Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
The Privacy Act Modernization Act would empower Americans to sue officials for misuse of their data and federal systems
Washington (March 31, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.), today introduced legislation to protect Americans against Elon Musk, DOGE and other officials illegally accessing stores of personal data held by the government, including social security numbers, medical history, financial data and other sensitive information. The Privacy Act Modernization Act would make it easier for Americans to sue officials for violations and would increase the penalties for such violations.
The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Van Hollen, (D-Md.).
Since Trump took office, DOGE officials have reportedly accessed highly sensitive government databases at agencies, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and the Internal Revenue Service, under flimsy justifications and with little oversight.
“Over 50 years ago, Congress passed the Privacy Act to protect the public against the exploitation and misuse of their personal information held by the government,” said Senator Markey. “Today, with Elon Musk and the DOGE team recklessly seeking to access Americans’ sensitive data, it’s time to bring this law into the digital age. I’m proud to partner with Senator Wyden on the Privacy Act Modernization Act to close loopholes and increase penalties in the law. The federal government should be a steward of our privacy–not a source of surveillance.”
“The seizure of millions of Americans’ sensitive information by Trump, Musk and other MAGA goons is plainly illegal, but current remedies are too slow and need more teeth,” said Senator Wyden. “The Privacy Act was part of our country’s response to the FBI abusing its access to revealing sensitive records on the American people. Our bill defends against new threats to Americans’ privacy and the integrity of federal systems, and ensures individuals can go after the government when officials break the law, including quickly stopping their illegal actions with a court order.”
“Elon Musk and his minions have no business riffling through your personal data,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bill protects millions of Americans who count on the federal government to safeguard sensitive personal information included on taxes, student loans, and disaster assistance.”
“Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies are illegally raiding federal agencies, and in the process gaining access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation will strengthen our ability to safeguard that private information by expanding the means of holding violators accountable, including by stiffening penalties for those who unlawfully access it. By sharpening these tools and penalties, we can better deter this abuse.”
The Electronic Information Privacy Center and Public Citizen both endorsed the legislation.
The Privacy Act of 1974 required agencies to disclose what personal data they collect and why, limited how officials could use or share that data, and created remedies for when the government held incorrect data about a person or otherwise broke the rules. This legislation was passed in light of the Watergate and Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) scandals, which involved illegal government surveillance that undermined public trust and American democracy. The Privacy Act Modernization Act would make key updates to further protect government databases storing personal information against Trump and Musk’s ongoing abuses of Americans’ privacy and our democracy.
Given the Privacy Act was created half a century ago, this bill would update the law’s coverage, close loopholes and strengthen protections to support millions of Americans who have been harmed by Trump and Musk’s recent invasion by:
Increasing civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Privacy Act, including making it a felony to disclose records for personal gain, malicious harm, or commercial advantage, punishable by fines of up to $250,000 and ten years in prison.
Strengthening court authority to stop programs and actions while lawsuits are pending, and allowing Americans to recover for a range of damages, including the mental and emotional distress caused by privacy violations.
Modernizing the law to cover any information that identifies or is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or a device that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual.
Limiting information sharing to the minimum necessary for a legally authorized purpose, and only if consistent with what an agency previously stated they would use records for.
Narrowing the so-called “routine use” exception for sharing information by further requiring that “routine use” disclosures be “appropriate and reasonably necessary.”
The full text of the bill is available here. The one-page summary is here.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) today introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act, which would extend and make permanent a pilot program to safeguard public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems against the threat of feral swine:
“Feral hogs can inflict serious economic and environmental damage to our agricultural communities by destroying crops, trampling farmland, and threatening other livestock,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would support our farmers, ranchers, and producers in Texas and across the country by promoting removal and restoration efforts to mitigate the risk posed by this invasive species.”
“New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, and producers play a vital role in supporting our state’s economy and it’s critical that their crops and livestock are protected from harm,” said Sen. Luján. “Feral hogs pose serious threats to New Mexico’s agriculture industry by disrupting their land, killing plants, and increasing the chance for unwanted weeds. That’s why I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that safely removes feral swine and protects New Mexico’s critical agricultural communities.”
“Feral swine are a serious threat to the livelihoods of Alabama’s farmers. Feral hogs destroy crops, land, and undo months, if not years, of work by our farmers to feed our country,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Feral swine cause an estimated $50 million in damages annually to Alabama. Despite eradication efforts, the pigs are still running rampant throughout the South. And so today, I’m standing with Alabama farmers and taking action to fight back against this threat.”
“In Georgia, feral hogs have been responsible for over $150 million a year in economic damage for our farmers. They destroy crops, damage pastures, and devastate livestock and horticulture,” said Sen. Rev. Warnock. “As a voice for Georgia farmers on the Senate Agriculture committee, I am committed to protecting this program to provide farmers and workers on the frontlines of our agriculture industry with the tools and resources needed to combat this destruction.”
“I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s incredible farmers, including by addressing the devastating economic and environmental impacts of feral swine. The Feral Swine Eradication Act would establish a permanent program to eliminate this threat,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m proud to introduce federal legislation to help mitigate the estimated $50 million in agricultural damage caused in our state each year and protect the livelihoods of farmers who continue to feed and clothe our nation.”
Background:
There are approximately six million feral hogs across the United States, which cause more than $2.5 billion in damages each year. The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to rampant feral swine outbreaks and was implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). This program included feral swine removal by APHIS, restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and assistance to producers for feral swine control through grants with non-federal partners. NRCS and APHIS successfully carried out these pilot projects in ten states.
This legislation is endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau, Plains Cotton Growers, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Partnering with the private health sector is delivering better access and shorter wait times for elective treatment, Health Minister Simeon Brown.
“Ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government.
“Last month, I announced that Health New Zealand will be delivering an increase in elective procedures by partnering with private hospitals to make use of all available operating theatre capacity.
“This work will see more than 10,579 additional procedures carried out between now and the middle of the year – and good progress is being made.
“Delivery is ramping up, with more than 2,000 procedures completed so far. Priority is being given to patients waiting more than four months.
“The most frequent procedures completed so far are cataracts, hip replacements, ear procedures, tonsillectomies, knee replacements, and hernia repairs.
“We want to maximise capacity in the system so patients can get their surgery as quicky as possible.
“Partnering closely with the private sector will enable Health New Zealand to get on top of waitlists, ensuring Kiwis get the surgeries they need when they need them.
“This is key to achieving the Government’s health target of 95 per cent of patients to wait less than four months for elective treatment.
“We are investing more in health than ever before – a record $30 billion each year. Our focus is on putting patients first, ensuring New Zealanders can get the surgeries they need as quickly as possible,” Mr Brown says.
More than 100 CFA urban and rural brigades have left their mark in Mooroopna over March as the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships officially come to an end.
Both weekends saw an exciting showcase of our future firefighters, with the Gisborne Juniors making tracks after a 12-year hiatus, and a Tinamba Mum joining the champs for the first time in her 40s.
It was great to see new teams hit the track with Mannerim creating a new women’s team made up of surrounding brigade members.
The corporate tent was lively, featuring displays on the latest updates from many innovative CFA programs, including operational training, infrastructure and Fire Medical Response (FMR), aviation, alongside the Planned Burn Taskforce, community engagement and volunteerism.
The atmosphere was full of camaraderie, team spirit and determination, while an array of food and beverage trucks kept the competitors well fed, and a collection of CFA vehicles and equipment drew in many interested onlookers. For the first time, CFA had all sizes of its vehicles on display.
On the second weekend, the annual Torchlight Procession saw several brigades march through the streets of Mooroopna with LED powered lanterns.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan once again rallied his Chief’s Chargers for some healthy and humbling competition and said as one of our proudest and longest running traditions, it was fantastic to see hundreds of members involved.
“The State Championships are a great opportunity for our volunteers to not only engage with their peers competitively, but to develop life skills, build friendships and support like-minded regional communities.” Jason said.
Senior runner, Hayley Rennie from Tatura Fire Brigade is one of the many longstanding runners for the brigade who for the first time broke her own record.
“I have been running for about 12 years, and I am very competitive. I came first in the one person Marshall and broke my own personal record,” Hayley said.
“We all celebrate our wins together. It is so exciting to see those who have been trying to place first for the past five years, get a first this year.
“It is also great that we have the women’s events now. We have more opportunities to win and to better ourselves.”
Results from both weekends can be found below.
URBAN JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
From the first weekend on 22 and 23 March, congratulations to Melton A as the overall winners for the Urban Juniors events.
DRY AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Echuca A
3rd place: Grovedale
WET AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Grovedale
3rd place: Echuca A
UNDER 14 AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Grovedale
3rd place: Echuca A
UNDER 17 AGGREGATE
1st place: Echuca A
2nd place: Melton A
3rd place: Grovedale & Melton B
GRAND AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Echuca A
3rd place: Grovedale
The second weekend on 29 and 30 March involved the Urban and Rural Seniors, and Rural Juniors events.
RURAL JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
Congratulations to Napoleons-Enfield A who are the overall winners for the Rural Juniors event.
11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A
2nd place: Ascot & District A
3rd place: Miners Rest A
11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A
2nd place: Beazley’s Bridge B
3rd place: Miners Rest B
CHAMPION TEAM
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A
2nd place: Ascot & District A
3rd place: Miners Rest A
RURAL SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
DIVISION 1 AGGREGATE
1st place: Leopold A
2nd place: Eldorado A
3rd place: Hurstbridge A & Springhurst A
DIVISION 2 AGGREGATE
1st place: Moorooduc A
2nd place: Dunrobin/Nangeela B
3rd place: Mannerim A
DIVISION 3 AGGREGATE
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield B
2nd place: Miners Rest A
3rd place: Springhurst B
URBAN SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
Congratulations to Melton A who are the overall winners for the Urban Seniors event.
Dry Aggregate
1st place: Tatura
2nd place: Osborne Park Orange
3rd place: Melton A
Wet Aggregate
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Swan Hill A
3rd place: Warracknabeal
Female Aggregate
1st place: Melton B
2nd place: Tatura
3rd place: Narre Warren A/B
‘A’ SECTION
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Osborne Park Orange
3rd place: Patterson River
‘A’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Patterson River
3rd place: Osborne Park Orange
‘B’ SECTION
1st place: Swan Hill A
2nd place: Warracknabeal
3rd place: Melton B
‘B’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
1st place: Swan Hill A
2nd place: Warracknabeal
3rd place: Creswick
‘A’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Osborne Park Orange & Patterson River
‘B’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE
1st place: Swan Hill A
2nd place: Warrnambool
3rd place: Maffra & Melton
Congratulations to all brigades, community members, and supporters who attended and participated in this year’s competitions. A full list of the 2025 Rural Championship and Urban Championship results can be found on the VFBV website.
The 2025 State Firefighter Championships are supported by the Victorian Government.
Yemen’s Houthi armed group said in a statement early Tuesday that it has shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Yemen’s central province of Marib.
“Our air defenses shot down a hostile American MQ-9 drone in the airspace of Marib province, using a locally manufactured missile,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the group’s al-Masirah TV.
“This is the sixteenth U.S. drone that our air defenses have successfully shot down since October 2023,” he said, without specifying the exact timing. Local Houthi media reported that the drone was downed on Monday.
“We affirm that we will continue to prevent Israeli navigation in the Red Sea and the Arabian Seas … until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted,” Sarea said, adding they will also keep carrying out attacks against “enemy warships.”
He was referring to the U.S. Navy, including the aircraft carrier, stationed in the northern Red Sea.
The U.S. military has resumed airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in northern Yemen since March 15 in a bid to deter the group from attacking Israeli targets, the U.S. Navy, and international shipping lanes in the region.
On Monday, fresh U.S. airstrikes killed two people and injured a child in Bani Qa’is in Yemen’s northwestern province of Hajjah, according to residents and local health authorities.
Easter and the first school holidays are fast approaching and in Porirua you’re spoiled for choice, with many paid or free activities and events to keep everyone busy.
If you’re of a mind to be active, why not give Porirua Grand Traverse a nudge? In its 20th year, the event, on Sunday 6 April (yes, slightly before the holidays) has something for the serious multisporters to a fun run/walk to do with friends or whānau – check outporiruagrandtraverse.co.nzfor more details.
