Covering period of Thursday 3rd – Monday 7th April – It has been a wet 18 hours across much of the country, and MetService is forecasting further heavy rain as a widespread weather system moves through.
The top of the South Island—Tasman, Buller, and Marlborough—is in line for the highest rainfall accumulations. After a wet night, the heaviest rainfall is still to come from Thursday afternoon and may lead to surface flooding, slips, and hazardous road conditions. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place there until midday Friday.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “The warning areas are forecast to see around a month’s worth of rain in about a day, so expect rivers to rise rapidly and surface flooding may cause disruption.”
Other parts of the western South Island, as well as the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers are also under an Orange Warning.
The main rain band is expected to extend into the North Island from late Thursday into Friday, bringing large amounts of rain to northern and western regions. The heaviest rain is expected overnight in Northland and Friday morning around commute time for Auckland, extending to other areas throughout the day. Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and the top of Tairawhiti/Gisborne are under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning, while Auckland, Waikato, and Taranaki are under a Watch.
In addition to heavy rain, strong winds are set to impact parts of the North Island. The strongest winds are expected in South Taranaki, Taihape, and Whanganui, where a Strong Wind Watch is in place for Friday. The Chatham Island are also in with a risk of Strong winds Friday evening to Saturday morning.
“This is the largest weather system we’ve seen so far this year. It will definitely pay to keep a close eye on metservice.com for updates over the next day or so,” Makgabutlane advises.
By the end of Friday, the heaviest rain is expected to have largely moved off the country, though it may linger in eastern Bay of Plenty. The weekend stays mostly dry, but some showers could still affect areas that have already seen heavy rain, especially on Sunday.
GAZA, 2 April 2025– About 130 children are being born daily in Gaza as Israeli authorities’ total siege on supplies enters its second month, putting mothers and newborns at risk as medical and food supplies run out and a lack of flour closes all bakeries , said Save the Children.
There are about 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with 4,000 deliveries estimated in March, according to UNFPA [1]. That’s about 130 babies born every day over a month into a healthcare system driven to the verge of collapse, where some may not survive complications at birth.
Not one truck – humanitarian or commercial – has been allowed into Gaza since the Government of Israel imposed a total siege on 2 March. No goods have entered including water, flour, fuel, or medicine, and essential supplies are quickly depleting. All bakeries across the Gaza Strip – a critical source of food – have closed after exhausting their remaining flour stocks, according to the World Food Programme.
The survival of mothers and newborn children in Gaza is under particular threat due to the lack of food, destruction of hospitals , and chronic stress. Malnutrition during pregnancy can seriously affect a baby’s development, leading to low birth weight, stunted growth , and long-term difficulties in learning and development.
The number of miscarriages has reportedly surged with a 300% increase in Gaza during the war and pregnancy complications that would normally be treatable are now becoming life-threatening [2]. More babies are being born premature and underweight, putting them at risk of serious, lifelong health problems.
Save the Children spoke with new mothers the organisation is assisting during the eight-week pause in hostilities that ended on 18 March who described nearly dying while giving birth in tents, and babies being born dangerously malnourished. At least 322 children have been killed and over 600 injured by Israeli forces since the resumption of hostilities, according to the UN.
Meriem-, 31, mother of seven in Gaza:
“I couldn’t go to the hospital. I gave birth to him in a tent, and it was complicated. I had postpartum haemorrhage and needed seven pints of blood. When I eventually made it to the hospital, the doctors told me I was between life and death.
We had no food. Food wasn’t available, we couldn’t find anything, and two months after he was born, he became malnourished. I was watching all my children wasting away and I was helpless. I couldn’t do anything for them.”
Fatima-, 30, mother of four Gaza:
“I gave birth to my baby in a tent. My daughter came out so small, underweight, and I couldn’t get her adequate care. It was hard, hospitals were full. I didn’t have a cot, so my husband would find empty boxes, put them on top of each other, and we’d lay her there so she’s not sleeping on the floor. We didn’t want insects to get inside her ear or nose or hurt her head from laying on the floor. My mother-in-law used to comment on how tiny my newborn was compared to the rest of my children when they were born.”
Save the Children is calling on the Government of Israel to immediately lift the siege on Gaza and to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to families across the Strip, in line with their obligations under international law. If the international community does not intervene soon, an entire generation of children in Gaza will be erased, along with their futures. There must be a definitive ceasefire, and aid must be allowed to reach people.
Save the Children provides nutrition services and safe spaces for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children in Gaza. We run 10 Mother Baby Areas (MBA) in Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis where mothers can access advice, support, and speak to nutrition counsellors – some of which we’ve had to temporarily suspend due to the conduct of hostilities and the lack of safety assurances for humanitarian workers.
Save the Children has been providing essential services and support to Palestinian children since 1953 and has had a permanent presence in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1973.
A further 14 volunteer firefighters from Wairewa have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.
At a ceremony on Saturday 29 March, firefighters from across the Wairewa region became the latest of more than 5,500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-20 fires.
Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Aaron Worcester presented the medals and said they were an important recognition of the valiant efforts of CFA members.
“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-20 bushfire crisis,” Aaron said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal, and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts.
“The 2019-20 fires devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria,” Jason said.
“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’.
“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
“Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities – every contribution was valuable made a real difference.”
Wairewa Fire Brigade Captain and medal recipient Julian Davies said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“Volunteer fireys don’t do the job for praise or awards – we do it to help out fellow Australians in need,” Julian said.
“That said, it is nice for the hard work of our volunteers to be formally recognised in this way.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to demand a serious investigation into the Trump administration’s reckless and dangerous security breach.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Let’s bring in right now the House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. He sent a letter out yesterday to President Trump calling for the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, to be fired. This morning, Leader, the details are even more shocking as Jeffrey released and, this morning, a chain, a text chain that was sent to him while he was sitting at a Safeway parking lot. The Secretary of Defense, using a commercial app, telling people on this chain, all of whom he did not know that this mission was a go. That F-18s were about to launch at this time, that the target terrorist was in sight. He then described when the second F-18s were launching, again all over a commercial app. He said this is definitely when the first bombs will begin dropping. And on and on and on. Your response? Just this stunning turn of events this morning.
LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a stunning breach of America’s national security. The lives of our servicemen and women were put into danger. And this is all being done by the person, the Secretary of Defense, who is charged with protecting the safety and national security of the American people. The problem is we could all see this coming, those who are paying close attention, as opposed to my Republican colleagues who are burying their heads in the sand. Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified person ever to lead the Department of Defense. Mitch McConnell knew it. Lisa Murkowski knew it. Susan Collins knew it. Democrats knew it, and we warned the Trump administration. And now the consequences are being felt. And this is a situation where the Trump administration is both arrogant and incompetent. That’s a toxic combination and American lives are at risk.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Chris Matthews, you have the next question.
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Congressman, we all know that the Republicans echo whatever President Trump says. They wait for him to speak and then they echo it. Now, back in 1960—I actually remember this—President Eisenhower had to deny that our U-2 flights over Russia, which began in Pakistan and flew to Norway. We were clearly violating their airspace at a very high level. He initially lied about it and said that wasn’t a case of a spy mission. And later he changed his mind and said it was. Do you think Trump, President Trump, is capable of recognizing that his people—Hegseth and Waltz—screwed up, that they went on the Signal line, that they opened it up to Jeffrey Goldberg, who is not one of their friends? They did it all themselves. He had nothing to do with this. Why won’t he come out like Nixon did and said, wait a minute, Haldeman and Ehrlichman screwed up. I’m firing them. Do you think there’s any chance Trump will come clean?
LEADER JEFFRIES: The only chance is if the public pressure continues, is relentless and intensifies. During the Intel Committee hearing that’s going to take place today, you’re going to see House Democrats aggressively press the Trump administration and demand that there are consequences that occur. Ultimately, the buck stops with the President of the United States of America, which is why I made clear to President Trump yesterday in my correspondence that the Secretary of Defense should be fired immediately if he’s not man enough to own up to his mistakes and resign in disgrace.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Tina Brown is with us and has a question.
