerce platforms like Shein, entered the U.S. duty-free because they fell below the US$800 “de minimis” threshold.
This rate was increased further after China vowed to retaliate on April 4, and is now stacked on top of a 20 per cent fentanyl-related tariff. The result is an effective tariff rate exceeding 100 per cent, making it prohibitively costly for China to export to the U.S.
Vietnam, a major destination of Chinese export-oriented foreign investment, exported US$137 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2024. While the 46 per cent reciprocal tariff against Vietnam has since been suspended, the U.S. is unlikely to tolerate such circumvention this time around.
All told, billions of dollars in trade are being rerouted, with a tidal wave of diverted goods now headed for markets around the world.
A repeat of the Great Depression
The world has been here before. In the 1930s, the U.S. enacted the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods in an effort to shield American industries during the Great Depression. The result was a rapid contraction of global trade.
What ultimately tipped the world over the edge wasn’t direct retaliation against the U.S. Instead, global trade collapsed as U.S. trading partners turned on each other. Faced with a flood of diverted goods, they rushed to protect their own manufacturing by enacting trade restrictions of their own.
Similarly, today, we face a similar risk. The greater concern is not Trump’s tariffs themselves or even the retaliation they provoke, but rather the resulting trade diversion and wave of protectionism it can trigger.
Old fears, new pressures
In some respects, the world may be in a more precarious position today than it was in the early 1930s.
For close to a decade, western policymakers, including G7 members, have sounded alarm bells over “Chinese overcapacity.” China consumes too little at home and exports too much abroad, often using unfair non-market practices such as covert subsidization to undercut local prices.
The Great Trade Diversion is set to put an already strained system to the test. There is still time for countries to reaffirm their commitment to international trade rules. Those same rules also allow countries to temporarily restrict trade when faced with a flood of imports.
The Canadian government can proactively identify sectors at risk of disruption and call on the Canada Border Services Agency to self-initiate investigations into vulnerable sectors to swiftly clear the procedural hurdles for imposing temporary import restrictions.
If countries stick to these rules, the global trading system can weather the storm. Just as possible, though, is a slide toward protectionism. Faced with a deluge of goods coming from China, the temptation to erect illegal trade barriers like the U.S. already has will be high.
The global economy stands at a crossroads: one path leads to a reassertion of international co-operation and global rules; the other to a cascade of protectionist measures and a weakening of the very system that has enabled decades of economic growth and stability.
Wolfgang Alschner receives funding from the SSHRC.
Maritime activities, from global trade to tourism, exceed US$3 trillion annually. The “ocean economy” is the fourth largest in the world. Furthermore, our global economic vitality is largely due to the cost-effective nature of ocean transportation, which contributes to the reduced price per ton of shipped goods.
The ocean has changed dramatically in the past century, and we expect more change to come. Collapses of fisheries, coral reefs, shark populations and other species — along with increased dead zones, red tide blooms and invasive species — have followed increased human development, industrial use of the sea, climate change and pollution.
Humanity is at a social, political, environmental and scientific nexus point.
We are a group of researchers and experts who served on a committee of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to advise the National Science Foundation on forward-looking approaches to investing in ocean science research, infrastructure and workforce development.
We considered the question: What vital research must we pursue now, and what investments must we make to achieve ambitious research goals?
Our scientific efforts must focus on the key gaps in our predictive knowledge, and on the critical pathways and thresholds for ocean change. We should support ocean science to prepare for the future.
Readying ocean science
Given limited resources and rapid changes, we need to consider how to set priorities. Our committee offered a distinction between urgent and vital research: urgent research is time-sensitive, with immediate relevance to emerging regional and global issues, while vital research transforms our ability to grapple with rapid changes in the ocean and the Earth system.
The growing focus on links between the chemical, physical, geological and biological states of the ocean, and planetary climate states, provides a much-improved structure for forecasting the state of the ocean.
Healthy oceans, healthy people
A focus on human well-being and its dependence on ocean processes can provide an important connection that places ocean sciences in key conversations related to human health.
When it comes to understanding the importance of ocean and climate, we need to determine how the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon dioxide will change. While the ocean presently absorbs 90 per cent of global heat and roughly 30 per cent of carbon dioxide, changes in the physical and biological ocean will likely slow these rates, leading to accelerated atmospheric warming.