The Wellington Phoenix Women have one home game left at their Porirua Park fortress, on 20 April. Tickets are reasonably priced but keep an eye on the Council Facebook page as we have passes to give away.
Kai Tahi, meanwhile, is one of our city’s most exciting destinations. Along with a sustainable market on 5 April, there’s always the Thursday Grooves to check out – and on 15 April, they are showing the Rabbit Academy and Peter Rabbit movies at 11.15am and 1pm FREE. There will also be some fun play activities, so come down to enjoy the cool vibes and kai at Kai Tahi!
Other activities to consider these holidays:
–Porirua Library holiday programme
–Plimmerton community Easter marketat the boating club (12 April)
–Titahi Bay Easter Fairat Te Rauparaha Park (18 April)
–City Nature challengebetween 25 and 28 April (check out the iNaturalist app)
–Let’s Play activitieson 14 April (11am-1pm, Jillett St, Titahi Bay) and 16 April (11am-1pm, Matahoura Park, Cannons Creek)
–Battle Hill Forest Park– check out those eels! – or any of the city’s bike trails and walks
– Test your detective skills at theNew Zealand Police Museum
–Adrenalin Forest, Porirua Indoor Raceway, North City Tenpin, Pirate’s Cove Mini GolforAwesome Bounce
From today, New Zealanders have new rights as power consumers under the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko’s (the Authority) Consumer Care Obligations (the Obligations). These new rules significantly increase the support people can expect from their power retailer – to help them find the best plan for their needs, understand their power use, manage bills, and stay connected.
Authority General Manager Retail and Consumer Andrew Millar says the obligations set customer care standards that all power companies must follow, and New Zealanders can rely on.
“The new rules include requirements for respectful communication, protection for vulnerable consumers, and fair and reasonable fees. Retailers have indicated to us that they are ready to meet these obligations, and our new retail monitoring regime means we’re ready to ensure that happens.
“Now we want all New Zealanders to know what they can rightfully expect from their power retailer, and who to turn to if they do have a problem,” says Millar. “We’ve published this information on yourpower.co.nz
“Kiwi households rely on electricity and deserve to receive a consistent and reliable level of customer care. With lines charges going up this year, it was particularly important to us that the Obligations are fully effective well before winter. We’ll keep an open mind about whether further strengthening of the rules is required as the Obligations are bedded-in, and we monitor for compliance and consumer outcomes.”
The Authority advises anyone having trouble with their power provider to first contact their retailer but highlights that Utilities Disputes UDL.co.nz is the place to go for help with power related complaints.
“Power companies are on board with the new Obligations and have worked quickly over the past four months to ensure they’re ready to comply,” Millar says. “But if you have a problem you can’t solve with them directly, you can contact UDL, who provide a free, independent service to resolve complaints between consumers and their power or gas company.”
Support and resources for the Consumer Care Obligations are available on the Electricity Authority’s website www.yourpower.co.nz
UDL can be contacted online at udl.co.nz or on 0800 22 33 40
SUMMARY OF THE NEW CONSUMER CARE OBLIGATIONS
What do the Consumer Care Obligations mean for you, and what should you do if you need support?
What are the Consumer Care Obligations?
The Consumer Care Obligations are minimum standards that all power companies must follow when supplying electricity to residential consumers. These obligations provide:
stronger customer protections, especially for those in vulnerable situations
fair and respectful treatment from power companies
better support for consumers experiencing financial difficulty
clear, transparent pricing with no unfair fees.
How do they protect me as a consumer?
The Consumer Care Obligations set clear rules to ensure fairness and support for all electricity consumers. These include:
Protection for vulnerable customers. If you are experiencing financial hardship or rely on electricity for medical reasons, power companies must work with you to keep your power on.
Respectful communication. Power companies must engage with customers in a supportive and helpful manner.
Fair and reasonable fees.Power companies cannot charge excessive or hidden fees. Fees must be transparent and reasonable and based on actual costs.
What should I expect from my power company?
Power companies are required to provide positive, practical advice on reducing bills and tailored payment plans if you are experiencing payment difficulties. You should also expect:
Clear communication about your energy use and bills
Flexible payment options if you are experiencing financial difficulties
Support to avoid disconnection, including tailored solutions to help you pay your bill over time.
Your power company should support you to stay connected and avoid debt. You should expect proactive communication and referrals to support services as disconnection should be a last resort.
What rights do I have when it comes to fees?
Power companies must charge fair and cost-reflective fees. This means:
No excessive or hidden charges
Not using fees as a penalty (such as excessive late payment fees)
No unexpected fees.
Can my power company disconnect me?
Your electricity provider must follow a set process before they disconnect you, which includes giving you time to pay any outstanding debt. Seek help if you need it and discuss options with your power company to manage your power costs to avoid disconnection.
Your power company cannot disconnect your power if they are aware that you or someone in your household is medically dependent on electricity. To ensure this protection, it is important to:
Inform your power company if someone in your household relies on medical equipment powered by electricity
Work with your provider to ensure they have the correct details recorded.
What can I do if I’m struggling to pay my bill?
If you are having trouble paying your electricity bill, it is important to contact your power company as soon as possible.
Power companies are required to:
Offer flexible payment plans to help you manage your bills
Provide information to assist with energy-efficiency
Suggest suitable pricing plans based on your needs.
The sooner you reach out, the more your power company will be able to do to help you stay connected.
What if I’m not happy with my power company’s service?
If you are unhappy with how your power company is treating you, there are steps you can take:
Contact your power company and give them time to solve the problem
If you are still unhappy, you can contact Utilities Disputes Resolution (UDL), who provide a free, independent service to resolve complaints about electricity and gas.
If you or UDL have a serious concern about a power company’s behaviour, the Electricity Authority will investigate.
We encourage you to first contact your power company and UDL as they may be able to resolve your issue more quickly.
How does the Electricity Authority ensure these rules are followed?
The Electricity Authority monitors power companies to ensure they follow the Consumer Care Obligations. If a power company fails to meet these rules, the Authority will take appropriate action to enforce compliance.
Most power companies aim to do the right thing, but consumers should know their rights and speak up if they are not receiving fair treatment.
Work has started this week on enabling (early) works at the site of a permanent replacement for Hikuwai Bridge No.1, north of Tolaga Bay.
A temporary Bailey bridge has been in place since 2023 after the bridge was damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and the connection across Hikuwai River initially severed.
Now, as part of the recovery, Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance and local contractors, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), will build the new bridge.
The new bridge will feature a modern, two-lane structure, approximately 100 metres in length, and will follow the same alignment as the previous bridge.
“This modern design provides better flood and earthquake resistance, boosts durability, and delivers environmental benefits. Once complete, it will provide a more efficient and permanent solution for SH35 road users for generations to come,” says TREC project lead Richard Bayley.
“It is being designed to better withstand debris with a wider central span and rounded piers, reducing blockages and pressure from debris. Larger, deeper piles enhance resistance to flooding and scour effects, while the stronger steel columns will boost structural durability. Improved bearings will also prevent the bridge deck uplifting when inundated and during earthquakes.”
Enabling works will take around four months to finish before the main construction of the new bridge can begin. The entire project is expected to take between 12 and 18 months, with completion expected by mid-2026.
To mark the start of enabling works, a karakia was held by tangata whenua and landowners at Hikuwai, late last week. The karakia was led by Kaumatua, Chris Marsh – Board Co-Chair, Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti.
The initial enabling works will involve three key milestones:
Site setup: establishment of a site office, along with three compound/laydown areas to store tools, material and equipment.
Construction of a temporary road (access road): realignment of the existing SH35 to enable construction of the southern bridge abutment and provide a safer and larger workspace for bridge construction. This road will connect with the Bailey bridge on the southern side and be in operation when the main works on the bridge begin. On project completion and removal of the Bailey bridge, it will operate as a maintenance road only, to service Hikuwai Bridge No. 1.
Old bridge demolition: removal of the existing, collapsed structure to make way for the new bridge.
“It’s been a journey to reach this point, and we’re excited to move forward and create a lasting connection for SH35 communities. We’re also grateful for the community support over the past couple of years during the recovery phase including Kuru Contracting and their construction of local Pourau Road in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. We’ve worked closely with Iwi, local hapū, landowners including Pourau Station, and key stakeholders throughout the pre-construction and design phases and intend to continue this throughout construction, ” says Mr Bayley.
“We really value the relationships we’ve been building since the cyclone and we want our relationships to last long after our work at Hikuwai is complete.”
TREC is actively working with local contractors throughout the procurement process and has already appointed Parata Ltd Contractors for the site setup and access road construction.
Traffic management
During enabling works, some disruption to traffic is expected and we are working to ensure a smooth flow throughout the area. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we aim to keep any delays to a minimum.
The new bridge will be constructed alongside the existing road, allowing traffic to continue flowing in both directions using the temporary Bailey bridge.
The Bailey bridge will remain operational as it currently is, with general access and 50tn max load permitted. Overweight and over-dimensional vehicles will continue to require a permit, with a 10kmh speed limit and a one-vehicle-at-a-time policy in place.
Construction work will take place Monday to Friday, from 6am to 6pm; some Saturday work may be necessary. During enabling works, traffic management will be in place including a temporary 30km/h speed restriction remaining in place on the southern side of the bridge where the temporary alignment is being built.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to follow on-site signage and look out for trucks accessing the site.
For regular updates, please subscribe to TREC’s fortnightly Tairāwhiti e-newsletter to stay informed on the progress of the project and wider recovery works on SH35 and SH2.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Top appropriators press Trump administration for details about its vast, illegal plans to unilaterally weaken and reorganize HHS—calling for the “radical transparency” it has promised but utterly failed to deliver
Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, sent a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the plans he announced last week to gut staffing levels and reorganize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In their letter, Murray, DeLauro, and Baldwin press Kennedy for more information about his plans to gut the Department—warning of how it will jeopardize Americans’ health and well-being and urging him to fulfill the administration’s promise of transparency and detail the Department’s plans. Thus far, the Trump administration has shared only the most high-level details about its massive reorganization plans and significant staffing reductions across HHS—all without so much as consulting Congress.
“Authoritatively stating that these drastic changes will improve the health of Americans without any explanation insults the American public and defies logic,” write the lawmakers. “If these actions were actually intended to improve the Department’s ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, you and the Department should be eager to provide additional detail and justification for them. Instead, the Department has operated with a complete lack of transparency—far less than previous administrations of both parties—and is withholding information from Congress and the American public. The obvious conclusion is the Department is intentionally hiding information because its actions will worsen the health and well-being of Americans. We insist that you begin operating the Department under the ‘radical transparency’ you pledged you would in your sworn testimony before the Senate.”
The top Democratic health appropriators in each chamber note that the Department’s plans fly in the face of the funding bill Congress passed and the President signed just weeks ago, writing: “Just two weeks ago, Congress passed and the President signed a full-year fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill that provided funding to specific agencies and operating divisions within the Department to carry out specific authorized activities, programs, and functions. The Department’s announced reorganization completely disregards how Congress appropriated funding. The reorganization seeks to illegally eliminate agencies Congress explicitly appropriated funding for and illegally move functions and programs for which Congress explicitly appropriated funding for one agency to carry out to other agencies it did not. The magnitude of staff reductions and reorganizations will also very likely prevent the Department from executing its responsibilities under the law.”
They detail other sweeping actions the Department has taken that weaken HHS’ ability to protect Americans health and set back ongoing lifesaving work—and note that if the steps are truly in the American public’s interest, the administration should be eager to share more details: “The Department has taken the unprecedented step of terminating thousands of grants, including for communities to combat infectious diseases like measles and bird flu, and to discover treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other devastating diseases. The Department has paused funding for grants and prevented organizations from legally drawing down already awarded funds. The Department has imposed gag orders and already delayed billions in funding for lifesaving research at NIH. The Department has attempted to illegally cap and cut funding for research institutions in obvious contravention of annual appropriations law. The Department has been unwilling to provide even basic information about these actions to Congress.”
“The American people deserve to know what is happening to the federal workforce and agencies tasked with carrying out the Department’s tremendous responsibilities and the taxpayer dollars appropriated to carry those responsibilities out,” the lawmakers conclude, before demanding answers to a series of straightforward questions about the Department’s reorganization and staffing plans—with answers requested by April 4.
Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
Secretary Kennedy,
We write with extreme concerns about significant staffing reductions and reorganizations at the Department of Health and Human Services (the “Department”), amidst other unprecedented actions taken by the Department over the last several weeks, which put American’s health and well-being at risk. The stunning lack of transparency surrounding these changes leaves us deeply concerned about what the administration is hiding. Moreover, several actions taken or proposed by the Administration appear to violate federal law.
Last week the Department announced it was implementing an unprecedented and disruptive reorganization that includes significant staffing reductions and office closures. This will degrade the Department’s capacity and expertise across a wide range of issues that will impact communities and individuals across the country. In the past, the Department has always worked closely with Congress on reorganizations, including those that were orders of magnitude smaller than what it is now being proposed. The Department has demonstrated a complete unwillingness to share even basic information with Congress (including the Committees on Appropriations) and the public about its actions or to provide any justification for them. Authoritatively stating that these drastic changes will improve the health of Americans without any explanation insults the American public and defies logic. If these actions were actually intended to improve the Department’s ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, you and the Department should be eager to provide additional detail and justification for them. Instead, the Department has operated with a complete lack of transparency—far less than previous administrations of both parties—and is withholding information from Congress and the American public. The obvious conclusion is the Department is intentionally hiding information because its actions will worsen the health and well-being of Americans. We insist that you begin operating the Department under the “radical transparency” you pledged you would in your sworn testimony before the Senate.
Congress has an obligation to assess how changes the Department is haphazardly implementing will impact our constituents and the American public. It is our duty to ensure the Department is carrying out its tremendous responsibilities under the law that touch the lives of nearly every American, and this reorganization clearly violates the law. Just two weeks ago, Congress passed and the President signed a full-year fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill that provided funding to specific agencies and operating divisions within the Department to carry out specific authorized activities, programs, and functions. The Department’s announced reorganization completely disregards how Congress appropriated funding. The reorganization seeks to illegally eliminate agencies Congress explicitly appropriated funding for and illegally move functions and programs for which Congress explicitly appropriated funding for one agency to carry out to other agencies it did not. The magnitude of staff reductions and reorganizations will also very likely prevent the Department from executing its responsibilities under the law.
In addition to the announced reorganization and staffing reductions, the Department has taken a series of other unprecedented and harmful actions over the last several weeks that raise similarly grave concerns. Last month, the administration fired thousands of employees serving in their probationary period across the Department. The Department has offered deferred resignation benefits and voluntary retirement to virtually all of its employees. The Department has taken the unprecedented step of terminating thousands of grants, including for communities to combat infectious diseases like measles and bird flu, and to discover treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other devastating diseases. The Department has paused funding for grants and prevented organizations from legally drawing down already awarded funds. The Department has imposed gag orders and already delayed billions in funding for lifesaving research at NIH. The Department has attempted to illegally cap and cut funding for research institutions in obvious contravention of annual appropriations law. The Department has been unwilling to provide even basic information about these actions to Congress.
Earlier this month, reports emerged of significant planned reductions at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Department has now announced it plans to reorganize SAMHSA. We are deeply concerned about the impacts this will have on communities across the country trying to address substance use and mental health crises facing millions of families. After opioid overdose deaths reached a record high of nearly 112,000 from August 2022 to August 2023, we are finally making progress, and the trend of overdose deaths is shifting downward. Significant staff reductions and reorganizations will undermine SAMHSA’s ability to work with communities and make life-saving opioid-reversal drugs available. Communities across the country are also grappling with a mental health crisis, particularly among youth. Undercutting SAMHSA’s ability to work with states and communities to address this issue will only set us backward—putting mental health care further out of reach for those who need it. Additionally, we are concerned that staff firings will impact the work of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has seen a steady increase in contact volume since it launched in 2022. If laying off staff or restructuring SAMHSA will have a positive effect on addressing the substance use and mental health crises affecting communities and families across the country, we think you would be eager to explain the steps you are taking. Despite requests by staff, we have not received any information about these planned staffing reductions and its effects on SAMHSA programs, and the Department has provided no information about planned reorganizations and how they will affect the administration of critical substance use prevention and treatment and mental health programs.
Earlier this month, there were also reports of planned layoffs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). We are concerned about the impact these reductions will have on addressing healthcare workforce shortages, preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, supporting community health centers, and modernizing our organ donation and transplantation system. The Department has not provided the number of probationary employees that were fired who were working on these efforts or justification as to how these layoffs will best make use of the discretionary funding increases that Congress provided to HRSA in recent years. As the Department plans further staffing reductions at HRSA, we expect you would relish the opportunity to describe how staff layoffs will advance our shared goal of training more nurses and connecting the more than 100,000 Americans on organ donation waiting lists to lifesaving organ donations. Instead, questions have been met with silence, despite multiple requests for additional information. The Department is now planning to implement a reorganization of HRSA and again, has provided no information about how that will be implemented to improve the health and well-being of Americans.
There have also been significant changes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date, the Department has not provided any information on staffing reductions at those agencies, other than strictly the number of probationary employees who were fired. Those agencies are tasked with detecting and responding to dangerous diseases to keep Americans safe and supporting biomedical research into lifesaving treatments and cures for diseases. The Department owes it to the American public to describe how laying off scientists, researchers, fellows, and staff at CDC will keep Americans safe from infectious diseases such as measles, avian flu, and tuberculosis. The Department owes it to the American public to justify how laying off scientists, grant administrators, and other staff at NIH will provide hope to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other devastating diseases, including rare diseases for which NIH clinical trials offer their only hope. The Department owes it to the American public to justify how firing scientists and career staff across the Department to make room for political appointees and fringe conspiracy theorists with no scientific background is an acceptable and appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.
We are also very concerned that the Department’s plan to dissolve the Administration for Community Living (ACL) will have a detrimental impact on the needs of some the country’s most vulnerable populations. ACL helps to ensure seniors and people with disabilities maintain their independence and participate fully in their communities. Carelessly shoving the administration of these activities into other operating divisions, already overwhelmed due to mass firings, will not help make Americans healthier; in fact, preventative programs administered by the thousands of community-based organizations that partner with ACL have significantly reduced health care costs for individuals at higher risk. These critical programs include nutrition services for older adults, which reduce hunger and encourage socialization; research and resource centers for people with disabilities and their caretakers; family caregiver support and respite care; and prevention of elder abuse and neglect. Dismantling ACL without any thought for the critical work it does shows a disregard for the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.
The American people deserve to know what is happening to the federal workforce and agencies tasked with carrying out the Department’s tremendous responsibilities and the taxpayer dollars appropriated to carry those responsibilities out. Congress is owed the same. Finally, we remind you of your legal obligation (per section. 713 of P.L. 118-47) to ensure that no federal funds are used to prevent federal employees from communicating with members of Congress.
To that end, we encourage you to begin operating the Department with the transparency you claim to. At the very least, that means directing your staff to provide the same level of information to Congress as previous administrations of both parties have provided – and to respond to basic inquires and requests for information and to maintain periodic briefings which you have cancelled. In addition, below we have included several questions, many of which have been submitted multiple times to the Department. This is information that should be readily available because it is surely information that was considered prior to making such significant changes at the Department.
We request responses to the following questions by April 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Provide the following:
The organizational structure of the Department on 1/20/25.
The planned organizational structure of the Department after the proposed reorganization that reflects any offices eliminated or moved relative to the structure as of 1/20/25.
A table displaying all programs funded in fiscal year 2024 by Operational Division (as is routinely provided in annual Congressional Justifications) with a crosswalk of where they were funded in fiscal year 2024 to where they will be funded after the proposed reorganization.
The total expected reduction in staffing at the Department relative to 1/20/25 by operational division and subcomponent (e.g. NIH institute, CDC center, HRSA bureau, etc.) including separately the number of probationary employees terminated, the number of employees who took deferred resignation or other voluntary separation, and those subject to Reductions in Force (RIF). Please also include a list of probationary employees that were fired and then rehired.
For each impacted agency, operational division, or office in place as of 1/20/25, describe in detail how proposed reorganizations and staffing reductions will improve the ability of the Department to carry out its authorized and funded activities, and how it will enhance the health and well-being of Americans.
For each impacted agency, operational division, or office in place as of 1/20/25, provide a justification for whether or not the proposed reorganization includes any reprogramming or transfer of funds.
How will the Department execute fiscal year 2025 appropriations given the recently passed fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill provided funding under a different organizational structure? Specifically, for each program, activity, or function that the Department plans to administer under a different operational division than where it was funded by Congress in fiscal year 2025, describe how the Department would execute those appropriations. For new offices the Department plans to create, including a new “Administration for Healthy America,” describe which appropriations from which Department or agency plans to fund those new activities.
Regarding probationary employees who were terminated:
How many had a veteran’s preference?
How many received an “Achieved Outstanding Results” performance review in their last 12 months?
Provide a list of new political appointee positions created, or planned to be created under this reorganization, since 1/20/25.
How many employees who were terminated, subject to RIFs, or who otherwise separated from the Department, worked on the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network modernization effort? How many worked on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?
For the National Institutes of Health, provide the number of probationary employees who were terminated, the number of employees who took deferred resignation or other voluntary separation, and the number expected to be subject to RIFs, by Institute, Center and Office (ICO) and job series, including:
The number of scientists working in the Intramural Research Program, including a breakdown by ICO.
For terminated employees, the number the Acting NIH Director requested to have reinstated.
The number of employees who were reinstated by ICO.
Provide a list of all grants and contracts that have been terminated since 1/20/25 by agency, Operational Division, and Office, including a justification, and any office involved in identifying it for termination.
Provide a list of all grants and contracts that have any kind of stop payment indicator associated with them, including grantees who are unable to draw down funds.
Cambodian New Year (or Khmer New Year) celebrations will take place between 14 to16 April. Significant celebrations and cultural events often attract large crowds and may lead to increased petty crime and more serious threats, including those associated with large gatherings in tight spaces. There’s often higher alcohol consumption and traffic congestion, with a risk of accidents and road fatalities. Exercise reasonable care and precautions.
You’ll need a valid visa to travel to Cambodia. If you remain in Cambodia beyond the date of your authorised stay, officials may stop you from leaving Cambodia. In cases of excessive overstays, you may be arrested and detained for violating immigration laws (see ‘Travel’). Gun crime and explosions have occurred, including at popular tourist destinations (see ‘Safety’). Laws in Cambodia, including those related to incitement and defamation, can be broadly defined and applied (see ‘Local Laws’).
New Zealand’s North Island features a number of geothermal systems, several of which are used to generate some 1,000 MegaWatts of electricity. But deeper down there may be even more potential.
Supercritical geothermal is hotter and deeper than conventional geothermal sources. It targets rocks between 375°C and 500°C, close to – but not within – magma.
Water at these temperatures and depths has three to seven times more energy for conversion to electricity, compared to ordinary geothermal generation at comparatively cooler temperatures of 200°C to 300°C.
The investment is staged, with $5 million earmarked for international consultants to design a super-deep well, and further funds to be released later for drilling to depths of up to six kilometres. Consultation is underway, with resources minister Shane Jones hoping to convince Māori landowners to collaborate.
New Zealand already produces 1,000MW of electricity from conventional geothermal sources. Shutterstock/Chrispo
GNS Science estimates the central North Island might have about 3,500MW worth of this resource, although actually accessing it might be difficult and expensive. The energy consulting firm Castalia was engaged to predict how much would be worth developing, suggesting between 1,300MW and 2,000MW, starting from 2037.
This would be a lot of extra power. Even better, it would reduce the peaks and troughs in generation that arise from more variable solar and wind sources, which are expected to make up a growing share of electricity generation in the future. Supercritical geothermal is reportedly cost effective, which means the technology deserves serious consideration. But such claims should be subject to scrutiny.
But New Zealand has a healthy geothermal industry. In the past two decades, geothermal companies have invested $2 billion in hundreds of new wells and new power plants. The industry already knows how to drill wells and profit from them. So why is the government stepping in now?
In practice, supercritical geothermal exploration and development faces several research, technical and economic risks. Private enterprise seems unwilling to bear them alone, prompting the government to step in to establish feasibility.
How to crack soft rock
One problem supercritical geothermal might encounter is that drilling deeper might find lots of hot rock, but not much water. Drilling experiments in Japan and Italy have shown that reaching 500°C is possible, but in both cases the rock was so ductile (pliable and easily stretched) because of the high temperatures that it couldn’t keep open the gaps needed for water to flow.
