Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
500% increase in police costs for dealing with dangerous dogs expected by end of financial year
Almost one year on from the ban on XL Bully dogs in the UK, the latest figures show the huge burden this has placed on policing, with kennel spaces reaching capacity and costs increasing by the day.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough is National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for dangerous dogs, he said:
“Since the introduction of the ban on XL Bully dogs police services have had to quickly adapt, taking positive action to respond to thousands of calls from the public and doing everything we can to remove these dangerous dogs from our communities.
“Undoubtedly the ban and our response to it has driven down the number of dog attacks and we are pleased that the public continues to support us by reporting suspected XL Bully dogs in their local area.
“However, the demand has been and continues to be simply huge. We are facing a number of challenges in kennel capacity, resourcing and ever-mounting costs and as of today, we have not received any additional funding to account for this.
“Veterinary bills and the cost of kennelling across policing has risen from £4m in 2018 to currently standing at more than £11m and this is expected to rise to as much as £25m by the end of April 2025. That’s a predicted 500% increase.
“Before the XL Bully ban was introduced there were 120 Dog Liaison Officers across England and Wales, we then trained an additional 100 with a further 40 identified to be trained this coming year. This means that in some areas established dog handlers have been called away from other policing duties. We have had to purchase additional vehicles, equipment and find countless extra kennel spaces from the finite that are available within the industry.
“Policing will uphold the government’s decisions, and we’ll act robustly to do so, but the bigger picture is a focus on responsible dog ownership. People need to be aware of the types of dogs that they’re bringing into their homes and make the right decisions to choose a breed which suits their lifestyle, environment and experience.
“We are also asking for amendments to the existing legislation so we have alternative options to deal with the specific circumstances of a particular case. At the moment, the only option you have is to go to court when someone is in possession of an unregistered XL Bully but we feel there are some situations which could be swiftly dealt with through out of court disposals. For example, there’s potentially a big difference in someone who has unwittingly ended up owning a dog from a young age they weren’t aware was an XL Bully or those who on veterinary advice were unable to have their dog neutered by the deadline versus an individual who is intentionally breeding and selling these dogs.
“At the top end, unscrupulous criminal dealers and breeders need to feel the full weight of the law going to court but alternative methods of out of court disposals would support us in taking a proportionate response as required.
“We will always protect our communities by ensuring these dangerous dogs are dealt with but we urgently need the Government to support us in coping with the huge demand the ban has placed on our ever-stretched resources.”
Statistics
Police forces in England and Wales have seized and euthanised 848 dogs between February and September 2024 at an estimated cost of £340K. These were dogs which were surrendered to police by owners who had not complied with the ban, nor taken advantage of the compensation scheme.
Between February and September 2024, policing has seized over 4,586 suspected S1 dogs * throughout England and Wales. People have been going to court, and will continue to do so, facing criminal convictions, fines and imprisonment for being in possession of these illegal types of dog.
Since the start of the XL Bully ban police services have increased kennel capacity by a third.
It can cost up to £1,000 a month to keep dogs in kennels and with up to an 18-month lead in time so both kennel demand / expenditure moving forward will become even more acute. We are aware of court cases not being scheduled until mid-2026 for some dangerously out of control cases.
The police officer/staff overtime bill for forces between February 2024 and September 2024 was circa £560K.
*A section 1 dog is any of the specified banned breeds in the Dangerous Dogs Act.
For the first time, DNA evidence has confirmed killer whales in Australia hunted a white shark for its liver.
Based on DNA analysis from the bite wounds on the carcass of a large white shark washed ashore near Portland in Victoria in 2023, the Flinders University-led study identified that killer whales were responsible for consuming the mid-section containing the nutritionally rich liver.
Around the world, killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been observed preying on various shark species including white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) – as previously documented in California and South Africa.
The discovery of a 4.7 metre white shark missing its liver on a beach in southeastern Australia offered a rare opportunity to analyse distinctive bite wounds and unravel the predator’s identity.
“The liver, digestive and reproductive organs were missing, and there were four distinctive bite wounds, one of which was characteristic of liver extraction by killer whale, similar to what has been observed in South Africa,” says lead author Isabella Reeves, a PhD candidate with Flinders University’s Southern Shark Ecology Group and the West Australian Cetacean Research Centre (CETREC).
“Swabs were taken from bite wounds on the white shark and sequenced for remnant genetic material from the shark’s predator. We were able to confirm the presence of killer whale DNA in the primary bite area, while the other three wounds revealed DNA from scavenging broadnose sevengill sharks.
“These findings provide compelling evidence of killer whale predation on white sharks in Australian waters, with a strong indication of selective liver consumption. This suggests that such predation events may be more widespread and prevalent across the globe than previously believed.”
The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, used wildlife forensic techniques to confirm killer whales were responsible for excising and consuming the liver from the white shark. Civilian bystanders had witnessed several killer whales, including locally known individuals called ‘Bent Tip’ and ‘Ripple, catching a large prey in Bridgewater Bay two days before the white shark carcass washed ashore.
The beached large white shark carcass was collected by state government fisheries officers for investigation.
Killer whales in Australia have occasionally recorded preying on various shark species, including blue shark (Prionace glauca), porbeagle (Lamna nasus), shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), ground sharks (most likely school shark, Galeorhinus galeus), and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). But white shark liver consumption had yet to be observed in Australia – despite numerous reports of such behaviour in California and by notorious duo ‘Port’ and ‘Starboard’ in South Africa.
Several interactions between killer whales and white sharks have been reported in Australia, including at least one suspected kill at the Neptune Islands Group Marine Park in South Australia in February 2015. On that occasion, an oil slick indicative of a successful predation was observed following the interaction, although no carcass was recovered to confirm the kill.
Rhodes University (South Africa) marine biologist, Dr Alison Towner, an author in the study, says similar killer whale predation on white sharks have led to disruptions in local shark populations in both South Africa and California. “However direct observations of these interactions remain rare and their frequency is poorly understood,” she says.
Co-lead author, Flinders adjunct Associate Professor Adam Miller, says the study raises “really interesting questions around predator-prey interactions and the behaviour and intelligence of killer whales”.
“We don’t know how frequently these events occurred in Australian waters and therefore how significant these findings are. But, as Alison points out, these types of predation events in South Africa have further impacted on already declining white shark numbers,” says Associate Professor Miller, also a senior ecologist with Cesar Australia, where the genetic analyses were performed.
“Evidence suggests that the white sharks being displaced or directly killed as a result of the killer whale predation in South Australia has led to cascading shifts in the wider marine ecosystem.
“We know that white sharks are key regulators of ecosystem structure and functions, so it’s very important we preserve these top predators. Therefore it is important that we keep a tab on these types of interactions in Australian waters where possible.”
Another author, Flinders University Research Fellow Dr Lauren Meyer, adds, “This study also provides DNA evidence that scavenging is facilitated by killer whales’ tissue selection, whereby the liver and internal organs are consumed, but much of the carcass remains as a nutrient source benefiting local ecosystems.”
The ‘Nature Notes’ article ‘Genetic Evidence of Killer Whale Predation on White Sharks in Australia’ (2025) by Isabella MM Reeves, Andrew R Weeks, Alison V Towner, Rachael Impey, Jessica J Fish, Zach SR Clark, Paul A Butcher, Lauren Meyer, David M Donnelly, Charlie Huveneers, Nicky Hudson and Adam D Miller has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) First published: 27 January 2025 https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70786
The study was supported by experts from Victoria’s EnviroDNA, The University of Melbourne, Rhodes University in South Africa, the South African International Maritime Institute, Deakin University’s EcoGenetics Lab, the NSW Department of Primary Industries National Marine Science Centre, Killer Whales Australia and Dolphin Research Institute in Victoria and the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Victoria.
Acknowledgements: Researchers acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this research was conducted, the Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri peoples. Thanks to Cameron McCallum and John Melis from the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation. The carcass is now held by Museums Victoria.
It all begins innocently – a late-night peek at your favourite social media site before bed. You catch a headline that grabs your attention with “breaking news” you can’t afford to miss.
Like following digital breadcrumbs, one click leads to another. Before you know it, you’re tumbling down a rabbit hole of endless updates and emotionally charged social media posts. Two hours later, your shoulders are tense, your stomach is in knots, but you can’t put your phone down.
This endless scrolling through bad news – known as “doomscrolling” – sneaks up on us.
It’s important to stay in touch with what’s happening in the world. Being informed helps us make better decisions, engage meaningfully in our communities, and respond effectively to changes that affect our lives and those around us.
But just like a healthy diet, we must be smart about our news consumption to avoid it taking a toll on our health.
The good news is there are proven ways to stay informed without letting it take over your life. Research shows setting clear boundaries around your news consumption can make a huge difference. So, how can you strike the right balance?
How to set boundaries with news consumption
It’s worth considering why you feel compelled to stay constantly informed. Ask yourself: “will this information change what I can do about it?”.
Research shows scrolling through negative news can disrupt your sleep and increase anxiety. To make sure your media consumption is intentional, there are a few steps you can take.