Related to this climate question, how will marine ecosystems respond to changes in the Earth system? Declining ecosystem resilience will likely have strong negative impacts on food supplies and livelihoods.
Can we develop new understanding that will support model forecasts to determine the effects of warming, acidification and de-oxygenation on marine life?
Another challenge is to improve our ability to forecast extreme events driven by ocean and seafloor processes. Marine earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and storm surges are natural processes that pose serious risks to human well-being. Societal vulnerability to these extreme events can be profound.
As our built coastal infrastructure expands, and climate change shifts patterns of such extreme events, it is critical to improve our ability to observe, understand and forecast extreme events.
Investing in ocean futures
Ocean research depends on continued funding of basic studies and investment in key ocean science infrastructure. We must integrate emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and expanded use of existing ocean infrastructure such as globally ranging research vessels, global drifters that float on the ocean surface and gather information, underwater communication cables and coastal marine laboratories.
International co-operation is needed since few of these challenges are truly local. A move towards more collaborative, transdisciplinary research is necessary, alongside an expanded ocean science workforce with training and knowledge well beyond those of traditional disciplines.
Our assessment of the state of ocean science in the United States identified key infrastructure required to address these challenges.
For example, while advances in autonomous vehicle technology offer many opportunities, there will remain a need for specialized research ships that can operate in coastal and deep-sea waters and ice-covered regions to drill for** seafloor samples. Globally, there has been a decline in available ships to support ocean research.
Likewise, nearly 100 marine laboratories dot U.S. coastlines, providing training, access and research for thousands of students each year. The development of this infrastructure offers opportunities for international collaboration and cooperation with private sector partners. It may also be that some of the existing infrastructure, such as the Ocean Observatories Initiative, needs to be reconsidered in light of shifting priorities and developing technologies.
An ocean glider deployed at sea. (B. DeYoung), CC BY-ND
Collective action
We differentiate between urgent and vital ocean science research priorities.
While the urgent will continue to demand our attention — the next coral bleaching event, the latest fisheries collapse — it is our commitment to the vital research priorities identified in the report that will ultimately determine our ability to steward rather than merely react to complex changes in the oceans.
Our work offers a compass, but navigation requires collective action. Research institutions must transform their approach: restructuring tenure and promotion criteria to reward transdisciplinary investigations, supporting reskilling and upskilling of faculty, and preparing an innovative, adept workforce.
Policymakers must create frameworks that value long-term investigation. And citizens must advocate for sustained investments in ocean science that transcend political cycles. The ocean’s future — and our own — depends on our willingness to pursue what is vital.
Kristen St John receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. She is the author of a lab book Reconstructing Earth’s Climate History: Inquiry-Based Exercises for the Lab and Class, and an in press textbook Earth’s Climate: A Geoscience Perspective.
Mona Behl receives funding from U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautic and Space Agency, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is affiliated with the American Meteorological Society, and the Oceanography Society.
Peter Girguis receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, Schmidt Sciences, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He is affiliated with Harvard University, Schmidt Sciences, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution .
Richard W Murray has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and other U.S. federal agencies.
Stephen Palumbi receives funding from NSF, The Pew Charitable Trusts among other sources. He is affiliated with The Ocean Conservancy as a Board member, and is a member of the National Academies of Sciences. He has been vocal about the value and fun of bringing ocean science to the general public in book like The Extreme Life of the Sea and the upcoming book Born Predators.
Brad deYoung 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.
The Fire Services Department today held an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) in support of National Security Education Day, which will be held on Tuesday.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended a flag-raising ceremony and spoke at the event, which attracted more than 9,000 participants.
He praised the 41 departmental staff who recently took part in search-and-rescue operations in earthquake-stricken areas of Myanmar, commending the team’s swift response and professionalism. He added that their efforts demonstrated China’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and support for the spirit of international security, which he said is an essential element of a holistic approach to national security.
The Chief Secretary then toured an exhibition on national security, and also the National Security Education & Resource Centre at the FASA. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited game booths set up as part of the open day.
As part of the event, facilities such as the simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, training simulations, and the fire and ambulance services education centre, were also open to the public.
The details of a new visa enabling Tuvaluan citizens to permanently migrate to Australia were released this week.
The visa was created as part of a bilateral treaty Australia and Tuvalu signed in late 2023, which aims to protect the two countries’ shared interests in security, prosperity and stability, especially given the “existential threat posed by climate change”.
The Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union, as it is known, is the world’s first bilateral agreement to create a special visa like this in the context of climate change.
Here’s what we know so far about why this special visa exists and how it will work.
Why is this migration avenue important? The impacts of climate change are already contributing to displacement and migration around the world.
As a low-lying atoll nation, Tuvalu is particularly exposed to rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
As Pacific leaders declared in a world-first regional framework on climate mobility in 2023, rights-based migration can “help people to move safely and on their own terms in the context of climate change.”
And enhanced migration opportunities have clearly made a huge difference to development challenges in the Pacific, allowing people to access education and work and send money back home.
How does the new visa work? The visa will enable up to 280 people from Tuvalu to move to Australia each year.
On arrival in Australia, visa holders will receive, among other things, immediate access to:
education (at the same subsidisation as Australian citizens)
Medicare
the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
family tax benefit
childcare subsidy
youth allowance.
They will also have “freedom for unlimited travel” to and from Australia.
This is rare. Normally, unlimited travel is capped at five years.
According to some experts, these arrangements now mean Tuvalu has the “second closest migration relationship with Australia after New Zealand”.
Reading the fine print The technical name of the visa is Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement).
The details of the visa, released this week, reveal some curiosities.
First, it has been incorporated into the existing Pacific Engagement Visa category (subclass 192) rather than designed as a standalone visa.
Presumably, this was a pragmatic decision to expedite its creation and overcome the significant costs of establishing a wholly new visa category.
But unlike the Pacific Engagement Visa — a different, earlier visa, which is contingent on applicants having a job offer in Australia — this new visa is not employment-dependent.
Secondly, the new visa does not specifically mention Tuvalu.
This would make it simpler to extend it to other Pacific countries in the future.
Who can apply, and how?
To apply, eligible people must first register their interest for the visa online. Then, they must be selected through a random computer ballot to apply.
The primary applicant must:
be at least 18 years of age
hold a Tuvaluan passport, and
have been born in Tuvalu — or had a parent or a grandparent born there.
People with New Zealand citizenship cannot apply. Nor can anyone whose Tuvaluan citizenship was obtained through investment in the country.
This indicates the underlying humanitarian nature of the visa; people with comparable opportunities in New Zealand or elsewhere are ineligible to apply for it.
Applicants must also satisfy certain health and character requirements.
Strikingly, the visa is open to those “with disabilities, special needs and chronic health conditions”. This is often a bar to acquiring an Australian visa.
And the new visa isn’t contingent on people showing they face risks from the adverse impacts of climate change and disasters, even though climate change formed the backdrop to the scheme’s creation.
Settlement support is crucial With the first visa holders expected to arrive later this year, questions remain about how well supported they will be.
Australia would provide support for applicants to find work and to the growing Tuvaluan diaspora in Australia to maintain connection to culture and improve settlement outcomes.
That’s promising, but it’s not yet clear how this will be done.
A heavy burden often falls on diaspora communities to assist newcomers.
For this scheme to work, there must be government investment over the immediate and longer-term to give people the best prospects of thriving.
Drawing on experiences from refugee settlement, and from comparative experiences in New Zealand with respect to Pacific communities, will be instructive.
Extensive and ongoing community consultation is also needed with Tuvalu and with the Tuvalu diaspora in Australia. This includes involving these communities in reviewing the scheme over time.
China’s meteorological authority again issued an orange alert on Sunday morning for strong gales, with a sweeping cold front causing fierce winds across northern China since Friday evening. From 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday, winds of up to force 11 (28.5-32.6 meters per second) will hit parts of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, Hebei Province and Beijing, all located in north China, according to the National Meteorological Center. Meanwhile, parts of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and East China Sea will experience gales of up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 meters per second). Sandstorms will continue to lash a variety of regions during the period, according to a blue alert, which was also renewed on Sunday. Meanwhile, blizzards are expected to hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Jilin Province in northeast China, and northwest China’s Qinghai Province, warned a blue alert issued on Sunday. This alert was downgraded from the yellow alert on Saturday. China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
From coffee cups to clothing, there are some items that do not belong in your recycling bin.
Canberrans are great recyclers, but sometimes people mistake items as recyclable when they’re not.
Things you can put in your recycling (yellow) bin include:
aluminium and steel cans
glass bottles and jars
paper and cardboard
plastic bottles and containers.