TINA BROWN: Mr. Leader, my question also—somewhat similar to Chris’, but at what point do the, you know, do the Republicans themselves break ranks? I mean, is this going to be the one thing that means that they do, as Senator Warner said, find their voice. Is there anybody? Is there anybody there now who is going to lead some kind of, you know, pushback to Congress having been turned into a party of ones? I mean, what is going to happen now in the Caucus?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah. You know, privately, several do express concerns and shake their head on the Floor of the House of Representatives. But publicly, there’s been a lack of courage and that’s unfortunate, because the Congress should be a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. And the Trump administration is completely and totally out of control. But here’s the problem with the modern-day Republican Party. Facts don’t matter. They’ll lie with ease. Facts don’t matter. Hypocrisy is not a constraint to their behavior. They’ll say one thing and do another. All of them had their hair on fire when we’ve had other national security incidents in the past, particularly when there was concerns related to Democratic administrations, and now they’re burying their heads in the sand, because hypocrisy is never a constraint to the behavior of the modern-day Republican Party. And they’ve actually concluded that shamelessness is a superpower, which is why you’ve seen such a shameless reaction, an attack on Jeffrey Goldberg, as opposed to owning up to the horrific facts of this case.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: So, Leader Jeffries, if I could just lay out the four layers that I see in terms of a breach of security here and then follow it up with a question. Number one, this was done on Signal. Totally wrong to be doing on Signal. Number two, this included top levels of this administration in many locations around the world, including Russia, instead of inside a SCIF. Number three, they included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and never noticed throughout the course of this entire chat. And then, four, there was an admission during a hearing yesterday that there are other similar chats like this out there. So with the administration saying that they are not concerned about this, nothing’s going to happen. Just a mistake, no big deal. Are our troops safe? Are we safe?
LEADER JEFFRIES:There’s every reason to be concerned that the safety and security of our American troops across the world, many of whom are in conflict zones in dangerous places like the Middle East, are at risk. And that’s the reason why we need a full investigation. It should be swift. It should be serious. And it should be substantive. We’re demanding that. We have this Intel Committee hearing that’s getting ready to take place. And that is just the beginning of what we will continue to push for. We need a full and complete investigation and inquiry. These phones should be turned in to the national security professionals to try to figure out what else has been compromised, and what other types of reckless chats are taking place. You know, I’m a member of the Gang of Eight. It’s a high honor to be part of that. We have these classified conversations. We’re not even permitted to bring our phones into any secure location, let alone have conversations on our phones.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: All right. House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Thank you.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Thank you so much for coming this morning.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a rally where he emphasized that while Republicans are focused on giving tax cuts to their billionaire donors and Elon Musk, Democrats are going to continue to defend Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and stand up for everyday Americans.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Are you ready to put families over billionaires? Are you ready to stop the GOP Tax Scam dead in its tracks? Is SEIU in the house right now? What an honor and a privilege to be here with all of you as we stand in the midst of this righteous fight, just a few steps away from the Capitol where I work, a Capitol, of course, that has turned into a hostile work environment. Because half the people want to bury their heads in the sand. Act like they don’t know what their responsibilities are. They believe, some of these sycophants, they believe that they work for Donald Trump. Congress doesn’t work for Donald Trump, we work for the American people, and all of you.
And so we got a very different vision about what we need to do at this moment. We want to move the country forward, they want to turn back the clock. We’re fighting hard to bring people together, they want to tear us apart. We believe in an economy that works for everyday Americans. They want an economy of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires. That’s what the GOP Tax Scam is all about. That’s why we’re going to stop the GOP Tax Scam dead in its tracks and put families over billionaires. We’ve got a vision of America, we believe that in this country, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live a comfortable life, provide for your families, educate your children, purchase a home, have access to high-quality health care, go on vacation every now and then and one day retire with grace and dignity, that’s the American dream, and we’re gonna fight hard to make sure we bring that dream to life for every single person in this country, and put families over billionaires.
Nobody told us that the road would be easy. And so we know we have trouble all around us. Trouble in the White House. Trouble with the Congress. Trouble the cabinet. And by the way, Pete Hegseth needs to resign or be fired immediately. Trouble in the cabinet and trouble with Elon Musk. Can I park right there for a moment? Elon Musk is unelected, unaccountable, unhinged, unpopular and un-American with his out-of-control behavior. And so he wants to, and the extreme MAGA Republicans, they want to take a chainsaw to Social Security, a chainsaw to Medicare, a chainsaw to Medicaid, a chainsaw to public schools, a chainsaw to veterans’ benefits, a chainsaw to the American way of life. But here’s the thing, we’ve got to show up, we got to stand up, we’ve got to speak up and when we do, we’re going to take a chainsaw to Project 2025. Families over billionaires.
Let me end with this observation. Earlier this month, several of us, many in this crowd, many Members of Congress had an opportunity to visit Selma for the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I also had the chance to stop by Montgomery, which was the start of the Civil Rights Movement. And when I was there, we thought about the courage and the conviction and the character of those civil rights heroes and foot soldiers. They had trouble all around them. The odds were stacked against them. But they knew that their cause was a righteous one and they were able to prevail. And that’s exactly what we’ve got to do right now because our cause, the cause of putting families over billionaires is a righteous one in the United States of America. And so when the Civil Rights Movement started early in 1956, shortly after the Montgomery Bus Boycott had started in December of the previous year, Dr. King was gathered at a church with thousands of people shortly after he had been arrested. They tried to intimidate them and bully them and stop the movement in its tracks. And Dr. King said to a gathering of folks that they’ve got to press on and keep pressing. And Dr. King said that if you can’t fly, run. If you can run, walk. If you walk, crawl. But at all times, press on, and keep pressing.
And here’s the thing, they want to intimidate us. They want to bully us. They want to threaten us. They’re trying to stop us. But our cause is a righteous one, and we’ve got to press on and keep pressing. Press on for our children, press on for our seniors, press on for our veterans, press on for our unions, press on for our Dreamers, press on for working families, press on for the middle class, press on for poor, press on for sick, press on for the afflicted, press on for least, press on for lost, press on for left behind, press on for voting rights, press on for civil rights, press on for economic justice, press on for social justice, press on racial justice, press on for families, press on for freedom, press on for our future, press on for democracy. We’re going to press on until victory is won. Families over billionaires.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to protect everyday Americans against the Republican effort to break Social Security.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everyone. House Democrats are going to continue to focus on the things that matter to the American people. We’re going to protect Social Security, protect Medicare, protect Medicaid, protect our public schools, protect veterans and protect nutritional assistance to children, everyday Americans and families. House Republicans and the Trump administration are trying to take a chainsaw to everything that matters to the American people, like ending Social Security and Medicaid as we know it. Seniors on Social Security receive an average of $65 per day. They rely on Social Security—an earned benefit—to put food on the table, clothing on their back and to make sure that they can pay their rent or pay their mortgage. It’s extraordinary to us that Donald Trump, the administration and Republicans are trying to detonate Social Security in real time, including by dismantling the Social Security Administration, which will impact the ability of older Americans to receive benefits. The Republicans believe that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. Project 2025 is the Ponzi scheme. Republicans are defrauding the American people. Last year, Republicans promised that they would drive down the high cost of living and ignored Project 2025, lied to the American people as if it didn’t exist. This year, Donald Trump, the administration and Republicans in the Congress have done nothing to drive down the high cost of living. Costs aren’t going down. They are going up. Inflation is going up. America is becoming more expensive and less affordable under complete Republican control of government. At the same period of time, Republicans are flooding the zone with a parade of horribles that all relate to Project 2025. That’s the Ponzi scheme that’s been run on the American people and front and center right now is the target that Republicans have put on the back of Social Security recipients all across America. Democrats are going to fight hard to protect Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid and the things that actually matter to making life better for the American people.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)
WASHINGTON – America’s seniors are getting the Social Security benefits they are owed quickly thanks to efforts by the Trump administration and the Ways and Means Committee to implement the Social Security Fairness Act. Less than four months after Congress repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), the Trump administration will begin paying Social Security beneficiaries who are owed retroactive payments as soon as March, and changes to monthly benefits will begin as soon as April, despite previous claims by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that implementation could take up to one year.