Be picky with the news sources you read. Choose a few trusted outlets instead of letting social media algorithms decide what you see. It’s like sticking to a balanced meal plan, but for your mind.
While engaging with the news, pay close attention to how you’re feeling. When you notice physical signs of anxiety or emotional distress, that is your cue to take a break.
Set aside time earlier in the day with clear boundaries around your news consumption: maybe with your morning coffee or during your lunch break, whatever works for your schedule. Consider implementing a “digital sunset”, too. This is a cut-off time for news and social media, ideally an hour or two before bedtime, to give your mind time to process what you have learned without disrupting your sleep.
The world will always be there, but you will be in a better head space to process what is happening.
You don’t have to feel helpless
Taking breaks from consuming news is not burying your head in the sand – it’s practising self care. Studies have shown that people who set healthy boundaries around news consumption are often better equipped to engage meaningfully on important issues and take constructive action when needed.
When you check the news, be an active consumer. Instead of endless scrolling:
choose one or two in-depth articles to read thoroughly
discuss the news with colleagues, friends and family to process your feelings
look for solution-focused news stories that highlight positive change
take meaningful action on issues you care about.
There are also various apps and tools that can help you form healthier digital habits. Productivity apps use various approaches to help you stay focused, providing ways to snap you out of mindless scrolling.
News curation apps and apps that allow you to save articles to read later can help you establish a balanced news diet, and remove the urgent need to read everything immediately.
Many smartphones now come equipped with screen time management features, such as Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing. You can use these to monitor your scrolling habits and to manage how much time you spend on social media or news apps.
One useful feature is to block apps from use during certain times of day or after you’ve used them for a set amount of time.
Screen time management features allow you to pause or block apps from use. The Conversation
Stay mindful, stay engaged
Staying informed doesn’t mean staying constantly connected. By mindfully setting boundaries and using supportive tools, you can keep up with important events while protecting your wellbeing.
If you’re trying productivity apps and other tools, start small. Choose one tool that resonates with you rather than trying everything at once. Set realistic goals that fit your life, and use these apps’ insights to understand your habits better.
Pay attention to what triggers your doomscrolling and adjust your settings accordingly. Remember, these tools work best when combined with offline activities you enjoy.
The goal isn’t to disconnect completely, but to find a sustainable balance between staying informed and maintaining peace of mind. With thoughtful boundaries and the right support tools, you can stay engaged with the world while keeping your mental health intact.
Lisa Harrison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
This year there will be more broadcasts in the Far East: the region has an increased number of lecturers ready to speak in real time, convenient for schoolchildren.
The program will feature two new lessons that will tell you how not to become a victim of financial fraudsters, what drops do and why it is dangerous. Participants will learn to recognize suspicious calls and messages, protect their accounts from hacking and learn how to avoid financial losses and use bank cards safely.
You can join the online lessons with your class or individually. There are 29 lessons on financial literacy and career guidance in the schedule. For the convenience of students, the classes will be held from 01:00 to 18:00 Moscow time.
The spring session will last until April 18. You can choose a lesson and register for it on the project website.
The Bank of Russia has been conducting online lessons on financial literacy since 2015. During the 2024/2025 academic year, about 29 thousand educational institutions joined them. Over the entire period, they have received almost 26 million views.
Preview photo: Inside Creative House / Shutterstock / Fotodom
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:
1.
Name of the Issuer
Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
Name of security
federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
State registration number of the issue
26235RMFS from 10/12/2020
Date of the auction
January 29, 2025
Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form)
The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
Trade code
SE26235RMFS0
ISIN code
RO000A1028E3
Calculation code
B01
Additional conditions of placement
The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form)
The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
Trade code
SE26238RMFS4
ISIN code
RO000A1038V6
Calculation code
B01
Additional conditions of placement
The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
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WASHINGTON — In response to the Office of Management and Budget’s Jan. 27 memo (M-25-13) regarding temporarily pausing certain agency grant, loan and financial assistance programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs today announced it has conducted a comprehensive analysis of all its federal financial assistance programs and consulted with OMB.
VA has determined that all 44 of its financial assistance programs will continue uninterrupted and that all VA programs and operations will continue uninterrupted.
“This will have no impact on VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries,” said Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter.
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Contact us online through Ask VA
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Reunion dinner on the eve of Spring Festival
Updated: January 29, 2025 07:35Xinhua
Villager Chen Fangjin has a reunion meal with his family members at Shanhouhu Village of Jinhua City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. Dining with family members in a reunion meal has been a cherished tradition for the Chinese on the eve of the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]An actor in the costume of the God of Wealth extends greetings to customers at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chefs cook reunion meals at a restaurant in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Firefighters have a meal at a fire station in Taizhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People have a reunion meal at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A firefighter has a reunion meal with his family members at a fire station in Taizhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A worker arranges cooking of reunion meals at a restaurant in Nantong City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Families of newborns have a reunion meal with staff at the canteen of a maternal and child care service center in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival
Updated: January 29, 2025 08:05Xinhua
A mixed Chinese-foreign family pose for a photo at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. Beijing Capital International Airport saw an influx of inbound travelers on Tuesday, the eve of Spring Festival 2025. While many Chinese nationals returned home to celebrate the Spring Festival, some foreign visitors took advantage of visa-free or transit visa exemption policies to experience the festive atmosphere in China’s capital city. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists from Vietnam wait for entry inspection at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) hands out a Spring Festival decoration carrying the Chinese “Fu” character, which symbolizes good fortune, to tourists at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An immigration officer issues a temporary entry permit to a British passport holder at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An immigration officer adjusts the date on an immigration stamp at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists from South Korea display the immigration stamps on their passports at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) handles transit visa exemption procedures for tourists from the U.S. at the immigration area of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
People’s life gradually returns to normal in quake-affected county of Xizang
Updated: January 29, 2025 08:08Xinhua
A man pastes Spring Festival couplets at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. Lnaze County is one of the counties affected seriously by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake which struck southwest China’s Xizang earlier this month. As the Chinese Lunar New Year and Tibetan New Year approach, people in the affected area moved into newly constructed makeshift houses and received food packages with beef, tea leaves, sugar, highland barley wine, etc. As relief efforts continue and life gradually returns to normal, affected people feel the warmth and support pouring in from all directions. [Photo/Xinhua]A woman hangs festive decoration at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Volunteers write Spring Festival couplets at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People receive food packages at a temporary shelter in Gyabgag Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) welcomes the 221 year 1 registrars who have started their journeys to becoming specialist general practitioners or rural hospital doctors.
Of this group, 201 registrars are starting on the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) and 20 are starting on the Rural Hospital Medicine (RHM) training programme.
With 90 percent of medical conditions being treated in the community, the College continues to advocate for well-resourced training programmes for our community-based workforce who are valued and supported to care for their patients.
College Chief Executive Toby Beaglehole says, “We’re delighted that our new registrars have recognised the impact they can have on improving health outcomes by working on the frontline in their communities.
“Growing our workforce continues to be a priority for the College this year. The new Health Minister has signalled his commitment to increasing access to general practice, which will come from having more specialists trained and working in the community, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss this with him.”
College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “We know the value that we bring to healthcare, which comes from the vast depth and breadth of knowledge and skills that we build on during our specialist training, and throughout our careers.
“To all our new registrars I say welcome, we’re so glad you’ve joined us, and I hope you take every opportunity to get involved, ask questions and share your own experiences about your journey that has led you into choosing this highly rewarding career.”
Chair of the College’s Division of Rural Hospital Medicine (DRHM) Dr Andrew Laurenson says, “Having these new rural trainees entering the programme is a great boost as we work towards having an accessible and thriving rural health workforce for the approximately 900,000 New Zealanders who live rurally.”
Washington, DC: On March 22nd, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 for Bolivia. This also included a discussion of the findings of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) exercise for Bolivia.[1]
Bolivia’s growth momentum moderated in 2023, to 2.5 percent, from declining natural gas production, less public investment, and financial market turmoil. Price controls, food and fuel subsidies, export restrictions, and strong agricultural production held inflation below 2 percent at year-end. However, the combination of lower natural gas exports, high fuel imports, a large fiscal deficit―increasingly financed by the central bank―and an overvalued exchange rate contributed to a wider current account deficit (estimated at 5 percent of GDP for 2023) and near-depletion of international reserves. Public debt increased to nearly 84 percent of GDP by end-2023. Sovereign spreads rose sharply in early 2023 as the foreign exchange (FX) shortage became apparent and a mid-sized bank (Banco Fassil) failed. Consequently, banks were forced to restrict the withdrawal of FX deposits, heightening financial sector stability risks.
Growth is anticipated to decelerate to 1.6 percent in 2024, holding at around 2.2-2.3 percent in the medium term under the continuation of the current policies. Inflation is forecast to reach 4.5 percent in 2024, stabilizing around 4 percent thereafter. The outlook is however predicated on significantly improved access to external financing, without which the risk of disorderly fiscal and/or exchange rate adjustment is elevated. External factors such as reduced demand, intensified global conflicts disrupting trade routes, commodity price volatility, or a renewed tightening of financial conditions could worsen fiscal and external imbalances, impede growth, and destabilize the domestic financial sector.