However, plenty of other items turn up in yellow bins across the ACT every day. These include everything from coffee cups to clothing and computers to cat poo.
While some of these things can be recycled, your yellow bin is not the place for them. Visit the A to Z guide of waste and recycling to find out what to do with them.
Here are some items Canberrans commonly try to recycle through their yellow bin.
Bagged recycling
Plastic bags cannot go in your recycling bin. If you put items in your yellow bin inside a plastic bag, the whole bag will go to landfill. Waste sorting facilities will not open the bag as there may be other contamination inside.
Don’t let the bag cancel out what’s inside. Simply place recyclable items – loose and empty – into your recycling bin and reuse your bags another way.
Soft plastics
Soft plastics include things like chip and lolly packets and bread bags. Like plastic bags, these can’t go in your recycling bin.
The general rule is that if you can scrunch it up, it can’t go in your recycling bin. Put it in your landfill (red) bin instead.
Even though items like milk bottles and berry punnets may feel a bit soft, these are still considered hard plastics and can go in your household recycling.
Takeaway coffee cups
There is a lot of confusion around these. While many takeaway coffee cups are made from cardboard, they cannot go in recycling bins. This is due to the type of materials they’re made from, including the plastic coating often found on the inside.
You should also put the disposable lids in your landfill bin as they cannot be recycled either.
Timber
Timber can be reused but not via your household recycling bin.
You can dispose of reusable timber by dropping it off for free at second-hand locations like Goodies Junction. If the timber is valuable, you could try a local ‘buy nothing’ group or consider contacting places like Thor’s Hammer or ACT Recycling.
These items can also be recycled but your recycling bin is not the place for them.
You can try giving them another home by:
passing them on to a friend
selling or giving them away online
donating them to a charity
dropping them off for free at Goodies Junction at either Mitchell or Mugga Lane.
Batteries andeWaste
It’s imperative batteries and eWaste are disposed of correctly. These items can cause fires and should not go in any of your household bins.
You can drop off batteries for free at over 50 locations across Canberra. These include most supermarkets and hardware stores.
Both eWaste and batteries can be disposed of for free at a resource management centre – either at Mitchell or Mugga Lane.
Animal waste
While this one may seem obvious, animal waste is not recyclable and must not go in household recycling bins. Animal waste should only be placed in landfill bins.
Rescuers search for survivors among the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood east of Gaza City, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Saturday that Israel will soon expand its operations to most of the Gaza Strip territory.
He told Gaza residents in a message that they have to evacuate due to the expected operations.
“For those who are interested, voluntary crossing to several countries will also be possible” under Washington’s plan, which Israel is “working to implement,” Katz said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial relocation proposal for Gaza residents.
“This is the last moment to remove Hamas, release all the Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the war,” Katz remarked.
Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that it had fully encircled southern Gaza’s Rafah city by completing the establishment of the “Morag Corridor,” a route in the south of the strip intended to separate Rafah and Khan Younis.
The IDF noted that it will extend operational control over the corridor and carry out “counter-terrorism” operations in the area. The Israeli military, through the seizure of the key route, turned the area between the “Morag Corridor” and the “Philadelphi Corridor” near the border with Egypt into part of its security zone.
Later on Saturday, the IDF said its Air Force intercepted three rockets fired from Gaza towards southern Israel.
The rocket launches triggered sirens in open spaces bordering Gaza, with no casualties reported, it added.
Following the rocket launches, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israel “will attack with great force any area from which rockets are fired,” and ordered residents of the Khan Younis area to move westward to the “designated” humanitarian zones in the Al-Mawasi area.
Residents are also being evacuated in northern Gaza, and territory is being taken there, along with the expansion of the military buffer zone on the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, Adraee added.
Also on Saturday, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said Israel has used water as “a weapon of war” to commit “a crime of slow mass killing” against Gaza residents.
It accused Israel of destroying over 90 percent of the water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza, preventing technical crews from reaching the strip to repair damaged facilities, targeting workers who were carrying out their humanitarian missions, and blocking the supply of electricity and fuel needed to operate wells and desalination plants, among others.
Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. It then ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18 and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on the enclave.
On Friday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East issued an urgent warning over rapidly depleting essential supplies in Gaza.
The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 1,563 Palestinians and injured 4,004 others, Gaza health authorities said Saturday, adding the death toll in the enclave since the war began in October 2023 has risen to 50,933, with 116,045 injured.
