Sniffer dogs, have been helping Coventry Police and Council Trading Standards Officers to hunt down thousands of illegal vapes and cigarettes, during city raids.
The Council and Police’s local neighbourhood teams have joined forces with four-legged working cocker spaniels Sky and Louis – both are trained to sniff out hidden compartments of tobacco, vapes and money.
The tobacco detection dogs have been offering a helping paw as part of a crackdown at shops across Coventry.
The dogs helped sniff out illicit goods at five city centre premises and even indicated that there was tobacco behind false walls, inside furniture and inside vehicles, which officers eventually accessed to find the goods inside.
At one location a substantial amount of N2O, better known as Nox or Noz, was also seized and will now be investigated by the Police.
Each incident where illicit goods were recovered will be now investigated.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet member for Police and Deputy Leader at Coventry City Council, said:
“Our Trading Standards team go above and beyond in their pursuit of illegal vapes and cigarettes, as is shown with this very successful operation.
“Hiring Sky and Louis, who did an excellent job, was a fantastic way of protecting the health of our residents and keeping local children safe from underage sales.
“With the ongoing help of partners, West Midlands Police we are very effective in dealing with this problem.
“Anyone who knows of retailers selling illegal goods, or selling age restricted goods to children, can tell our Trading Standards team about it via our online reporting form found by searching ‘Coventry Trading Standards’.”
PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1.KEY INFORMATION
(a)Full name of discloser:
Rathbones Group Plc
(b)Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c)Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
Assura Plc
(d)If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e)Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
04/03/2025
(f)In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
No
2.POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a)Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
Class of relevant security:
10p Ord
Interests
Short positions
Number
%
Number
%
(1)Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
153,051,821
4.70%
(2)Cash-settled derivatives:
(3)Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:
153,051,821
4.70%
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b)Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:
3.DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a)Purchases and sales
Class of relevant security
Purchase/sale
Number of securities
Price per unit
10p Ordinary Shares
Sale
25,000
41.0577p
10p Ordinary Shares
Sale
25,000
41.0411p
10p Ordinary Shares
Sale
60,000
41.036p
10p Ordinary Shares
Sale
14,460
41.1551p
10p Ordinary Shares
Sale
13,500
41.1871p
10p Ordinary Shares
Purchase
14,460
41.188p
(b)Cash-settled derivative transactions
Class of relevant security
Product description e.g. CFD
Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
(d)Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
Class of relevant security
Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion
Details
Price per unit (if applicable)
10p Ordinary Shares
Internal transfer from Execution-Only to Discretionary
21,255
10p Ordinary Shares
Internal transfer from Discretionary to Execution-Only
22,095
10p Ordinary Shares
Internal transfer from Discretionary to Execution-Only
33,500
10p Ordinary Shares
Internal transfer from Discretionary to Execution-Only
7,091
4.OTHER INFORMATION
(a)Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(b)Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(c)Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?
No
Date of disclosure:
05/03/2025
Contact name:
Callum Ridley – Compliance Department
Telephone number:
0151 243 7037
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
If influencer Jimmy Darts got any of this outdoor furniture for free, the IRS would probably see it as income.AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
The Internal Revenue Service hasn’t issued comprehensive guidance on how the estimated 27 million Americans earning income as influencers should report their income and expenses on their tax returns. That’s leaving people who either make a living or supplement their income by endorsing products and services on social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube – and their accountants – unsure about the tax consequences of their income and expenses, or what kinds of deductions are legitimate for people in their line of work.
We found that the tax treatment of the free products many influencers get in the course of doing their job is especially ambiguous, leaving them unaware of how to correctly file their tax returns.
While some tax experts argue that freebies, whether they’re objects such as running shoes and headphones or services such as a luxury hotel stay, should be treated as taxable income. Other tax professionals say free goods and services are typically gifts, not income.
For our research we analyzed tax laws, researched various accounting firms specializing in influencer clients and examined IRS guidance that offers tax advice to accountants and influencers. While specific audits of social media influencers for nondeductible lifestyle expenses are not publicly documented due to confidentiality, there are common areas where influencers may face scrutiny from tax authorities.
The IRS issued its most relevant guidance in 2006, when it advised entertainers and celebrities who receive “swag bags” containing pricey gifts at the Oscars and other high-profile award ceremonies. Other guidance is based on commonly accepted tax rules for business deductions and income recognition.
The IRS confirmed that items received this way constitute taxable income that must be reported based on their fair value. This advice offered a starting point for influencer tax rules. In our view, that guidance does not clear up a growing area of uncertainty that affects millions of people and countless companies.
A CPA offers some advice for influencers who get stuff from brands.
Ideally, all influencers would sign contracts with their business partners outlining the terms of their compensation. In reality, companies send stuff or provide free services to influencers without agreeing with them about anything in advance.
While the IRS allows gifts to be excluded from income, many influencers receive unsolicited items that generally don’t qualify as gifts. That’s because a true gift requires nothing expected in return.
In contrast, when influencers get freebies, they’re often expected to promote or acknowledge those products or services on social media. When influencers get things they don’t use, returning them is their best course of action in terms of their possible tax liability.
In influencer marketing, this guideline allows influencers to exclude low-cost products or services from their income if their value is too small to track. Frequently receiving many low-value goods or services from the same business, however, could constitute taxable income.
Influencers’ expenses are also hard to assess because they use many purchases for both personal and business purposes. And business expenses can be deducted on a tax return but not personal ones.
The tax code is especially strict when it comes to apparel, unless it’s used exclusively for business purposes. This leaves influencers unsure about what they should do when they purchase, say, a cashmere scarf that they promote on TikTok but also wear when they go on errands without any promotional activities. Would that scarf be partially deductible? Not deductible at all? The IRS hasn’t said enough for us – or anyone else – to answer this question.
Influencers must track everything they get for free and all their work-related expenses paid during the year. Creating a simple record-keeping system tracking for all goods and services received will simplify tax filing. There are some apps for that.
What still isn’t known
Neither the IRS nor Congress has indicated whether any guidelines, regulations or laws that would clarify the rules governing influencer taxation are in the works. It’s also unclear when IRS audits of influencers or relevant tax court cases are underway.
The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.
The University of Dayton is a partner organization with The Conversation.
Kaitlin Newkirk does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
MIAMI, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (“NextNRG” and the “Company”) (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to redefine energy innovation with its cutting-edge utility operating system, smart microgrid solutions, wireless electric vehicle charging, and fuel delivery technologies, today announced record year-over-year (“YoY”) and sequential unaudited revenue growth for the month of January 2025 in its EzFill division. The tables below provide details regarding the YoY and month-over-month (“MoM”) comparisons.
January 2025 – YoY Comparison
January 2024
January 2025
Growth
Revenue
$
2,110,843
$
4,992,090
136%
Gallons
546,292
1,438,824
163%
January 2025 – MoM Comparison
December 2024
January 2025
Growth
Revenue
$
2,272,058
$
4,992,090
120%
Gallons
620,578
1,438,824
132%
NextNRG, Inc. Executive Chairman and CEO, MichaelD.Farkas, commented, “This record-breaking month underscores the strength of our carefully designed growth strategy, which we are executing with discipline. We believe the acquisition of Shell Oil’s truck fleet, doubling our operational capacity, strategically positions us to maintain this momentum. January 2025 marked the initiation of fuel deliveries to the world’s leading e-commerce company under a substantial long-term agreement. Additionally, we are experiencing consistent revenue growth across our key markets and fleet accounts nationwide. With the recent financing and share exchange finalized, we believe we are well-equipped to advance the next stage of our strategic expansion.”
About NextNRG, Inc.
NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging, and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.
At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Utility Operating System which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible; and the deployment of NextNRG Smart Microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities, and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.
NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV supporting more efficient fuel delivery while advancing clean energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.
AMARILLO, Texas, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC), in collaboration with Duos Edge AI, Inc. (“Duos Edge AI”), a subsidiary of Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), proudly announces the grand opening of an advanced Edge Data Center (“EDC”) on March 18, 2025. In partnership with FiberLight, this milestone marks a transformative leap in connectivity, AI-driven education, and economic development for the Texas Panhandle. The Duos Edge AI EDC will expand digital access for schools, fuel job creation, and strengthen regional infrastructure to support long-term growth and innovation.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CT Location: Region 16 ESC, located at 5800 Bell Street in Amarillo, Texas
The grand opening event includes a “ribbon cutting” and will feature an impressive lineup of industry leaders and experts, including Doug Recker, President and Founder, Duos Edge AI; Chuck Ferry, Chief Executive Officer, Duos Technologies Group and New APR Energy; Ron Kormos, Chief Strategy Officer, FiberLight; Tanya Larkin EdD, Executive Director, Region 16. These distinguished speakers will share insights on the future of edge computing, AI integration, and the impact of this new data center on regional development.
“We’re looking forward to hosting this event, bringing together leaders in the community and industry alike to mark this milestone,” stated Michael Keough, CIO of Region 16 ESC. “It’s the beginning of a new chapter for the Texas Panhandle as we bring enhanced connectivity and resources to the area.”
The launch event will showcase the cutting-edge technology housed within the new data center, demonstrating how it will drive innovation and economic growth in the region. “This grand opening represents a significant step forward in our mission to bring advanced AI capabilities closer to where data is generated,” said Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “We’re thrilled to partner with Region 16 to make this vision a reality.”
“FiberLight’s partnership with Region 16 and Duos Edge AI goes beyond delivering fiber—it’s about creating a lasting impact,” said Ron Kormos, Chief Strategy Officer at FiberLight. “While our fiber infrastructure will immediately transform learning experiences for students and educators, its long-term benefit will extend across the Texas Panhandle. By establishing a strong fiber backbone, we’re enabling better education and also building the foundation for economic growth, business expansion, and improved public services. This investment will help bridge the digital divide, fostering a more connected and thriving community for years to come.”
To learn more about Region 16 ESC, please visit www.esc16.net To learn more about Duos Edge AI, please visit www.duosedge.ai To learn more about FiberLight, please visit www.fiberlight.com
About Region 16 Education Service Center: Located in Amarillo, Texas, Region 16 Education Service Center serves 60 school districts and three charter schools with 226 campuses in a 26,000 square mile area. Region 16 school districts have an average daily attendance of over 83,000 students, with individual districts ranging from fewer than 30 to more than 29,000 students and the total regional school staff numbering more than 12,800.