Additionally, extreme weather events, like the 2023 droughts and recent floods, pose a risk to Bolivia’s agricultural sector and critical infrastructure. Domestically, a faster decline in hydrocarbon production, higher inflation due to FX scarcity, or confidence shocks could further impact growth, hurt real incomes and exacerbate financial stability risks. Social unrest stemming from inequality and security concerns remains a concern, as evidenced by the prolonged road blockages of early 2024. On the upside, Bolivia could potentially benefit from the global shift towards green energy due to its vast lithium resources, although developing the lithium sector and scaling up domestic production capacity will likely take time.
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Bolivia’s socioeconomic progress over the past several years but expressed concerns about the difficult financial situation Bolivia currently finds itself in, with low reserves, uncertain fiscal financing, and pressures in parallel exchange markets. Directors stressed the urgency of a shift from current unsustainable policies to avoid a disorderly adjustment that would exert significant social and economic hardship.
Directors called for continued constructive engagement on a sustainable policy mix that is likely to require both fiscal adjustment phased in over the next few years and an up front step devaluation to more quickly address the external imbalance and allow for a build up of reserves. They emphasized the importance of improving the social safety net to shield poorer households from inflation pressures following a realignment of the exchange rate. Directors also emphasized the importance of strengthening fiscal institutions to underpin the credibility of the planned adjustment and to improve central bank governance in support of a shift to a crawling peg and, eventually, to inflation targeting.
Directors recommended a strengthening of the central banks’ capacity to conduct sterilization operations and to lift lending rate caps to improve the allocation of capital and enhance monetary policy transmission. They also underscored the need to improve crisis preparedness and contingency planning in line with FSAP recommendations to safeguard financial stability.
Directors recommended a range of supply side reforms to unlock private investment, boost productivity and enhance competitiveness. These should include phasing out export ceilings and price controls and better prioritizing public investment projects. A stronger regulatory framework for hydrocarbon and lithium exploration could be instrumental in increasing investment in those sectors. Directors also called for enhancing AML/CFT framework and ensuring the timely publication of key macroeconomic data.
Table 1. Bolivia: Selected Economic and Social Indicators, 2022–2026
Population (millions, 2021)
11.8
Poverty rate (percent, 2021)
36.3
Population growth rate (percent, 2021)
1.4
Adult literacy rate (percent, 2021)
94.8
Life expectancy at birth (years, 2021)
72
GDP per capita (US$, 2021)
3,437
Total unemployment rate (2021)
7.0
IMF Quota (SDR, millions)
240.1
Est.
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Income and prices
Real GDP
3.6
2.5
1.6
2.2
2.2
Nominal GDP
8.9
4.9
6.2
6.5
6.2
CPI inflation (period average)
1.7
2.6
4.5
4.2
3.9
CPI inflation (end of period)
3.1
2.1
4.8
4.0
3.9
Investment and savings 1/
Total investment
15.1
15.9
16.6
16.3
16.0
Of which: Public sector
5.7
5.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Gross national savings
12.5
8.6
10.5
10.3
10.5
Of which: Public sector
-1.4
-2.0
-1.9
-1.5
-1.2
Combined public sector
Revenues and grants
28.9
28.3
27.6
27.4
27.1
Of which: Hydrocarbon related revenue
6.0
5.4
4.3
3.9
3.5
Expenditure
36.0
35.3
35.5
34.8
34.3
Current
30.3
30.3
29.5
28.8
28.3
Capital 2/
5.7
5.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)
-7.1
-7.0
-7.9
-7.5
-7.2
Of which: Non-hydrocarbon balance
-12.8
-12.2
-12.0
-11.2
-10.5
Total gross NFPS debt 3/
80.4
83.6
86.7
88.9
90.9
External sector
Current account 1/
-0.4
-5.0
-5.7
-5.8
-5.6
Exports of goods and services
32.6
28.5
27.0
26.9
26.5
Of which: Natural gas
6.7
3.8
3.4
3.0
2.7
Imports of goods and services
32.9
34.4
33.6
33.6
32.7
Capital account
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Financial account (-= net inflow)
-1.5
-0.5
-5.3
-5.8
-5.6
Of which: Direct investment net
-0.8
-0.6
-0.6
-0.9
-0.9
Of which: Other investment, net
-0.3
-0.3
-4.6
-4.7
-5.1
Net errors and omissions
-3.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Terms of trade index (percent change)
-1.6
1.2
-0.6
0.0
0.2
Central Bank gross foreign reserves 4/ 5/ 6/
In millions of U.S. dollars
3,796
1,808
1,653
1,555
1,556
In months of imports of goods and services
2.8
1.3
1.1
1.0
1.0
In percent of GDP
8.6
3.9
3.4
3.0
2.8
In percent of ARA
44.5
20.8
18.2
16.2
15.5
Money and credit
Credit to the private sector (percent change)
6.3
-0.4
3.0
4.3
5.1
Credit to the private sector (percent of GDP)
74.2
70.5
68.4
67.0
66.3
Broad money (percent of GDP)
85.2
82.8
81.2
80.0
78.9
Memorandum items:
Nominal GDP (in billions of U.S. dollars)
44.3
46.5
49.3
52.5
55.8
Bolivianos/U.S. dollar (end-of-period) 7/
6.9
6.9
…
…
…
REER, period average (percent change) 8/
-0.9
-1.9
…
…
…
Oil prices (in U.S. dollars per barrel)
96.4
80.6
77.7
73.8
70.9
Energy-related subsidies to SOEs (percent of GDP) 9/
4.4
4.0
3.5
2.7
2.4
Sources: Bolivian authorities (MEFP, Ministry of Planning, BCB, INE, UDAPE); IMF; Fund staff calculations. 1/ The discrepancy between the current account and the savings-investment balance reflects methodological differences. For the projection years, the discrepancy is assumed to remain constant in dollar value. 2/ Includes nationalization costs and net lending. 3/ Public debt includes SOE’s borrowing from the BCB (but not from other domestic institutions) and BCB loans to FINPRO and FNDR. 4/ Excludes reserves from the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR) and Offshore Liquidity Requirements (RAL). 5/ All foreign assets valued at market prices. 6/ Includes a repurchase line of US$99.2 million maturing in 2025. 7/ Official (buy) exchange rate. 8/ The REER based on authorities’ methodology is different from that of the IMF (see 2018 and 2017 Staff Reports). 9/ Includes the cost of subsidy borne by public enterprises and incentives for hydrocarbon exploration investments in the projection period.
1 Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
[1] The Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), established in 1999, is a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of a country’s financial sector. FSAPs provide input for Article IV consultations and thus enhance Fund surveillance. FSAPs are mandatory for the 47 jurisdictions with systemically important financial sectors and otherwise conducted upon request from member countries. The key findings of an FSAP are summarized in a Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA).
[2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
Good morning. It’s so great to be with you all today.
I begin this morning by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wadawurrung peoples, and pay my respects to elders past and present. I extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations people joining us here today.
It is great to be here at this Having a Say Conference so that we can launch the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy. The Strategy is Australia’s plan to make life better for people with disability.
It talks about what we can do together to make Australia inclusive – so everyone can live good lives, take part in the community as equals, and be treated with respect. I am so happy to be here with Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, along with Jane Spring, the Chair of the Strategy’s Advisory Council. We are here together to show our shared commitment to improve outcomes for people with disability.
I would like to thank VALiD’s Chair, Arthur Rogers, and the CEO, Fionn Skiotis, for inviting us to be here this morning.
In fact, I would like to thank the whole VALiD team for the fantastic work they do every day, and have been doing since 1989.
Having a say, learning from each other, and supporting each other is really important, and I want you to know that your voices are being heard and are feeding into the decisions that governments make.
The message of ‘nothing about us without us’ has been heard loud and clear.
It is your voices, your thoughts, feelings and experiences, that guide our policies and the changes we want to make with you.
Because we all know that you are only able to participate fully in your communities when you get to have a say about what you need, what you want, and are treated with respect. And what an amazing group of leaders, thinkers and communicators we have here with us today.
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Australia’s Disability Strategy sets out our vision for an inclusive Australia.
It is a commitment by all levels of government to take actions to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia.
An Australia where the 5.5 million people with disability have the support they need to live the life they want and participate as equal members in the community.
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Following the Disability Royal Commission’s report, all governments agreed to review Australia’s Disability Strategy.
Hearing from the disability community was so important when we started looking at what was working and what we could make better about the Strategy.
The updated Strategy is something I am very proud to share with you today.
We listened to the disability community, held public consultation and partnered with states and territories, the Strategy’s Advisory Council and Disability Representative Organisations, to understand what was most important.
The updates to the Strategy reflect what we have heard since the original launch of the Strategy 3 years ago, including through the Royal Commission.
We heard from you that having accessible housing and reducing homelessness was a really important issue for people with disability – and that’s why the updated Strategy now has a priority focus area on this.
And there are three new Targeted Action Plans that are focused on improving the lives of people with disability across 3 very important areas.
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These new Targeted Action Plans include actions that are based on what the disability community has told us is the most important work we need to focus on. Over the next three years, we will focus on the key areas of:
Changing Community Attitudes
Inclusive Homes and Communities; and
Safety, Rights and Justice.