Issued for LOWER LIGHT AND PRINCES HIGHWAY in the Mid North.
CFS advises that crews have responded to a rubbish dump fire at a commercial waste property. The fire currently does not pose a threat to the public.
Property management are on scene managing the fire. Smoke will be visible in the area for some time, and residents and travelers are urged to take care whilst travelling through the area. There may be reduced visibility on major throughfares, such as Princes Highway (Port Wakefield Road).
Rescuers search for survivors among the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood east of Gaza City, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Saturday that Israel will soon expand its operations to most of the Gaza Strip territory.
He told Gaza residents in a message that they have to evacuate due to the expected operations.
“For those who are interested, voluntary crossing to several countries will also be possible” under Washington’s plan, which Israel is “working to implement,” Katz said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial relocation proposal for Gaza residents.
“This is the last moment to remove Hamas, release all the Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the war,” Katz remarked.
Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that it had fully encircled southern Gaza’s Rafah city by completing the establishment of the “Morag Corridor,” a route in the south of the strip intended to separate Rafah and Khan Younis.
The IDF noted that it will extend operational control over the corridor and carry out “counter-terrorism” operations in the area. The Israeli military, through the seizure of the key route, turned the area between the “Morag Corridor” and the “Philadelphi Corridor” near the border with Egypt into part of its security zone.
Later on Saturday, the IDF said its Air Force intercepted three rockets fired from Gaza towards southern Israel.
The rocket launches triggered sirens in open spaces bordering Gaza, with no casualties reported, it added.
Following the rocket launches, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israel “will attack with great force any area from which rockets are fired,” and ordered residents of the Khan Younis area to move westward to the “designated” humanitarian zones in the Al-Mawasi area.
Residents are also being evacuated in northern Gaza, and territory is being taken there, along with the expansion of the military buffer zone on the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, Adraee added.
Also on Saturday, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said Israel has used water as “a weapon of war” to commit “a crime of slow mass killing” against Gaza residents.
It accused Israel of destroying over 90 percent of the water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza, preventing technical crews from reaching the strip to repair damaged facilities, targeting workers who were carrying out their humanitarian missions, and blocking the supply of electricity and fuel needed to operate wells and desalination plants, among others.
Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. It then ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18 and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on the enclave.
On Friday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East issued an urgent warning over rapidly depleting essential supplies in Gaza.
The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 1,563 Palestinians and injured 4,004 others, Gaza health authorities said Saturday, adding the death toll in the enclave since the war began in October 2023 has risen to 50,933, with 116,045 injured.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
40 Members call on Trump admin to reverse course on plans to dismantle agency charged with combating illegal employment discrimination ahead of April 14th “fork in the road” deadline
OFCCP recovered $22.5 million for 12,756 affected workers in FY24 alone
ICYMI: Senator Murray Presses Deputy Labor Secretary Nominee on Trump Dismantling OFCCP And Enabling Illegal Discrimination
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Representative Shontel Brown (D, OH-11) led 38 of their Senate and House colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer expressing concerns over reports of the Department’s plans to slash the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) capacity by 90 percent and close over 50 local offices. Last Friday, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer sent an email to OFCCP employees saying they have until Monday, April 14th, to take the “fork in the road” deferred resignation offer or be fired.
For decades, OFCCP has investigated complaints from workers and reviewed federal contractors’ employment practices—safeguarding federal contract workers from various forms of discrimination, recovering back pay, negotiating job opportunities, and more. In Fiscal Year 2024, OFCCP recovered $22.5 million for 12,756 affected workers and negotiated 407 job opportunities for workers.
In January, President Trump signed Executive Order 14173, which revoked Executive Order 11246—signed in 1965—which gave the Department of Labor the authority to investigate and remedy prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin by federal contractors, the agency remains responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and equal employment requirements for workers with disabilities and veterans. Federal contract workers make up more than 20 percent of the entire U.S. labor force, making OFCCP a powerful force to prevent and remedy discrimination across the country.
“Drastic cuts to staff and shuttered offices in our communities would leave workers vulnerable to discrimination. While Executive Order 11246 was revoked, the agency remains responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and equal employment requirements for workers with disabilities and veterans. As of mid-February, the agency had 317 investigators. These investigators remain responsible for investigating thousands of contractor establishments that employ millions of workers. The estimated 36 million federal workers dispersed across the United States make investigators in regional and district offices critical for effective enforcement,” the 40 Members wrote in their letter to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer.