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (Mo.) issued the following statement:
“The Trump administration is wasting no time in ensuring America’s seniors receive the Social Security benefits they are owed. The Social Security Administration’s announcement that it will be expediting the delivery of retroactive payments and monthly benefit increases shows the agency is being responsive to the request of our Committee to act on the repeal of the WEP and GPO without delay. Not letting the bureaucracy get in the way of benefits owed to America’s seniors is the right course of action. It will bring much needed relief to those individuals who were harmed by a flawed system.”
This action follows a letter sent by Smith and Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Ron Estes (Kan.) to then Acting SSA Commissioner Carolyn Colvin requesting that the agency provide information and clear guidance to Congress and the American people on how the agency planned to implement the repeal of the WEP and GPO in a quick and efficient manner.
Background:
The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law on January 5, 2025 – repealing the WEP and GPO, effective December 2023.
The WEP and GPO were enacted in 1983 and primarily affected state and local government employees, like teachers, police officers, and firefighters, and federal government employees who received a pension based on earnings that are exempt from Social Security payroll taxes.
The WEP reduced the benefits of certain beneficiaries who are entitled to both Social Security benefits and pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security.
The GPO reduced the benefits of certain spouses and survivors who are also receiving pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security.
READ: Smith, Estes Demand the Social Security Administration’s Plan to Ensure Timely Relief in Implementing Repeal of the WEP and GPO
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Business Recovery Assessment Center (BRAC) in Mitchell County to assist businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
Beginning Wednesday, April 2, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRAC to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The BRAC’s hours of operation is listed below.
Business Recovery Assessment Center (BRAC)
Mitchell County
Maryland Community College Small Business Center
67 Hotel Place
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Opening: Wednesday, April 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturday & Sunday
“SBA’s Business Recovery Assessment Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, regrading landscaping for better drainage, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.250% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 27, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 30, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by more than 80% since European colonisation.
Today, these nocturnal marsupials, still culturally significant to many Indigenous peoples, are restricted to remote deserts. They face an ongoing threat of extinction.
Local elders, Indigenous rangers and scientists hold valuable knowledge about bilby populations, the threats they face, and strategies needed to sustain them into the future.
Our new study, published today in Conservation Science and Practice, reveals how collaboration between scientists and Indigenous land managers can help yield new and vital information.
In the field, we used two methods – one based on Walpiri knowledge and one based on standard scientific protocols – to locate bilbies and collect scat (poo) samples in the North Tanami Indigenous Protected Area in the Northern Territory.
By drawing on Warlpiri tracking expertise and Western scientific methods, we uncovered crucial information on bilby populations that could help conserve these rare creatures.
Understanding bilby numbers is important – but hard
Bilbies turn over tonnes of soil each year, helping to improve soil health, help seeds germinate and enhance water infiltration. Their deep, complex burrows also provide shelter for other species.
They’re crucial to the health of desert ecosystems; protecting bilbies means protecting the web of life they support.
To do this, we need to know more about:
how many bilbies there are
how they respond to land management techniques such as planned burning
how they respond to threats such as feral predators.
Yet, bilbies are notoriously difficult to monitor directly via live capture. They’re nocturnal, shy and solitary. And they inhabit vast landscapes, making it very hard to estimate population numbers.
Bilby tracks North Tanami (pen for scale). Hayley Geyle/Author Provided
Luckily, the tracks, diggings and scats bilbies leave behind provide ample clues. DNA from scat (if it can be found) can be used to estimate how many bilbies are present in a particular area.
Systematic ecological surveys, often used to monitor wildlife, can be rigid and expensive, especially in remote regions.
We need flexible methods that align with local knowledge and the practical realities of monitoring bilbies on Country.
A new approach to monitor and manage bilbies
We tested two methods of locating bilby scat for DNA analysis.
The first was systematic sampling. This is a standard scientific approach where fixed lengths of land were walked multiple times to collect scat.
This ensures sampling effort is even over the search area and comparable across sites. However, like most species, bilby distribution is patchy, and this approach can lead to researchers missing important signs.
The second method was targeted sampling, guided by Warlpiri knowledge, to search in areas most likely to yield results.
This allowed the search team to focus on areas where bilbies were active or predicted to be active based on knowledge of their habits and food sources.
Altogether, we collected more than 1,000 scat samples. In the lab, we extracted DNA from these samples to identify individual bilbies. These data, combined with the location of samples, allowed us to estimate the size of the bilby population.
We then compared estimates that would have been derived if we had only done systematic or targeted sampling, or both, to assess their strengths and limitations for monitoring bilby populations.
The deep, complex burrows of bilbies also provide shelter for other species. Kelly Dixon/Author provided
What we found
We identified 20 bilbies from the scats collected during systematic surveys and 26 – six more – from targeted surveys. At least 16 individual bilbies were detected by both methods. In total, we confirmed 32 unique bilbies in the study area.
When it came to population estimates – which consider how many repeat captures occur and where – combining data from both types of surveys produced the most accurate estimates with the least effort.
Targeted sampling tended to overestimate population size because it focused on areas of high activity. Systematic sampling was more precise but required greater effort.
Combining both approaches provided the most reliable estimates while saving time.
In the lab, we extracted DNA from bilby scat samples to identify individual bilbies. Hayley Geyle/Author provided
What this means for conservation
Our research highlights how collaboration that includes different ways of knowing can improve conservation.
By adapting standard on-ground survey techniques to include Warlpiri methods for tracking bilbies, we produced better data and supported local capacity for bilby monitoring.
Conservation programs often rely on standardised ecological monitoring protocols – in other words, doing things much the same way no matter where you’re working.
While these protocols provide consistency, they are rigid and don’t always yield the best results. They also fail to incorporate local knowledge crucial for managing species like the bilby.
Our approach shows how integrating diverse ways of working can deliver more inclusive and effective outcomes, without compromising data reliability.
Their future depends on collaborative efforts that draw on scientific and Indigenous and local knowledges.
This study provides an example of how such partnerships can work – not just for bilbies, but for other species and ecosystems.
As Australia confronts biodiversity loss, this research underscores the importance of listening to those who know Country best.
By valuing and respecting local expertise, we can build a stronger future for bilbies and the landscapes that are their home.
Hayley Geyle is employed by Territory NRM, who receives funding for threatened species projects from the Australian government through the Natural Heritage Trust. She also works on the Digital Women Ranger project. She is affiliated with Territory NRM and the Northern Institute (Charles Darwin University).
Cathy Robinson is employed at CSIRO and is Group Leader in the Agriculture and Food Sustainability Program and Research lead for the Digital Women Ranger Program which is supported by the Telstra Foundation. Cathy is also an Adjunct Professor at Charles Darwin University, Chair of IUCN Australian Expert Advisory Panel for the Green List, and Executive Advisor for the Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership at the University of Queensland.
Christine Schlesinger 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.
Helen Wilson 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.
“I’m worried for Rhode Islanders who rely on LIHEAP after reports that President Trump abruptly fired its entire staff with no explanation.
Gutting the team that helps people keep up with energy bills, stay warm during freezing temperatures, and keep cool during blistering heat is as reckless as it is cruel.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
March 28, 2025
ICYMI This Week: Rep. Meeks Calls for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Resign and Meets with Local Advocacy Groups
Congressman Meeks Discusses the Signal Security Breach on CNN
In a shocking revelation byThe Atlantic, we learned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top administration officials discussed classified information on Signal, an unsecure messaging app, on a group chat that unknowingly included a reporter. This reckless behavior could have put American lives in danger. I joined CNN’s Laura Coates to discuss my call for an investigation into the Signal security breach and why Secretary Hegseth must resign or be fired.
Airport Minority Advisory Council Comes to Washington
It was great connecting with Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) to discuss the emerging challenges the Trump administration is imposing on the “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise” (DBE) program at JFK airport. Programs like this create opportunities, drive economic growth, and provide jobs for thousands in my district. I will continue to be a strong advocate for them during the 119th Congress.
Congressman Chats with Delta 4 Women in Action
It was a pleasure meeting with Delta 4 Women in Action of Queens in my D.C. office to discuss ways to improve civic engagement outreach, the Republican cut to Medicaid and how the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education will hurt our students and communities.
Rep. Meeks Meets with ICSC New York
I had a great meeting with ICSC’s New York representatives to discuss the future of the marketplaces industry, revitalizing our towns and cities, driving job growth, and boosting investment across New York.
Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump’s Executive Orders?
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My office is working with state and local officials to learn more about how these actions could affect our district and provide resources for people who have been affected.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) signed onto a letter, led by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy condemning the cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that include terminating 10,000 employees and dismantling or consolidating several health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The HHS is integral to protecting the health of Americans and providing critical services and resources, including Medicare and Medicaid, food and drug safety, and medical.
“My constituents are calling my offices every day outraged by the ridiculous firings under the Trump administration, including from those unfairly dismissed after years of dedicated public service,” Rep. Meeks said. “It is clear that President Trump, Elon Musk, and Secretary Kennedy are indifferent to the harmful impact these funding cuts will have on Americans. The Department of Health and Human Services was created to protect public welfare—not to undermine access to quality health care.”
The 10,000 HHS workers being fired include the removal of 3,500 full-time employees from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2,400 employees from the CDC, 1,200 employees from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and 300 employees from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Congressman Meeks calls for the reversal of these firings and dismantling of the existing agencies within HHS.
The members wrote in the letter:
“Make no mistake, we have no faith that these drastic cuts will benefit the American people. We are concerned that this will ultimately lead to slowdowns in service, approvals, and research, and impacts to public health response capabilities.”
“Millions of Americans rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare services and funding provided by HHS and its affiliates. Any delay in these services and funding would have drastic consequences for our most marginalized communities. Despite claims that FDA layoffs will not impact inspectors or drug, medical device, or food reviewers, prior layoffs by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the FDA are reported to already have caused staff to struggle to meet deadlines.”
“As Black and brown communities continue to face severe healthcare disparities, it is crucial that access to affordable healthcare is not reduced in any way, but rather prioritized and improved, and research is undertaken to develop tailored solutions to these problems Moreover, in light of pervasive attempts to restrict access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women, LGBTQ+ communities, and people of color, and increasing racial gaps in maternal health outcomes, your efforts to further deprioritize these offices is likely to further deprive our constituents of healthcare targeted to their needs, including HIV/AIDS care, maternal healthcare, minority healthcare, and women’s healthcare.”
“Given the Trump Administration’s broad intentions to eviscerate civil rights protections to harm Black and brown communities, as well as proposals to slash funding for social safety net programs, we have no faith that this restructure will result in improved protections for our constituents’ civil rights or their hard-earned and critically needed medical coverage.”
The letter was signed by the following members: Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-8), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-9), Rep. Danny Davis (IL-7), Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2), Rep. Henry Johnson (GA-4), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-7), Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-at large), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4), Rep. James McGovern (MA-2), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Eleanor Norton (DC-at large), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-7), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-2), Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-3), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2), and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, delivered the following testimony today before the National Security and Department of State Appropriations Subcommittee “Member Day” hearing. Ranking Member Meeks argued in favor of maintaining and strengthening the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Congressional appropriations, and raised alarm over the unprecedented flouting of the law and of congressional prerogatives by the Trump administration:
“Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Frankel, thank you for the opportunity to testify at today’s Member Day hearing. I appreciate this annual opportunity to share my priorities for the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill.
“If this were any other year, I would focus my testimony on the specific programs we have worked together to support. But this is no ordinary year. We are dealing with an administration that has shown an unprecedented and reckless disregard for Congress’s constitutional power. This includes our power of the purse and the clear guardrails we establish through appropriations law, as well as other directions of congressional intent and authorizations of Executive Branch agencies and programs.
“Within this subcommittee’s jurisdiction, the most damaging example of the Trump-Musk onslaught against our federal government—and Congress’ role—is the dismantling of USAID. The President’s sudden freeze of foreign assistance caused utter chaos. Food assistance Congress appropriated sat rotting on shelves. Clinics we funded sat closed and unable to distribute their stocks of lifesaving medicines, leading to unnecessary deaths and babies born with HIV. And now, despite court orders challenging the legality of their actions, the administration boasts that 83% of foreign assistance programs are already shuttered, and what remains of USAID is now being folded into the State Department.
“Similarly, President Trump disregarded existing statutes and terminated by decree the U.S. Agency for Global Media, resulting in grant terminations to its subsidiaries, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia. These broadcasters delivered trusted information to audiences in heavily censored countries starved of independent media and flooded with propaganda from our adversaries.
“And the most recent egregious flouting of the law was DOGE’s hostile takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which Congress created as a nonpartisan, independent nonprofit organization. USIP has had broad bipartisan support, working successfully under seven administrations to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace around the world.
“The Trump administration has done all this outside of the law, without consulting Congress and in stark contradiction of the appropriations law and other bills we have passed that are now the law of the land.
“Regardless of whether we are Democrats or Republicans, we must, as Members, stand up for our prerogatives as the legislative body of this democracy and a co-equal branch of government.
“Because this is ultimately about our ability to stand up for our constituents. And the programs this subcommittee funds are critical to our national security; they help ensure the United States can successfully achieve our foreign policy goals, compete with our rivals, and prevent regional crises from escalating into armed conflict. These programs allow us to respond to humanitarian emergencies and the development needs of our partners, preventing diseases from becoming pandemics that reach our shores. All these objectives and more are achieved through a well-resourced State Department and related agencies and programs, with the support from Congress that they need to effectively wield our soft power. The world is far too small and interconnected for us to hide behind our borders, pull back our tools, and hope the next conflict or epidemic won’t impact us here at home.
“This subcommittee has recognized the value of all these efforts, as evidenced by the strong, bipartisan support for its work over many years. Of course, each administration has the right to review policy. And our job is not to defend the status quo over modernization. But President Trump and Elon Musk do not have the right to unilaterally eliminate programs that Congress has deemed essential. The legislative branch after debate and deliberation—and in consideration of the executive’s position – creates the body of the law the Executive must indeed execute. That is the right way to ensure improvements and reforms.
“It is critically important that the next National Security Appropriations bill maintain and strengthen the investments that safeguard our national security at no less than the FY24 level. But whatever Congress decides, it is even more essential that we ensure that the FY26 law is implemented by the administration—because in America, we believe in the rule of law, not of kings.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) and Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01) have introduced legislation to help provide stable energy rates and a reliable energy grid to states in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), including Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
“Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities have worked with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to provide affordable and reliable electricity to Missouri families for over 80 years,” said Rep. Graves. “But the way SWPA is set up, droughts and other disruptions can cause rate spikes that are passed on to co-ops and municipalities that have no choice but to increase electric rates on Missouri families. This common sense legislation creates a revolving fund to fix that problem—giving SWPA the stable funding necessary to avoid costly rate spikes, and lower customer rates.”
“For more than eight decades, the Southwestern Power Administration has allowed rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities to provide reliable, affordable energy to Kansans,” said Rep. Mann. “Under the current funding structure, SWPA has not had the flexibility to make necessary investments into their infrastructure. As a result, when natural disasters and bad weather limit the Administration’s ability to produce power, replacement power has to be purchased, and that cost is absorbed by everyday Kansans. Establishing a revolving fund for SWPA ensures that they can continue to invest in their infrastructure while providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to Kansas families and rural communities like those in the Big First.”
The SWPA, part of the Department of Energy, markets power produced by federal hydropower projects, including Clarence Cannon Dam and Harry S. Truman Dam, to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act would give the SWPA the authority to operate on a self-funding, revolving Treasury fund to help provide long-term stability to SWPA. This would provide the certainty and stable funding SWPA needs to avoid drastic and unnecessary spikes in power rates charged to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in an extreme or multi-year regional drought.
The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act is supported by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Public Utilities Association, Southwestern Power Resources Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Public Power Association.
“Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives thank Congressman Graves for leading this effort to provide more reliable and affordable electricity for Missouri families. When no one else would, Missouri’s electric cooperatives answered the call to provide power to every farm and every home in every corner of this state. Now, this bill ensures we can keep providing affordable, reliable electric service to Missouri families for decades to come.” – Caleb Jones, CEO/Executive Vice President of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives
“MPUA commends Congressman Graves for championing this forward-thinking legislation, which preserves Missouri’s legacy of affordable, renewable energy, while strengthening its future. The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act is a foundational step in modernizing federal hydropower and ensuring its long-term reliability. This bill will help secure cost-based power for generations to come. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman Graves to advance this important legislation. – Steven Stodden, President & CEO, Missouri Public Utilities Association
“Federal hydropower is a vital, reliable renewable energy source for the state of Missouri and throughout the region. We are grateful for Congressman Graves’ support for this legislation that will help cut unnecessary red tape and keep energy prices affordable for the members we serve.” – Brian Ackermann, SPRA Board President and Vice President of Portfolio Management at Associated Electric Cooperative
“Federal hydropower is a reliably renewable generation resource. This legislation recognizes the value of protecting that resource throughout the six-state region, making sure that these important assets are maintained. This legislation would go a long way toward ensuring grid reliability and affordably throughout the region for millions of homes, farms and small businesses. I thank Congressman Graves for introducing this important bill that represents good business sense.” – Nicki Fuller, Executive Director, Southwestern Power Resources Association
“NRECA supports the Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act. The self-financed revolving loan fund authorized by this bill would allow the Southwestern Power Administration to better manage infrastructure needs while being more responsive to market conditions and electric demands created by extreme weather events.” – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
“The American Public Power Association applauds the introduction of the Southwestern Power Fund Establishment Act. Since 1943, not-for-profit public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives have successfully partnered with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to bring reliable hydropower produced at Army Corps dams to millions of customers in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. While SWPA customers pay all costs of generating and transmitting the electricity in their power rates, a complicated funding process has increasingly failed to provide the financial certainty necessary to steady power rates to customers during drought and extreme weather events. The Southwestern Power Fund Establishment Act would streamline this process in a manner that would help avoid rate spikes and economic hardship for communities served by public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives while continuing to ensure that SWPA customers pay all costs associated with generating and transmitting hydropower produced at Corps dams. It is a win-win for the federal government and communities served by not-for-profit electric utilities.” – American Public Power Association
You can find the full text of the legislationhere.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Dingell Condemns Trump Attack on Federal Workers’ Right to Collective Bargaining
Washington, March 28, 2025
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, today released the following statement condemning Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending the collective bargaining rights of hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
“This is a blatant attack on workers’ rights and organized labor everywhere. Federal employees work as firefighters, nurses, doctors, law enforcement and public safety officials and more, and this president clearly does not care about their service. This administration cannot intimidate us into giving up the protections so many have fought for decades to secure. We will stand in solidarity and fight against every effort to roll back workers’ rights.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) led more than 100 Democrats in the House and Senate in condemning staffing cuts and potential closures to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Field Offices across the country. In aletterto HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the lawmakers called on HUD to fully and immediately reinstate civil servants who were illegally fired from the Department and condemned reportsthat HUD is considering the illegal closure of nearly two-thirds of field offices nationwide.
“We write to express concern about reports that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is considering closing nearly two-thirds of the Department’s field offices, leaving most states and the District of Columbia without critical sites or staff,” the lawmakers wrote. “These reports follow the unlawful mass termination of probationary federal employees, HUD’s announcement that employees at GS-13 and below in the Office of Field Policy and Management would be terminated, and reports that the Department plans to cut its agency-wide workforce by at least half.”
“We strongly urge HUD to maintain existing field offices with adequate staffing levels and to fully and immediately reinstate civil servants who have been illegally terminated,” the lawmakers continued.
The letter was cosigned by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI), Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Troy Carter (D-LA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Lou Correa (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Danny Davis (D-IL), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY), Hank Johnson (D-GA), William Keating (D-MA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), James McGovern (D-MA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Mark Takano (D-CA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
The letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The official letter from lawmakers is availablehere.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), David Scott (D-GA), and Nikema Williams (D-GA), members of the House Financial Services Committee, led 50 House Democrats in sending aletterto Travis Hill, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), opposing the Trump Administration’s effort to undermine the agency’s critical role of ensuring financial stability and protecting consumers from financial harm.
The letter follows ongoing reports that the Trump Administration and Elon Musk are planning to move forward with a proposed merger of the FDIC with other key banking regulators, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Reserve’s supervisory division. In recent weeks, the Administration fired hundreds of bank examiners, failed to put forward Acting Director Hill’s nomination to officially lead the agency before the U.S. Senate, and reportedly asked the Treasury Department to draft recommendations streamlining the role of other banking regulators to exert more control over them.
“Since the Great Depression, the FDIC has played a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of American families and the economy, promoting stability and confidence in the banking system and guaranteeing that hard-earned deposits are protected,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Having been in Congress during the 2008 financial crisis, I’ve seen the horrible consequences that follow reckless deregulation and inadequate oversight of America’s financial system. While I pray to never see such an economic collapse again, the Trump Administration’s efforts to put special interests over the interests of everyday Americans by gutting the FDIC and those responsible for ensuring our financial system is sound leave me properly petrified. It’s imperative that the Acting FDIC Chair protect the mission and integrity of the independent agency before another tragedy occurs.”
“The notion that the President would consider merging or consolidating the FDIC is an outrageous, reckless, and profoundly irresponsible attack on the financial security of millions of Americans,” said Congressman David Scott. “The FDIC has been the backbone of our banking system for nearly a century, ensuring that depositors’ money is safe and protected against bank failures. To dismantle the institution by firing the very people tasked with overseeing bank soundness and safety, is to invite chaos, economic instability, and financial ruin for working families and small businesses across Georgia and the nation. Acting Chair Travis Hill must immediately rebuff any attempt to blunt or politicize the mission of the FDIC, oppose the mass layoff of key examiners and reaffirm his commitment to the agency’s independence.”
“Once again, President Trump is showing his laughable ignorance of our financial system,” said Congresswoman Williams. “The FDIC’s independence is essential to protecting confidence and stability in our banking system. Chairman Hill’s willingness to entertain consolidating the FDIC with other banking regulators, while it is already understaffed, is a direct threat to that stability. Dismantling this agency is another thinly veiled attempt to attack working families, many who look like my constituents in Atlanta, and a deliberate attempt to widen the racial wealth gap.”
“The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing the employees at FDIC, OCC and CFPB, is grateful for Representatives Scott, Cleaver, Williams and others for their letter to Acting Chair Hill. The current Administration is playing reckless games with the bank deposits of hard-working Americans. Firing hundreds of experienced bank examiners puts every American’s bank accounts at risk.” Doreen Greenwald, National President, National Treasury Employees Union.
“It is gravely misguided and dangerous to undermine the independence of the FDIC which has tirelessly and capably protected depositors and the economy for almost a century. People rely on the FDIC seal of approval and communities across the country rely on the FDIC to preserve the safety and soundness of local banks.” Patrick Woodall, Managing Director of Policy, Americans for Financial Reform.
The letter was endorsed by Americans for Financial Reform (AFR), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and Public Citizen.
The letter was cosigned by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Sean Casten (D-IL), Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Danny Davis (D-IL), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Al Green (D-TX), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), George Latimer (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
The official letter from lawmakers is availablehere.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democrats across the country, as well as health care providers and advocates, are highlighting the negative impacts that face seniors, children, and working parents if the House Republican budget becomes law. Republicans’ budget sets up billions of dollars of cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and large corporations.
“House Republicans are using their majority to serve their wealthy donors at the expense of working families, children, and seniors,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “The budget Republicans passed in February could cut Medicaid by as much as $880 billion, which would weaken a critical healthcare lifeline that over a million Minnesotans rely on.”
“Nearly 1.3 million Minnesotans—about one quarter of our state—rely on Medicaid,” said Congresswoman McCollum in a statement following a vote on the budget in February. “A cut of this magnitude would have severe consequences for our entire population. Here in the Fourth District, 54,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. 172,000 rely on Medicaid for healthcare access, including nearly 90,000 children on CHIP. The health and well-being of our communities are under attack by this Republican majority. I will continue to oppose all Republican efforts to take away food, healthcare, and basic government services that Minnesotans rely on.”
To highlight the importance of Medicaid to East Metro residents and Minnesotans living in every corner of the state, Congresswoman McCollum called upon leaders in healthcare, homecare, labor unions, and disability advocacy to share how Medicaid cuts would impact their work and harm Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance.
“Cutting federal Medicaid funding will have a significant impact on Minnesota children with complex medical conditions and disabilities,” said Barbara Joers, President and CEO of Gillette Children’s Hospital. “These children often rely on Medicaid for access to necessary healthcare services, therapies, medications, medical equipment, and home-based care. Cuts to Medicaid would result in reduced coverage, limited access to specialists, longer wait times for services, and decreased quality of care for these at-risk populations.”