About Duos Edge AI, Inc. Duos Edge AI, Inc. is a subsidiary of Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT). Duos Edge AI’s mission is to bring advanced technology to underserved communities, particularly in education, healthcare, and rural industries, by deploying high-powered edge computing solutions that minimize latency and optimize performance. Duos Edge AI specializes in high-function Edge Data Center (“EDC”) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment. By focusing on providing scalable IT resources that seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, its solutions expand capabilities at the network edge, ensuring data uptime onsite services. With the ability to provide 100 kW+ per cabinet, rapid 90-day deployment, and continuous 24/7 data services, Duos Edge AI aims to position its edge data centers within 12 miles of end users or devices, significantly closer than traditional data centers. This approach enables timely processing of massive amounts of data for applications requiring real-time response and supporting current and future technologies without large capital investments. For more information, visitwww.duosedge.ai.
About Duos Technologies Group, Inc. Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visitwww.duostech.com,www.duosedge.aiandwww.duosenergycorp.com.
About FiberLight FiberLight builds and operates mission-critical high bandwidth networks to ignite our client’s digital transformation. With more than 19,000 route miles of fiber networks and 300,000 pre-qualified near-net buildings, our service portfolio includes high-capacity Ethernet and Wavelength Services, Cloud Connect, Dedicated Internet Access, Dark Fiber, and Wireless Backhaul serving domestic and international telecom companies, wireless, wireline, cable, and cloud providers, as well as key players across enterprise, government, and education. For more information, visithttps://www.fiberlight.com.
Chris Wade is a visiting vehicle integration manager for SpaceX vehicles in the International Space Station Transportation Integration Office. He plays a key role in ensuring that all vehicle requirements are on track to support SpaceX missions to the space station. Chris also manages a team of real-time mission support personnel who follow launch, docking, undocking, and splashdown operations. Read on to learn about his career with NASA and more! Where are you from? I am from Clarksdale, Mississippi. Tell us about your role at NASA. I manage horizontal integration between the SpaceX vehicle provider and the Commercial Crew and International Space Station Programs. In this role, I work to ensure all vehicle requirements will close in time to support upcoming SpaceX missions to the orbiting laboratory and achieve final certification prior to launch. Additionally, as a vehicle integration manager, I manage a team of real-time mission support personnel who follow launch, docking, undocking, and splashdown operations.
cHRIS wade Visiting Vehicle Integration Manager for SpaceX Vehicles
How would you describe your job to family or friends who may not be familiar with NASA? In my current position, I am responsible for ensuring SpaceX Dragon vehicles have met all requirements to conduct missions to the space station. How long have you been working for NASA? I have been working at Johnson Space Center for 25 years. What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to work in the space industry or at NASA? I would advise young individuals to focus their studies on the STEM fields and work hard. I would also advise aspiring candidates to start applying for NASA internships as soon as feasible and don’t be opposed to opportunities in the contractor workforce. What was your path to NASA? My path to NASA was through the contractor workforce. I started working in space station robotic assembly analysis for Lockheed Martin directly out of college, then later became a civil servant at NASA. Is there someone in the space, aerospace, or science industry that motivated or inspired you to work for the space program? Or someone you discovered while working for NASA who inspires you? The Space Shuttle Challenger STS-51-L crew motivated me to pursue a career at NASA. I vividly remember watching the launch from an elementary classroom in Mississippi and thinking, I wish I could do something to help one day. When I got an opportunity to work at Johnson, it was a no-brainer for me to accept the offer. What is your favorite NASA memory? My favorite NASA memory is when I saw my first rocket launch, which was HTV-1 in Kagoshima, Japan.
What do you love sharing about station? What’s important to get across to general audiences to help them understand its benefits to life on Earth? I enjoy telling people that we have a space station that has been in low Earth orbit with people on it for nearly 25 years and we rotate crews of astronauts every six months. If you could have dinner with any astronaut, past or present, who would it be? I would have dinner with NASA astronaut Ron McNair. Growing up in a small southern town, my path to NASA was very similar to his. I find it fascinating how individuals from different eras can end up on similar paths in life, and I would love to have a conversation with him about the choices he made that lead to his career as an astronaut. Do you have a favorite space-related memory or moment that stands out to you? My favorite space-related memory is watching the SpaceX Demo-2 Crew Mission arrive at the International Space Station. That was the first launch of NASA astronauts from American soil since the Space Shuttle Program had ended almost 10 years prior. What are some of the key projects you’ve worked on during your time at NASA? What have been your favorite? Some of the key projects I’ve worked on include:
Robotic assembly of the International Space Station
Robotic visiting vehicle capture
Cargo and crew dragon visiting vehicle mission certification
Of these, my favorite was the robotic visiting vehicle capture project. For this project, I got to work with the Canadian Space Agency and develop a method of using the space station’s robotic arm to grab unmanned visiting resupply vehicles.
What are your hobbies/things you enjoy outside of work? Some of my favorite hobbies include running, reading, listening to audio books, and visiting family and friends back in Mississippi. Day launch or night launch? Day launch! Favorite space movie? Armageddon NASA “worm” or “meatball” logo? Worm
Every day, we’re conducting exciting research aboard our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore further into space and bring benefits back to people on Earth. You can keep up with the latest news, videos, and pictures about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It’s a curated hub of space station research digital media from Johnson and other centers and space agencies. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to get the updates delivered directly to you. Follow updates on social media at @ISS_Research on Twitter, and on the space station accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
A NASA and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-supported research and development team is making it easier for farmers and ranchers to manage their water resources. The team, called OpenET, created the Farm and Ranch Management Support (FARMS) tool, which puts timely, high-resolution water data directly in the hands of individuals and small farm operators. By making the information more accessible, the platform can better support decision-making around agricultural planning, water conservation, and water efficiency. The OpenET team hopes this will help farmers who are working to build greater resiliency in local and regional agriculture communities. build greater resiliency in local and regional agriculture communities. “It’s all about finding new ways to make satellite data easier to access and use for as many people as possible,” said Forrest Melton, the OpenET project scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. “The goal is to empower users with actionable, science-based data to support decisions about water management across the West.”
Forrest melton OpenET Project Scientist
The OpenET data explorer tool centers on providing evapotranspiration data. Evapotranspiration (ET) refers to the amount of water leaving Earth’s surface and returning to the atmosphere through evaporation (from soil and surface water) and transpiration (water vapor released by crops and other plants). Evapotranspiration is an important factor in agriculture, water resource management, irrigation planning, drought monitoring, and fire risk evaluation. The FARMS resource is the third phase of OpenET’s Data Explorer tool, launched in 2021, which uses satellite data to quantify evapotranspiration across the western U.S. It starts with using Landsat data to measure patterns in land surface temperature and key indicators of vegetation conditions. The satellite data is combined with agricultural data, such as field boundaries, and weather data, such as air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and precipitation. All of these factors feed into a model, which calculates the final evapotranspiration data. The new FARMS interface was designed to make that data easier to access, with features that meet specific needs identified by users. “This amount of data can be complicated to use, so user input helped us shape FARMS,” said Jordan Harding, app developer and interface design leader from HabitatSeven. “It provides a mobile-friendly, map-based web interface designed to make it easy as possible to get automated, regular reports.”
“The FARMS tool is designed to help farmers optimize irrigation timing and amounts, simplify planning for the upcoming irrigation season, and automate ET and water use reporting,” said Sara Larsen, CEO of OpenET. “All of this reduces waste, lowers costs, and informs crop planning.” Although FARMS is geared towards agriculture, the tool has value for other audiences in the western U.S. Land managers who evaluate the impacts of wildfire can use it to evaluate burn scars and changes to local hydrology. Similarly, resource managers can track evapotranspiration changes over time to evaluate the effectiveness of different forest management plans.
To develop FARMS, the OpenET team held listening sessions with farmers, ranchers, and resource managers. One requested function was support for field-to-field comparisons; a feature for planning irrigation needs and identifying problem areas, like where pests or weeds may be impacting crop yields. The tool includes numerous options for drawing or selecting field boundaries, generating custom reports based on selected models and variables, and automatically re-running reports at daily or monthly intervals. The fine spatial resolution and long OpenET data record behind FARMS make these features more effective. Many existing global ET data products have a pixel size of over half a mile, which is too big to be practical for most farmers and ranchers. The FARMS interface provides insights at the scale of a quarter-acre per pixel, which offers multiple data points within an individual field. “If I had told my father about this 15 years ago, he would have called me crazy,” said Dwane Roth, a fourth-generation farmer in Kansas. “Thanks to OpenET, I can now monitor water loss from my crops in real-time. By combining it with data from our soil moisture probes, this tool is enabling us to produce more food with less water. It’s revolutionizing agriculture.”
For those like sixth-generation California pear farmer Brett Baker, the 25-year span of ET data is part of what makes the tool so valuable. “My family has been farming the same crop on the same piece of ground for over 150 years,” Baker said. “Using FARMS gives us the ability to review historical trends and changes to understand what worked and what didn’t year to year: maybe I need to apply more fertilizer to that field, or better weed control to another. Farmers know their land, and FARMS provides a new tool that will allow us to make better use of land and resources.” According to Roth, the best feature of the tool is intangible. “Being a farmer is stressful,” Roth said. “OpenET is beneficial for the farm and the agronomic decisions, but I think the best thing it gives me is peace of mind.”
Dwane Roth Fourth-Generation Kansas Grain Farmer
Over the coming months, the OpenET team plans to present the new tool at agricultural conferences and conventions in order to gather feedback from as many users as possible. “We know that there is already a demand for a seven-day forecast of ET, and I’m sure there will be requests about the interface itself,” said OpenET senior software engineer Will Carrara. “We’re definitely looking to the community to help us further refine that platform.” “I think there are many applications we haven’t even thought of yet,” Baker added. “The FARMS interface isn’t just a tool; it’s an entirely new toolbox itself. I’m excited to see what people do with it.”
FARMS was developed through a public-private collaboration led by NASA, USGS, USDA, the non-profit OpenET, Inc., Desert Research Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, Google Earth Engine, HabitatSeven, California State University Monterey Bay, Chapman University, Cornell University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, UC Berkeley and other universities, with input from more than 100 stakeholders.
For resources/tutorials on how to use FARMS, please visit: https://openet.gitbook.io/docs/additional-resources/farms
The Israeli military’s repeated unlawful attacks during the war in Lebanon on health facilities, ambulances and health workers, which are protected under international law, must be investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today.
The Lebanese government should provide the International Criminal Court (ICC) the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes within the Rome Statute committed on Lebanese territory, and ensure victims’ right to remedy, including by calling on Israel to provide reparation for serious violations of international humanitarian law.
In findings releasedtoday, Amnesty International presents the results of its investigations into four Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities and vehicles in Beirut and in south Lebanon between 3 and 9 October 2024, which killed 19 healthcare workers, wounded 11 more, and damaged or destroyed multiple ambulances and two medical facilities in a one-week period in October 2024.