The Commonwealth, States and Territories and local governments have agreed to these action plans and to work together to deliver.
We know that people with disability can face barriers because other people don’t understand what it means to live with disability.
And that’s why increasing understanding of disability and changing community attitudes is so important.
Sometimes people may not even realise that their actions are making it harder for people with disability to be included. This could be something as simple as writing something down for someone instead of only speaking. Or adjusting lighting in a public space.
If people have a better understanding about the barriers people with disability face, they can take the steps to remove these barriers.
So, the Community Attitudes Targeted Action Plan will focus on improving community understanding so people can take action to improve the inclusion and participation of people with disability in Australian society.
We’ve already taken important steps towards this goal under the current Strategy.
One example is our investment of $19.6 million (over the next 4 years) for an inclusion and accessibility fund. This will help professionals, like doctors, to improve the way they communicate and better include people with disability in the things that are important to them.
We are all safer when the information we need to make decisions is easy to find and we are included, feel welcome, and can easily seek support and connections.
Through the inclusive Homes and Communities Targeted Action Plan we will also keep working to make housing stock and our broader community more accessible for everyone.
For example, governments have been working together to build over 41 Changing Places, including here in Victoria – like the Aqua Centre in Sale and at the Yarraville Gardens.
These new accessible facilities make it easier for people with complex needs to move around their community and to travel further from their home.
We have also committed to improving the accessibility of public transport – because people with disability should be able to easily get around in their communities.
Every Australian deserves access to safe, affordable and accessible housing, no matter their circumstances. This new Targeted Action Plan will also focus on housing accessibility for people with disability.
States and territories will increase the supply of accessible housing for people with disability.
And the Commonwealth will be looking at ways to make it easier for people renting to find properties that will meet their access needs.
These actions will build on the 2024 National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness – that helps people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, and supports social housing and homelessness services.
Finally, the new Safety, Rights and Justice Targeted Action Plan sets out key actions to reduce and prevent people with disability from experiencing harm.
It outlines improved supports for those at risk of harm, and lays out pathways for action if things do go wrong. This includes introducing things like standard processes for identifying and supporting people with disability in prisons and making sure people know about supports that are available if they have experienced violence.
With advice from people with disability, and your representative organisations, all levels of government will work together to implement these action plans.
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In the updated Strategy we also have a renewed focus on data and evidence.
Because we want to make sure that the actions that we are taking are making a tangible difference to the lives of people with disability.
Our Data Improvement Plan will help show the progress we are making, but also to identify where we need to do more.
The updated Strategy also reflects what you have told us and what we have heard, as well as describing the work that we have done together over the past three years across the country.
We have provided information to make the Strategy clearer and developed videos to help explain what the Strategy is all about.
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Over the past three years, our Albanese Labor Government has been working hard to help people with disability across Australia to thrive.
And as Minister I have been working very hard to bring Australia’s Disability Strategy from words on a page, to life.
I have completely redesigned employment services for people with disability to drive a strong focus on quality and put the goals and aspirations of people with disability at the centre.
We are investing in more peer support across Australia – so that people can connect with others like them to give advice and so they don’t feel alone.
For the first time, airports and airlines will have to properly help people with disability – making it easier for people with disability to travel by planes.
Clear information is now available about how to support people with disability when there are emergencies – like fires or floods.
And we have made people with disability a key focus in the creative arts through a dedicated plan to support inclusion of people with disability, which includes things like music, films and live shows.
These are just some of the things our Government has been doing to bring the Strategy to life.
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I am very optimistic about the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy and the changes that we will make together to achieve the Strategy’s goals to benefit all Australians with disability, and their families.
I encourage every person here today to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas with one another. Have your say, because it matters.
Our Government has heard what you want from the Strategy, and we will continue to work with you to ensure our work reflects your lived experiences.
Thank you again for the time with you today. And my thanks to the speakers who have shared their time so we could come to talk about how we will use the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy to help everyone to live better lives.
Any road deaths as a result of increased speed limits will now be on the Government’s hands.
“Where it is safe to do so, we do not oppose raising speed limits. However, the Government’s making many of these changes based on a campaign promise, rather than evidence,” Labour’s transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.
“We know this, because the previous Transport Minister encouraged National Party supporters to submit on his own bill. He was not interested in the opposing views of safety campaigners.
“I would like to see the evidence that it is safe to raise speed limits on these roads, not the National Party opinion that it is.
“It is an absolute tragedy that we go into every long weekend expecting a road toll. It should not be normal for Kiwis to lose loved ones to people driving too fast.
“While we do not oppose travelling at faster speeds on roads where it is safe to do so, I do remain concerned about the potential for more deaths on the roads as a result of these changes,” Tangi Utikere said.
A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space sector.
£20 million to launch the first UK made orbital rocket from Saxavord.
Landmark Scottish rocket launch set to boost UK’s launching power and make Britain a European space leader
£20 million government investment will help to fund the construction and launch of the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket
Orbex’s rocket Prime will encourage economic investment and support high-skilled jobs, as part of the Plan for Change
A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space sector, following a £20 million government investment in UK launch company Orbex to build and launch a rocket from the shores of Scotland.
Tech Secretary Peter Kyle announced the investment today (29th January) at Brussels’ European Space Conference, positioning Britain as a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s access to space. The investment will help to fund Orbex’s rocket Prime, the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket.
Prime is set to take off from late 2025 at Scottish spaceport SaxaVord, one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe. It will catalyse the UK’s position as a leading small satellite manufacturer and global space leader, and support 140 highly paid jobs in the region as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
The investment will contribute to this government’s mission to grow the economy, boosting the UK’s ability to regularly launch rockets into orbit from its shores and attracting launch investment into the UK.
With European demand for satellites up to 2033 forecasted to be worth $50 billion, even 2% of this would bring around $1 billion in revenues for the UK economy alone.
Developing Britain’s launch capabilities is already helping to bring new jobs and economic benefits to communities and organisations across the UK. So far, the Prime project has created more than 140 highly skilled jobs in Forres, with many more anticipated as the company continues to grow.
The launch of Prime will also help to inspire a new generation of British space professionals. By showcasing the pivotal role of Britain in the space age, government is investing now to ensure a sector that is vibrant, innovative, and above all, successful in achieving our goal for the UK to become a leading European provider of small satellite launch.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
Britain’s impressive toolkit of scientific talent, world class facilities, and unique geography means we stand ready to lead the charge and to work together with our international partners as a key part of the new space revolution in Europe.
By investing £20 million in this rocket launch, we are not only helping the country to become a leading destination for small satellite launches in Europe but bringing highly skilled jobs and investment to communities and organisations across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.
Supporting Orbex’s launch will also turbocharge the country’s position in the space sector and inspire our next generation of space professionals, who will be able to design, test, build and launch British rockets, carrying British satellites, from British soil.
Designed to launch satellites into orbit, Prime will benefit from the UK’s latitude, with Scotland’s geographical positioning providing easy access to valuable polar orbits.
The British-built Prime is also Europe-leading in its pioneering approach to sustainability. It is poised to become the first in a new generation of ultra green launch systems, powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, which cuts carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly sized rockets being developed elsewhere around the world.
The rocket is also designed to be re-useable. Upon returning to Earth, what does not burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere will be recovered and components will be refurbished and reused in future projects.
Britain is already a key player in the satellite industry, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other city in Europe.
Dr Paul Bate CEO UK Space Agency said:
Space is a fast-growing global industry and there is a real opportunity for the UK to play a greater role now than ever before. This new government investment is not just about launching a rocket, but building a more prosperous future for all, powered by space technology.
Orbex is a highly innovative company that can serve customers in the UK, Europe and beyond with its Prime launch vehicle, create hundreds of high skilled jobs in Scotland and inspire a new generation to reach for the stars. We will work closely with them as we countdown to launch, continue to develop our national space capabilities, and strengthen our international partnerships.
Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said:
It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector and this £20 million investment from the UK government in Orbex will help Scotland maintain our position as a leader as we look forward to the first satellite launch later this year.
This important industry is playing a vital role in our Plan for Change, helping economic growth and employing thousands of people in good quality jobs, often in small towns and rural communities, across the country.
Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said:
This first of a kind investment by the UK government demonstrates its confidence in the UK’s space rocket manufacturing and launch sector and is an exciting start to the opening of our Series D fundraising. We are entering the final preparations to deliver the most flexible and environmentally sustainable launch services to the global satellite industry.
This investment paves the way not only for us to launch our first rocket this year but also to develop a larger rocket to enable us to compete in the European Launcher Challenge. These development goals are crucial to our longer-term development.
The EA, working closely with Natural England, has secured the largest ever environmental commitment from water companies since privatisation.
The Environment Agency working closely with Natural England has secured the largest ever commitment from water companies to clean up the environment and invest in new infrastructure since privatisation.
The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) sets out over 24,000 actions water companies must take over the next five years to meet their legal requirements for the environment. This series of targeted interventions represents a £22.1bn investment in the environment – four times more than was secured in the last Price Review and will deliver tangible benefits for our water system and for customers.