Congresswoman McCollum visited President Joers at Gillette Children’s on Tuesday morning for a discussion on how Medicaid cuts could impact patients.
Click here to watch.
“Medicaid plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child has access to the quality healthcare they need,” said Dr. Marc Gorelick, President and CEO of Children’s Minnesota. “At Children’s Minnesota, we see firsthand the profound impact of Medicaid. Nearly half of the patients we serve rely on Medicaid, which helps set up kids for a lifetime of success by providing access to essential preventative care, such as check-ups and vaccines, and effective treatment for chronic conditions. This proactive approach prevents more serious health issues that ultimately cost society more in the long run. Cutting Medicaid threatens access to these essential services for the kids and families we serve. An investment in Medicaid is an investment in our children, and ultimately an investment in a healthier future for all.”
“Many older adults and people with disabilities count on support through the Medicaid program when they’re unable to receive life-sustaining supports elsewhere,” said Kathy Messerli, Executive Director, MN Home Care Association (MHCA). “Chronic underfunding of these essential home and community-based services has already led to the closure of agencies in Minnesota and resulted in worse and at times no access to care for people who need it. Further cuts will lead to more Minnesotans without access to care or turning to safety net hospitals, which shifts the government costs to a more expensive setting.”
Medicaid is a lifeline for Minnesotans with disabilities. Sumer Spika, a mother and home care worker from St. Paul with SEIU Healthcare MN & IA, shared what Medicaid cuts would mean to thousands of families like hers.
“As a mother and a longtime home care worker who provided support for a wonderful young woman named Jayla for over a decade, when I think of potential cuts I think, ‘what would Jayla do without Medicaid?’ If there was no funding, it would mean there would be no care for her and no access to equipment that allowed her to live her life,” said Spika. “Medicaid meant not just a person to help with her care, it meant things like hearing aids and fire alarms that have flashing lights because she can’t hear. It meant getting care for a heart disorder. It means a lifeline and coverage for millions of people. The thought of cutting even one penny to give tax breaks for billionaires is so offensive I can’t believe it is even being considered.”
“Medicaid allows people with disabilities to work, participate in community activities, volunteer and do everything other people often take for granted,” said Linda Wolford, M.S., Government Relations Director at the Minnesota Council on Disability. “Also, the direct care workers who provide care to people with disabilities contribute to the economy as Medicaid funding provides them with jobs. The unemployment rate would also likely increase if Medicaid payments are reduced or cut off as there are thousands of people who work in the service delivery system for people with disabilities and seniors.”
MINNESOTA MEDICAID SNAPSHOT:
1,184,597 Minnesotans are enrolled in Minnesota’s Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance
33% of births in Minnesota are covered by Medicaid
1 in 3 Minnesota children are covered by Medicaid
5 in 9 nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid
1 in 3 working age adults are covered by Medicaid
In MN-04, the 172,477 people on Medicaid are at risk of losing their health care under Republican budget. This includes 89,871 children under the age of 19 and 14,000 seniors over 65 in MN-04.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democrats across the country, as well as health care providers and advocates, are highlighting the negative impacts that face seniors, children, and working parents if the House Republican budget becomes law. Republicans’ budget sets up billions of dollars of cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and large corporations.
“House Republicans are using their majority to serve their wealthy donors at the expense of working families, children, and seniors,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “The budget Republicans passed in February could cut Medicaid by as much as $880 billion, which would weaken a critical healthcare lifeline that over a million Minnesotans rely on.”
“Nearly 1.3 million Minnesotans—about one quarter of our state—rely on Medicaid,” said Congresswoman McCollum in a
statement
following a vote on the budget in February. “A cut of this magnitude would have severe consequences for our entire population. Here in
To highlight the importance of Medicaid to East Metro residents and Minnesotans living in every corner of the state, Congresswoman McCollum called upon leaders in healthcare, homecare, labor unions, and disability advocacy to share how Medicaid cuts would impact their work and harm Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance.
“Cutting federal Medicaid funding will have a significant impact on Minnesota children with complex medical conditions and disabilities,” said Barbara Joers, President and CEO of Gillette Children’s Hospital. “These children often rely on Medicaid for access to necessary healthcare services, therapies, medications, medical equipment, and home-based care. Cuts to Medicaid would result in reduced coverage, limited access to specialists, longer wait times for services, and decreased quality of care for these at-risk populations.”
Congresswoman McCollum visited President Joers at Gillette Children’s on Tuesday morning for a discussion on how Medicaid cuts could impact patients.
Click here to watch.
“Medicaid plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child has access to the quality healthcare they need,” said Dr. Marc Gorelick, President and CEO of Children’s Minnesota. “At Children’s Minnesota, we see firsthand the profound impact of Medicaid. Nearly half of the patients we serve rely on Medicaid, which helps set up kids for a lifetime of success by providing access to essential preventative care, such as check-ups and vaccines, and effective treatment for chronic conditions. This proactive approach prevents more serious health issues that ultimately cost society more in the long run. Cutting Medicaid threatens access to these essential services for the kids and families we serve. An investment in Medicaid is an investment in our children, and ultimately an investment in a healthier future for all.”
“Many older adults and people with disabilities count on support through the Medicaid program when they’re unable to receive life-sustaining supports elsewhere,” said Kathy Messerli, Executive Director, MN Home Care Association (MHCA). “Chronic underfunding of these essential home and community-based services has already led to the closure of agencies in Minnesota and resulted in worse and at times no access to care for people who need it. Further cuts will lead to more Minnesotans without access to care or turning to safety net hospitals, which shifts the government costs to a more expensive setting.”
Medicaid is a lifeline for Minnesotans with disabilities. Sumer Spika, a mother and home care worker from St. Paul with SEIU Healthcare MN & IA, shared what Medicaid cuts would mean to thousands of families like hers.
“As a mother and a longtime home care worker who provided support for a wonderful young woman named Jayla for over a decade, when I think of potential cuts I think, ‘what would Jayla do without Medicaid?’ If there was no funding, it would mean there would be no care for her and no access to equipment that allowed her to live her life,” said Spika. “Medicaid meant not just a person to help with her care, it meant things like hearing aids and fire alarms that have flashing lights because she can’t hear. It meant getting care for a heart disorder. It means a lifeline and coverage for millions of people. The thought of cutting even one penny to give tax breaks for billionaires is so offensive I can’t believe it is even being considered.”
“Medicaid allows people with disabilities to work, participate in community activities, volunteer and do everything other people often take for granted,” said Linda Wolford, M.S., Government Relations Director at the Minnesota Council on Disability. “Also, the direct care workers who provide care to people with disabilities contribute to the economy as Medicaid funding provides them with jobs. The unemployment rate would also likely increase if Medicaid payments are reduced or cut off as there are thousands of people who work in the service delivery system for people with disabilities and seniors.”
MINNESOTA MEDICAID SNAPSHOT:
1,184,597 Minnesotans are enrolled in Minnesota’s Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance
33% of births in Minnesota are covered by Medicaid
1 in 3 Minnesota children are covered by Medicaid
5 in 9 nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid
1 in 3 working age adults are covered by Medicaid
In MN-04, the 172,477 people on Medicaid are at risk of losing their health care under Republican budget. This includes 89,871 children under the age of 19 and 14,000 seniors over 65 in MN-04.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman McCollum (D, MN-04), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“The Department of Defense specificallyprohibitsDoD personnel from using Signal to share non-public information. Secretary Hegseth shared detailed information in the Signal chat about an impending military strike — a clear and obvious violation of his own department’s policy. This information in the hands of adversaries would certainly put American lives at risk.
“If anyone else in the military did what Secretary Hegseth did, they would be fired immediately, could be dishonorably discharged, and certainly would lose their security clearance.
“We cannot have one set of rules for the Secretary and another set of rules for everyone else. Everyone on the Signal chat must be held fully accountable, including the other 18 senior Trump Administration officials who had a duty to intervene immediately. Each of them failed to do that.