However, the experience was different in Iceland where two wells managed to find water above 400°C. At this stage, it’s not clear whether this is because Iceland has special rocks – particularly basalts, which are less ductile – or because the country is being stretched through tectonic forces at a high rate. New Zealand is less able to count on basalts but it does experience rapid tectonic stretching.
Deep drilling would test this key hypothesis: is there permeability (gaps for water to flow through) at supercritical conditions? The only way to know for sure is to drill down.
If there isn’t permeability, the government could either abandon the investment or look into methods to create it. Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) is an option which has worked overseas in the North American shale gas industry. It has also recently been demonstrated in some US geothermal systems.
Even if we did find permeability, the water produced in Iceland’s supercritical wells was enormously corrosive. A better option then might be to inject cold water into the well, suppressing the corrosive fluids. The injected water would heat up and rise into the overlying geothermal system – flushing the heat upwards.
However, both water injection and fracking can trigger earthquakes, perhaps a magnitude 4-5 every year or a magnitude 5-6 every few decades. This happened in 2017 in Pohang in South Korea where water injection triggered a magnitude 5.5 earthquake. It resulted in the cancellation of the geothermal project.
But there are many other geothermal projects where injection has not led to concerning earthquake activity.
Fierce competition from solar, wind and batteries
The other risk is economic. Supercritical geothermal might one day be technically feasible, but its potential contribution in New Zealand will be limited if it can’t beat other generation technologies on cost.
Worldwide, the renewable energy sector continues to be disrupted by unprecedented cost decreases driven by innovations in utility-scale battery storage and solar photovoltaics.
But the supply chains are largely overseas, mostly concentrated in China. This adds geopolitical complexity to the energy security calculus. Homegrown solutions are a strength.
Nevertheless, the International Renewable Energy Agency reports cost reductions for solar and battery modules of 89% and 86% between 2010 and 2023. Solar costs drop 33% each time the built amount doubles. Drops in battery cost are enabling large deployments for daily smoothing of the peaks and troughs of intermittent solar and wind generation.
This shifting cost landscape creates financial uncertainty for energy investors. While cost declines might not continue forever, it’s hard to pick when they will level off. Meanwhile, geothermal costs have been flat for a long time. A billion-dollar geothermal investment might quickly become uncompetitive.
Despite all these caveats, we shouldn’t overlook the positive signal of the government taking a bet on New Zealand science and innovation. It will be exciting to see what’s happening at six kilometres of depth underground. And although the plan is not to drill for magma, an accidental strike (as happened in Iceland) would lead to some amazing science.
Lastly, energy security deserves to be taken seriously over the long term. While supercritical geothermal won’t fix our immediate vulnerability to winter scarcity, it could help avoid similar issues in the 2040s.
David Dempsey receives science funding from MBIE for research into geothermal energy.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)
Washington, DC– Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan released his statement on Women’s History Month.
A video of his remarks on the House floor is available here, and the text of the full statement is below.
“It is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Women’s History Month and its 2025 theme – Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. This year’s theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations – both past and present.
“As we celebrate the women who have devoted their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership, I would like to take this time to honor a lifelong educator in Northwest Indiana, Ms. Janice Jordan. Ms. Jordan was born and raised in Hurtsboro, Alabama and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Auburn University. In 1982, she moved to Gary, Indiana to continue her education at Indiana University Northwest, where she earned a master’s degree in education. Ms. Jordan went on to serve the School City of East Chicago as a teacher and administrator for 33 years, where she shaped the lives of countless students. Throughout her career, Ms. Jordan demonstrated a deep commitment to her students by creating enriching learning experiences and ensuring they had the support to grow and thrive.
“Although she retired in 2016, Ms. Jordan’s passion for teaching led her to return to the classroom. Since 2023, Ms. Jordan has taught preschoolers at St. Mark Early Learning Academy, a Head Start facility in Gary. Ms. Jordan loves engaging her students through the curriculum, which promotes language development, literacy, and individualized instruction tailored to each child’s needs. Her favorite part of the day is when children explore different learning centers to create, build, use their imagination, and share new discoveries with their peers. Her philosophy in life is, “Set the atmosphere, engage the community, and get to work!”
“Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jordan is also an active member of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, a sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a volunteer with the Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc., demonstrating her unwavering commitment to education and community service. For her dedicated contributions to students, families, and communities throughout Northwest Indiana, Ms. Jordan is worthy of the highest praise.
“Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Women’s History Month and recognizing the lifelong service of Ms. Janice Jordan and so many other extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.”
The first of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission.
SPECIAL REPORT:By Shiva Gounden in Majuro
Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about standing together through the toughest of times.
This is the relationship between Greenpeace and the Marshall Islands — a vast ocean nation, stretching across nearly two million square kilometers of the Pacific. Beneath the waves, coral reefs are bustling with life, while coconut trees stand tall.
For centuries, the Marshallese people have thrived here, mastering the waves, reading the winds, and navigating the open sea with their canoe-building knowledge passed down through generations. Life here is shaped by the rhythm of the tides, the taste of fresh coconut and roasted breadfruit, and an unbreakable bond between people and the sea.
From the bustling heart of its capital, Majuro to the quiet, far-reaching atolls, their islands are not just land; they are home, history, and identity.
Still, Marshallese communities were forced into one of the most devastating chapters of modern history — turned into a nuclear testing ground by the United States without consent, and their lives and lands poisoned by radiation.
Operation Exodus: A legacy of solidarity Between 1946 and 1958, the US conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands — its total yield roughly equal to one Hiroshima-sized bomb every day for 12 years.
During this Cold War period, the US government planned to conduct its largest nuclear test ever. On the island of Bikini, United States Commodore Ben H. Wyatt manipulated the 167 Marshallese people who called Bikini home asking them to leave so that the US could carry out atomic bomb testing, stating that it was for “the good of mankind and to end all world wars”.
Exploiting their deep faith, he misled Bikinians into believing they were acting in God’s will, and trusting this, they agreed to move—never knowing the true cost of their decision
On March 1, 1954, the Castle Bravo test was launched — its yield 1000 times stronger than Hiroshima. Radioactive fallout spread across Rongelap Island about 150 kilometers away, due to what the US government claimed was a “shift in wind direction”.
In reality, the US ignored weather reports that indicated the wind would carry the fallout eastward towards Rongelap and Utirik Atolls, exposing the islands to radioactive contamination. Children played in what they thought was snow, and almost immediately the impacts of radiation began — skin burning, hair fallout, vomiting.
The Rongelap people were immediately relocated, and just three years later were told by the US government their island was deemed safe and asked to return.
For the next 28 years, the Rongelap people lived through a period of intense “gaslighting” by the US government. *
Forced to live on contaminated land, with women enduring miscarriages and cancer rates increasing, in 1985, the people of Rongelap made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. Despite repeated requests to the US government to help evacuate, an SOS was sent, and Greenpeace responded: the Rainbow Warrior arrived in Rongelap, helping to move communities to Mejatto Island.
This was the last journey of the first Rainbow Warrior. The powerful images of their evacuation were captured by photographer Fernando Pereira, who, just months later, was killed in the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior as it sailed to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific.
From nuclear to climate: The injustice repeats The fight for justice did not end with the nuclear tests—the same forces that perpetuated nuclear colonialism continue to endanger the Marshall Islands today with new threats: climate change and deep-sea mining.
The Marshall Islands, a nation of over 1,000 islands, is particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. Entire communities could disappear within a generation due to rising sea levels. Additionally, greedy international corporations are pushing to mine the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean for profit. Deep sea mining threatens fragile marine ecosystems and could destroy Pacific ways of life, livelihoods and fish populations. The ocean connects us all, and a threat anywhere in the Pacific is a threat to the world.
But if there could be one symbol to encapsulate past nuclear injustices and current climate harms it would be the Runit Dome. This concrete structure was built by the US to contain radioactive waste from years of nuclear tests, but climate change now poses a direct threat.
Science, storytelling, and resistance: The Rainbow Warrior’s epic mission and 40 year celebration
At the invitation of the Marshallese community and government, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Pacific nation to celebrate 40 years since 1985’s Operation Exodus, and stand in support of their ongoing fight for nuclear justice, climate action, and self-determination.
This journey brings together science, storytelling, and activism to support the Marshallese movement for justice and recognition. Independent radiation experts and Greenpeace scientists will conduct crucial research across the atolls, providing much-needed data on remaining nuclear contamination.
For decades, research on radiation levels has been controlled by the same government that conducted the nuclear tests, leaving many unanswered questions. This independent study will help support the Marshallese people in their ongoing legal battles for recognition, reparations, and justice.
The path of the ship tour: A journey led by the Marshallese From March to April, the Rainbow Warrior is sailing across the Marshall Islands, stopping in Majuro, Mejatto, Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Wotje. Like visiting old family, each of these locations carries a story — of nuclear fallout, forced displacement, resistance, and hope for a just future.
But just like old family, there’s something new to learn. At every stop, local leaders, activists, and a younger generation are shaping the narrative.
Their testimonies are the foundation of this journey, ensuring the world cannot turn away. Their stories of displacement, resilience, and hope will be shared far beyond the Pacific, calling for justice on a global scale.
A defining moment for climate justice The Marshallese are not just survivors of past injustices; they are champions of a just future. Their leadership reminds us that those most affected by climate change are not only calling for action — they are showing the way forward. They are leaders of finding solutions to avert these crises.
They are not only protecting their lands but are also at the forefront of the global fight for climate justice, pushing for reparations, recognition, and climate action.
This voyage is a message: the world must listen, and it must act. The Marshallese people are standing their ground, and we stand in solidarity with them — just like family.
Learn their story. Support their call for justice. Amplify their voices. Because when those on the frontlines lead, justice is within reach.
Shiva Gounden is the head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. This article series is republished with the permission of Greenpeace.
* This refers to the period from 1957 — when the US Atomic Energy Commission declared Rongelap Atoll safe for habitation despite known contamination — to 1985, when Greenpeace assisted the Rongelap community in relocating due to ongoing radiation concerns. The Compact of Free Association, signed in 1986, finally started acknowledging damages caused by nuclear testing to the populations of Rongelap.
CFA’s Oscar 1 Emergency Response Mine Rescue Brigade has brought home a podium finish at the Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) over the weekend.
VMRC is an annual safety training exercise, which pits mine rescue and emergency response teams from Victoria and New South Wales against each other in a series of simulated emergency situations.
Organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), it also provides an event for teams to share knowledge and experience in a challenging but fun environment.
Teams gathered on Friday in Heathcote to compete in eight realistic, high pressure, scenario-based challenges including firefighting, first aid, underground search and rescue, and a ropes exercise.
CFA’s team, Oscar 1 claimed a win in the fire exercise scenario and third place in the Breathing Apparatus exercise.
First Lieutenant of the team Karl Shay said the other teams put up some tough competition.
“It was an excellent weekend,” Karl said.
“You get six months of training in just one weekend.
“On the Friday night our crew actually got a call out to a job with a man stuck down a mine shaft, so it was a great chance to use our skills and assist them to safety.”
The fire-fighting exercise included one of CFA’s gas prop cars and required participants to run through the scenario of a large car fire.
Tom Heather, a member of the Oscar 1 team, said the weekend provides a good opportunity to train and get together with all the rescue brigades.
“It puts us head-to-head, but we treat it like real life training,” Tom said.
“We are all bouncing off one another. You really come together as a team.
“I am definitely proud to be part of CFA and to show people what we can do and what we are here for.”
Members of the CFA Oscar 1 unit also compete across other teams including Central Victorian Mutual Aid with Oscar 1 member Darcy Mcclure-Wallace won the overall individual skills category and was part of the overall winning team, Foster Gold Mine, with other members of the Oscar 1 unit.
More than 100 CFA urban and rural brigades have left their mark in Mooroopna over March as the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships officially come to an end.
Both weekends saw an exciting showcase of our future firefighters, with the Gisborne Juniors making tracks after a 12-year hiatus, and a Tinamba Mum joining the champs for the first time in her 40s.
It was great to see new teams hit the track with Mannerim creating a new women’s team made up of surrounding brigade members.
The corporate tent was lively, featuring displays on the latest updates from many innovative CFA programs, including operational training, infrastructure and Fire Medical Response (FMR), aviation, alongside the Planned Burn Taskforce, community engagement and volunteerism.