During the war in Lebanon in 2024, the Israeli military repeatedly attacked health facilities and medical vehicles. The Israeli military has not provided sufficient justifications, or specific evidence of military targets being present at the strike locations, to account for these repeated attacks, which weakened a fragile healthcare system and put lives at risk.
“Israel’s unlawful attacks on medical facilities and personnel are not only serious violations of international humanitarian law and likely war crimes but also have devastating consequences for civilians more broadly. We call for the government of Lebanon, with the support of the international community, to step up and act to ensure that suspected perpetrators of war crimes can be held accountable. The new Lebanese government must grant the International Criminal Court jurisdiction over all Rome Statue crimes committed on or perpetrated from its territory,” said Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns, Erika Guevara Rosas.
“Israel’s unlawful attacks on medical facilities and personnel are not only serious violations of international humanitarian law and likely war crimes but also have devastating consequences for civilians more broadly” – Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns
Lebanon must urgently accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC and make a declaration granting the Court jurisdiction from 2002. In the interim, Lebanon should make an ad hoc declaration accepting the exercise of the ICC’s jurisdiction with respect to all Rome Statute crimes committed on or perpetrated from Lebanese territory.
The Israeli military repeatedlyaccused Hezbollah of using ambulances to transport fighters and weapons, and of using medical centres affiliated with the Islamic Health Association (IHA) as a “cover for terrorist activities”. In the four attacks investigated, however, Amnesty International did not find evidence that the facilities or vehicles were being used for military purposes at the time of the attacks.
“When a health system is attacked, civilians suffer. Even when hospitals are thought to be used for military purposes and lose their protected status under international law, they can only be attacked after a warning that gives sufficient time for the evacuation of patients and staff goes unheeded. An attacking party remains at all times bound by the principle of proportionality, weighing the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated from an attack against the expected harm to civilians and civilian objects, including the reverberating humanitarian consequences resulting from the attack,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.
Amnesty International interviewed 17 people, including medical workers, witnesses to the attacks, local officials, and family members of the victims. Researchers also visited the site of the attack on the IHA’s centre in Bachoura, Beirut. In addition, Amnesty International verified 46 photographs and videos from the attacks shared directly with the organization or published in the media and on social media. Amnesty International wrote to the Israeli military with its findings on 11 November 2024 but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Medical personnel, hospitals, and other medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), people who have exclusively non-combat functions in armed groups or are merely members of or affiliated with political entities with an armed component, such as Hezbollah, may not be targeted unless and for such time that they are directly participating in hostilities. Medical personnel affiliated with Hezbollah, including those assigned to civil defence organizations, exclusively assigned to medical or humanitarian duties are protected from attack.
A ceasefire was announced in Lebanon in late November 2024. In early 2025, healthcare workers impacted by the four Israeli attacks said they were doing their best to provide care while still grappling with damaged or destroyed facilities and vehicles and the loss of their colleagues. One civil defence team member, whose centre was destroyed in an Israeli attack, said the team was now working from a local villager’s home, which he said they had “offered to us, on temporary basis… until we find and move to a new locale.”
“It is crucial that all attacks against medical staff and facilities are investigated to ensure that perpetrators are punished, victims receive reparations, and these crimes are never repeated” – Erika Guevara Rosas
“It is crucial that all attacks against medical staff and facilities are investigated to ensure that perpetrators are punished, victims receive reparations, and these crimes are never repeated. A ceasefire is only the first step to ending and preventing harm. To move forward, victims of serious violations by all parties must see justice and receive redress,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.
Before Israel launched its operation Northern Arrows on 23 September 2024, Amnesty International had verified over 80 photos and videos from 11 attacks that hit medical crews and facilities in Lebanon between 8 October 2023 and 24 June 2024.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, between October 2023 and November 2024 the Israeli military attacked 67 hospitals, 56 primary health care centres, and 238 emergency medical teams, killing at least 222 medical and emergency relief workers.
According to the World Health Organization, as of 21 November 2024, “47% of the attacks on health care – 65 out of 137 – have proven fatal to at least one health worker or patient in Lebanon”.
The Lebanese healthcare sector was already straining due to multiple, ongoing and compounding crises, including a massive economic crisis that spiralled in late 2019, followed by the Beirut Port explosion in 2020, while the country tried to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
On 27 November, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 60-day ceasefire deal. Within days, numerous violations of the ceasefire deal were reported. On 27 January, the ceasefire got extended for another few weeks. Israel later announced it intended to remain in a number of positions in Lebanon’s territory.
Amnesty International has also documented evidence of unlawful airstrikes that killed and injured civilians. In a briefing published in December 2024, Amnesty International documented four air strikes by Israeli forces across Lebanon which killed at least 49 civilians and killed entire families and that must be investigated as war crimes.
During the war, Hezbollah repeatedly fired unguided rocket salvos into northern Israel, including carrying out attacks that killed and injured civilians. In some cases, they insisted they were aiming at military targets, but in others said they were attacking the civilian city or town generally.
Four attacks on healthcare facilities and vehicles which killed 19 healthcare workers investigated
Israeli military has not provided sufficient justifications or specific evidence of military targets being present at the strike locations
Lebanon must urgently provide the ICCthe jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes within the Rome Statute
‘It is crucial that all attacks against medical staff and facilities are investigated to ensure that perpetrators are punished, victims receive reparations, and these crimes are never repeated’ – Erika Guevara Rosas
The Israeli military’s repeated unlawful attacks during the war in Lebanon on health facilities, ambulances and health workers, which are protected under international law, must be investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today.
In findings released today, Amnesty presents the results of its investigations into four Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities and vehicles in Beirut and in south Lebanon between 3 and 9 October 2024, which killed 19 healthcare workers, wounded 11 more, and damaged or destroyed multiple ambulances and two medical facilities in a one-week period.
During the war in Lebanon in 2024, the Israeli military repeatedly attacked health facilities and medical vehicles. The Israeli military has not provided sufficient justifications, or specific evidence of military targets being present at the strike locations, to account for these repeated attacks, which weakened a fragile healthcare system and put lives at risk.
Lebanon must urgently accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC and make a declaration granting the Court jurisdiction from 2002. In the interim, Lebanon should make an ad hoc declaration accepting the exercise of the ICC’s jurisdiction with respect to all Rome Statute crimes committed on or perpetrated from Lebanese territory.
Four attacks investigated
The Israeli militaryrepeatedlyaccusedHezbollah of using ambulances to transport fighters and weapons, and of using medical centres affiliated with the Islamic Health Association (IHA) as a “cover for terrorist activities”. In the four attacks investigated, however, Amnesty did not find evidence that the facilities or vehicles were being used for military purposes at the time of the attacks.
Amnesty interviewed 17 people, including medical workers, witnesses to the attacks, local officials, and family members of the victims. Researchers also visited the site of the attack on the IHA’s centre in Bachoura, Beirut. In addition, Amnesty verified 46 photographs and videos from the attacks shared directly with the organisation or published in the media and on social media. Amnesty wrote to the Israeli military with its findings on 11 November 2024 but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Medical personnel, hospitals, and other medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, people who have exclusively non-combat functions in armed groups or are merely members of or affiliated with political entities with an armed component, such as Hezbollah, may not be targeted unless and for such time that they are directly participating in hostilities. Medical personnel affiliated with Hezbollah, including those assigned to civil defence organisations, exclusively assigned to medical or humanitarian duties are protected from attack.
A ceasefire was announced in Lebanon in late November 2024. In early 2025, healthcare workers impacted by the four Israeli attacks said they were doing their best to provide care while still grappling with damaged or destroyed facilities and vehicles and the loss of their colleagues.One civil defence team member, whose centre was destroyed in an Israeli attack, said the team was now working from a local villager’s home, which he said they had “offered to us, on temporary basis… until we find and move to a new locale.”
Before Israel launched its operation Northern Arrows on 23 September 2024, Amnesty had verified over 80 photos and videos from 11 attacks that hit medical crews and facilities in Lebanon between 8 October 2023 and 24 June 2024.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, between October 2023 and November 2024 the Israeli military attacked67 hospitals, 56 primary health care centres, and 238 emergency medical teams, killing at least 222 medical and emergency relief workers. According to the World Health Organization, as of 21 November 2024, “47% of the attacks on health care – 65 out of 137 – have proven fatal to at least one health worker or patient in Lebanon”.
The Lebanese healthcare sector was already straining due to multiple, ongoing and compounding crises, including a massive economic crisis that spiralled in late 2019, followed by the Beirut Port explosion in 2020, while the country tried to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Violations of the ceasefire deal
On 27 November, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 60-day ceasefire deal. Within days, numerous violations of the ceasefire deal were reported. On 27 January, the ceasefire got extended for another few weeks. Israel later announced it intended to remain in a number of positions in Lebanon’s territory.
Amnesty has also documented evidence of unlawful airstrikes that killed and injured civilians.In a briefing published in December 2024, Amnesty documented four air strikes by Israeli forces across Lebanon which killed at least 49 civilians and killed entire families and that must be investigated as war crimes.
During the war, Hezbollah repeatedly fired unguided rocket salvos into northern Israel, including carrying out attacks that killed and injured civilians. In some cases, they insisted they were aiming at military targets, but in others said they were attacking the civilian city or town generally.
Call to investigate war crimes
The Lebanese government should provide the ICCthe jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes within the Rome Statutecommitted on Lebanese territory, and ensure victims’ right to remedy, including by calling on Israel to provide reparation for serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns, said:
“Israel’s unlawful attacks on medical facilities and personnel are not only serious violations of international humanitarian law and likely war crimes but also have devastating consequences for civilians more broadly.
“When a health system is attacked, civilians suffer. Even when hospitals are thought to be used for military purposes and lose their protected status under international law, they can only be attacked after a warning that gives sufficient time for the evacuation of patients and staff goes unheeded. An attacking party remains at all times bound by the principle of proportionality, weighing the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated from an attack against the expected harm to civilians and civilian objects, including the reverberating humanitarian consequences resulting from the attack.
“It is crucial that all attacks against medical staff and facilities are investigated to ensure that perpetrators are punished, victims receive reparations, and these crimes are never repeated. A ceasefire is only the first step to ending and preventing harm. To move forward, victims of serious violations by all parties must see justice and receive redress.