As part of the PR24 process the Environment Agency assessed actions proposed by water companies and, alongside Ofwat and Natural England, provided technical guidance to make sure these actions will provide direct solutions to environmental pressures and help drive nature recovery.
The agreed actions will lead to improvements in water infrastructure to secure future supply, habitats and biodiversity and drinking water quality. For example, water companies have submitted plans to establish trials to remove nitrate, restore nationally important chalk streams, and install bespoke biosecurity measures to remove invasive species.
Further goals set out under WINEP include:
Reducing the amount of water abstracted, leading to an estimated 60 million litres of water being retained in the environment every day,
Protecting and enhancing of 13,500 km rivers,
Upgrading 2,350 storm overflows leading to an estimated annual reduction of sewage spills by of 85,000 annually,
Improving 21 newly designated bathing water sites across England,
Reducing phosphorous inputs to the environment at over 800 sewage treatment works,
Installing 3,500 monitors at emergency overflows sites.
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency said:
This unprecedented level of investment represents a vital step forward towards ensuring we have clean, safe, and abundant water now and for future generations.
Working with the water companies on this £22bn programme is a crucial way to realise the government’s goals of stimulating development and boosting economic growth, while ensuring the sector can meet its ambitious environment commitments.
We will work closely with Defra, Ofwat and other regulators to monitor water company progress and ensure they deliver what has been promised. If water companies fail to carry out their legal obligations to the environment, we will take action.”
Steve Reed, Secretary of State for the Environment said:
It is no secret that our water system needs fixing and that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by pollution.
Customers deserve the money they pay in bills to go towards improving the service they receive, and that is why the Government will ringfence money earmarked for investment, so it can only be spent on projects like these.
We are also going further to fix our water system through the Water (Special Measures) Bill, by introducing new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against lawbreakers.”
Natural England provides advice and guidance where water company activity may influence protected sites ,including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), such as through water abstraction and discharges, and how this can be improved through the WINEP.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
The scale of investment in the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is a positive step towards delivering sustainable outcomes for the water environment, nature recovery, biodiversity improvement and sustainable growth.
Natural England will be working to maximise the opportunity of this significant investment, to get full value for money via integrated approaches and work with our partners including the Environment Agency, water companies and Defra to help deliver this ambitious programme.
Chris Walters, Senior Director, Price Review 2024 at Ofwat said:
We welcome the EA’s publication of the WINEP programme. In December we approved a record £104bn investment package, including over £22bn for WINEP.
This quadruples the investment of the last five years, providing water companies with an opportunity to turn around their environmental performance and regain customers’ trust by improving services.
We will monitor companies and hold them to account for their investment programmes so that they do this”.
David Henderson, Chief Executive, Water UK said:
This programme will be the largest amount of money ever spent on the natural environment. It will help to support economic growth, build more homes, secure our water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.
The Environment Agency and other regulators will drive water companies to embrace state-of-the-art technologies and groundbreaking innovations when delivering the actions set out under WINEP.
These collaborative efforts are crucial to cutting pollution, managing water efficiency, and increasing resilience to climate change for the benefit of both nature and people. By doing so we and industry can stimulate development and support the Government’s objective of boosting economic growth.
The investment was secured through Ofwat’s final determinations announced in December and has been factored into upcoming changes to customer bills.
The WINEP data set will be published at 0800 on 29 January on GOV.UK
A man is expected in court today, following a fleeing driver incident across much of central Auckland.
On Tuesday, a vehicle with mismatching plates was located on the Northwestern Motorway.
After allegedly failing to stop for Police, the matter concluded at Dress Smart shopping centre in Onehunga.
Auckland City Road Policing Manager acting Inspector Scott Jones says the vehicle the man was driving has since been confirmed as stolen.
“A 31-year-old Northland man is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court today,” he says.
“He faces charges of aggravated assault, reckless driving, failing to stop and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.”
During the fleeing driver incident, it was established the man was also sought in relation to other active court matters, including aggravated robbery.
“It’s fortunate that neither the public nor Police staff suffered any injuries as a result of the man’s alleged actions yesterday afternoon,” acting Inspector Jones says.
Do schools and trees mix? You may have memories of shady playing areas and shelter belts by playing fields, but our recent study suggests this is increasingly an exception rather than a rule.
Trees are often seen as a health and safety risk, whether from branches or the whole thing falling, or from children falling out of them. Many schools have banned pupils from climbing trees as a result.
Beyond that, trees are often seen as an optional “nice to have”. New Zealand’s current education minister criticised extensive landscaping and bespoke design when announcing a review of school properties in early 2024.
But the benefits of trees and other vegetation in urban areas are well known, and increasingly important as housing density increases. Schools can play a significant role in encouraging the growth of “urban forests”.
Unfortunately, there are also large differences in tree canopy cover in New Zealand cities (and elsewhere in the world), with low socioeconomic areas often having low tree canopy cover.
Very little is known about green spaces on local school grounds. So, our research set out to survey the quantity and quality of green spaces in 64 urban primary schools in Auckland.
We conducted the survey in the context of several known factors about the role and place of nature in education:
greening a school improves children’s appreciation for their daily environment and increases social wellbeing
highly vegetated schools provide a big opportunity to boost physical and mental health benefits for children, particularly in suburbs with low tree canopy cover
trees and other vegetation can improve air quality at school, provide shade and UV protection from the sun.
Because schools are fairly evenly distributed throughout cities, and can have a large spatial footprint, there’s also an opportunity to enhance wider native biodiversity, create ecological corridors and maintain cultural connections.
Fields but few trees
Unfortunately, our survey found the green spaces of most Auckland primary schools are dominated by sports fields.
While it’s good news that children have access to these, adding trees and shrubs around the edges of the fields could provide many benefits without compromising existing play spaces.
Native biodiversity was also lacking. In fact, 33% of school ground contained environmental weeds, such as woolly nightshade. There were also many more introduced plant species than native species, and most schools lacked a shrub layer.
The most common native tree by far was pōhutakawa. But planting a monoculture of pōhutakawa is a big risk if a disease (such as myrtle rust) has a big impact on that species.
Diversity is key. Planting other native species such as pūriri, karaka, rewarewa or tītoki would increase plant diversity, attract native birds and other species, as well as provide sun shade.
Room for improvement
There was some good news, however. Of the 64 schools surveyed, 36% had a forest patch. This gives the children access to an outdoor learning resource that may be lacking from their immediate neighbourhood.
It was heartening to find every school had at least one species associated with weaving, with both harakeke and tī kōuka present at 83% of schools.
If this was a report card, Auckland’s school green spaces would not be high-achieving. But there are plenty of opportunities to improve. Adding more diversity, more native plants, and planting trees around the edges of sports fields will provide a wealth of benefits to both children and the city’s overall biodiversity.
Using outdoor spaces for learning will increase natural and cultural connections and improve children’s wellbeing. That is much more than a “nice to have”.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after she voted against confirming Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation. On Monday, Cortez Masto voted in support of proceeding to Sean Duffy’s confirmation, but changed her vote in response to the outrageous, illegal directive by President Trump to pause the disbursement of all federal grants and loans – many of which flow through the Department of Transportation.
“I was ready to confirm Sean Duffy to lead the Department of Transportation, but I cannot vote for him after the chaos President Trump has unleashed with his order to pause critical federal funding to Nevada. The funding being held up by President Trump includes support for Nevada’s seniors, veterans, and families – not to mention grants for job-creating transportation projects statewide. Working families deserve real answers from the Trump Administration about how they are going to fix the mess they’ve created.”
Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led his committee colleagues and a panel of three subject matter experts in a hearing examining the future of defense innovation and acquisition reform.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker touted his “Restoring Freedom’s Forge” plan, which would fundamentally change the way the Pentagon does business by cutting red tape and increasing competition. Chairman Wicker observed that as China undertakes a historic military modernization, DOD needs game-changing reform to embrace commercial innovation and build next-generation American manufacturing techniques.
“The past few years have been marked by some success in innovation improvements, but we have much more work to do. Most of our work is actually ahead of us in this regard. I believe we’re poised to go faster and further than we have thus far,” Chairman Wicker said. “I’m optimistic that many of my colleagues’ ideas for improvements and reform will have an enthusiastic reception in this new Pentagon team…we need a game changer in this regard, and we need it now, because the United States is entering the most dangerous period we’ve faced since World War II. Our adversaries are rapidly innovating and leveraging commercial technologies. In response, we must expand our capacity to produce and sustain high-end weapons, like ships, aircraft, and missiles.”
Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth endorsed Chairman Wicker’s “Freedom’s Forge,” saying that “Those are precisely the kinds of ideas that need to be pursued, and I look forward to working with this committee to ensure we cut the red tape, we incentivize innovation, we rebuild the defense industrial base, cut out the bureaucracy, all the things that are preventing the platforms and the tools from getting rapidly from our great defense companies here that should and those that want to compete into the hands of warfighters.”
Shyam Sankar, Chief Technical Officer/Executive Vice President at Palantir Technologies; Nathan P. Diller, CEO of Divergent Technologies; and Hon. James “Hondo” Geurts, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, appeared before the committee.