The atmosphere was full of camaraderie, team spirit and determination, while an array of food and beverage trucks kept the competitors well fed, and a collection of CFA vehicles and equipment drew in many interested onlookers. For the first time, CFA had all sizes of its vehicles on display.
On the second weekend, the annual Torchlight Procession saw several brigades march through the streets of Mooroopna with LED powered lanterns.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan once again rallied his Chief’s Chargers for some healthy and humbling competition and said as one of our proudest and longest running traditions, it was fantastic to see hundreds of members involved.
“The State Championships are a great opportunity for our volunteers to not only engage with their peers competitively, but to develop life skills, build friendships and support like-minded regional communities.” Jason said.
Senior runner, Hayley Rennie from Tatura Fire Brigade is one of the many longstanding runners for the brigade who for the first time broke her own record.
“I have been running for about 12 years, and I am very competitive. I came first in the one person Marshall and broke my own personal record.” Hayley said.
“We all celebrate our wins together. It is so exciting to see those who have been trying to place first for the last five years, get a first this year.
“It is also great that we have the women’s events now. We have more opportunities to win and to better ourselves.”
Results from both weekends can be found below.
URBAN JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
From the first weekend on 22 and 23 March, congratulations to Melton A as the overall winners for the Urban Juniors events.
DRY AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Echuca A
3rd place: Grovedale
WET AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Grovedale
3rd place: Echuca A
UNDER 14 AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Grovedale
3rd place: Echuca A
UNDER 17 AGGREGATE
1st place: Echuca A
2nd place: Melton A
3rd place: Grovedale & Melton B
GRAND AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Echuca A
3rd place: Grovedale
The second weekend on 29 and 30 March involved the Urban and Rural Seniors, and Rural Juniors events.
RURAL JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
Congratulations to Napoleons-Enfield A who are the overall winners for the Rural Juniors event.
11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A
2nd place: Ascot & District A
3rd place: Miners Rest A
11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A
2nd place: Beazley’s Bridge B
3rd place: Miners Rest B
CHAMPION TEAM
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A
2nd place: Ascot & District A
3rd place: Miners Rest A
RURAL SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
DIVISION 1 AGGREGATE
1st place: Leopold A
2nd place: Eldorado A
3rd place: Hurstbridge A & Springhurst A
DIVISION 2 AGGREGATE
1st place: Moorooduc A
2nd place: Dunrobin/Nangeela B
3rd place: Mannerim A
DIVISION 3 AGGREGATE
1st place: Napoleons-Enfield B
2nd place: Miners Rest A
3rd place: Springhurst B
URBAN SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES
Congratulations to Melton A who are the overall winners for the Urban Seniors event.
Dry Aggregate
1st place: Tatura
2nd place: Osborne Park Orange
3rd place: Melton A
Wet Aggregate
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Swan Hill A
3rd place: Warracknabeal
Female Aggregate
1st place: Melton B
2nd place: Tatura
3rd place: Narre Warren A/B
‘A’ SECTION
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Osborne Park Orange
3rd place: Patterson River
‘A’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Patterson River
3rd place: Osborne Park Orange
‘B’ SECTION
1st place: Swan Hill A
2nd place: Warracknabeal
3rd place: Melton B
‘B’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
1st place: Swan Hill A
2nd place: Warracknabeal
3rd place: Creswick
‘A’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE
1st place: Melton A
2nd place: Osborne Park Orange & Patterson River
‘B’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE
1st place: Swan Hill A
2nd place: Warrnambool
3rd place: Maffra & Melton
Congratulations to all brigades, community members, and supporters who attended and participated in this year’s competitions. A full list of the 2025 Rural Championship and Urban Championship results can be found on the VFBV website.
The 2025 State Firefighter Championships are supported by the Victorian Government.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Timothy Charles Wilson, 76, of Pioneer, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to five years in prison and ordered him to pay $24,778 in restitution for manufacturing marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Wilson illegally manufactured 238 marijuana plants inside and around his residence in Pioneer. He grew these plants as part of a larger conspiracy with his three co-defendants to grow marijuana in the Tomhead Mountain area in Shasta-Trinity National Forest that consisted of 1,054 marijuana plants. In furtherance of this conspiracy, co-defendant Filemon Padilla Martinez recruited, trained, and supplied Oscar Francisco-Diego and Francisco Gomez Sanchez, the other two co-defendants in this case, whom he left to live and work on the site while he stayed either at a nearby stash house or at his residence in Ione. Wilson paid Padilla Martinez and funded the supplies.
According to court documents, surveillance captured Wilson and Padilla Martinez visiting the marijuana grow on Tomhead Mountain on Aug. 2, 2019. A subsequent search of Wilson’s residence in Pioneer resulted in the discovery of a multiple receipts for marijuana supplies, carbon copies of checks to Padilla Martinez, marijuana cultivation supplies, 238 marijuana plants, and other evidence of illegal marijuana cultivation.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Tehama County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with assistance from the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
Padilla Martinez, Francisco-Diego and Gomez Sanchez have been previously sentenced for their roles in the offense. There were each sentenced to 10 years, 19 months, and 22 months of incarceration, respectively.
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, demanded answers from 24 federal agencies on how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and DOGE-affiliated individuals, many of whom do not possess security clearances, have accessed and used data in federal information technology systems. Peters is requesting information on how individuals accessing these systems are complying with federal cybersecurity and privacy laws to protect sensitive information.
“Since January 23, 2025, employees working on behalf of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), which the Administration is referring to as DOGE, have gained access to systems and databases at multiple federal agencies,” Senator Peters wrote. “Federal agencies, as part of their authorized activities, collect, maintain, and utilize an enormous amount of sensitive data to carry out their missions. This data can include personally identifiable information (PII) collected from the public, federal and contractor employee data, law enforcement sensitive data, and confidential commercial information, including from critical infrastructure operators. Failure to appropriately control access to this data creates significant privacy and security risks and may violate federal law.”
Recent reports indicate that individuals claiming to be DOGE employees have allegedly threatened federal agency staff with dismissal when seeking unauthorized access to federal systems and data repositories. The Trump Administration has not yet provided information about whether DOGE personnel are following legal requirements for privacy and security, including the Privacy Act, E-Government Act, and Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). There are also no details about how DOGE-affiliated individuals with system access are being vetted.
Given the sensitive nature of federal agency data, this lack of transparency raises concerns about the potential for data misuse. Moreover, reports suggest DOGE plans to apply artificial intelligence to agency systems and collected data. However, little is known about which AI tools may be used, what agency data will be processed, how data will be combined, or the cybersecurity consequences of allowing sensitive data to be processed with artificial intelligence tools.
In the letters, Peters requested more information about the positions, employment details, security clearances, and reporting structures of all DOGE-affiliated individuals working at these federal agencies, along with details about which systems and data repositories were accessed by DOGE personnel, whether the systems contained sensitive or classified information, how data was transferred, and which security measures were in place. Finally, Peters pushed for information about any AI tools or models that DOGE-affiliated individuals have applied to agency data, including procurement details, use cases, and security and privacy assessments.
Peters sent letters to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Department of the Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency, General Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Personnel Management, Small Business Administration, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Peters also sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting an audit of DOGE’s activities, focusing on whether they are complying with established privacy and cybersecurity laws for federal agency data and systems.
Text of the letter to the Department of Homeland Security can be read here.
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
Published: 03.24.2025
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, released the following statement following reports of termination of the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.
“Congress established the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) Officer position at the Department of Homeland to ensure that civil rights and civil liberties were integrated into every aspect of the Department’s work. As we noted in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Congress also required that the Officer have sufficient resources and personnel to accomplish this vital mission.”
“The President’s Executive Order requires federal agencies to cut costs related to activities and employees whose responsibilities are not statutorily required. We are hearing that not only has the entire CRCL Office been placed on administrative leave with the intention of eliminating the office, but the same has happened at the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.”
“This is unacceptable and contrary to the law and Congressional intent.”
“The CRCL Officer and office, OIDO, and CIS Ombudsman carry out critical and statutorily required missions—cutting these offices is inappropriate and, more importantly, will harm the mission of the Department and all Americans.”
“Earlier this month, we sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, emphasizing that Congress created the CRCL Office to integrate civil rights into DHS’s work and mandated that it be adequately resourced. The CIS Ombudsman and OIDO also provides vital oversight of the immigration system. Eliminating these offices undermines DHS’s mission and violates its legal obligations.”
“The Department has provided no explanation as to why it plans to terminate staff who help balance national security interests with individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the rule of law.”
“We call on the Department to reverse these cuts immediately.”
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
By U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) | March 31, 2024 | Liberty University
On Friday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered the Convocation Address to students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Listen to Senator Hawley’s full remarks here.
Speech excerpts as delivered:
“Is not our nation in so many ways spiritually oppressed? Are we not suffering the spiritual oppression of the forces of secularism in our society? For decades now, the forces of secularism–the false gods, if you will, of secularism–have said that Christians should be silent in the public square. That Christians should have no place in law or in business or in academia or in government. The forces of secularism would cut us off from our spiritual history, from our spiritual foundations, from what makes us who we are as a nation. Every civilization is founded on a set of religious convictions, and the United States of America I firmly believe is the greatest nation in the world because our religious convictions are the convictions of the Bible.
[…]
“But the forces of secularism seek to cut us off from that truth. It seeks to destroy it and in so doing, to oppress our nation. Are we not oppressed by the forces of materialism? The false gods of wealth and self?
[…]
“This is maybe the most prevalent idol of our popular culture. The idol that says, live for yourself. Put yourself first. Self-care, self-gratification. Organize your life around you.
[…]
“And young men can I just say a word to you? Would you mind? Can I just say to you that there is a particular version of this idol that is directed specifically to you. It’s the version of this idol that says true manhood consists of doing whatever you want, whenever you want, to whomever you want, no matter the cost. I know you’ve heard it. It’s louder and louder and louder in our culture. And can I just say to you today, that is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is not manhood after the pattern of Jesus.
[…]
“The truth is, Jesus Christ was the strongest man who ever lived and he led a life of sacrifice. This is a false idol, and you know it is because there’s no cost to it. True manhood has cost. It costs you something. It’s the denial of self. It is a war on sin. It is sacrifice for other people. That’s what it means to be a man after Jesus Christ. Tear down the idol of self in your life and look instead to the example of Jesus Christ.
[…]
“When God comes to us He does not come to us and say, ‘Let me see your resume.’ When God comes to us He does not come and say, ‘What can you do for me?’ When God comes to us to call us, He says, ‘I declare this is who you are in Jesus Christ.’ God’s word to Gideon in Gideon’s’ life is not a rehearsal of Gideon’s accomplishments. It is a promise of God’s work in his life. He says, ‘I will make you a mighty man of valor.’ Receive that word from the Lord for you. He says the same words over you: ‘Oh mighty man of valor. Oh mighty woman of valor.’ Let Him speak those words over you and receive them today. Catch God’s vision for your life. He has a vision to use you in powerful ways. He has a vision to use you for powerful purpose for the Kingdom of God. And it doesn’t depend on what you’ve done, on where you’ve been, on what choices you’ve made or what your past is. It depends on who God is.”
Watch Senator Hawley’s convocation address here.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, March 31 — The People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, on Monday said that it conducted outright reverse repos worth 800 billion yuan (about 111.45 billion U.S. dollars) in March to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system.
In March, the central bank conducted three-month reverse repos totaling 500 billion yuan and six-month reverse repos totaling 300 billion yuan, it said in a statement.
Outright reverse repos — a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the banking system — are carried out once each month with a tenor of no more than one year.
The new tool has enriched the country’s monetary policy toolkit following the introduction of temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds.
Illicit tobacco operations are not run by genuine farmers but by organised crime syndicates. These activities divert vital funds from the community and place them into the hands of criminals, who use the profits to fund other serious crimes.
By staying informed and vigilant, everyone can play their part in keeping the community safe and ensuring a level playing field for legitimate businesses.
With the tobacco growing season well underway, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is urging the community to be aware of signs that illicit tobacco is being grown, and report it to us.
Height: A tobacco plant typically stands tall at around 2.5 metres.
Leaves and resemblance: Look for large, green leaves that might remind you of kale, cabbage, or even corn.
Flowers: Tobacco plants feature long, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pinkish-white.