“We call for the government of Lebanon, with the support of the international community to step up and act to ensure that suspected perpetrators of war crimes can be held accountable. The new Lebanese government must grant the ICC jurisdiction over all Rome Statue crimes committed on or perpetrated from its territory.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 to be gazetted ****************************************************************
The Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be gazetted on March 7 to implement the measure announced in the 2025-26 Budget to increase the air passenger departure tax (APDT) from $120 per passenger to $200 with effect from October 1, 2025. The new tax rate will be applicable to air tickets purchased on or after October 1, 2025. It is estimated that government revenue will increase by about $1.6 billion annually. Under the Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance (Cap. 140) (APDT Ordinance), certain classes of people are exempted from payment of the APDT, including passengers under 12 years of age, direct transit passengers, connecting flight passengers, passengers who arrive at and depart from Hong Kong by aircraft on the same day, and passengers who arrive at Hong Kong International Airport by vehicle via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge or by ship and subsequently depart from Hong Kong by aircraft while remaining within the restricted area at all times before departure. A Government spokesman said, “The APDT was last increased more than 20 years ago in 2003-04. The proposed increase constitutes only a very small portion of the overall travelling cost for the general public and travellers to Hong Kong. The impact on air passengers is expected to be minimal.” Meanwhile, under the APDT Ordinance, airlines and helicopter company collect the APDT from air passengers on behalf of the Government, and process applications for exemptions and refunds. The Government pays an administration fee to them in return. The Bill also proposes amending the APDT Ordinance to streamline the financial arrangement of the Government for handling the administration fee. The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading and the commencement of the second reading debate on March 19.
The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of certain shareholding of Schott Poonawalla Private Limited by TPG Scion SG Pte. Ltd.
The proposed combination involves the acquisition byTPG Scion SG Pte. Ltd. of certain shareholding in SPPL by way of a secondary purchase from Serum Institute of India Private Limited. (Proposed Combination).
The TPG Scion SG Pte. Ltd.(TPG Scion/Acquirer), is a newly incorporated special purpose investment vehicle incorporated in Singapore on 11th October 2024 for the purposes of the Proposed Combination. Currently it does not have any operations in India. TPG Scion is an affiliate of the TPG Group, which is a global, diversified investment firm founded in 1992. TPG Scion is ultimately managed and controlled by an entity, which is advised by the affiliates of TPG Inc. (TPG), the ultimate holding company of the TPG Group. TPG, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, are together referred to as “TPG Group”.
Schott Poonawalla Private Limited (SPPL/Target) is engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing and selling, sterile or non-sterile glass containers such as ampoules, vials, cartridges or syringes for primary pharmaceutical packaging and their ancillary components by converting tubular glass into ampoules, vials, cartridge and prefilled syringes or otherwise.
Australians largely support transforming the economy to increase recycling, repurpose products and reduce waste, according to a new report from the Productivity Commission, but they are being impeded by inconsistent regulations.
The interim report of the commission’s inquiry into Australia’s circular economy, released Wednesday night, also finds consumers need more information about the durability and repairability of products.
The report says that despite increased awareness of the benefits of a circular economy, the transformation has been complex and progress has been slow.
The first is designing and making goods without waste and pollution. This includes using renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
The second is keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. This can be achieved by maintaining or repairing products to extend their life.
The third principle is regeneration. This means promoting activities with positive outcomes. This could include activities to deal with biodiversity loss, or social benefits through food relief and donations.
Some businesses are already using circular economy practices but compared to other developed countries, Australia is well behind. The recent CSIRO study found only 3.7% of the Australian economy is circular, half of the world’s average of 7.2%.
In December last year the Federal government released the National Circular Economy Framework providing guidance how to increase circularity.
Coinciding with this, the Productivity Commission evaluated circular economy opportunities in six priority sectors – built environment, food and agriculture, textiles and clothing, vehicles, mining and electronics.
Priority areas
The priority areas were selected based on the impact their materials has on the environment and the economy.
For example, the construction sector uses large quantities of materials which are expensive to recycle. While the increased use of electric vehicles is a bonus for the environment, the lithium-ion batteries they use pose a fire risk if incorrectly managed.
How much impact a particular area has on Australia, was also taken into account.
For example, Australians are the largest consumers of textiles in the world per capita. But most of these are imported, limiting our influence on how they are made.
Also, the impact and effectiveness of policies and regulations was also considered. Stakeholders across government and community sectors provided detailed submissions that informed the commission’s assessment.
Getting consumers, government and business onboard
The Productivity Commission noted material consumption and waste generation has not changed since 2010. This is because consumers are not repairing and reusing appliances or recycling which is important to a circular economy.
While the report recommends how food waste should be managed, consumers need to change their behaviour to reduce the waste they generate.
To do this, however, consumers need information about making informed purchasing decisions. For e-waste, they need easy access to repair services to extend the life of their products rather than buying new.
The report repeats earlier recommendations about repairs and reuse from the Productivity Commission’s 2021 Right to Repair inquiry.
That inquiry recommended the government develop a product labelling scheme giving consumers information about how durable household appliances are and whether they can be repaired.
We believe implementing these recommendations would bring Australia in line with global best practice reflected in the European Eco-design Sustainable Product regulations.
Impeded by regulations
This report highlights the importance of consistent policies and regulations. These currently vary across sectors and jurisdictions.
Standards enabling the use of recycled materials in construction, consistent rules on the disposal of lithium-ion batteries and consistent kerbside recycling guidelines were all needed.
The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group recommended in their final report in December new legislation, a governance model and investment in innovation to help Australia move to a circular economy.
Help for business
When designed well, circular business models have the potential to reduce waste materials and carbon emissions.
Comparing the circular and linear economies. Productivity Commission, CC BY-SA
However, changing industry and consumer practices represents a big change. As well as inconsistent regulations slowing the transformation, making processes more innovative and experimenting with new technologies can be costly.
The Productivity Commission report says government can help reduce barriers to implementation of circular business models given business has a pivotal role in
driving this transition.
It also supports product stewardship, an approach where producers, importers and brands are responsible and liable for the impact their products have on the environment and on human health across the product life cycle.
Regulations for product stewardship was identified in the report as important, particularly in textiles and clothing, vehicles, EV batteries, solar panels and consumer electronics.
Towards net zero
Several international studies have reported that a circular economy will be needed to achieve net zero targets.
In Australia, the industry sector including mining, manufacturing and construction is responsible for around 34% of total emissions. Using materials more efficiently will help reduce them.
Agriculture, despite its small contribution to the GDP (2.4%), alone contributes 18% to greenhouse gas emissions.
As the report notes, most of these emissions (80%) come from livestock and use of synthetic fertilisers (15%). But only food waste is identified as one of the priority areas.
It should be noted though that food waste only accounts for 3% of emissions. So reducing emissions from agriculture, switching to renewable fertilisers and changing livestock diets should also be a priority.
The Productivity Commission will send its final report to government by August this year.
Melita Jazbec receives research funding from various government and non-government sources. Melita Jazbec is currently conducting research projects on circular economy funded by Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and by AgriFutures.
Melita Jazbec made a submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry which also interviewed her.
Monique Retamal receives research funding from federal DCCEEW, Circular Australia and state government environment departments. Monique was interviewed by the Productivity Commission inquiry.
Nick Florin receives funding from government and non-government organisations, including the Federal department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation. Nick is also a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence.
Stuart White receives research funding from various government and non-government sources.
Home » Latest News » Exciting transformation of city’s iconic gateway to get underway
An artist impression of what Westgate Square could look like when complete
Exciting work to transform the area around Westgate Towers in Canterbury to reflect the city’s standing as an international visitor destination and World Heritage Site is about to get underway.
The £1.5 million project, paid for as part of the council’s successful bid for £19.9m of government money, will see the area’s roads and pavements improved to better reflect its heritage and history, using high quality materials in keeping with the surroundings.
The overall aim is to reduce the dominance of the car in that part of the city, in order to create a community focused space that has the infrastructure to support future events.
The work will inevitably lead to some disruption in the area.
The city council’s Head of Digital, Data and Improvement and lead for the project, Caroline Marlow, said: “This desperately-needed scheme is a complicated one and will be carried out in a very busy area of the city.
“It will cause some inconvenience for which we apologise in advance but we hope it really will be worth it.
“The Westgate Towers, and the roads through it and around it, have long been controversial but I can guarantee this is not a cunning plan to bring back the hated one-way system that caused a stink some years ago.”
To minimise disruption and to protect those carrying out the work, it will be completed in phases.
They are:
Phase one – work to be carried out to the roads and pavements between St Dunstan’s Street and Tower Way, on the northwest side of the road (the Guildhall side). This side of the road will be closed to traffic from St Peter’s roundabout but access will be maintained to Tower Way, St Peter’s Grove and Black Griffin Lane. Traffic coming from the other direction will be permitted to travel through the Westgate Towers and along St Peter’s Place to the St Peter’s roundabout. A pedestrian route past the work will be maintained at all times.
Phase two – work to be carried out to the road and pavement between St Dunstan’s Street and Tower Way, on the southeastern side of the road, outside the former Barretts showroom. This side of the road will be closed to through traffic from St Dunstan’s Street up to Tower Way. Traffic will be permitted to travel from the St Peter’s roundabout, along St Peter’s Place and around the side of the Westgate Towers. A pedestrian route past the work will be maintained at all times. As part of this phase, it will be necessary to close the exit of St Peter’s Street while the work across this junction is completed. Access up to the point of the closure will be available for deliveries to shops etc. A diversion route via The Friars will be signed for vehicles leaving St Peter’s Street.
Phase three – road resurfacing will be carried out in St Peter’s Place between the edge of the new Westgate Square (see picture above) and just past the junction of Tower Way. This work will be conducted at night under a road closure, with local access being maintained. The diversion route for the three main phases (1, 2 and 3) will be via St Dunstan’s Street, London Road and Rheims Way. Signs will be in place, depending on the direction of traffic being diverted.
Ms Marlow said: “We think the whole project will take 12 months to complete but as the work progresses, we will try our level best to find ways to speed up the programme.”
Phase one is due to start around 22 April and will take approximately five months. Phase two will take up the majority of the remainder of the time, with the phase three resurfacing work lasting only a few days.
You can find out more about the Connected Canterbury project by visiting canterbury.gov.uk/luf.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Press release
Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, Westminster Abbey service, concert and Flypast among plans unveiled to mark VE Day 80
Four day celebrations will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe in May
Commemorations will kick off on Bank Holiday Monday, which will see the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a Military procession and a flypast in London
Street parties will also be held across the country and ceremony on HMS Belfast will kick off community celebrations
8 May will see a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert
Service planned to mark VJ Day and the end of the war in the Far East in August
The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be marked this year with a series of events and celebrations that will share stories of the Second World War generation.
Victory in Europe (VE Day), which takes place on 8 May, marks the Allied victory in Europe. The news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).
The commemorations will pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
The early May Bank Holiday will see the beginning of the events to mark VE and VJ Day 80 with events planned including a Military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories:
Monday 5 May:
To ensure the commemorations act as a point of remembrance of the millions who lost their lives in the conflict as well as a celebration of peace, the commemorations will begin in Whitehall. The Cenotaph, the nation’s focal point of remembrance, will be dressed in Union Flags for the duration of the four day commemorations, echoing the 1920 unveiling of the monument to the fallen. From Monday 5 May, it will provide a focal point for the commemorations and a place to pay silent tribute to all those who died, both at home and abroad, during the Second World War.
