As a result of continued investigation, officers located and seized a firearm in a vehicle that the suspects abandoned on old Highway #1 east of Whitewood, SK.
Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.
Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), and Forensic Identification Section are assisting in this investigation.
Investigators continue to ask the public to report suspicious activity or people in the Whitewood area to police. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.
We will continue to provide updates when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.
–30–
Saskatchewan RCMP: Increased police presence in the area of Whitewood, SK
Saskatchewan RCMP are currently responding to a report of a robbery with a firearm in the area of Whitewood, SK. No injuries have been reported in relation to the robbery.
Police officers advise that there are two suspects. They may be armed and are considered dangerous. The suspects were last seen driving on the old Highway #1 east of Whitewood, SK. The suspects are now believed to be on foot. One suspect is described as male and may have been wearing a green shirt. We do not have a description of the other suspect at this time. Both suspects are described as having a slim build.
We are asking the public to report any suspicious activity or people in the Whitewood area to police. Please ensure your vehicle and house doors are locked. Report any suspicious activity to police immediately – call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.
There will continue to be an increased police presence in relation to the ongoing investigation. We will provide an update when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.
Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
Reviewed: 17 October 2024, 08:02 NZDT
Still current at: 17 October 2024
Related news features
If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
Do not travel to Niger due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, the presence of armed militants and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4).
Niger
Terrorism There is a high threat from terrorism in Niger. Terrorist groups are active across Niger, particularly, in the western, northwestern and southeastern parts of the country, Since 2013, there have been a number of retaliatory attacks against the Niger government for its participation in regional interventions in Mali and Nigeria to repel armed rebels.
The Nigerian-based terrorist group Boko Haram has a strong presence in neighbouring areas of northern Nigeria and has conducted cross-border attacks in Niger, near the Nigerian border, particularly in the Diffa region. State of Emergencies and curfews may be in place in regions of concern. Comply with any instructions issued by local authorities.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and may be directed at locations known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, as well as security forces and premises associated with the Government of Niger. The security situation across the Sahel continues to deteriorate, and regions previously considered to be less at risk may now be subject to terrorism and related security threats.
New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times, particularly in public areas. We recommend monitoring media reports and local information sources for possible threats to your safety and security.
Kidnapping There is a high threat of kidnapping against foreigners in Niger, including in the capital Niamey. The risk increases substantially outside Niamey, in the north of the country and in border areas. Terrorist groups active in Niger have been known to specifically target foreigners. In October 2020, a US citizen was kidnapped in the village of Massalata in southern Niger, about 10km from the border with Nigeria. In the past, foreigners have been kidnapped from their vehicles, homes and places of work.
Violent Crime Crime levels in Niger are high, and foreigners are frequently targeted. Muggings are common in Niamey around the Gawaye Hotel, the National Museum, Kennedy Bridge and the Petit Marché, particularly at night. New Zealanders are advised not to walk alone or after dark in these areas. Other common types of crime include home invasions, carjackings assault and theft.
Armed bandits operate throughout eastern and southern Niger, the border area with Nigeria south of Zinder, and large parts of northern Niger are off-limits to tourists.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in Niamey and throughout Niger. You should take steps to secure your personal belongings and avoid wearing or displaying valuables such as mobile devices and jewellery or leaving them visible in vehicles.
Local Travel New Zealanders who decide to travel outside Niamey should ensure they put in place appropriate personal security protection measures, and take official warnings seriously. We recommend travelling in convoy of at least two vehicles, with a local guide and only during daylight hours. Attacks have occurred on the Agadez-Arlit, Agedez-Tahoua, and Tillabéry-Niamey roads and within the city of Zinder. You should prepare well in advance and ensure all vehicles are fully equipped with essential supplies, including a satellite phone.
We advise against the use of public transport in Niger. There have been incidents of armed robbery resulting in deaths on buses in Niger. Taxis are often under-maintained and dangerous and should be avoided. It is recommended that you hire a private car with a driver. Lock car doors and keep windows shut at all times.
Local authorities are sensitive about foreigners travelling out of Tahoua to the east or north of Niger. If you travel in the Agadez region without obtaining prior authorisation, you risk arrest or deportation.