Next time you see a plant that fits this description, you might just be looking at a tobacco plant.
How to spot illicit tobacco activity
Ever wondered if there’s a secret tobacco operation happening right under your nose? Here are some telltale signs that might suggest the presence of illicit tobacco activity in your community:
Construction activities along creeks and rivers on private and public land.
Unexplained and potentially unlawful use of water resources.
Vans without markings constantly being loaded with cardboard boxes, potentially at odd hours of the day and night.
Excessive security measures such as cameras, locks or guards, in seemingly ordinary farms or shops.
The sound of machinery running overnight.
How to report it
If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown or manufactured in your community, report it to the ATO online at www.ato.gov.au/tipoff, or phone 1800 060 062. Community tip-offs are one of our best sources of information.
A recent raid at a property in rural Victoria, prompted by a community tip-off, led to the seizure and destruction of over 16 tonnes of illicit tobacco. The amount seized is equivalent to the size of a young blue whale and has an estimated excise value of nearly $35 million. This operation, which targeted an organised crime syndicate, highlights the crucial role that community members play in combating illegal tobacco activities.
The ATO urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to illicit tobacco production to the authorities. By working together, we can help protect our communities from the harmful impacts of illegal tobacco operations.
Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments
01 04 2025 – Media release
Boss Cat cast (L-R): Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage. Bus Stop Films has announced that its first feature film, Boss Cat, will begin filming in Australia’s Blue Mountains region in June. Written and directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, with major production investment from Screen Australia, Boss Cat will star Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage. Olivia is a proud member of the Down Syndrome community, who earlier featured in the short film Sunshine, which Genevieve wrote. Julia made her feature film debut in Blaze, with television credits including The Clearing and Class of 07. Boss Cat will be award-winning stage and screen actress Penny Downie’s first Australian project for many years. With credits including The Diplomat, The Crown and Downton Abbey, Penny said, “I am thrilled to be returning home to Australia to be part of this beautiful film. Genevieve’s script captured me instantly, and I can’t wait to be part of bringing this story to life.” Boss Cat is the story of 23-year-old Sonja, a woman with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) who, after her mother dies, campaigns against the plans of her estranged grandmother to sell the family home and send her away. In order to galvanize the support she needs, Sonja must first channel an explosive temper into something more positive…Krump dance. Writer and director Genevieve Clay Smith is a trailblazing filmmaker, renowned for her visionary directorial works which champion diversity and inclusion, including The Interviewer (Winner Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia 2013), Groundhog Night (Sydney Film Festival 2020) and I Am Emmanuel (Palm Springs Int. 2014). Genevieve’s work as the Series Writer and Director of the 26 x 11-episode series Fizzy and Suds (2024), has garnered global attention with three nominations at the 2024 Prix Jeunesse one of those being the UNESCO Prize, intended to honour a children’s or youth programme that convincingly promotes a better understanding of people, of different cultures and experiences. Genevieve pioneered the inclusive filmmaking movement in Australia in 2008 when she co-founded Bus Stop Films, alongside Producer Eleanor Winkler, with the duo winning Tropfest with the short film Be My Brother. Bus Stop Films is a female, disability led, not-for-profit social enterprise that uses filmmaking and the film industry to raise the profile of people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups, on both sides of the camera, through education, content creation, advocacy and employment. Through its Accessible Filmmaking Program, Bus Stop Films has, over the past 16 years, produced over 110 short films and supported thousands of workplace opportunities for people with disability through their Bus Stop Employment service. Boss Cat will be produced by Deanne Weir, Eleanor Winkler and Bus Stop’s COO/Head of Screen Dianna La Grassa, with executive producers Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, Nathan Basha, and Mandela Mathia and co-producer Michele Turnure-Salleo of Feracious Entertainment. As a Bus Stop Film’s production, Boss Cat will offer an end-to-end inclusive production pathway, creating distinctive on-screen and production roles for multiple young adults with disabilities. A tailored workplace program will be developed to enhance disability employment on the film, considering a candidate’s areas of interest, current skills, previous on-set experience and access requirements. Participants will then be placed in corresponding departments to work and learn, being mentored by the professional crew members. Additionally, Bus Stop Films will support the professional cast and crew to feel confident in managing, working alongside and creatively collaborating with participants through the delivery of their Inclusion in Action workshop. The program is part of Bus Stop’s Inclusive Crewing Project, which is funded through a Building Employer Confidence grant from the Australian Government. Genevieve Clay Smith said, “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has championed Boss Cat and helped bring this story to life. It’s a joy to collaborate with an extraordinary team of powerful, diverse women to elevate Bus Stop Films’ inclusive filmmaking to a feature film scale. I hope this film stirs hearts, shifts perspectives, and reshapes what people believe is possible for individuals with disability.” Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Boss Cat is an entertaining, essential story and we’re proud to support this groundbreaking project marking Genevieve’s debut feature. The team’s commitment to inclusive filmmaking – both on and off screen – blends seamlessly with an ultimately joyous, engaging narrative. With collaboration at every turn, the authenticity of this film will resonate deeply, celebrating community, amplifying vital voices, and leaving a lasting impact.” Producer Deanne Weir said, “Having followed Genevieve’s career and the amazing work of Bus Stop Films, first under Gen’s leadership and now under the guiding hand of the unstoppable Tracey Corbin-Matchett, I am thrilled to be working with this incredible team to bring Boss Cat to life, and to be a major investor through WeirAnderson Films. This is a film that will delight and entertain audiences across the globe and bring people to the cinema to share a moving ‘feel-good’ experience that we all need right now”. Bus Stop Films’ CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett said, “In our 16th year, Boss Cat celebrates our unwavering commitment to authenticity on both sides of the camera. I’m proud to see Bus Stop’s global leadership in inclusive filmmaking recognised with the strong support for the project and for the intersectional team bringing this beautiful film to life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our many philanthropic partners who have made it possible for us to do the work we do.” Minister for Social Services and the NDIS Amanda Rishworth said, “Inclusive and supportive industry organisations like Bus Stop Films are a gamechanger for people with disability. Not only do they provide amazing employment opportunities but they’re an avenue for people with disability to pursue their passions and express their creativity. I am committed to breaking down barriers so that people with disability can pursue their goals and build careers in the industry of their choice.” Production credit: Boss Cat is a Bus Stop Films production. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films. Madman Entertainment is distributing in Australia and New Zealand. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia and Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films. The production has received philanthropic support and investment from key partners including the Summer Foundation, Sherry-Hogan Trust, The Snow Foundation, Nelson Meers Foundation and Mary-Ann Lopez. Boss Cat Media enquiries Tracey Mair, TM Publicity For Bus Stop Films Ph: 0419 221 493 I E: [email protected] Media enquiries Maddie Walsh | Publicist + 61 2 8113 5915 | [email protected] Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu) + 61 428 767 836 | [email protected] All other general/non-media enquiries Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]
A wanted man with more than 20 warrants for his arrest has been taken into custody following a fleeing driver incident across Auckland this morning.
Just before 8am, Auckland Airport Police spotted a vehicle of interest and approached it to speak with the occupants.
Acting Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Tim Williams, says the vehicle then fled at high speed.
“Officers have elected not to pursue the vehicle and a short time later Eagle has observed it travelling at speed on State Highway 20.
“The driver has continued on through Auckland and into the North Shore, where it exited and briefly went into a nearly underground carpark where it’s believed passengers were dropped off.”
Acting Inspector Williams says the vehicle continued driving dangerously, overtaking traffic, running red lights and driving on the footpath.
“At about 8.50am the vehicle was successfully spiked on Wairau Road, Totara Vale however, it has continued on driving in a dangerous manner and collided with another member of the public’s vehicle.
“It’s incredibly lucky no one was injured and the damage was minor.
“The tyres have then disintegrated and armed units, including Delta, have taken the man into custody.
“ Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk like it was this morning during peak hour traffic, it’s completely unacceptable.
“Great teamwork and a coordinated approach led to this man being apprehended and held to account for his behaviour.”
A 38-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow facing a number of charges including aggravated failing to stop, dangerous driving, assault with a blunt instrument and possession of methamphetamine.
The final stage of reforms to the Public Works Act will introduce bigger and broader land payments, improved landowner engagement and new measures to support disaster recovery, Land Information Minister Chris Penk has announced. “The Government has been working through an overhaul of the Public Works Act (PWA) to bring it into the 21st century after an independent review found it lacked clarity and commonsense. Today, I am proud to confirm that review is complete” Mr Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, boost productivity and make New Zealand a better place to live we must fix our pipes, increase the capacity of our schools and hospitals, and build more homes, roads and renewable energy sources. “I want to thank the panel members for their expert advice in making the Act more efficient, effective, and transparent. This will help end decades of difficulties which have seen central and local governments struggle to secure land for development. “Already announced changes include a dedicated carve-out in the law to provide incentive payments and a streamlined objections process for critical infrastructure. Now, this final set of reforms will modernise the wider system – protecting landowners’ rights while ensuring the Crown and local authorities can deliver for New Zealanders.”
The final tranche will:
Introduce incentive payments: To encourage early agreements on land acquisition, landowners who voluntarily sell their property before a Notice of Intention is issued will now be eligible for an incentive payment of 10 percent of the land value, up to a maximum of $100,000.
Update home-loss and land-loss payments: To recognise the disruption caused by acquisition, additional payments will be made alongside the land value and any incentive payments:
o The home-loss base payment will increase from $35,000 to $50,000. o The land-loss payment amount will increase from $250-$25,000 to $350-$35,000. o Home-loss payments will now extend to multiple homes on a property, such as farms held in trust with multiple owners residing on the land.
Land Acquisition Process Reforms: The process for acquiring land will be streamlined by replacing the initial statutory notice with a more structured engagement process. Before issuing a Notice of Intention for compulsory acquisition:
o Landowners must receive comprehensive information on the acquisition, their rights, entitlements, and an invitation to sell. o The Minister or local authority must negotiate with landowners in good faith for at least three months (or six months for Māori freehold land).
Emergency Provisions: New measures will allow land acquisition following a declared state of emergency to support infrastructure restoration and community recovery, when activated by Order in Council.
“Cyclone Gabrielle showed in the starkest light the immense challenges communities face after a natural disaster. When roads, railway lines, water and power stations are wiped out and homes left uninhabitable, we must act swiftly and decisively. This new emergency provision empowers us to reconnect those in need,” Mr Penk says.
The Public Works Act Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament in mid-2025, with the public invited to provide feedback through the select committee process.
Note to editors:
Information on previously announced Public Works Act changes can be found on the Beehive website:
QUEBEC CITY, Canada, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-powered low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, for ADAS, AD and parking applications, announces its participation at Auto Shanghai 2025, taking place from April 23 to May 2, 2025.
LeddarTech will be exhibiting at Booth # 1BG040 in Hall 1.2, where its team will engage with customers and industry partners to discuss its latest advancements in sensor fusion and perception technology. Attendees will also have the chance to take a live demonstration ride in the LeddarNavigator, LeddarTech’s demo vehicle equipped with LeddarVision. This AI-driven low-level sensor fusion software enhances object detection, improves situational awareness and optimizes driving automation. The demo ride offers a firsthand experience of how LeddarVision enhances ADAS performance and vehicle safety in real-world scenarios.
At Auto Shanghai 2025, LeddarTech will showcase its latest low-level sensor fusion innovations, powered by the Texas Instruments (TI) TDA4 processor platform. LeddarTech and TI’s collaboration optimizes performance and cost, addressing key challenges in the Chinese automotive market, such as the development of “see-through” perception solutions and efficient 5V5R sensor configurations for highway “Navigate on Autopilot” (NoA) applications.
“China is one of the fastest-growing markets for ADAS and AD technology, and we are excited to showcase how LeddarTech’s scalable and cost-efficient perception solutions help OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers achieve enhanced safety and driving intelligence,” said Clive Szeto, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, Asia at LeddarTech. “Our collaboration with Texas Instruments and our industry-leading low-level sensor fusion technology make LeddarTech a key enabler of next-generation ADAS solutions in China and beyond.”
Join us at Auto Shanghai 2025 to experience the future of ADAS technology firsthand. Visit LeddarTech at Booth #1BG040, schedule a meeting with our team or learn more onLeddarTech’s website.
About LeddarTech
A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.
LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.
Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) our ability to continue to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards following our transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market; (ii) our ability to timely access sufficient capital and financing on favorable terms or at all; (iii) our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, including our ability to enter into any forbearance agreements, waivers or amendments with, or obtain other relief from, our lenders as needed; (iv) our ability to execute on our business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; (v) our ability to successfully commercialize our product offering at scale, whether through the collaboration agreement with Texas Instruments, a collaboration with a Tier 2 supplier or otherwise; (vi) changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs and plans; (vii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (viii) our ability to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse changes to relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (x) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xi) the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact: Maram Fityani, Media and Public Relations, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 623, maram.fityani@leddartech.com
Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.
LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”
Headline: International Women’s Day 2025 honorees recognized for impact
Every 8th of March, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated. This celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the strides we have made toward gender equality and the work still ahead. This year, under the theme #AccelerateAction, we celebrate the women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and fostering inclusivity.
At Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) and the Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) Community, we believe in the power of recognition and representation. In honor of International Women’s Day 2025, we are recognizing exceptional people who have made a tangible impact—whether by mentoring others, leading initiatives, advocating for diversity, or building innovative solutions that empower underrepresented groups as well as male allies who support women in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) community, Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), and Program and Operations management team.
Why This Matters: Women remain underrepresented in the tech industry, comprising 25% of tech jobs worldwide. Increasing representation not only fosters innovation but also ensures diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Recognizing the contributions of women in STEM helps to inspire the next generation of leaders and create a more inclusive digital future.
The Role of Male Allies: Male allies play a crucial role in driving equity and inclusion in the tech industry. Their active support—through mentorship, sponsorship, advocacy, and policy changes—helps break down barriers for women.
Honorees were nominated by Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors in recognition of their outstanding contributions and impact. Members of the Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) leadership team reviewed each nomination, evaluating nominees based on key criteria, including impact, advocacy, and leadership.
Each honoree has made a remarkable difference, and we are honored to share their stories, amplify their voices, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Let’s meet the honorees!
Sayanti Chowdhury YouTube | Medium | GitHub | MLSA Profile
Sayanti Chowdhury is a rising force in the tech community, making waves through her contributions to security research, AI, and cloud computing.
Impact: As a Microsoft Security Researcher (MSRC), she has actively enhanced Microsoft’s security standards. She is also a dedicated tech blogger and content creator, sharing her expertise on AI, cloud, and development topics through medium articles and YouTube videos. As a passionate advocate for women in tech, she built a Facebook community dedicated to supporting women in STEM and has helped over 15 students, especially women, secure free Microsoft certification vouchers to advance their careers. Having earned multiple Microsoft certifications and led impactful tech projects, Sayanti is a true role model in the MLSA community.
Philippa Burgess LinkedIn | MLSA Profile
Philippa Burgess is a Gold MLSA Ambassador known for her dedication to mentoring and empowering women in tech.
Impact: Philippa has created multiple workshops and community projects that help students, especially women, grow in the MLSA program. Through her efforts, several community members have reached the gold MLSA milestone. She has also contributed significantly to Cybersecurity and AI, publishing insightful articles and leading collaborative projects each quarter. Her leadership was instrumental in her team’s victory in the MLSA AI Projects, where she provided guidance on AI concepts. Philippa continues to uplift women in tech by ensuring they are well-represented in all her projects and by serving as an inspiration to other women in tech.
Abeer Moazzam LinkedIn | MLSA Profile
Abeer Moazzam is an influential leader in the tech community, making a lasting impact through her roles as a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA), National Coordinator for Hult Prize UAE, and Campus Director at her university.
Impact: Over the past three years, Abeer has led numerous workshops and mentorship programs, empowering students worldwide. She is a passionate advocate for women in tech, having mentored and supported many aspiring women in tech. Through her leadership, she actively creates opportunities and ensures inclusivity in tech spaces. Her initiatives have significantly contributed to gender diversity and provided hands-on learning experiences to countless students.
Kritika Subedi MLSA Profile | LinkedIn
Kritika Subedi is a passionate Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador who has made significant contributions to tech education and community building.
Impact: Kritika has conducted multiple sessions on Microsoft Azure, AI, and cloud computing, helping students gain practical skills. She has also organized Hour of Code (HOC) sessions for girls in schools, introducing young female students to programming and inspiring them to pursue careers in technology. As the first MLSA from her all-girls campus, she has actively worked to close the gender gap in tech.
Hamna Khalil LinkedIn | MLSA Profile
Hamna Khalil is an influential MLSA in Pakistan, recognized for her contributions to tech education and community-building. She is regarded as one of the most active female MLSAs in Pakistan
Impact: Hamna’s articles have twice been recognized as the most-read articles of their respective months. She has spoken twice on the Microsoft Reactor YouTube channel. She founded TECHTALK, a community dedicated to empowering female students in her university by fostering their personal and professional growth. Through TECHTALK, she has mentored women and led initiatives that encourage more women to pursue careers in technology.
Diana Michelle is a passionate advocate for women in STEM, working to bridge the gender gap in tech.
Impact: She has organized hackathons, workshops, and conferences, creating inclusive learning spaces. Through her TikTok and LinkedIn communities, she shares insights on AI, cybersecurity, and programming, inspiring more women to enter these fields. Diana has also contributed to research and mentoring projects, providing certification support and career guidance. Her efforts continue to shape a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
Rachel Irabor LinkedIn | Twitter | MVP Profile
Rachel Irabor is a Microsoft MVP, Developer Relations (DevRel), and Global Public Speaker, renowned for her contributions to the Microsoft 365 and Power Platform communities.
Impact: Rachel has actively engaged with the tech community through various channels, including her YouTube channel, which has garnered over 50,000 views. Through her podcast, “Girl in Love with Tech,” Rachel mentors aspiring students, particularly women, fostering diversity and inclusion in the field. Rachel’s unwavering commitment to technology evangelism and community development continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide.
Sarah Williams LinkedIn
Sarah Williams serves as the Lead Operations Manager for the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) program, exemplifying leadership, grace, and respect.
Impact: She approaches challenges with a calm, strategic mindset, ensuring swift and effective resolutions. Her clear and thoughtful communication fosters trust and confidence among colleagues, making her an invaluable asset to the team. Beyond her technical expertise, Sarah’s supportive leadership style inspires those around her to perform at their best. She sets a high standard for excellence and remains a steady, guiding presence in the face of any challenge.
As a manager, Sarah excels at fostering a healthy work-life balance for all team members, with a particular focus on supporting women. She understands the unique challenges that working women face and actively promotes an environment where personal well-being and professional success go hand in hand. Sarah leads by example as a working mother, demonstrating that it is possible to thrive in a demanding career while also prioritizing family.
Eury Rivera Vasquez LinkedIn
Eury Rivera Vasquez is an accomplished Operations Manager overseeing multiple initiatives, including AI projects and Gold student support in the MLSA program. Her ability to provide clear, efficient guidance ensures smooth daily operations and strengthens the overall experience for ambassadors.
Eury plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity within MLSA, particularly for women in tech. She has supported hundreds of Gold Ambassadors worldwide, ensuring they receive the advocacy and mentorship needed for success. Through AI-focused projects, she actively promotes equitable opportunities for women, inspiring the next generation of women. Her leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make her a trusted and valued member of the MLSA team.
The Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) Leads—Olivia Oputa, Dija Vijay, Valentina Lazaro, and Eleanora Matalanga—have driven impactful initiatives at MLSA. For International Women’s Day 2024, the team hosted two global events in English and Spanish, engaging 60+ women and featuring Microsoft MVPs and MLSA CPMs. The OpenTechInclusion program fostered open-source contributions, awarding top participants for their efforts. Through the Azure AI Boot Camp, the leads provided hands-on training and distributed certification vouchers, empowering students with AI skills. Their efforts continue to promote diversity and inclusion in tech, ensuring women access resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities in tech
Zaynul Abedin Miah serves as an example of true allyship in tech, actively dismantling barriers that limit women’s participation. As a Microsoft Learn Gold Student Ambassador and leader in Azure Tech Group Bangladesh and Fabric User Community Bangladesh, he has transformed opportunities for women in tech through bold, inclusive actions.
Impact: Zaynul assisted at least 15 women to earn their first certifications, by prioritizing women while distributing Azure certification vouchers. His commitment extends to event planning—reserving 50% of study group seats for women and ensuring workshops accommodate cultural constraints by scheduling them during daylight hours. His leadership at Kubernetes Community Day Chattogram led to an unprecedented 62.5% female speaker representation, and he personally mentored first-time female speakers. Zaynul doesn’t just advocate for inclusion—he takes deliberate, culture-sensitive actions that create real change.
The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) program is a global initiative that empowers students to develop technical and leadership skills while engaging with local and global tech communities.
The Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) Community at MLSA is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, mentorship, and support for underrepresented groups in tech. Through events, mentorship, and advocacy, WGMIT creates opportunities for growth and leadership in the industry.
The Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVP) program recognizes technology experts who actively share their knowledge and contribute to the broader tech community.
How to Get Involved
Celebrate and Connect: Follow and engage with the honorees on their social platforms. Share their stories and amplify their work.
Join the Movement: Become an advocate for inclusivity in tech by mentoring, sponsoring, or creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Be Part of MLSA and WGMIT: Participate in our programs, mentorship initiatives, and tech communities to foster growth and empowerment.
This International Women’s Day 2025 let’s commit to #AccelerateAction—not just today, but every day. Let’s celebrate and uplift those making a difference in the tech industry.
We are grateful to our community for nominating and recognizing these outstanding individuals. Keep the conversation going by sharing your own stories using #MLSAIWD2025 and let’s continue to build an inclusive tech ecosystem together.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC — As grocery prices rise and more families struggle to afford basic staples, the Trump Administration is dramatically reducing aid for local food banks across the country that are already strained by rising demand.
Through cuts, contract cancellations, and funding freezes, the Trump Administration is providing up to $1.5 billion less for hunger relief and nutrition assistance through programs like the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This will result in less produce, meat, dairy, and other staples in the coming weeks and months for food banks nationwide to distribute to Americans in need.
TEFAP is a core USDA nutrition program that buys food from American farmers to provide food assistance to those in need. In Rhode Island, TEFAP is administered by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank orders food from USDA and distributes it out to its 143 member agencies across the state. This network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations plays a key role in connecting the food provided by the USDA directly to Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity. TEFAP helps Rhode Islanders access balanced and nutritious meals, supporting their well-being and helping to build stronger, healthier communities across the state.
Because of Trump’s reduction in federal food assistance, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is looking to replace about 500,000 pounds of food worth $1.74 million in TEFAP food deliveries set for the rest of the year that have reportedly been canceled.
Earlier this week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined with 24 Senate colleagues in pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reinstate these shipments of food to Rhode Island food banks.
“A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy,” the 26 U.S. Senators wrote in a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“If true, this major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon millions of people who depend upon this program for critical food assistance,” the Senators continued. “In addition, this program consists of purchases of U.S. commodities at a time when America’s growers and producers are struggling due to tariffs, proposed tariffs, animal disease and many other challenges.”
The Senators asked Secretary Rollins for answers to a half-dozen key questions on topics ranging from the reasoning behind the reported cancellation, to plans for food purchases, and the impact the changes will have on dairy farmers and poultry producers.
In addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
Reed and Whitehouse also noted that in Rhode Island, the cancellation of food assistance not only takes food away from hungry people, but it also hurts local farmers who are being squeezed by Trump’s tariffs and deep cuts to domestic markets. Further, they contend that USDA’s lack of clear communication has made it harder for food banks to plan, budget, and feed the growing numbers of people who are turning to them as unemployment and inflation rises.
Full text of the letter follows:
Dear Secretary Rollins:
We write regarding the reported cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in previously approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy. If true, this major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon millions of people who depend upon this program for critical food assistance.
In addition, this program consists of purchases of U.S. commodities at a time when America’s growers and producers are struggling due to tariffs, proposed tariffs, animal disease and many other challenges.
According to recent statistics, nearly one in every seven Americans have faced food insecurity. Many of these households turn to community and emergency relief organizations such as food banks and food pantries to help them obtain sufficient nutrition. In 2023 alone, 50 million Americans turned to emergency food providers, according to a report from Feeding America, America’s largest network of food banks. While food banks rely on a variety of sources (including private) to obtain food for distribution through their networks, federally purchased commodities are a key part of how they provide nutritious meals to Americans.