To honour and remember those who fell during the Second World War, there will be a Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft including the famous Red Arrows.
The VE Day 80 commemorations will continue with a street party on HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War and is the most significant surviving Second World War warship.
Street parties, barbecues and community get togethers, supported by ideas and inspiration from The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch, will be held by communities across the country, echoing the celebrations 80 years ago as the population welcomed the end of the war.
Tuesday 6 May:
An installation of ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London to mark the anniversary. Nearly 30,000 of the original poppies from the 2014 display at the Tower, which commemorated the centenary of the First World War, will be displayed in a new installation within the walls of the fortress. This poppies installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz and still bears some of those scars today. It will mark and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War.
Historic landmarks across the UK will be lit up this evening.
Wednesday 7 May:
On the evening of the 7th May 1945, a newsflash announced that the following day would be Victory in Europe Day. To commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history, the Parliament Choir will host a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in the famous Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster, eighty years to the day that victory was declared.
Thursday 8 May:
A service will take place at Westminster Abbey that will be both an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war. It will be a moment to give thanks and to honour a generation that showed extraordinary courage and resilience.
The events will conclude with a concert at the historic Horseguards Parade to finish the VE Day 80 commemorations in a celebratory tone, echoing how the nation reacted to the news 80 years before. With more than 10,000 members of the public in attendance, the concert will feature stars of stage and screen and military musicians and tell the story of victory and the legacy of the Second World War in Europe.
Friday 15 August:
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in the Far East, a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum. In partnership with the government, the Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died during the War in the Far East.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are important opportunities for communities to come together to pay tribute to all those who served in the Second World War and to reflect on the values that they were fighting for.
By taking part in these significant commemorations, people across society will be able to hear our veterans’ stories first hand, to reflect and remember, and ensure that their stories of sacrifice and service are remembered for generations to come.
Ruth Bourne, 98, a Second World War Wren working as a link in the chain of codebreakers who intercepted Nazi messages at Bletchley Park said:
There was an electric buzz among everyone and eventually the Royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us. People climbed on every available lamppost, lit bonfires in Hyde Park and we sat around singing songs. Not many went to bed that night!
In partnership with Imperial War Museums, Letters to Loved Ones will encourage the public to delve into their family history to find letters sent by their relatives to loved ones during the Second World War. It is hoped that this will bring together first-hand testimonies from soldiers on the front line, and the women and children on the home front. Letters to Loved Ones will culminate in an event in May, bringing together school children and their families from across the UK.
From April through 2025, Arts Council England will work with arts organisations to join with their communities and creatively commemorate, celebrate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day. Funding will also be made available through the National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All programme for organisations to bid for grants to host events, activities and projects this year for communities to come together to commemorate the war and its impact on individuals and communities across the country.
Resources and educational material will be made available for schools and youth groups to help young people learn about the Second World War and the importance of the role played by their forebearers in securing the peace we enjoy today.
The Royal British Legion, the nation’s largest military charity, will be making resources available for schools and local communities across the country and working through its network of membership branches to mark the anniversary.
The commemorations will be UK wide with activities across the nations and regions. Further details on the fly past, national events and plans to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day across the UK, and how the public can get involved, will be announced in due course.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
80 years ago, the freedoms we enjoy today were defended by our remarkable Second World War generation.
Our duty today is to safeguard the British values they sacrificed so much to uphold.
As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, our grateful nation looks forward to joining our brave Armed Forces and veterans to reflect, rejoice and remember.
Dr Tara Knights, the Royal British Legion’s Head of Remembrance, said:
The Royal British Legion is proud to be marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and will put Second World War veterans at the heart of these commemorations. These are significant anniversaries, and we owe it to all those from the Second World War generation to thank them for their bravery and sacrifice in the defence of freedoms we still enjoy to this day. We will be running educational and community engagement programmes to encourage everyone to get involved in this momentous occasion. The RBL is inviting veterans, or their family or carers on their behalf, to come forward and register to join in the commemorations.
Caro Howell MBE, IWM Director-General said:
As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we are reminded that this devastating conflict will soon pass from living memory. Through ‘Letters to Loved Ones’, we want a new generation of children across the UK to learn about the Second World War and its aftermath, through the stories and memories of their own families and the voices of those who were part of the fight against tyranny.
2025 marks the 80th anniversaries of some of the most significant moments in our history. The anniversaries that we are marking this year serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made across the world, and the events that have shaped our lives ever since.
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition which is helping to organise the community celebrations said:
We spend a lot of our time focusing on the things where we might disagree. VE day 80 is a great opportunity to celebrate what we have in common, and to use the celebrations to reach out to neighbours, friends and our wider communities.
A dedicated interactive website has been launched with latest information and ways to get involved at ve-vjday80.gov.uk
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, a grand jury returned an indictment against Edgar Guadalupe Jimenez-Aguilar, an illegal alien living in Phoenix, for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.
After an investigation, agents from Homeland Security Investigations and United States Border Patrol identified Jimenez-Aguilar as a load driver who picked up aliens in desert areas in Pinal and Pima Counties and transported them to Phoenix. Jimenez-Aguilar also operated a stash house in Phoenix used to harbor the aliens and assumed a coordinator role by recruiting others to act as load drivers.
From late 2024 through January 2025, agents interviewed other load drivers arrested for transporting aliens, who admitted Jimenez-Aguilar had recruited them. The agents also conducted surveillance on Jimenez-Aguilar and his stash house. On October 3, 2024, officers with the Tohono O’odham Police Department stopped a vehicle and determined four passengers, including two in the trunk of the vehicle, were aliens unlawfully present in the United States.
Officers learned that the driver had been recruited on social media, had participated in multiple prior smuggling ventures, and had been to Jimenez-Aguilar’s stash house to unload the aliens. On January 28, 2025, agents stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Mesa and identified the driver as Jimenez-Aguilar via his Sonoran driver’s license. Inside the vehicle, agents located approximately 297 grams of black tar heroin.
Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $5,000,000. Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The United States Border Patrol, Alien Smuggling Unit – Tucson Sector and Homeland Security Investigations – Casa Grande, Pinal and Pima County Sheriff Departments, Tohono O’odham Police Department, and Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Kubota, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00284-PHX-DJH RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-027_Jimenez-Aguilar
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZfor the latest news.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
According to weather forecasters, from March 5 to 6 the capital is expected to experience strong winds with gusts of up to 18 meters per second.
Residents are asked to be careful on the streets and not to be near unstable structures. Motorists are advised to carefully monitor the traffic situation and not to leave cars near trees and power lines.
In an emergency, you must call emergency services on a single number: 112.
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
Salford licensed private hire driver pleads guilty for the offence of illegally plying for hire relating to July 2023 offence
Ordered to pay £400 in fines, £1,200 in costs and a victim surcharge of £160
Salford City Council regards criminal offences committed by licensees whilst working as taxi and private hire drivers as extremely serious, particularly the offence of illegally plying for hire
A Salford licensed private hire driver, Mr Arif Mohammad, has pleaded guilty at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court following a complaint from a member of the public, which Salford City Council Licensing Service investigated.
The complainant reported that Mr Mohammad had overcharged her for a private hire journey having attended a concert at Bolton Stadium. Following the event, the complainant had approached Mr Mohammad’s private hire vehicle and asked if he could take her and three other people to a hotel. Mr Mohammad agreed to the journey without there being a booking in place with a private hire operator. The law requires that all private hire journeys are booked through a private hire operator. Failure to do so can result in the driver’s motor insurance being invalid.
When interviewed in respect of the suspected offence, Mr Arif Mohammad admitted offering the journey without a booking through a private hire operator, describing it as a “big mistake”, stating he was “very sorry”.
Salford City Council is responsible for regulating taxi and private hire drivers licensed with the authority. Criminal offences committed by licensees whilst working as taxi and private hire drivers are regarded as extremely serious, particularly the offence of illegally plying for hire. The offence can lead to a licence being suspended or revoked or an application to renew the licence being refused.
Mr Arif Mohammad has been ordered to pay £400 in fines, £1,200 in costs and a victim surcharge of £160. The offence related to a breach of:
The Town and Police Clauses Act 1847
With its commitment to building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all, Salford City Council Licensing Service will continue to work with licensees to support safe and high quality taxi and private hire services, taking enforcement action where necessary.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Salford City Council’s Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety said: “Taxi and private hire services are an important part of the transport network, and we thank all of our licensees that operate to a safe and high standard. Drivers have a duty to operate in accordance with the law and the conditions of their licence and the authority will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary. As a reminder, a private hire vehicle must always be booked through a licensed operator.”
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The city has provided a land plot in Troitsk to a developer for the construction of a complex for the capital’s traffic police department. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.
“A complex for the State Road Safety Inspectorate will be built in the Troitsk district. It will include an administrative building with an area of about two thousand square meters, parking lots, as well as areas for inspecting vehicles and conducting practical exams. The city has allocated 4.2 hectares of land for the construction of the facility within the framework of the capital’s Targeted Investment Program,” said Maxim Gaman.
The complex will be built at the address: Troitsk district, 180th quarter, land plot No. 3a. Its total area will be known after the development and approval of the design documentation.
According to the technical specifications, in addition to the administrative building for the traffic police officers, a checkpoint and heated garage boxes are planned to be located on the territory. There will also be places for inspecting trucks and buses (with an area of at least 3.4 thousand square meters), other vehicles (with a canopy and overpass, with an area of at least 1.2 thousand square meters), an area for taking a practical driving test for all categories (with an area of at least 2.5 thousand square meters). In addition, a parking lot for visitors for 130 cars will be arranged.
In Moscow, large urban development projects are being implemented using budget funds. All of them are included in the Targeted Investment Program. To build these facilities, the capital’s Department of City Property selects and allocates land plots to developers.
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
Firefighters have contained a large fire burning at a metal recycling premises in Papakura, but the fire is expected to take several hours to fully extinguish.
Fire and Emergency NZ has 15 fire trucks at the scene, including three aerial appliances, as well as a command unit and support vehicles.
The fire was reported just after 4.30pm. Assistant Commander Chris Delfos says that the initial crews who responded are being relieved by fresh firefighters.
An emergency mobile alert was issued at 5.55pm because of the widespread smoke, particularly to the east of Hunua Road. The smoke warning remains in place. People in areas where there is smoke are advised to stay inside with their doors and windows shut to avoid exposure to the smoke.
Police and St John have also been at the scene, which is routine for a fourth alarm level fire.