Read the remarks as delivered below or watch them here.
This hearing will come to order. Thank you all for coming. The committee meets this morning to discuss the topic that is of great interest to every member of this panel: we’re here to talk about defense innovation.
We must change the way the Pentagon does business. Otherwise, there’s no way we can maintain deterrence, particularly against China. Today, day we’ll hear from three experts: Shyam Sankar serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Palantir, which has done important work for the military. Mr. Sankar has published widely on innovation, and we look forward to hearing his ideas today.
We’ll also hear from Nate Diller, who has worked at both the Department of Defense and the House Appropriations Committee – where I previously worked in another life. Today, Mr. Diller is the CEO of Divergent Technologies, which is seeking to make revolutionary changes in manufacturing, and we need revolutionary changes in DoD.
And finally, James Geurts is with us today. In addition to having one of the coolest nicknames around – “Hondo” – he has ably and successfully served this country as the acquisition executive for both SOCOM and the Navy.
So, thank you all for being here to talk about innovation.
The past few years have been marked by some success in innovation improvements, but we have much more work to do. Most of our work is actually ahead of us in this regard. I believe we’re poised to go faster and further than we have thus far. I’m optimistic that many of my colleagues’ ideas for improvements and reform will have an enthusiastic reception in this new Pentagon team.
I appreciate my friend Ranking Member Reed for holding a hearing in the previous Congress on the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform Commission. I expect we can continue to make progress in this new Congress. As a matter of fact, Mr. Reed and my colleagues: we need a game changer, and we need it right now.
The committee took steps last year to remove unnecessary steps from the acquisition process, and get defense innovators more powerful hiring authorities. We can and should continue on that positive trajectory. I recently released the FORGED Act, and published this white paper, entitled “Restoring Freedom’s Forge: American Innovation Unleashed,” and I must say, I appreciate the positive comments and response that we’ve heard from industry and from government officials.
The white paper lays out in specific detail my plan to implement smart spending practices at DoD. The FORGED Act proposes the most comprehensive set of budgeting and acquisition reforms in decades. It focuses on five areas.
First, we must cut the red tape that burdens our defense workforce. Our regulations are full of outdated and excessive compliance requirements. Addressing this is exactly the type of work that DOGE is contemplating, and I hope we can make progress in this area. Contracting regulations total more than 6,000 pages. Financial regulations add up to more than 7,000 pages. I’m interested to hear our witnesses address how this committee can reduce the statutory and regulatory burdens, even as we retain the core elements of good policy.
Second, we should harness one of our nation’s core advantages: our world-class tech sector, which is built by American entrepreneurial spirit. Government-unique requirements have made it nearly impossible for commercial companies and startups to do business with the Department of Defense. We need to reward commercial innovation by making it possible for innovative companies to work with the Pentagon.
Third, we must create competitive pressure by rapidly qualifying new suppliers to help build our weapon systems. More than 20,000 suppliers have exited the Navy’s ship building industrial base in the past 20 years – and that’s just the Navy’s industrial base – 20,000 suppliers gone. I hope our witnesses will address how we can lower barriers to second sources and how we can adopt technologies like 3D printing, which can dramatically reduce cost and expedite production schedules.
Fourth, we must enable senior officials to manage programs by reducing the bureaucracy’s ability to veto their decisions. A typical acquisition must satisfy nearly 50 documentation requirements and get 50 external signoffs. We need to be careful about the taxpayers’ money, but that is excessive. We need to give program managers all of the tools they need for success, while retaining an appropriate level of checks and balances.
Finally, we should modernize the defense budget process by allowing money to move as fast as technologies and threats change. It currently takes at least two years to request and receive funding. Meanwhile, the commercial sector deploys new generations of technologies in less than two years, and the Pentagon is continually lagging behind. We cannot keep conducting business as usual.
I repeat: we need a game changer in this regard, and we need it now, because the United States is entering the most dangerous period we’ve faced since World War II. Our adversaries are rapidly innovating and leveraging commercial technologies. In response, we must expand our capacity to produce and sustain high-end weapons, like ships, aircraft, and missiles. At the same time, we must adopt autonomous, adaptive, and networked or swarming systems.
This is not an either-or effort. We must produce traditional and innovative systems quickly and at the scale of relevance. Doing so will ensure that we can deter our adversaries from taking action against us and our interests. In other words: peace through strength.
I look forward to discussing those initiatives and more with our witnesses, and again, I welcome all three of them to our hearing. And I recognize my friend, Ranking Member Reed, for his remarks.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the opening of the African Heads of State Energy Summit, in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, today:
It is a pleasure to join you here all today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency President Hassan and her Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.
But, I would also like to underscore that it is because of her incredible leadership and her vision, that we are all here today and gathered as an African continent. I would also thank the African Union for keeping the fire under our feet to do right thing for the continent.
Congratulations to my two brothers, the African Development Bank Group, Akin, and the World Bank Group, Ajay. These are incredible partnerships, that bring genuine experience, decades of work from the public sector to the private sector.
That is why we are looking to them for the success of this union. But, we also look to the Rockefeller Foundation for a strong and meaningful partnership — one that brings key stakeholders together in this room. Your bold investments are a testament to Africa’s potential for a sustainable and resilient future.
Today, Africa has one of the lowest levels of energy access, as we have heard, but it is also one of the most vulnerable to intensifying climate shocks.
Yet, our continent is rich in renewable energy resources and critical minerals. Which are all essential for the energy transition, and benefit from limited sunk costs in fossil fuel-intensive energy infrastructures. Africa is also home to a vibrant, young and enterprising population.
This provides immense potential for Africa to show the rest of the world what a new economic development paradigm grounded in sustainability, resilience, justice and inclusivity can look like.
Enhanced energy access, affordability and reliability is not only crucial for achieving our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, but also serves as a catalyst for broader development goals. Access to clean and sustainable energy underpins progress in health, in education, in gender equality, while driving economic growth and climate action — many of the 17 Goals.
By advancing long-term energy security and sovereignty, we can foster peace, we can create green jobs and build resilient livelihoods — paving the way for improved stability and prosperity across the continent.
With renewables now being the cheapest source of new electricity almost everywhere on earth, Mission 300’s bold commitment to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 represents a transformative opportunity for Africa.
Combined with systemic initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition.
By powering essential sectors such as healthcare, education and commerce, bolstering industries like solar manufacturing, grid infrastructure and clean energy solutions, renewable energy can unlock unprecedented economic potential.
With reliable energy access, the continent’s 147 million small and medium-sized enterprises — key drivers of economic growth — will have the tools to scale, innovate and create jobs, turning energy into a true catalyst for inclusive and sustainable progress.
The United Republic of Tanzania stands as a shining example of how rural electrification and off-grid renewable energy solutions can transform lives, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The country has made remarkable strides, with electricity access increasing from just 14 per cent in 2011 to 46 per cent in 2022. And what does that mean? It has led to over 1 million new connections, driving the rural electrification rate to 72 per cent.
In November 2024, more than 60,000 social institutions were connected by REA [Rural Electrification Agency], benefiting 12,905 educational institutions, 6,768 health facilities, over 8,000 places of worship and 29,000 commercial areas.
This progress means that more boys and girls in remote areas can now study in well-lit classrooms, health workers can deliver life-saving services to off-grid populations and rural businesses can thrive with reliable power. The United Republic of Tanzania demonstrates how energy access is not just about electricity — it’s about opportunity, equity and the foundation of a brighter future and a life in dignity for everyone.
We must ensure that Mission 300 seizes the opportunity that lies ahead. With five years to the endpoint of the SDGs and having completed the first decade of implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, it is clear that transformation efforts remain insufficient.
I would like to deeply commend the African leadership that is here today, as you seek solutions to address Africa’s energy access, climate vulnerability and development challenges holistically.
We must accelerate our collective efforts to fast-track solutions for SDG7, but also the Paris Agreement and propel Africa to become a clean energy powerhouse. This requires urgent action in three key areas beyond this Summit.
First, creating the right enabling environment to attract scaled private and public investments through stronger, stable and more coherent policy and regulatory frameworks.
We are very pleased to see — thank you, Ajay — the private sector that is here today and we hope they will accompany us through this very difficult but at the end profitable journey.
This year, every party to the UN Climate Convention has committed to submit a new economy-wide national climate action plan, that is aligned with the 1.5°C world that we need, well before COP30 [thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] in November.
If done right, these climate plans should align with national energy strategies and development priorities — and they would doubling as investment plans to seize the potential of renewables, helping to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure we do not repeat historical patterns of exploitation on this continent.
Second, mobilizing affordable, accessible and adequate finance. The chronic underinvestment in renewable energy in Africa, and long-standing structural barriers, such as exorbitant capital costs, mean that a continent with the potential to be a renewable powerhouse accounts for less than one percent of global installed solar capacity.
It is why we are calling for an SDG Stimulus to scale up affordable, long-term financing for developing countries, and for the “Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion” to bridge the climate finance gap by leveraging all sources and by addressing unjust and structural barriers.