“The Department cannot abdicate its responsibility to workers. We urge you to abandon plans to dismantle OFCCP and reaffirm the Department’s commitment to protecting equal employment opportunities for federal contract workers,” the Members concluded.
Joining Senator Murray and Representative Brown in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) as well as U.S. Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Danny Davis (IL-07), Cleo Fields (LA-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).
The letter was endorsed by the American Association of University Women, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the National Partnership for Women and Families.
Senator Murray has loudly spoken out against the Trump administration’s plans to shutter OFCCP, slamming Trump’s Executive Order 14173 in a statement and pressing Keith Sonderling, President Trump’s then-nominee for Deputy Labor Secretary, about the consequences of the administration’s efforts to shutter OFCCP at his confirmation hearing. Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to combat employment discrimination, including as the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee from 2015-2022—among other things, Senator Murray fought back against a proposed DOL rule by the Trump administration that would allow federal contractors and subcontractors to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of certain religious groups on ideological grounds. Senator Murray first introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive labor legislation to protect workers’ right to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces—in the 116th Congress, and also leads the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers in seeking accountability and justice.
The text of the Members’ letter is available below and a PDF is HERE.
Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer:
We are deeply concerned by recent reports that the U.S. Department of Labor (The Department) plans to slash capacity at the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) by 90 percent and shut down its more than 50 local offices. Federal contract workers make up more than 20 percent of our nation’s workers and are spread across the country, making OFCCP a powerful force to prevent and remedy discrimination. We urge you to abandon these plans and instead uphold the Department’s responsibility to protect equal employment opportunities for federal contract workers.
For decades, OFCCP has worked effectively to prevent and address unlawful discrimination by investigating individual complaints from workers and by proactively reviewing federal contractors’ employment practices. This unique power to proactively review whether employers were complying with the law allowed OFCCP to identify discrimination that might have otherwise gone unreported or undiscovered. Federal contract workers have benefited from OFCCP’s efforts to recover back pay, salary adjustments, and retroactive seniority on their behalf. In FY 2024, OFCCP recovered $22.5 million for 12,756 affected workers and negotiated 407 job opportunities for workers.
Drastic cuts to staff and shuttered offices in our communities would leave workers vulnerable to discrimination. While Executive Order 11246 was revoked, the agency remains responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and equal employment requirements for workers with disabilities and veterans. As of mid-February, the agency had 317 investigators. These investigators remain responsible for investigating thousands of contractor establishments that employ millions of workers. The estimated 36 million federal workers dispersed across the United States make investigators in regional and district offices critical for effective enforcement.
Workers deserve to be treated fairly in all aspects of employment and cannot afford to miss out on pay, a promotion or the chance to be considered for a good paying job because of discrimination. Workers cannot afford to lose their anti-discrimination enforcers.
The Department cannot abdicate its responsibility to workers. We urge you to abandon plans to dismantle OFCCP and reaffirm the Department’s commitment to protecting equal employment opportunities for federal contract workers.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is thanking the businesses and organizations who have reached out over the last several days offering to serve as sponsors of the 2025 UConn women’s basketball victory parade and rally, which is being held in downtown Hartford on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Funding from the sponsors is being used to cover all the costs of the event, including police, fire, and ambulance services; public works and sanitation; staging and production; permits and insurance; and labor hours for event set-up, management, and take-down. No state or city funding is used. The event is organized through a partnership between the State of Connecticut, the City of Hartford, and the Hartford Business Improvement District.
“We are very appreciative of the many businesses and organizations whose sponsorship is covering the costs of this victory parade and rally,” Governor Lamont said. “Their donations are making this event possible, and I thank all of them for helping to honor the 2025 UConn women’s basketball national championship team.”
The following businesses and organizations are contributing funds:
Coca-Cola
Jordan’s Furniture
Hartford HealthCare
LAZ Parking
Mohegan Sun
Nassau Financial Group
PeoplesBank
Travelers
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue
CONNSTEP
CT Realtors
UConn Health
Connecticut Army National Guard
Delta Dental of CT
Sam’s Food Stores
Two Roads Brewing
Verogy
WFSB
The following businesses are providing substantial in-kind services:
C2 Vehicles
DATTCO
Manafort Brothers
Mitchell Auto Group
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Powerstation Events
XL Center
For more event information, including a map of the parade route, visit www.hartford.com/uconn.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Washington, D.C. — Today, House and Senate Democratic Leadership filed an amicus brief opposing President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to fire members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The individuals cited in this matter were duly appointed, congressionally confirmed board members at independent federal agencies. Illegal attempts to terminate them threaten the integrity of these institutions and their ability to protect American workers and uphold workplace democracy.