Civil Unrest Niger frequently experiences protests and demonstrations, usually near government buildings and university campuses, some of which have turned violent in the past. Mobile phone and internet access may be disrupted during civil unrest.
Since the military takeover in July 2023, there has been political instability in Niger. New Zealanders in Niger should remain vigilant and monitor the media for further information.
New Zealanders are advised to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, including curfews, and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
Landmines There is a danger from unexploded landmines in some parts of Niger, including in Niamey and in the northern region of Agadez. We recommend you remain on well-used roads and paths.
Scams Commercial and internet fraud is a common problem in many African countries. New Zealanders in Niger should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams.
General Travel Advice As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Niger, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.
We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Niger should consider.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Niger to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Photography of public buildings and military facilities is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.
Medical facilities are limited and of poor quality, including in the capital Niamey. New Zealanders travelling or living in Niger should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders in Niger are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul M Grijalva (D-AZ)
Rep. Grijalva Announces $7.4 Million to Assist Pedestrians in Vehicle Accidents
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced the University of Arizona will receive $7,483,382 to analyze and implement the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ‘Physician 1’ Program.The EMS ‘Physician 1’ Program would deploy physician-staffed vehicles, with advanced care equipment, directly to crash sites, allowing for the immediate provision of advanced medical treatments typically unavailable at the scene and integrate it into the Pima County Action Plan.
“Tucson is among the top cities on the list in terms of pedestrian fatalities from vehicle crashes,” said Rep. Grijalva. “As we work to make our roads safer for all, this funding is vital and will help save lives. I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which made this federal funding possible, and I will continue to support programs like these that offer the best care for anyone who may be involved in an accident.”
The federal funding is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, specifically the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program which is set to provide $5 billion in grant funding over five years. Funding supports regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.
Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the official dinner of Banka Slovenije in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, 16 October 2024
It is a pleasure to be here this evening.
Not far from here, tucked away in the National and University Library, lie copies of the Abecedarium and the Catechism. These two texts, written by the religious reformer Primož Trubar in 1550, were the first ever books to be printed in Slovenian.[1]
At a time when German was the language of the ruling classes, Trubar’s pioneering act was fundamental in helping to establish the national identity of Slovenians.[2]
Today, his portrait graces the €1 coin in Slovenia, framed by the famous words found in the Catechism, “Stati inu Obstati” – “to stand and withstand”.[3]
It is telling that both books – one a primer for the Slovenian language, the other guidelines for religious observance – were designed to teach, for there is much that Europe can learn from Slovenia in the uncertain world we now face.
The global order we knew is fading. Open trade is being replaced with fragmented trade, multilateral rules with state-sponsored competition and stable geopolitics with conflict.
Europe had invested considerably in the old order, so this transition is challenging for us. As the most open of the major economies, we are more exposed than others.
So, in this new landscape, we too must learn “to stand and withstand”. And we can do so by drawing on two valuable lessons from Ljubljana.
Opportunity in times of uncertainty
The first lesson is that uncertainty can create opportunity.
While many in Europe are anxious about the future, Slovenians are no strangers to uncertainty.
Within a single generation, Slovenia made a success of the extraordinarily difficult transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Policymakers defied the odds by implementing tough structural reforms to first join the EU and, later, the euro area.
Today, Slovenia is a success story. It is a developed, stable and high-income economy, with the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of central and eastern European countries (CEECs).
The nation’s success owes much to the creativity and vigour of its people and their innate ability to seize economic turning points and transform them into opportunities.
For example, when Slovenia joined the EU, it was exposed to greater levels of competition from other Member States in the economic bloc.
But Slovenia quickly capitalised on its skilled workforce to develop a new business model based on deep integration in the Single Market. Today, every single car produced in Europe has at least one component that is made in Slovenia.[4]
For Europe, the changes in the global economy today represent a similar turning point. But if we approach it with the right spirit, I believe it can be an opportunity for renewal.
A less favourable global economy can push us to complete our domestic market. Fiercer foreign competition can encourage us to develop new technologies. More volatile geopolitics can drive us to become more energy secure and self-sufficient in our supply chains.