Due to this reported change, a number of us have heard that trucks delivering American-grown foods may not arrive. These trucks represent hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals containing poultry, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. If confirmed, the cancellation of this previously announced funding also comes on top of the cancellation of Local Food for School Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program funding, which also helps farmers deliver nutritious foods to schools and food banks. These cuts will deprive Americans of food assistance, emergency food providers of necessary support to carry out their work, and American farmers of vital domestic markets.
To help us understand USDA’s actions and their impact on communities around the country, we ask that you answer the following questions.
1. Has USDA cancelled previously approved purchases of food provided through TEFAP? If so, what level of funding has been cancelled thus far and when will state agencies be notified of any cancelled TEFAP purchases?
2. Does USDA plan to cancel additional purchases of food provided through TEFAP?
3. Has USDA paused any TEFAP food orders or purchases? If so, what is the current status of those orders or purchases? Does USDA intend to un-pause these funds?
4. Please provide information on what types of funding, by commodity, have been cancelled and the financial impact of those cancellations on producers such as pork, chicken, turkey and dairy farmers.
5. Is the funding announced on October 1, 2024 and detailed in the implementation memo that the Food and Nutrition Service sent to state agencies on December 2 rescinded?
6. Does USDA intend to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds in Fiscal Year 2025 for future purchases that will be distributed through TEFAP?
We ask for a prompt response to these questions by the end of the week.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to restore and release $31.2 million in promised federal public health funding for Rhode Island that was terminated earlier this week by the Trump Administration, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding that the bipartisan approved funding be delivered to the state as intended by the law.
The Trump Administration is seeking to claw back $11.4 billion in public health funding for state and local health departments across the nation. In Rhode Island, the Trump Administration cancelled four Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants totaling $31.2 million that support the state’s post-pandemic initiatives.
Despite the CDC’s claim that these funds were being pulled back because the pandemic ended, the federal grants are designed to help states better respond to future public health emergencies.
“Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) terminated this funding, leaving the State of Rhode Island without $31.2 million in promised federal funding, which will cripple its efforts to head off future disease outbreaks,” the delegation wrote. “This funding was critical to saving lives and keeping the health care system afloat in unprecedented circumstances,” the delegation continued. “Funding was also provided to address the many systemic weaknesses in our public health infrastructure, strengthening our capacity to respond to future disease outbreaks, protect vulnerable populations, and improve communications with the public. Regrettably, CDC’s decision to terminate these funds will undermine these efforts, and Rhode Island’s public health system will be degraded.”
Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation also called attention to the significant impacts that not restoring this critical federal funding will have on the Ocean State’s public health, public safety, and the economy, specifically around the Rhode Island Department Health’s new $82 million state-of-the-art public health laboratory.
“The new Rhode Island State Health Laboratory will be a crucial piece of the puzzle in investigating and mitigating life-threatening diseases. It will also provide important services for State and municipal agencies to ensure the safety of drinking water and food products; monitor pollution of air and water; and aid public safety and criminal investigations through police officer training, DNA testing, and illegal drug identification,” the delegation noted. “While work on the building will continue, its ability to provide the scope of services Rhode Island needs will be limited because the CDC is cutting over $15 million in funding that will help staff the facility and equip it with the latest testing capabilities.”
Full text of the letter follows:
March 28, 2025
Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
Dear Secretary Kennedy:
We write to urge you to reinstate funding awarded to help Rhode Island and other states to rebuild and strengthen their public health preparedness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) terminated this funding, leaving the State of Rhode Island without $31.2 million in promised federal funding, which will cripple its efforts to head off future disease outbreaks.
On a bipartisan basis, Congress provided significant funding over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to help states and health care organizations provide testing, treatment, and vaccines – among other efforts. This funding was critical to saving lives and keeping the health care system afloat in unprecedented circumstances. Funding was also provided to address the many systemic weaknesses in our public health infrastructure, strengthening our capacity to respond to future disease outbreaks, protect vulnerable populations, and improve communications with the public. Regrettably, CDC’s decision to terminate these funds will undermine these efforts, and Rhode Island’s public health system will be degraded.
Last year, the Rhode Island Department of Health, working with community and industry partners, broke ground on a new $82 million state-of-the-art public health laboratory to replace its existing dilapidated laboratory facility. The new Rhode Island State Health Laboratory will be a crucial piece of the puzzle in investigating and mitigating life-threatening diseases. It will also provide important services for State and municipal agencies to ensure the safety of drinking water and food products; monitor pollution of air and water; and aid public safety and criminal investigations through police officer training, DNA testing, and illegal drug identification. While work on the building will continue, its ability to provide the scope of services Rhode Island needs will be limited because the CDC is cutting over $15 million in funding that will help staff the facility and equip it with the latest testing capabilities.
The CDC cuts announced this week would also cancel $13 million in funding for Rhode Island to improve the state’s vaccine infrastructure through campaigns to promote vaccine uptake, partnerships with community organizations to encourage vaccination, and ensuring safe vaccine storage. The recent measles outbreak, including one case in Rhode Island, demonstrates the need for continued vigilance in this area. Similarly, funding for programs addressing health disparities and expanding access to community health workers has been cut. Each of these efforts is an important tool in improving our public health infrastructure and better preparing us for the next public health emergency. It would be pennywise and pound-foolish to claw back the federal investment in this work.
Again, we urge you to reverse course immediately and to restore this critical funding. Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to your prompt response.
Work is currently underway on the restoration of the Willis Organ’s trellis, thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The trellis of the Willis Organ at St George’s Hall is an exquisite decorative feature that enhances the grandeur of this historic instrument. Designed as an intricate lattice of ornamental fretwork, it serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, complementing the organ’s majestic presence while also protecting its delicate internal components.
Originally crafted in 1855 as part of Henry Willis’s masterful design, the trellis exemplifies the Victorian era’s dedication to artistry and precision. Its elegant patterns reflect the craftsmanship that defined 19th-century organ building, seamlessly blending with the grandeur of St George’s Hall’s neoclassical architecture. Over time, natural wear and environmental factors have taken their toll, making restoration essential to preserve its beauty and historical integrity.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Restoration
The repair of the Willis Organ’s trellis is a delicate and intricate process, entrusted to skilled artisan restorer Julien Taylor. Julien brings a unique combination of blacksmith training, fine art expertise, and traditional craftsmanship to the project. Describing his approach, he shares:
“Restoration work is always a rewarding challenge. In this case, the plaster panel is still attached to the organ. The process involves selecting the best part of the fretwork to copy, moulding the area with silicone casting rubber, and ensuring that the new elements seamlessly integrate with the original design. Given that the organ is a vibrating mechanism, it’s fascinating to see the history of previous repairs and to contribute to its ongoing preservation.”
The Willis Organ has been the heartbeat of St George’s Hall for generations, its sound resonating through time to captivate audiences old and new. Thanks to this funding and the dedication of skilled artisans, its beauty and power will endure for years to come. We look forward to celebrating its restored glory with the people of Liverpool, who have cherished this magnificent instrument for over a century.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Public Health said:
“The restoration of the Willis Organ’s trellis is a key step in safeguarding one of Liverpool’s most treasured musical jewels. This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving Liverpool’s heritage while ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the grandeur of St George’s Hall in all its glory. It’s inspiring to see such skilled craftsmanship at work, and I look forward to witnessing the organ restored to its full splendour.”
Alan Smith, Head of Heritage Preservation and Development said:
“St George’s Hall continues to be the cultural heritage beacon of Liverpool, providing a reassuring presence for the city and instilling confidence and pride in our magnificent history. Maintaining the hall and its treasures is essential. The recent replacement of the Tuba Mirabilis was a major milestone in restoring the Willis Organ’s voice, and this latest work on the trellis further enhances its splendour. Our history is a living, breathing thing, and through these careful restorations, we ensure that our heritage continues to enrich our lives.”
Professor Dr Ian Tracey, DL, Organist to the City of Liverpool said:
“King Charles has described St George’s Hall as one of the greatest architectural treasures of the world, and its world-renowned pipe organ is a similar treasure. It has been my privilege to preside over it as City Organist for the past 38 years, and we surely owe it to our forefathers to keep it in as pristine condition as funds will allow.
It is my dearest hope that, as more funding becomes available, we will be able to further restore the organ. There is much still to be done to the instrument, but restoration of the trellis would be a significant piece of work, and, with its completion, once again, the great occasions would benefit from its mighty voice.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”
Martin Luther King
To mark the reopening of Spellow Community Hub and Library, Writing on the Wall launched a creative writing programme, commissioned by Culture Liverpool, celebrating the rich culture and history of Walton. Local participant Angela Cheveau reveals how she moved from hopeless horror to healing.
As a child, Spellow Library was a place of secret magic in my life. Every Saturday, my mother would take us to choose books for the week ahead. As a very shy child, the library was a space of solace and enchantment for me, a place where I could shuffle off my shyness, let my imagination run wild. The library was a magic carpet sailing me through the sometimes-stormy waters of childhood. Every book was a portal into another world, a doorway into countless magical landscapes, an escape from the harsher realities of life as a working-class child in a socially deprived area. Books opened my mind to new ways of thinking and being, to new and endless possibilities. In books I was a shapeshifter, an explorer, an adventurer, a warrior. I could be anything I wanted to be. Words were my warpaint, stories my shield, my pen was my sword.
In August 2024, like many others around the city, I watched in hopeless horror as our local library burned. Our tv and phone screens were filled with images of destruction, shattered glass, flames licking through the roof, hooded youths hurling missiles. As a lifelong Walton resident, I was devastated to see such utter destruction, to see the streets of my home burning and filled with so much hate. It was no longer the place that I knew, it no longer felt like home. A darkness had descended upon the streets, and I was desperately concerned for my own, and my 75-year-old mother’s safety. We could hear the shouts, screaming sirens and smashing of shops from our house, and I was glued to a live stream of what was happening as my family live on County Road and were trapped inside their home, gangs of youths setting fire to wheelie bins outside the windows. It was a dark day for Walton. For the whole country.
It is hard to describe the sadness of seeing the library burn, of seeing my childhood space of solace, safety and freedom flaring into flames. I knew the impact that this would have on the local community who depend upon the library as a place of education and knowledge. I thought of the children who would no longer have access to books and the magic they hold. Libraries are a vital lifeline for people, fostering lifelong learning and cultural engagement, ongoing education and much needed assistance. In a digital age they promote friendship and the importance of community support. For some they are a hand to hold in the dark, combatting fear, loneliness, and social isolation. They are a space of unity and boundless hope.
Now, seven months later, it is important to heal and look to the future. It is important to learn from what happened and look for light in the dark. Despite the awful events and the horrors of the riots, what has emerged from the wreckage is something profoundly beautiful. Even amidst the darkest of times, there were glimmers of hope and light; for instance, Adam Kelwick, the Imam who embraced protesters outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, breaking bread with them, talking and listening, showing bravery, compassion and great consideration Or Alex McCormick, who raised thousands of pounds online to help rebuild and refurbish the library. Or the policemen who bravely battled to keep residents safe. Or the shops that opened their doors, handing out food and drink to those involved in the clean-up operation. These are the strength of Walton; these are the people who deserve the headlines, these are the people who represent beacons of light in the dark, who symbolise compassion, togetherness and unity.
When I heard about workshops celebrating Walton run by brilliant writing charity, Writing on the Wall, I was delighted to join. To be part of a project celebrating and highlighting the strength, resilience and community of my home is something I am proud to be a part of. I am proud to be from Liverpool, I am proud to be from Walton and I am incredibly proud of the area and how it has picked itself up and started again. Like a phoenix from the ashes, the library is once again a place of bustling activity and creativity, and Walton is looking forward towards a brighter future. Thanks to Writing on the Wall, local residents have been given the opportunity to come together, to tell their stories, share their fears, their hopes and dreams. To give themselves permission to be creative and express themselves through story, poetry and art. The project has been a joy to be part of and we have shared anger, tears and so much laughter.
As a group we are now looking forward to showing the work that we have created at a launch event, as well as showcasing our stories/ poems in an anthology. The thing I will take away with me from this project and which will stay with me, is that community is everything and that if people are unified towards the common good powerful things are possible. Transformation and change are possible. I will remember that there are always lights out there in the darkness, even if sometimes we can’t always see them. There is always, always hope.