Last year’s Pact of the Future sent an unequivocal message — reform of the international finance architecture is urgent and essential to:
And this Pact would have not gotten over the line, if not for the leadership of the African leaders in the United Nations. It spoke to strengthening the voice and the representation of developing countries. It spoke to mobilizing far greater levels of financing for the SDGs, and directing that financing to countries most in need. It spoke to enabling countries to borrow sustainably, and with confidence, to invest in their long-term development. But, it also spoke to provide effective and equal support to countries during systemic shocks.
Finally, multilateralism — our international cooperation — still remains our best hope for delivering solutions at the necessary scale and speed.
And I note to many of us, as I look to the geopolitical challenges that we have today. Multilateralism does not seem like the best offer on the table — but it is. It is a place that we come to. It is a global town hall for our global village. It is where we have visibility and where we can shine a light on the opportunities. But, also, where we can give hope to the millions that look to us — to serve them.
The United Nations remains dedicated to supporting your efforts every step of the way. Through our UN expertise and presence in the country, we are committed to supporting Mission 300, the African Development Bank and the World Bank. And we are committed to help identify and attract investments, strengthen policy, and secure the support you need to make Mission 300 a success.
Finally, I would like to also commend our Special Representative. It is not often that we have women in leadership positions. Today, we are hosted by a great leader that is a woman. But, we also have the Special Representative of the UN on Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, who is playing a critical role within the Mission 300.
In this critical countdown to 2030, let us ensure that Mission 300 delivers concrete outcomes towards the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2063.
Let us seize this moment to accelerate and to deliver transformative progress. Together, I am sure that Africa can lead the clean energy transition, creating lasting prosperity and resilience for generations to come and actions and aspiration fulfilled today for our women and our youth.
In the first three weeks since the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) started accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for larger scale housing developments, it has already received nearly 100 proposals with the potential for more than 40,000 homes, with more expected.
So far, 85 EOIs in metropolitan areas and 11 in regional NSW have been received, exceeding expectations.
The HDA offers proponents a new State Significant Development pathway and State Significant Development pathway with a concurrent rezoning process – neither having to be approved by councils, cutting approval times and speeding up the delivery of new homes.
Each EOI is assessed against its capacity to deliver high yield, well-located, good quality homes faster.
Having identified that major residential developments above $60 million in metropolitan areas and $30 million in regional NSW often take longer in their assessment, these can now be submitted through the HDA.
These complex proposals often require greater resources and planning capabilitites and as a result, the projects can get stuck in council planning systems for years.
These delays compound declining housing availability, worsening affordability and create greater uncertainty for proponents who are trying to build much needed new homes.
In early February, the HDA will meet to recommend proposals to be declared a State Significant Development (SSD) project, community consultation and assessment will then proceed.
The EOI process is ongoing, providing regular opportunities for industry to have their major residential development proposals considered, with submissions reviewed monthly.
“For far too long, it has been made harder and harder for people to build homes in NSW, so it is wonderful to see these reforms starting to turn that around.”
“Without these major changes that are speeding up the delivery of new homes, Sydney risks becoming a city without a future because it’s simply too expensive to put a roof over your head.
“By speeding up the approval of new homes near existing infrastructure and removing red tape that seems to have been designed to slow down development, we’re delivering the homes that young people, families and workers need.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“We expected 80 to 100 EOIs in the first year, so to see this many in less than a month signals trust from the industry in the Minns Government to deliver.
“Building more homes for NSW is a priority for the Minns Labor Government and the HDA is a major step towards unlocking those homes.
“This pathway is about seeing good quality projects move through the planning system faster and as part of that process, if we don’t see shovels in the ground in two years, proponent will lose their approval.
“The Minns Government is making it easier to build more houses closer to jobs, infrastructure, parks and transport and we need more, quality, large scale residential development proposals from industry to build a better NSW.”
Almost 1,500 people have received more convenient and easy-to-access care for common skin conditions as part of the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.
The trial, which has surpassed the six-month milestone, allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions.
These conditions include impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and acute mild plaque psoriasis.
Over 480 pharmacies across the state are currently participating in the trial.
The skin conditions phase of the trial builds on trials which have enabled authorised pharmacists to undertake consultations for urinary tract infections (UTI) and the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).
Since June 2024, authorised pharmacists have been able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business, and the resupply of OCP since September.
This initiative has allowed thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription through their local pharmacist, relieving pressure on general practitioners (GP) and freeing up GP appointments for people who need them the most.
While the supply and accessibility of GPs is a responsibility of the Commonwealth, challenges relating to access to primary care is impacting the state’s hospitals.
The NSW Government however is playing its part by embracing new and innovative initiatives to create pathways outside the hospital, including:
Empowering pharmacists to provide care for selected common conditions;
Delivering more urgent care services and clinics;
Delivering more virtual care services; and
Saving bulk-billing in NSW by providing payroll tax relief to GP clinics.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy, and receive the care you need, when you need it.
“We’re providing thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription this way, relieving pressure on our GPs and saving GP appointments for people who need them the most.
“I am so pleased more than 1,400 people across NSW have been able to access more convenient, timely support for common mild skin conditions thanks to this trial.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting innovative initiatives like this one that are helping improve access to primary care services.
Quotes attributable to Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:
“Community pharmacists in NSW have provided immediate care for nearly 1,500 patients with minor skin conditions through the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.
With over 480 participating pharmacies, the initiative offers convenient prescription access, easing the burden on GPs and reserving their appointments for more critical cases.
This approach benefits both the community and its residents by making treatment more accessible and efficient. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is proud and honoured to be part of this critical initiative, supporting and evolving the NSW healthcare landscape.”
Defendant recruited young people with images of money, exotic cars, and expensive jewelry
Tacoma – The leader of a South Puget Sound drug trafficking organization that sent dangerous drugs as far away as Georgia and Ohio was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to ten years in prison for his multi-state drug trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Joel Adrian Valencia Rosas, 28, of Lakewood, Washington was indicted in December 2023 following a lengthy investigation that uncovered the trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana to East Coast locales, and the importation and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine in Western Washington. The drug ring used social media such as Snapchat and Instagram to communicate and recruit new members. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright noted that Mr. Valencia Rosas was glamorizing drug dealing with his social media posts. “He used the lower-level members of the drug ring to take on higher risks… Mr. Valencia Rosas was willing to recruit and sacrifice others to make more money,” Judge Cartwright said.
“The defendants in this case are all young – 18-28 years old. Mr. Valencia Rosas, the ringleader of this trafficking group, actively enticed young people to join his criminal enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “On social media he not only posted the drugs available for sale and their prices, he also attempted to portray the drug trafficking lifestyle as glamorous and lucrative, posting pictures of himself with firearms, flashy vehicles, and cash. In reality, drug trafficking leaves destruction in its wake.”
During this investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and partner law enforcement agencies seized nearly 52 kilos of cocaine, more than 23 kilos of fentanyl pills, and 131 kilos of marijuana. One drug shipment seized by law enforcement contained 37 kilos of cocaine and more than a kilo of fentanyl pills. In June 2023, a traffic stop on Interstate 5 resulted in the seizure of 200,000 fentanyl pills that had been hidden in the vehicle.
According to records filed in the case, Valencia Rosas has been trafficking drugs since at least 2018. His posts on social media talked about how much money he would pay for people to work as drug couriers. Even after Snapchat closed his account in December 2022, Valencia Rosas simply moved his recruiting efforts to another social media site: Instagram. He continued posting on his trafficking activities through 2023.
Valencia Rosas has been in custody since his arrest in December 2023.
In asking for an 11-year prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Marci Ellsworth wrote to the court, “Valencia Rosas was so successful that he could not traffic the drugs without bringing others into his criminal orbit. He could not move the hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash drug proceeds from Ohio and Georgia without more people, driving cash back to him or flying with it stuffed into their bags… none of those codefendants made money from their involvement in the DTO. Only Valencia Rosas made money, off the backs of his codefendants.”
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) IRS- Criminal Investigations, TNET (Tacoma Narcotics Enforcement Team), TNT (Thurston Narcotics Task Force), Lakewood PD, Puyallup PD, Bonney Lake PD, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Tacoma PD, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, and Metro Cities SWAT.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marci L. Ellsworth and Crystal Correa.
WASHINGTON — Damian Johnson, 24, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 21 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a Glock 27 and 61 rounds of 45 caliber ammunition. Johnson was on supervised release when he posted numerous photographs of himself to Instagram with his guns that included several of himself wearing an ankle monitor while holding one of his weapons.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. of the District of Columbia and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Johnson, aka “Damien Johnson,” pleaded guilty September 11, 2024, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. The 21-month federal prison term will run consecutive to a 16-month sentence he received in Superior Court in October 2022 for carrying a pistol without a license. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb also ordered Johnson to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on December 26, 2023, shortly after 8 p.m., members of the MPD Robbery Suppression Unit executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. As officers entered the residence, an investigator observed Johnson attempting to open the apartment’s rear window. Another officer watched as Johnson tossed an object behind a bed inside a bedroom. The officers found a black Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol handgun behind the bed in plain view. During a search of the premises that followed, inside a closet, investigators discovered a drum magazine with 33 rounds of ammunition and an extended magazine with 28 rounds of ammunition.