For Slovenia, the transformation of the automotive supply chain will be a particular challenge. But the economy is already adapting. For example, in July this year Slovenia secured a major investment in domestic electric vehicle production.[5]
For many Slovenians, striding into an unpredictable future may seem like second nature.
One of your most famous paintings, “The Sower”, hangs on display here at the National Gallery. Depicting an agricultural labourer at the crack of dawn hard at work sowing seeds in a field, the painting represents Slovenians’ resolute determination in the face of uncertainty.
The rest of us in Europe will need to draw on this example in the uncertain times ahead. If we do so, we can also turn uncertainty into opportunity.
The importance of sharing the benefits of change
The second lesson from Slovenia is that the benefits of change can – and should – be more widely shared.
The path of renewal for Europe is inescapably linked with new technology, especially digitalisation. But new technologies can sometimes lead to uneven labour market outcomes.
Slovenia has undergone remarkable technological change over the past 20 years. Today, the country’s level of digital development is 7% above the CEEC average and it can compete with some of the most digitally developed EU countries in certain areas.[6]
Yet Slovenia’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – is the second lowest in the OECD.[7] The country also benefits from high levels of gender equality. Female labour force participation is higher than the EU average and nearly equal to that of men.[8]
Many in Europe are worried about the challenges ahead, such as the effects of artificial intelligence on social inclusion. But we should let Slovenia’s example inspire us.
With the right approach, we can move forward and become more technologically advanced while ensuring everyone can benefit from the gains.
And when everyone benefits, Europe benefits too. Over three-quarters of citizens in Slovenia feel attached to Europe, and almost two-thirds identify as both Slovenian and European – levels that are well above their respective EU averages.[9]
Conclusion
Let me conclude.
In today’s uncertain world, Europe must learn “to stand and withstand”. And it can do so by looking to Slovenia as an example of how to overcome challenges that come its way.
First, we must work hard to sow the seeds of success. And then, as the folk singer Vlado Kreslin sings, “vse se da” – “everything is possible”.
Senior UNRWA official Scott Andersen reiterated the need for an enabling environment to bring in aid at scale for people in Gaza, “250 to 300 trucks a day in the south and 30 to 40 trucks a day in the north”, he said.
Scott Andersen, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator and Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza spoke to reporter today (16 Oct) in New York.
Anderson told reporters that there are about 470,000 people still in the north of the Strip. There are about 170,000 people in the north primarily in Jabalia. Since September 30, only 12 trucks of food have made it to the population in the north. In the south of the Strip in the declared humanitarian zone, there are about 1.4 million people in a very small space.
The UNRWA official reiterated the need to have a corresponding number of trucks that come in from the private sector.
He said, “The things the UN doesn’t do that the private sector does very well. We don’t bring in fresh fruit and vegetables, we don’t bring in eggs, we don’t bring in meat, we don’t bring in a lot of things. We bring in large staple items. That’s our value added. And the value added for the private sectors, they do everything else, and they do it. They do it very well.”
As winter is approaching Gaza, a lot are needed to be done so the families are safe and protected, Andersen said.
He explained, “It’s just simple things like road repair, picking up garbage, distributing tents. But this all hinges on our ability to bring things in at the scale that’s needed. You need tarpaulin, you need tents, you need blankets for people, and mattresses and all the things that you would very much expect, as well as clothes.”
There has not been an importation for the commercial sector, the private sector close in a year, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator said, adding that “As all of you know, young children do not remain the same size. They change quite quickly at that age, and there needs to be a way for these kinds of things to be brought to the market or brought to people, so that children can be warm.”
The Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza also said, “We have 100,000 metric tons of food between the World Food Program and UNRWA awaiting to be imported into Gaza. That’s enough for everybody for three to four months.”
“So the supplies are there, and the willingness is there, the environment, unfortunately, is not there,” he added.
The UNRWA official continued, “we are coordinating closely with the IDF to try to create an environment. I’d hope we’d have a solution by now, but we’re not quite there, but I do think we’re very much at a tipping point in Gaza in terms of our ability to continue to fight off what would be the lurking man-made famine.”
Recalling his days in Gaza, Andersen said, “We do see on the ground, big numbers are easy to say, in September, a million people didn’t get food, right? And that sounds horrible. It’s much different when you talk to the actual family that didn’t get the food and they can’t feed their child, or they can’t feed everybody, and the mother or father has to choose which of them is not going to eat today, so their child can. That’s the real-world consequence that we see of not getting aid to people.”