China’s economy has started 2025 with renewed vigor, as key indicators spanning manufacturing, consumption and real estate reveal strengthening momentum, thereby signaling continued recovery and stability amid global uncertainties, experts noted.
PMI signals expansion
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for China’s manufacturing sector rose to 50.2 in February, up 1.1 percentage points from January and back in expansion territory, latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed.
The non-manufacturing PMI also improved last month, edging up 0.2 percentage points to 50.4, while indices in sectors such as air transport, postal services, telecommunications, radio, television, satellite transmission services, monetary and financial services, and capital market services remained above 55 in February — indicating robust growth in overall business volume, NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe said.
China’s composite PMI stood at 51.1 in February, up 1 percentage point from the previous month, the NBS confirmed.
All three key PMI indicators stood in expansion territory in February, driven by post-Spring Festival production resumption and improved market confidence, reflecting that an overall recovery was gathering speed, Zhao noted.
Robust green consumption
China’s green transformation of consumption in key areas has continued in 2025. Looking at new energy vehicles (NEVs) as an example, the country’s passenger car production volume reached 2.11 million units in January, up 3.6 percent year on year, while NEV output and sales soared by 25.8 percent and 10.5 percent from a year earlier to reach 940,000 units and 744,000 units, respectively.
Complementing this growth, China’s newly-launched insurance platform for NEVs had already covered 114,000 units as of February 25, following guidelines to address challenges and bolster consumer trust in this rapidly expanding sector.
Notably, in the first two months of 2025, China’s electric bicycle trade-in program generated healthy sales of approximately 1.019 million e-bikes, driving new sales of such bikes amounting to 2.66 billion yuan (about 370 million U.S. dollars), the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.
Commenting on China’s recent economic performance, Gabriel Crouse, a South African policy analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, said that compared with the fast economic growth from a relatively low baseline decades ago, China is now operating from a higher baseline and pursuing high-quality development.
“China is continuing to lead the world in new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging sectors,” said Crouse.
Traditional pillar sees stabilization
The real estate sector, a traditional pillar of domestic demand, is showing signs of stabilization, said Ming Ming, chief economist at CITIC Securities — highlighting policy tailwinds, including potential cuts to mortgage rates and relaxed purchasing restrictions in major cities, as keys to restoring market equilibrium.
Data from E-house China R&D Institute revealed that the average destocking period for new residential homes in 100 Chinese cities was 21.3 months in January, a remarkable drop from the previous peak of 26.8 months.
New residential home sales in Beijing surged by 47.11 percent year on year in February — with 2,295 units recorded in online sales contracts. Meanwhile, second-hand home transactions, a key segment of the city’s property market, saw a 92.3-percent increase during the same period, according to data from leading real estate website Fang.com.
As a series of market-stabilizing policies begin to take effect, the upward trend with positive signals across the industry will become increasingly clear, promoting the entire industrial chain in this sector in entering a positive recovery cycle, said Zhang Yan, an analyst from property research institution CRIC.
Chinese policymakers have since last year introduced a range of measures, including financial stimuli and regulatory adjustments, to bolster the property sector. These include mortgage rate cuts, lower down payment requirements, eased purchasing restrictions and financing coordination mechanisms to enhance funding support for developers.
“To see China recognize problems and address them properly reassures investors that the Chinese economy remains a safe place to bet on,” said Crouse.
Tonight, President Donald J. Trump delivered bold, forward-looking remarks before a joint session of Congress — highlighting the historic accomplishments already achieved in his second term and setting the course for four years of prosperity and strength.
Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats were too consumed by their own hatred of President Trump, refusing to show support for lowering taxes, fighting childhood cancer, capturing terrorists, protecting women and girls in sports, or law and order — to name only a few.
As Dana Perino said, “The Democratic Party still has no common sense. They have no ideas and they have no heart. They couldn’t even stand for the most inspiring moments of the speech.”
Tonight, Democrats refused to applaud:
The capturing of an ISIS terrorist that masterminded the Abbey Gate attack
BARCELONA, Spain, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, and e& UAE, telecom arm of global technology group e&, announced a collaboration to advance e& UAE’s future of cloud-native converged packet core networks across 4G, 5G (NSA and SA) at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This marks a significant milestone in the journey towards next-generation connectivity and digital transformation.
This long-term partnership leverages cutting-edge technologies and advanced features, including AI-enabled 5G services, automation, and orchestration. This robust infrastructure is designed to support a wide range of future use cases, from enhanced mobile broadband and ultra-reliable low-latency communications to massive machine-type communications.
With Mavenir and e& UAE coming together, it sets the stage for innovative use cases, including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, industrial IoT, and immersive AR/VR experiences using the latest AI technology. The converged packet core environment ensures seamless transition and readiness for 6G capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in connectivity supporting the expanding business needs of e& UAE.
Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO of Mavenir: “We are thrilled to partner with e& UAE in deploying a state-of-the-art 5G core network. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers. The advanced features and technologies integrated into this network will unlock new possibilities and set the foundation for future 6G capabilities.”
Khaled Al Suwaidi, core networks and platforms, e& UAE, said: “Our successful collaboration with Mavenir marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide world-class connectivity and digital services to our customers. The deployment of this advanced 5G core network not only enhances our current offerings but also positions us at the forefront of technological innovation. We look forward to exploring new areas together in AI, automation, orchestration, digital BSS, and RCS, to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
Mavenir and e& UAE are committed to ongoing collaboration in various domains to drive continuous innovation and deliver transformative digital experiences to customers across the region.
About Mavenir
Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com
About e& UAE
e& UAE is the flagship telecom arm of e& in the UAE, built on a 5-decades legacy of connectivity excellence. Our mission is to deliver world-class superior connectivity experiences that fuel the UAE’s future-focused innovation.
Leveraging the latest world-class technologies, e& UAE aims to transform lives and industries, turning every connection into an opportunity for growth and every interaction into a transformative possibility.
We are focused on expanding our core services and digital marketplaces by enriching consumer value propositions that cater to new lifestyles and emerging demands beyond core telecom services, including health, insurance and gaming.
As a trusted enterprise partner, e& UAE continues to power entire industries with 5G and AI, delivering a tailored ecosystem of solutions to meet their connectivity needs and more, empowering them to automate, innovate, transform, and scale.
Strengthening our leadership position as an AI-powered telco, e& UAE delivers seamless connectivity, cutting-edge AI solutions, and sustainable innovation to uplift people and communities, and empower businesses and industries, so everyone thrives in a digital-first world.
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, March 4 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today delivered remarks following President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. Over 91,000 viewers watched in real time on his social media platforms.
Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched here.
Hello everybody. Thanks for joining.
As most Americans know, we are living in a pivotal moment in American history – facing unprecedented challenges. How we respond to this moment will impact not only OUR lives, but the lives of our kids and grandchildren and, in terms of climate change, the very health and well-being of our planet.
As you heard tonight, President Trump has been very effective in creating what I would call a “parallel universe” for his supporters – a set of ideas that either have NO basis in reality or, in the great scheme of things, are nowhere near the most important concerns of the American people.
And one way that he does that is through the concept of the BIG LIE. Say something that is grossly false, say it over and over again, and have right-wing social media blast it out endless times, until people actually believe it.
And then, rather than address the real issues facing the American people, we find ourselves wasting endless amounts of time discussing Trump’s absurdities.
Just a few examples:
Trump has claimed that the 2020 election was stolen from him and that he won by a landslide. A lie.
Trump has claimed that the January 6th insurrection was a day of love. A lie.
Trump has claimed that millions of undocumented people vote in American elections. A lie.
Trump has claimed that climate change is a hoax originating in China. A lie.
Trump has claimed that Ukraine started the horrific war with Russia. A lie.
And tonight, Trump claimed that millions of dead people between the ages of 100 and 360 were collecting Social Security checks. That is an outrageous lie intended to lay the groundwork for cuts to Social Security and dismantling the most successful and popular government program in history.
Let’s be clear: Well over 99% of Social Security checks are going out to people who earned those checks – 70 million people. Nobody who is 150 years old or 200 years old or 300 years old is receiving Social Security checks.
And on and on it goes.
Now, the purpose of all of this lying is not just to push his hateful right-wing ideology. It is not just to try to divide us up. It’s more than that.
It’s a masterful effort to deflect attention away from the most important issues facing the people of our country, issues that Trump and his billionaire friends do not want to address because it’s not in their financial interests to do so.
Trump gave his “State of the Union” speech tonight. But that speech had very little to say ABOUT the state of the union – about what is REALLY going on in our country – especially for working families.
Trump spoke for 90 minutes and he almost completely ignored the issues that are keeping working people up at night – as they worry about how their families are going to survive in these tough times.
And I’ll tell you exactly WHY Trump had very little to say about the REAL crises facing the working class of this country.
Think back 6 weeks ago when Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President – just 6 weeks ago. Standing right behind him were the three wealthiest men in the country – Mr. Musk, Mr. Bezos and Mr. Zuckerberg. And standing behind THEM were 13 other billionaires who Trump had nominated to head major government agencies. Many of these same billionaires – including Musk – were there tonight.
In other words, it is there for all to see. They’re not hiding it. The Trump administration IS a government of the billionaire class, by the billionaire class and for the billionaire class.
Notwithstanding some of their rhetoric, this is a government that could care less about the working families of this country.
My friends. We are no longer MOVING TOWARD oligarchy. We are LIVING IN an oligarchy.
Now, let’s take a moment and try to escape from Trump’s parallel universe. Let’s do something really radical.
Let’s actually take a hard look at the problems that Americans are facing.
Today, 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Unlike Trump, I grew up in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck. And I know something about that reality.
It means that every day millions of Americans worry about how they’re going to pay their rent. Pay for childcare. Pay for a doctor’s visit when they get sick.
They worry about what happens when their car breaks down and they can’t afford the thousand bucks it costs to get it fixed, and what happens when they can’t get to work because they don’t have a car. They worry about how they can afford to buy healthy food for their children when the price of food is off the charts.
Funny. I did not hear one word from Trump tonight about the economic reality facing 60% of our people, or the enormous stress that they are living under.
But that’s not all.
Today in America, everyone knows that our healthcare system is broken, it is dysfunctional and it is outrageously expensive. We remain the only wealthy nation on earth not to guarantee healthcare for all.
Mr. President: You really want to Make America Great Again? Then make sure that every American, regardless of income, can go to a doctor or a hospital and not worry about how they’re going to pay the bills.
President Trump: Health care is a human right. I didn’t hear one word from you about that.
Nor did I hear you say why we pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs – sometimes 10 times more than the people in other countries – and why one out of four Americans are unable to afford the prescriptions that their doctors prescribe.