“Republicans in Congress must immediately issue subpoenas, hold hearings, and investigate this reckless conduct.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss)
Lawmakers Issue Letter Endorsing State Request for Federal Disaster Declaration
Washington, April 2, 2025
Washington, D.C. – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared their strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a federal disaster declaration after deadly weather struck the state on March 14-15.
U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the State of Mississippi, and for individual federal assistance for 14 counties. If approved, the presidential disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts.
“In the wake of recent extreme weather that brought severe thunderstorms and violent tornadoes to the State of Mississippi, we request your full consideration of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a federal disaster declaration,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter follows a preliminary disaster assessment, which highlights the extent of loss of life, injuries, and damage.
“Available resources from state and local governments and volunteer organizations are inadequate to meet the state’s recovery needs. Significant federal assistance and cooperation are needed for Mississippi to rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote.
To read the full letter, please click on the link.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Timothy Courchaine, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona, announces a 20-count indictment against 14 individuals from Arizona, for Conspiracy to Submit a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm and related charges. The indictment was unsealed today.
The indictment alleges that between July 15, 2023, and December 23, 2023, 13 individuals were paid to buy belt-fed rifles and Barrett .50 caliber semi-automatic rifles from licensed firearms dealers in and around Phoenix and Yuma for David Moreno Quevedo. As part of the conspiracy, these individuals lied on the Firearms Transaction Record, known as ATF Form 4473, claiming that they were purchasing the rifles for themselves. The charged conspirators include:
David Moreno Quevedo, 26, of El Mirage;
Mario Alberto Ayala, Jr., 23, of Maricopa;
Randy Obed Valenzuela Chinchillas, 24, of Phoenix;
Aidee Espinoza, 29, of Phoenix;
Todd Robert Nuttall, 52, of Gilbert;
Earl Marlow Burch, 49, of Mesa;
Wyatt Michael Fernandez, 26, of Tempe;
Jorge Luis Roman, 28, of Mesa;
Dylan Morgan Burch, 21, of Eloy;
Shawna Marie O’Shea, 56, of Tempe;
Damaris Davila Moreno, 22, of Phoenix;
Noelia Valenzuela Gomez, 25, of Chandler;
Melissa Osorio Talamante, 31, of San Tan Valley; and
Michael Andrew Wingate, 31, of Mesa.
A conviction for the crime of Conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for the crime of Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus W. Shand, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00432-PHX-MTL RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-048_Quevedo, et al
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZfor the latest news.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)
WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Dale Strong (AL-05) led his first congressional hearing as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
The hearing evaluated the current role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), particularly its handling of taxpayer dollars, expanding mission sets, and coordination with state and local governments in response to natural disasters and emergencies.
“In the interest of ensuring our homeland is resilient and prepared for all types of disasters, it is fitting that this Subcommittee’s first hearing is on FEMA — the nation’s primary disaster relief agency. FEMA oversees national preparedness grants and federal disaster assistance, coordinates relief efforts, and ensures our nation is able to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters,” said Chairman Strong.
With over four decades of experience as a first responder, having served the people of Alabama as both an EMT and volunteer firefighter, Strong is committed to using this Subcommittee to advance the cause of first responders and emergency managers across the nation, making sure they are prepared and resilient against all challenges.
“Recent events have overwhelmed our states and localities and challenged their ability to mobilize and help their communities. Our states and localities deserve all the help they can get in protecting people’s lives and property against deadly disasters. The aid that FEMA delivers before and after disasters is greatly appreciated and greatly needed. But as recent events demonstrate, there is room for improvement,” said Strong.
Chairman Strong welcomed four witnesses to the hearing to testify, including Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Smitherman.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)
WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Democrats released the following joint statement in response to President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs against Canada and Mexico that went into effect today:
“President Trump is threatening our economy with these damaging, unnecessary tariffs. He is on the verge of sparking several trade wars that will be fought on multiple fronts, including against some of our closest friends and allies, upending the international trading system the United States worked to create.
“The consequences will be devastating – costs will increase on everything from gas to groceries, making it even harder for American families to make ends meet. At the same time, that he’s raising prices at the supermarket, President Trump is jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of American jobs. President Trump is starting a trade war and American families are caught in the cross-fire.
“Americans simply cannot afford to be caught in endless trade wars. Democrats on the Trade Subcommittee are united in rejecting these irresponsible tariffs designed to increase revenue for more tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. We also call on our Republican colleagues to work with us to reassert Congress’ role in setting strategic, stable trade policies and to invest in the American economy, instead of abdicating their responsibilities to President Trump and Elon Musk.”
With wet weather approaching the top of the South Island, hitting Westland and Buller districts from Thursday, drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The MetService has issued multiple weather warnings.
“Most significant impacts on the West Coast are expected through the Buller District, and over the SH73 alpine passes – Arthur’s to Porters, with smaller amounts of rainfall forecast south of Greymouth that might affect SH6 drivers,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.
People need to be alert for localised flooding, debris and slips and drive to the conditions with headlights on.
There is an orange heavy rain warning over the Westland ranges from late Wednesday into the early hours of Friday, with peak rates of around 15-25mm an hour from Thursday afternoon and evening. While rivers are currently low, the ground is dry so drivers might strike some overflows.
The Buller District also has an orange heavy rain warning from Thursday afternoon to 8 am Friday morning. Similar total amounts are forecast as for Westland – 150-200mm – and similar peak rates – 15-25mm/hour.
Check before you head out
If conditions are uncertain heading into the evening on Thursday, highways may close overnight at short notice. All travellers are asked to check NZTA’s traffic and travel maps before heading along SH6 through Westland or across SH73.
Earlier traffic bulletin issued for the Top of the South:
Inside a decade, Northcote has become a residential community that exemplifies smart growth, in line with Auckland Council’s long-term vision for Tāmaki Makaurau.
The ongoing renewal of Northcote is enabled by the Auckland Unitary Plan, boosting housing capacity and delivering more choices including apartments and townhouses near public transport hubs and town centres.
This proximity is giving Aucklanders easier access to jobs, parks and schools, and Northcote is becoming a model of the vision in the Plan.
A network of rebuilt streets now flourishes with landscaped terrace housing and apartment buildings, a partly daylighted Awataha Stream sees the sun, and tuna (eel) and kaka have returned – indicators of the stream’s growing good health.
Locals stroll along walkways lined with foliage, children play on new playgrounds, mana whenua expression is woven throughout, a market garden has been re-born and local schools are thriving.
North Shore Councillor Richard Hills says the transformation of Northcote has been many years in the making, with much more to come as well.
“Growth needed to be masterplanned and supported by our investment in quality infrastructure, including flood mitigation, new parks and community facilities. We’ve increased services on popular bus routes too.
“The council wants excellent growth in Auckland. Growth for the greater good. And that’s what we’re seeing in Northcote.
“As housing choices expand, communities are more connected, transport links are more seamless, people are healthier as warm, dry housing becomes the norm, and walking is increasingly the way families get around.
“Northcote is growing for all generations too, with younger families moving in and more homes coming for our older residents too.
Northcote new housing complex.
“We want to lock in these benefits for many more Auckland suburbs across the region, so more people can experience the same,” Councillor Hills says.
Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick says the Northcote redesign illustrates how the Auckland Unitary Plan has enabled more efficient use of urban land.
“The Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone is allowing for more households to live near a town centre and access its amenities,” he says.
Read about Auckland’s improving affordability trends onOurAuckland.
Northcote, the new norm
It will be another decade before the upgrade of Northcote will be fully delivered including Auckland Council’s regeneration of the Northcote town centre, but the community is embracing the change they’re seeing already and giving it life.
One of the people whose work has been instrumental in helping Northcote flourish is the Principal of Northcote Intermediate School Phil Muir.
“We have healthy confident children here now. The kids and some of our teachers are able to walk a short distance to school. Not only are we seeing regenerated housing we are also seeing a regenerated community and school.
“Our neighbourhood is reflective of a modern city. It respects traditions, remembers where we are and looks to a positive future. Sometimes we feel like we are flying a 70-year-old DC3 while turning it into a Dreamliner! Our beautiful new school building has come about because of roll growth,” Phil Muir says.
The growth of the school roll reflects not only the school’s strong leadership but also the broader impact of the community’s renewal, with more families having the opportunity to live closer to the school, thanks to new housing choices.