The NLRB and MSPB play a critical role in protecting workers, both in public service and the private sector, in their right to seek better working conditions and in safeguarding a non-political, merit-based federal workforce.
The brief was led by House Ranking Members Jamie Raskin, Gerry Connolly, and Bobby Scott, alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, as well as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker – and was joined by 253 Congressional Democrats.
“Trump wants to dismantle the work of independent agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. These agencies have existed for more than a half-century. They protect American workers, the integrity of our merit-based federal workforce, and the rights of whistleblowers. Trump is not a King, and he has no power to violate the law to target and fire excellent civil servants just because they don’t support his pet causes and the agenda of his billionaire friends,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, House Judiciary Committee. “Democrats must stand up for a century of jurisprudence upholding administrative law because we are the party that fights for the rights of our workforce, unions, and American families.”
“President Trump and Elon Musk were never on the side of workers and now that they’re in power, they’re doing everything they can to reward billionaire bosses like themselves at the expense of hardworking Americans. Their concerted efforts to silence and disband the NLRB and MSPB are not only unconstitutional, they are part of their strategy to strip workers of their rights and dignity,” said Ranking Member Gerry Connolly, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
“The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (NLRA), which created the NLRB, expressly precludes any President from removing Board Members without good cause and due process to insulate the agency from political interference. Congress explicitly limited the Executive Branch’s ability to remove NLRB Members by requiring notice and a hearing, and that any removal is based on a ‘neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause[,]’ to protect it ‘from being subject to immediate political reactions at elections.’ Furthermore, the NLRB’s independence ensures it can fairly adjudicate labor disputes, hold law-breaking employers accountable, and issue rules to ensure that employees have the freedom to join or form a union,” said Ranking Member Bobby Scott, House Education and Workforce Committee.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are committed to breaking down protections for consumers and everyday Americans by any means necessary. That includes the blatantly illegal attempted firing of independent National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board leaders. House Democrats will not stand for it. Congress created these independent agencies by statute and clearing the decks of current leaders in order to appoint hacks who will bend the knee to Donald Trump is illegal. I am grateful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Connolly, Rep. Scott and Assistant Leader Neguse of the Litigation/Rapid Response Task Force for their leadership as House Democrats join with Senate Democrats to push back against illegal attempts by Trump and Republicans to leave American workers and consumers vulnerable to fraud and abuse,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“No president, Democrat or Republican, has the authority to fire employees at independent federal agencies simply for disagreeing with them politically. House Democrats will continue to vindicate our constitution and the rule of law, and to speak up for workers, consumers, families, and the American people,” said House Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse.
“Donald Trump has ushered in an era of lawlessness and corruption,” said Leader Schumer. “Not only is he systematically dismantling our government, he is purging those who would help to hold him accountable in this endeavor. It is crucial that agencies like the NLRB and MSPB are able to operate within their full capacity to protect whistleblowers and workers. This flagrant disrespect for the law – and for the process of Senates confirmation – is something that has become a hallmark of Trump’s presidency. But Congressional Democrats are using every avenue to fight back.”
“Donald Trump’s ‘rich-as-hell’ donors expect a return on their investment in his campaign. Now, he’s giving it to them by kneecapping the agencies that stop billionaires and giant corporations from abusing workers and discriminating against employees,” said Senator Warren. “Democrats are united in fighting back against these illegal firings.”
“President Trump is attacking independent agencies that Congress created to provide essential services to Americans,” said Senator Booker. “The illegal attempts to fire duly appointed and Senate-confirmed board members of the NLRB and MSPB are a direct threat to the protections that American workers and whistleblowers depend on. I’m proud to lead this effort in the Senate with Democratic Leader Schumer and Senator Warren and join over 200 of my congressional colleagues to defend our independent agencies and ensure that workers’ rights and our nation’s tradition of a merit-based federal workforce remain protected from partisan interference.”
The amici curiae file their argument in the cases involving the attempted unlawful firings of Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the NLRB and Cathy Harris, a member of the MSPB.