Mr. President: We have nearly 800,000 Americans who are homeless. Over 20 million of our people spend more than 50% of their limited income on housing. We have a major housing crisis in America – everyone knows it. And in your speech tonight, you didn’t even mention it.
Today in America, we have more income and wealth inequality than we have ever had. The three richest people in America, the folks Trump invited to stand behind him at his inauguration, now own more wealth than the bottom half of our society – 170 million Americans. Did you hear one word from the President on that enormously important issue which gets to the very fabric of our society?
And here’s something else the President forgot to discuss. Not only is our life expectancy 4 years lower than other wealthy countries, the bottom 50% in this country live, on average, 7 years shorter lives than the top 1%. In other words, being poor or working class in this country is a death sentence. Did you hear any discussion tonight as to why so many of our people are living shorter lives than they should?
During his speech tonight, Trump did not have one word to say about how we are going to address the planetary crisis of climate change. The last 10 years have been the warmest ever recorded, and extreme weather disturbances and natural disasters have been taking place all over the world – from California to India, across Europe to North Carolina. And yet, not surprisingly, Trump had nothing to say about climate change.
And let’s be clear. Not only did Trump fail to talk about some of the most important issues facing the working class of America, but “the SOLUTIONS” he proposed would only make a bad situation even worse.
Yes, I did hear Trump talk tonight about some tax breaks for working families in terms of not taxing tips, not taxing Social Security and not taxing overtime. Fine. But that’s chump change compared to the benefits he’s going to give the 1%, and doesn’t tell the whole story about his tax policies.
According to a recent study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, if all of Trump’s so-called “America First” policies are enacted, including his tariffs, the bottom 95% of Americans will see their taxes go up, while the richest 5% in our country will see their taxes go down. WAY DOWN.
Tonight, Trump urged Congress to pass his “big, beautiful” budget.
Do you know what’s really in it?
This budget would cut Medicaid by $880 billion. According to one estimate, it means that up to 36 million Americans, including millions of children, would be thrown off the health insurance they have.
It means that nursing homes that receive two-thirds of their funding from Medicaid would either have to shut down, lay off workers or significantly scale back the services they provide seniors.
It would be a devastating blow for the 32 million Americans who get their health care at community health centers.
And, it’s not just Medicaid. Trump’s budget would cut nutrition assistance by at least $230 billion. Can you imagine? The billionaire class, people who can support their families for the next ten generations, people who live in incredible opulence, people who own their own jet planes, private islands and space ships, trying to get tax breaks by taking food out of the mouths of low-income kids. That truly is disgusting.
What we are seeing is the Robin Hood principle in reverse – taking from the poor and giving to the rich.
And here is something else Trump has been doing.
For the past several weeks, he and Elon Musk have been throwing hundreds of thousands of federal employees off their jobs. Now, I know some of you are saying, “That’s too bad, but that’s the federal government, not me.”
But I want you to think about this: If they can arbitrarily throw federal workers out on the street today, what do you think that Musk and his fellow billionaires will be doing tomorrow when Artificial Intelligence and robotics explode in this country?
Do you think they’ll give a damn about you and your families? No. You’ll be out on the street as well.
But it is not only absurd domestic policies that we’ve got to fight.
For the first time in our 250-year history we have a president who is turning his back on democracy and allying us with authoritarianism. No. We must not abandon the people of Ukraine who were invaded by the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin. We must always stand for democracy, not dictatorship.
Let me be very clear. Regardless of where Trump is taking this country, here’s where I think Americans want to go:
They want us to end a corrupt campaign finance system, which allows a handful of billionaires to buy elections. It is beyond crazy that someone like Elon Musk can contribute over $270 million to help get Trump elected and then gets to run the government.
It is absurd that any Member of Congress who stands up to Netanyahu’s brutal war in Gaza can expect to be opposed by millions of dollars in campaign contributions from AIPAC.
They want us to end the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision and move to the public funding of elections. Democracy is supposed to be about one person, one vote – not billionaires buying the political candidates of their choice.
No. We should not be giving tax breaks to billionaires. We must demand that they pay their fair share of taxes.
We must raise the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to a living wage of at least $17 an hour.
We must make it easier for workers to join trade unions, grow the union movement and prevent corporations from violating labor laws with impunity by passing the PRO Act – legislation I will be introducing tomorrow.
No, we’re not going to cut Social Security. Quite the contrary, we must expand Social Security benefits and extend its solvency for the next 75 years by scrapping the cap that allows a billionaire to pay the same amount into Social Security as a truck driver.
Instead of making massive cuts to Medicaid, we must join every other major country on earth in guaranteeing healthcare to all of our people through a Medicare for All, single-payer program.
We must also take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and reduce prescription drug prices by 50%.
At a time of a terrible housing crisis in every area of our country, we must build at least 4 million units of low-income and affordable housing, stop corporate landlords from jacking up rent prices and establish a cap on rent.
In a competitive global economy, we need the best educated workforce in the world. All of our young people must have the ability to get a higher education by making public colleges, trade schools and universities tuition-free and canceling student debt.
Yes. We can create millions of good-paying jobs by combating climate change and moving our energy system away from fossil fuels and into sustainable energy.
I heard a lot of talk about freedom tonight. Well, in a free society, we must absolutely guarantee that it is the women of America who control their own bodies, not the local, state or federal governments.
Now, I know there are a lot of people out there who are feeling angry and frustrated at what’s going on here in Washington, DC. And some of you may feel a bit hopeless.
So let me say this.
At this particular moment in history, despair is not an option. Giving up is not acceptable. And none of us have the privilege of hiding under the covers. The stakes are just too high.
Let us never forget. Real change only occurs when ordinary people stand up against oppression and injustice – and fight back.
That is the history of the founding of our nation when brave men and women took on the mighty British empire. It is the history of the abolitionist movement, the labor movement, the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the environmental movement and the gay rights movement.
Yes, the oligarchs ARE enormously powerful. They have endless amounts of money. They control our economy. They own much of the media. They have enormous influence over our political system.
But, from the bottom of my heart, I am convinced that they can be beaten.
If we stand together and not let them divide us up by the color of our skin or where we were born or our religion or sexual orientation; if we bring our people together around an agenda that works for the many and not the few – there is nothing in the world that can stop us.
We can win. We will win. Let’s go forward together.
Attributable to Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander
Council CCTV operators have assisted Hamilton Police in making an arrest after providing information of a person carrying a weapon in the CBD.
In the early hours of Tuesday 4 March, Police were alerted by Council CCTV camera operators, after a man was seen holding a weapon before getting into a vehicle.
As officers made their way to the scene, they were further advised of critical information from camera operators including descriptions and images of the man and the vehicle.
Thanks to this information, Police located the man a short time later at an address in Nawton.
The man was subsequently arrested, with an offensive weapon located alongside a metal pole.
CCTV operators are an invaluable service to both us and the community. They detect a wide range of incidents from medical events and lost property, to identifying and notifying Police of suspicious and unlawful behaviour.
The 38-year-old man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday 7 March, charged with possessing an offensive weapon and possessing methamphetamine.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Over the past three years, young Muscovites have begun to attend clubs and sections in the capital’s palaces and creative centers by 35 percent more often. This was reported in Department of Education and Science of the City of Moscow.
“There are 26 creative centers in the capital, including the flagship of the capital’s supplementary education system — the Moscow Palace of Pioneers on Vorobyovy Gory. Over the past three years, interest in these institutions has grown noticeably: the number of children attending clubs has increased to 142 thousand. Children have access to over 15 thousand sections and clubs — this is a quarter more than in 2022. Each child can choose what interests them — from football and rhythmic gymnastics to robotics and circus arts,” the department’s press service said.
For example, at the Victoria Children’s and Youth Center, Muscovites go karting. They not only learn to drive, but also study the structure of cars, master repair skills, learn traffic rules and the specifics of holding sports competitions. At the Vostochny Palace of Children’s and Youth Creativity, schoolchildren try their hand at DJing. During classes, they work with modern music equipment, master mobile applications for creating music and perform at events.
The Moscow Palace of Pioneers has an observatory where children study astronomy. At the technical education center, they observe the sky and make their own discoveries, such as finding new stars. Since 2019, the palace’s students have discovered 77 supernovae and 126 variable stars. There is also a sculpture workshop where schoolchildren gain skills in working with tools and prepare for admission to specialized universities. In addition, there is the Vasilisa Fashion Theater. The children create complex sewing products, design, model and decorate clothes, and also participate in the development and sewing of collections for various competitions and shows.
In total, there are more than 135 thousand clubs and sections in the capital’s schools, colleges and additional education centres. 89 percent of Moscow schoolchildren study in them. Most often, they choose football, chess and robotics.
Supplementary education programs develop creative and critical thinking in schoolchildren and develop skills that will be useful to them in their future profession. Events held within the framework of supplementary education contribute to the project “All the best for children” national project “Youth and Children”.
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
President Donald J. Trump took office on a promise to lower costs for the American people — and the actions he has taken are already paying off while the work continues to turn back the economic plague unleashed by the Biden Administration.
President Trump put into action a comprehensive plan to lower egg prices.
President Trump directed the heads of all executive departments and agencies to “deliver emergency price relief … to the American people and increase the prosperity of the American worker.”
President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council to maximize use of the U.S.’ extensive energy resources — thereby enabling lower energy prices.
Crude oil prices have fallen over 5% since President Trump took office.
The Trump Administration postponed burdensome Biden-era efficiency standard rules for the following appliances, saving American consumers large sums:
Central air conditioners: Biden rules were slated to make air conditioners $1,100 more expensive.
Gas water heaters: Biden rules were slated to make water heaters $2,800 more expensive.
Gas stoves: Biden rules were slated to make stoves $3,250 more expensive.
Clothes washers and dryers: Biden rules were slated to make washers $200 more expensive.
Light bulbs: Biden rules were slated to make light bulbs $140 more expensive.
The Trump Administration is requiring agencies to identify at least ten existing rules or regulations to be repealed for every one new rule or regulation they promulgate — putting the country on track to severely reduce costs for everyday Americans.
In 2023, the total cost of federal regulations was a record-breaking $2.1 trillion, or $15,788 per U.S. household, according to one analysis — while another found the cost of federal regulations was even greater at $3.079 trillion in 2022.
President Trump directed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to root out bureaucratic waste — and within weeks, it has already saved taxpayers billions of dollars.
The Trump Administration eliminated the overbearing Biden-era electric vehicle mandate by resetting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
NBER economist Mark R. Jacobsen estimates that “a one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers of all income levels approximately 0.5% of their income in the first year of the increase. By the 10th year following the increase, however, this cost becomes regressive, as the increase drives up the price of used cars. A one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers earning less than $25,000 per year 1.12% of their income, but only costs consumers earning more than $75,000 per year 0.41% of their income.”