“The change in the health of our children is like chalk and cheese. They used to live in dusty old wooden houses. Their new housing is sustainable, warm and dry now and the children are sick less often. Attendance is now over 90%.
“We are the most multi-cultural school on the shore. It’s a harmonious place to be. The students are accepting of all of our ethnicities and gender diversity. It’s a privilege to lead a diverse community and see our kids thriving,” Phil Muir says.
Phil Muir, Principal of Northcote Intermediate School.
Principal Phil Muir speaks with gratitude to the Auckland Council group for the ongoing work to daylight the stream, the shared Te Ara Awataha greenway and restored environment. The area is used as an outdoor classroom and a pleasant walk to school, away from dense traffic along Lake Road.
Northcote intermediate students in Te Ara Awataha greenway play.
He speaks also about the reduction in crime recorded in the area, a by-product of the new compact, quality housing and restored natural environment. The change has enabled the school to remove the bars from school windows.
The ongoing transformation of Northcote highlights how well-designed, well-planned, higher density housing can build a strong sense of belonging in the community, especially when it is located close to jobs, transport, schools, improved parks, playgrounds and public spaces – many of the things they value most.
Northcote Intermediate students with their chicken coop.
BILLINGS – A Billings man who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 94 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brice Judsen Bailey, 33, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that from September 2023 through January 2024, Bailey was one of approximately seven defendants in a drug distribution network in Billings. The group received methamphetamine from a drug trafficking organization in Washington state and funneled pounds of methamphetamine into the Billings area. Bailey was a significant source of supply for the group, distributing between a quarter-pound and a half-pound of meth each day. He arranged two controlled purchases totaling over one pound of methamphetamine. Not only was Bailey a significant dealer of methamphetamine, but he also provided several firearms to one of his co-defendants in exchange for meth.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the DEA.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS DeFELICE, 33, of Montville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for operating an illegal firearm manufacturing business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that beginning in approximately 2013, DeFelice manufactured and sold more than 200 firearms without a license to do so. DeFelice, through a business he called “DeFelice Defense,” sold his firearms to individual customers and to licensed firearms dealers, and also placed them on consignment at various commercial firearm dealers throughout Connecticut. As part of an undercover investigation, ATF agents purchased a firearm from DeFelice that he manufactured at their request.
On February 17, 2022, a search of DeFelice’s residence revealed two short barrel rifles, 67 other firearms, a silencer with no serial number, more than 28 high-capacity magazines, and other firearm parts.
DeFelice was arrested on July 12, 2023. On October 7, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act.
The SHORT Act would end the unconstitutional taxation, registration and regulation of weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
The Biden Administration used the NFA to target American gun owners by claiming that pistols with stabilizing braces were illegal short-barreled rifles. Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) used this argument to ban these firearms and force gun owners to participate in an unconstitutional firearm registry. The SHORT Act would prevent the ATF from enacting future versions of this ban and require the ATF to destroy all records relating to the registration, transfer or manufacture of NFA weapons.
“Those seeking to strip away Second Amendment rights have sought every creative way possible to advance their agenda through legislation, regulation and litigation,” said Crapo. “Burdening law-abiding Americans with additional firearm restrictions is not the answer to safeguarding the public.”
“Democrats’ attempts to undermine the Second Amendment are unconstitutional and must be stopped,” said Risch. “The SHORT Act protects law-abiding Idaho gun owners from unlawful registry, taxation, and regulation of commonly owned firearms.”
“‘Shall not be infringed’ is crystal clear – and the Biden-era abuses of the Constitutionally protected rights of gun owners across the country need to be undone,” said Marshall. “The SHORT Act takes a step toward rolling back nonsensical regulations that the National Firearms Act has placed upon gun owners. I challenge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this legislation and join me in fully restoring and protecting our God-given Second Amendment rights.”
Crapo, Risch and Marshall are joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) in introducing the bill. ?
This time around, Trump is replying on outdated tools — tariffs, small government, territorial expansion and nationalism — to solve modern problems of globalization, wealth disparities, the decline of manufacturing jobs and exploitative capitalism.
On April 2, he announced a baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all countries that import goods to the U.S., including Canada. Canada has also been hit with a 25 per cent levy on Canadian-made automobiles.
The Trump administration’s current use of 19th-century tools to solve 20th-century problems that are wholly inappropriate for the 21st century threatens to take America back to the 19th century. This is an incredibly dangerous road for the U.S to take.
The rise of the nation state
The 19th century was marked by the rise of the nation-state — a single political entity united by geography, culture and language.
The prevailing belief at the time was that nation-states should use tariffs, adopt isolationist policies to cut off the outside world and seize territory where possible. These measures, it was thought, would foster national unity and allow capitalism to thrive by letting the “invisible hand” of the marketplace work its magic.
Protective tariffs promised to grow domestic industries, but the economic benefits were not evenly distributed. Wealth disparities grew wider as millions of immigrants arrived on North American shores, only to find deplorable living conditions in the cities and hardscrabble farmland out in the country.
Some newcomers prospered, of course, but they tended to be those who arrived with money already in their pockets. And they fast learned how to exploit the lack of state-directed regulation, patches of corruption amid rapid western expansion and growing nativism and poverty to their own benefit.
Many of the 20th century’s problems flowed from these 19th-century trends.
The economic fallout of tariffs
Following the financial Panic of 1873 and its ensuing economic depression in both Europe and North America, nation-states unleashed tariffs to protect their domestic economies. It was the wrong strategy to pursue, as it slowed trade even more by limiting the free flow of goods and capital. Money, as is now well-known, needs to move to grow.
Western North American farmers were furious that tariffs forced them to buy on protected markets while selling on unprotected ones subject to international market prices. They organized, too, by forming farmer co-operatives and backing movements like the Granger movement, populism and progressivism to protect their interests.
Nation-states, warmed by rising nationalist fires, formed military-defence alliances across Europe and its colonial and former colonial holdings, including Canada. In 1914, these alliances led to the First World War, a global and industrial war the likes of which the world had never seen.
The Great Depression
By the 1930s, unrestricted and largely unregulated capitalism, together with astonishing wealth disparities and monopolistic tendencies, plunged the world into the decade-long Great Depression.
Many governments’ initial response was to impose tariffs once again, and just as in 1873, they only made the problem worse. The simultaneous rise of fascism, which was largely nationalism run amok, brought the world to war again at the end of the decade, to devastating consequence.
The post-war years saw a concerted international effort at using the nation-state to regulate domestic economies by investing in social services and programs and to rein in runaway capital when its excesses threatened stability.
International bodies like the World Bank, the United Nations and the International Court of Justice were created to promote peace and stability. This new approach wasn’t always successful in its goals, but so far the world hasn’t seen any global hot wars or massive economic depressions.
The end of history
In 1992, historian Frances Fukuyama infamously declared that the world had reached “the end of history.”
He didn’t mean that time stopped, of course. Instead, he was arguing that the liberal nation-state represented “the end-point of mankind’s ideological evolution and the universalization of western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.”
In his view, the western industrialized world had reached the pinnacle of successful governance and unlimited prosperity.
Yet, even as western liberal democracy was congratulating itself on its own success, these same nation-states, in conjunction with large corporations, were seeking out lower labour costs and greater profit in the developing world.
This is where the Trump administration re-enters the story — tapping into the frustration and disillusionment of frustrated Americans by promising to restore a “golden age” that never was.
Trump’s 19th-century playbook
Despite his promises, Trump’s tariffs are unlikely to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. As history has shown, tariffs do not revive industries that are already gone; instead, they will only make Americans pay more for the things they need.
Trump’s rhetoric about territorial expansion, including threats to annex Greenland and Canada, won’t make the U.S. more secure. It will just exacerbate the sort of international tensions the world saw in 1914 and 1939.
And with limited resources left to exploit, it’s becoming harder for capital to sustain itself, even as it seeks to wrest whatever is left from our planet, the realities of environmental catastrophe be damned.
Nationalism, meanwhile, won’t foster a sense of national unity. It will only deepen existing divisions based on race and class. And if history is any guide, the consequences could be even more dire this time around, even pushing the world toward a global conflict unlike anything seen before.
Eric Strikwerda 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.
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