Prior to the search, officers had viewed Johnson’s Instagram account and had seen photos and video clips that showed eight different firearms inside Johnson’s apartment. One of the photos depicted Johnson wearing his court-ordered ankle GPS devise on his right ankle as he held one of his handguns.
A federal Grand Jury indicted Johnson on January 17, 2024. U.S. Marshals arrested him on January 23, 2024, in Washington D.C.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory Cole for the District of Columbia.
The Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol and ammunition found in Johnson’s apartment.
Drum magazine loaded with 33 rounds of 45 caliber ammunition.
Johnson (at left) and a friend display cash and four firearms – some with extended clips – in an Instagram post.
In an Instagram post, Johnson is pictured with a firearm with an extended clip.
In an Instagram post, Johnson and apregnant woman are depicted holding firearms with extended clips, scopes/lights on firearms. Johnson is seen with court ordered GPS device on his right ankle.
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
January 28, 2025
Smith & Wesson will be a critical case for victims and survivors of gun violence hoping to hold the gun industry accountable for its actions
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today he has joined 46 lawmakers in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court concerning a legal case that would hold gun manufacturers accountable for their role in the illegal trafficking of firearms to Mexico.
“As the American firearm industry continues to rake in more profit from selling firearms to Mexican drug cartels, people continue to suffer at the hands of gun violence every day in Oregon and in our country,” Wyden said. “Gun manufacturers must be held accountable for their reckless business practices that have torn apart our families, neighborhoods, and schools. I thank my colleagues for their effort to ensure that the American firearm industry stops putting a weapon of mass destruction in dangerous hands again, and supporting the voices of gun violence survivors.”
In the ongoing Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. et al., v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Mexico is suing U.S. gun manufacturers and a distributor for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal arms trafficking. The lawmakers argue that the gun industry should not be insulated from liability for its own unlawful conduct, as their constituents have been harmed by gun violence or the threat of it.
In addition to Wyden, the amicus brief was led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawai’i., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and U.S. Representatives Rosa L. DeLauro, D-Conn., Gabe Amo, D-R.I., Becca Balint, D-Vt., Julia Brownley, D-Calif., André Carson, D-Ind., Sean Casten D-Ill., Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas., Danny K. Davis, D-Ill., Bill Foster, D-Ill., Valerie P. Foushee, D-N.C., Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., Glenn Ivey, D-Md., Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., D-Ga., Ted Lieu, D-Calif., Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., Betty McCollum, D-Minn., James P. McGovern, D-Md., Seth Moulton, D-Mass., Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Mark Pocan, D-Wis., Mike Quigly, D-Ill., Delia C. Ramirez, D-Ill., Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Mike Thompson, D-Calif., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Jill Tokuda, D-Hawai’i, Paul D. Tonko, D-N.Y., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments in this case on March 4, 2025.
The text of the bill is here.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHENZHEN/HONG KONG, Jan. 28 — In the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve in Shenzhen and the Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong are jointly safeguarding a vibrant expanse of mangrove wetlands.
These wetlands are ecologically linked and integral parts of the Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetland ecosystem, which serves as an internationally important overwintering site and a refueling station for waterbirds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
In February 2023, Shenzhen’s Futian mangrove was designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Together with the wetlands in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Shenzhen Bay now hosts two internationally recognized wetlands of significance.
“Mangroves are unique and complex ecosystems, often difficult for humans to access. Their dense canopy provides birds with quiet, undisturbed nesting areas, making them vital for wildlife conservation,” said Simon Wong, nature officer (management) at the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
Moreover, mangroves protect coastlines from erosion caused by waves, while the mudflats they create harbor countless species and provide feeding and resting areas for migratory waterbirds, benefiting surrounding regions and other habitats, he added.
According to Wong, mangroves and their soil have a high capacity for carbon sequestration through microbial activity, helping reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations and mitigating the impacts of global warming and climate change. Mangroves can also accumulate heavy metals, help degrade organic pollutants, and exhibit an ecological interception effect against microplastics.
The wetlands of the nature reserves in Futian and Mai Po not only support rich biodiversity but also symbolize the close cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in ecological conservation.
Since signing the framework arrangement for the conservation of Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetlands in January 2023, the two cities have made significant strides in protecting mangroves and wetlands, offering valuable insights into the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
“The Shenzhen Bay is essentially a shared wetland between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Despite being separated by the Shenzhen River, the ecosystem remains consistent,” said Yang Qiong, a senior engineer at Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau.
According to the framework, Shenzhen and Hong Kong will collaborate on ecological baseline and waterbird monitoring, synchronized surveys of black-faced spoonbills and their habitats, protection of inter-tidal mudflat and native mangrove species, capacity building, and experience sharing on environmental education.
The framework provides an excellent platform for sharing experience in the wetland ecosystem conversation in Shenzhen Bay, said Toby Cheung, nature reserve officer (education) at the AFCD.
The black-faced spoonbill, a key species in Shenzhen Bay and one of China’s top protected animals, has experienced a notably impressive population recovery. From fewer than 300 individuals in the 1990s to 6,988 counted globally in January 2024, the growth of black-faced spoonbill highlights the importance of Shenzhen Bay’s role in their protection.
To accurately monitor the numbers and distribution of black-faced spoonbills, Shenzhen and Hong Kong conduct synchronized surveys and smart monitoring. Monthly synchronized data reflects the status of black-faced spoonbill throughout Shenzhen Bay, while annual global synchronized surveys provide a comprehensive understanding of population dynamics.
High-definition cameras and AI-powered bird recognition technology are used for automated monitoring, particularly at night, reducing disturbance to resting birds while improving monitoring efficiency.
On Nov. 6, 2024, an agreement was signed to establish the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen, marking the beginning of deeper cross-border joint protection efforts in wetland conservation. In the future, the two cities aim to build a more comprehensive cross-border joint protection model and extend their cooperation to global mangrove conservation efforts.
Yang said that Shenzhen and Hong Kong can learn from each other’s advanced experience and practices in wetland protection and implement cross-border joint conservation efforts. She noted that the wetland protection model in Shenzhen Bay, developed through collaboration between the two cities, could serve as a standout example for exchange at the International Mangrove Center.
Nora Tam, chair professor of environmental science and conservation at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, noted that through the platform of the International Mangrove Center, Shenzhen and Hong Kong can increase exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, resources, management, and information, promoting wetland protection cooperation within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Two men face a slew of charges after their alleged burglary plans uncoupled on Auckland Anniversary Day.
On Monday, frontline Police responded to a burglary in progress at an industrial area in Takanini, at around 8.54am.
“Two men had allegedly broken into the business’ yard and were in the process of stealing a trailer and an all-terrain vehicle,” Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says.
“The victims had arrived on scene and had approached the two offenders.”
After being asked about their actions, one of the men allegedly assaulted one of the victims. Fortunately, he did not sustain serious injuries.
“Police had received a 111 call, and our staff were soon in the area,” Inspector Hoyes says.
“A Police unit signalled for the stolen vehicle and trailer to stop; however, the offender accelerated at speed and wasn’t pursued.”
The second offender left the area on foot.
Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and was overhead of the vehicle as it travelled north on the motorway.
Inspector Hoyes says the vehicle exited at Highbrook and travelled to Kilkenny Drive in East Tamaki.
“The vehicle came to a stop and units quickly moved in and blocked in the vehicle before the driver was arrested.”
A 56-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of burglary, reckless driving and failing to stop.
He will appear in the Papakura District Court on 30 January.
The second man, a 45-year-old, was arrested in the Takanini area. He is also facing two charges of burglary and one count of aggravated assault.
He has since appeared in the Papakura District Court and will reappear on 20 February 2025.
“We acknowledge the victims’ quick reporting of offending taking place at their premises so our staff could respond and it’s a great outcome that we have returned both pieces of equipment to them,” Inspector Hoyes says.
Primary care nurses must be paid the same as hospital nurses to fix the chronic staff shortages causing New Zealanders to be turned away from GP clinics, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
A Victoria University of Wellington study has found 36% of New Zealand’s general practices didn’t take new enrolments in 2024, withworkforce shortagescited as the major reason people were being turned away.
NZNO’s New Zealand College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says the Coalition Government’s focus on the health sector is misdirected.
“While the Government is focused on the five health targets, they are ignoring the most pressing issue – chronic staff shortages in primary care.
“When people can’t get into their GP, they can end up at hospital even sicker. This puts more pressure on our already stretched hospitals and the Government’s own targets will be harder to meet,” Tracey Morgan says.
Primary care nurses are leaving GP clinics to work in hospitals because they get paid 18% more despite having the same skills and qualifications, she says.
“It is time for the Government to pay primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts and introduce a sustainable funding model for the primary care sector.
“Until this is done, it is everyday New Zealanders who are trying to see a doctor when they are sick who will pay the price.
“New Health Minister Simeon Brown has said he is ‘an advocate for everyday Kiwis who simply want timely, quality healthcare when they need it’. Here is his solution,” Tracey Morgan says.