President Donald J. Trump is standing up for American workers, strengthening American industries, and making clear to the world that America will no longer be ripped off — a push that has already delivered historic results.
President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers.
President Trump restored a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated the tariff to 25% on aluminum imports to protect these critical American industries from unfair foreign competition.
President Trump unveiled a plan for fair and reciprocal trade, making clear to the world that the United States will no longer tolerate being ripped off — a plan met with praise across the board.
American Iron and Steel Institute: “American steel producers know well the negative impact of foreign unfair trade practices, including subsidies, currency manipulation and other unfair and discriminatory policies and practices, on domestic industries and their workers.”
Renewable Fuels Association: “For almost a decade now, we have spent precious time and resources fighting back against an unfair and unjustified tariff regime imposed by Brazil’s government on U.S. ethanol imports … We thank President Trump for taking this action and hope this reciprocal tariff will help encourage a return to free and fair ethanol trade relationship with Brazil.”
President Trump is securing historic investments as companies seek to make their products in America instead of paying tariffs.
Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said President Trump’s tariffs could push the car manufacturer to move its production from Mexico to the U.S.
Honda is expected to produce its next-generation Civic hybrid model in Indiana.
After a meeting with President Trump, Stellantis announced it will reopen its assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois — putting 1,500 employees back to work — and build its next-generation Dodge Durango in Detroit, Michigan. The company also announced new investments in their Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana, facilities.
In total, President Trump has secured nearly $2 trillion in new U.S. investments.
TSMC announced an unprecedented $100 billion investment in U.S.-based semiconductor chip manufacturing.
Apple announced a historic $500 billion investment that will create 20,000 new U.S.-based jobs.
President Trump announced the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project in history, securing $500 billion in planned private sector investment — with major CEOs agreeing it would not have been possible without President Trump’s leadership.
President Trump secured a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties to build new U.S.-based data centers.
Wisconsin-based Clarios, a leader in low-voltage energy storage, announced a $6 billion plan to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing.
Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment in its U.S.-based manufacturing.
Saudi Arabia declared its intention to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years.
Taiwan pledged to boost its investment in the United States.
Electronics giants Samsung and LG “are considering moving their plants in Mexico to the U.S.” now that President Trump is back in office.
An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2024 shows robotic arms processing parts for new energy vehicles at a private company in Changxing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Huzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua] China targets an economic growth rate of around 5 percent in 2025, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation. The report also outlines an array of other key development goals for this year, including a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent, over 12 million new urban jobs, and an around 2 percent increase in the consumer price index. The country achieved economic growth of 5 percent in 2024 as an impactful policy package, along with other pro-growth measures, helped fuel strong economic momentum. On a global scale, an around 5 percent growth rate places China among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the economic increment equating to the annual output of a mid-sized nation. Huang Qunhui, a national political advisor from the Institute of Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, described this year’s economic growth target as scientifically grounded and realistic. “In the face of a challenging global environment, the proactive and resilient goal suggests that China is braving uncertainties with a clear, determined approach to growth,” he said. As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period and is also crucial to crafting the next five-year blueprint, observers believe that the government policies will not only drive sustained growth this year but also lay the groundwork for the country’s modernization drive in the long run. Fostering high-quality development is a key focus on this year’s government agenda, with priorities ranging from stimulating domestic demand to developing new quality productive forces. “We will take a people-centered approach and place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” the report said. Domestic demand will be made the main engine and anchor of economic growth, the report said. Ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan will be issued to support consumer goods trade-in programs. New quality productive forces will be nurtured in light of local conditions, according to the report. China aims to foster emerging and future industries, such as quantum technology and the low-altitude economy, accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and combine digital technologies including AI with manufacturing and market strengths.
An employee removes U.S. alcohol products from a shelf at a Liquor Control Board of Ontario store in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on March 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Canadian federal government on Tuesday announced a detailed tariff package after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed that Canada will not back down from a fight against the trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to a news release issued by the Finance Ministry, the first phase of Canada’s response includes tariffs on 30 billion Canadian dollars (about 21 billion U.S. dollars) in goods imported from the United States, effective as of 12:01 a.m., March 4. The list includes products such as orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and certain pulp and paper products.
The additional countermeasures on 125 billion Canadian dollars (about 89 billion U.S. dollars) in imports from the United States would be from a list of goods open for a 21-day comment period which includes products such as electric vehicles, fruits and vegetables, beef, pork, dairy, electronics, steel, aluminum, trucks, and buses, the release said.
The government is also taking steps to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses by establishing a remission process to consider requests for exceptional relief from the tariffs, the release said.
All options remain on the table as the government considers additional measures, including non-tariff options, the release said.
Trudeau said during his speech to the nation earlier in the day that Canada will also be challenging the U.S. illegal actions by filing dispute resolution claims at the World Trade Organization and through the Canada-U.S.- Mexico Agreement, or the free trade mechanism in North America that was renegotiated by Trump in his last term.
The counter tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. tariffs are withdrawn and not a moment sooner, said Trudeau.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
**Shaheen’s bill would have limited impact of Canada and Mexico tariffs on American consumers and businesses**
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, took to the Senate floor today to call for unanimous consent to pass her legislation—the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act. If Republicans had not blocked passage, Shaheen’s bill would have shielded American consumers and businesses from rising prices and higher taxes caused by President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, New Hampshire’s largest trading partner, and Mexico. Her legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools. Click here to watch Shaheen’s remarks in full.
Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:
“Trump’s tariffs will make everything—from gas to heating to groceries to lumber and more—more expensive for everyday Americans. And I think it bears repeating that tariffs are paid by consumers. They’re paid by Americans, not by other countries. And what the President is doing amounts to a new tax for Americans.”
“There are countless other imports that American businesses and families rely on that are going to be hit hard. And these tariffs do nothing to bring down those costs. They do just the opposite. These tariffs could add $1,200 to an average household’s yearly costs – and we won’t have to wait very long for the impact to be felt.”
“Businesses plan months, quarters or years in advance. They need to place orders and plot out their growth in order to succeed. How can they plan when they can’t even know whether their costs are going to go up 25% overnight?”
“[My bill] would stop these tariff taxes on goods and energy coming from Canada and Mexico – and it would give businesses and families more certainty to plan for the future and keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their own pockets.”
Full Remarks as Delivered
I come to the floor today because I am concerned about President Trump’s actions to, I believe, start a trade war with our top two trading partners, Canada and Mexico. All goods coming from Canada and Mexico. As of midnight last night, I guess midnight today, face a 25% tax.
That is all except Canadian energy, which is taxed at 10%. Trump’s tariffs will make everything, from gas to heating to groceries to lumber and more, more expensive for everyday Americans. And I think it bears repeating that tariffs are paid by consumers. They’re paid by Americans, not by other countries. And what the president is doing amounts to a new tax for Americans.
For example, heating oil and propane that keeps hundreds of thousands of Granite Staters warm in the winter is going to cost more. We’re going to add about $150 to $250 to the cost of heating homes in New Hampshire. And gas prices are going to go up. In New Hampshire, half of the fuel in our cars and trucks comes from Canada, and U.S. refineries across the Midwest use Canadian oil. The U.S. imports 80% of its potash fertilizer from Canada, and this tariff makes farming and food more expensive.
It’s unclear how the American auto industry is going to continue to operate. Ford’s CEO said these tariffs will, and I quote, “blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we have never seen, with up to $12,000 added to the cost of the car.” And this will make lumber and electrical equipment that we need to build housing at a time when housing is already in short supply. It will make them more expensive and harder to find.
Those are just a few examples. There are countless other imports that American businesses and families rely on that are going to be hit hard. And these tariffs do nothing to bring down those costs. They do just the opposite. These tariffs could add $1,200 to an average household’s yearly costs.
And we won’t have to wait very long for the impact to be felt. It’s already being felt on Wall Street and the stock market. Target’s CEO said this morning that the consumer and I quote, “will likely see price increases over the next couple of days.” And for small businesses, these tariff taxes will be felt by small businesses in all of our states.
I was here a month ago today sharing stories from business owners in New Hampshire who weren’t sure how they were going to keep operating if specialized machinery that they can only get from Canada suddenly costs 25% more. And since that time, I’ve heard from even more people in New Hampshire, more small businesses.
Last week I heard from a small company in Windham, New Hampshire. It makes allergen free cookies, and they can only get certain ingredients for those cookies from Canada. The CEO built her business, which now employs 30 people, and now she can’t be sure if they’re even going to be able to keep going, let alone keep growing.
When I spoke with business representatives across New Hampshire last month, the theme they kept coming back to was uncertainty.
As a former small business owner, I know that uncertainty is the most destabilizing aspect of running and growing a business. Yet that’s what this administration keeps creating. Yesterday, we learned that new orders from manufacturers dropped in February for the first time in 22 years. For the first time in 22 years, new orders from manufacturers dropped because companies can’t work with this level of uncertainty.
Last Wednesday, the president was talking about Canadian tariffs going into effect April 2nd. The very next morning, he announced 25% tariffs would go into effect today. The whiplash is hard to imagine.
I spoke last month about a bus company, C&J Bus Lines in New Hampshire, that was worried about these tariffs and what it would mean for their bottom line.
Well, the CEO moved up his delivery date to get three busses in late March before these taxes were set to go into effect. But his costs just went up more than $450,000.
Businesses plan months, quarters or years in advance. They need to place orders and plot out their growth in order to succeed. How can they plan when they can’t even know whether their costs are going to go up 25% overnight?
How can a developer know if they can start building the housing that New Hampshire desperately needs if their lumber costs 25% more overnight?
And how can a family already struggling with high costs continue to pay the rent or put food on the table if their household costs are going to go up $1,200 this year?
I want families and businesses to know that the whims of this president are not going to cause them to break the bank on everyday items they need to get by.
That’s why I introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act. It’s a simple change, really. It says that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, IEEPA, can no longer be used to place taxes on imports. If the president needs to block some dangerous product, he still can. But if there’s a real threat, we’d want to stop it, not just add a tariff tax.
That’s what my bill does. It would stop these tariffs on goods and energy coming from Canada and Mexico, and it would give businesses and families more certainty to plan for the future and to keep their hard-earned dollars in their pockets.
So, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 151 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
Last month, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.
The authorities granted to the President through the IEEPA represent the broadest of the possible paths an administration can take to impose sweeping tariffs. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act clarifies that the IEEPA may not be used to increase costs on American consumers and families by placing tariffs or tariff-rate quotas on imported goods. The legislation would preserve crucial national security tools granted to the President through the IEEPA authority to impose sanctions or to block all imports of goods that are dangerous to national security and would preserve the ability to push back on unfair trade practices of the People’s Republic of China.