The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator reiterated that “Israel has a responsibility to provide security in Gaza, because they’re the only ones that are able to at the moment, and we need to find that solution. Like I said, winter is not far away.”
Moving onto education, Andersen said, “In primary age education, there are 625,000 children in Gaza that should be in school now. They’re about to miss their second year of education, between this and COVID, that’s four of the last five years. They’re not going to be in a school building, and are very concerned about a lost generation there.”
He concluded, “The one bright spot, I guess we could say, is we do have decent primary health care. UNRWA is doing about 17,000 consultations a day. We’re in round two of the polio vaccination campaign. We’ve added vitamin A to it this time to try to bolster the immune system for children. The first two days we’ve done just over 150,000 immunizations, we need to get to 560,000, it is what we did last time, and we’re trying to make sure that within the community there’s immunity across everyone for polio.”
As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, finance for the conservation and restoration of nature is one of the key themes of negotiations.
Global wildlife populations have shrunk by an average of 73% in the past 50 years, according to the 2024 Living Planet report. Consequently, momentum is growing worldwide to deliver new nature markets, such as biodiversity credits, to unlock new sources of funding.
Basically, nature markets are systems of exchange that match demand for nature regeneration with a supply of nature-positive projects.
But this creates risks, as well as opportunities, for Indigenous peoples. Without due care for data sovereignty, Indigenous communities may lose out yet again.
Nature markets could enable Indigenous peoples to fulfill their duties of guardianship. But such markets could also forge a new form of colonialism, including enclosure and appropriation of habitats and species that Indigenous peoples have traditional connections to.
Efforts to prevent deforestation have at times displaced Indigenous people. Mario Tama/Getty Images
One neglected area is Indigenous data. This relates to traditional and cultural information, population data, oral histories and ancestral knowledge relating to the environment and natural resources.
If care is not taken with Indigenous data, there are serious risks of reproducing colonialist patterns of exploitation.
Data represents reality. Data helps decision makers to know whether their interventions are effective, even when they are far away from the ecosystems being protected or restored.
If data are accurate, authentic and timely, a funder does not need to set foot in a remote habitat to know whether its carbon stock or native species abundance are improving or declining.
Biodiversity credits represent one way to operationalise a nature market. They are basically a vehicle for data. The emerging methodologies are bundles of metrics and indicators that track biodiversity and ecological function.
Biodiversity credits use metrics and indicators that track ecological function. Renee Raroa, CC BY-SA
The data enable credit holders to make credible claims of biodiversity uplift, or avoided biodiversity loss, as a consequence of credit sales.
As a representation of ecological reality, data are at least one step removed from the habitats and species they represent. This opens up the potential for nature markets to rely on the exchange of verifiable data, without the need to commodify nature itself, and therefore impinge on the ownership rights of Indigenous communities.
However, data are not free from such considerations. To divert data into a system of market exchange raises a different but related set of concerns about ownership, benefit and sovereignty.
The rise of Indigenous data sovereignty
Indigenous data sovereignty is the right of Indigenous peoples to govern the collection, ownership and application of data about Indigenous communities, peoples, lands and resources. It relates to data produced by and about Indigenous peoples and the environments they have relationships with.
Nature and people are precious, so data that represent nature and people are imbued with that preciousness. As Māori practitioner Ngapera Riley has written:
Data is a taonga (treasure). It’s something that people gift us, and that we gift to others as we go about our daily lives.
In te ao Māori, data come in many forms. This includes whakataukī (proverbs), moteatea (chants), whaikorero (oratory), maramataka (calendar), whakapapa (genealogies), pūrākau (stories) and increasingly digital forms.
Consequently, we must take great care in how data are accessed, shared, stored and used. This is especially critical in a system of market exchange. The dominant markets of today are profit-driven, creating incentives for appropriation and exploitation.
Sovereignty means power
Indigenous peoples are conscious that, while there are risks in data and knowledge sharing, there are also opportunities. Indigenous data and knowledge is a living and evolving system, which can contribute to effective responses to environmental challenges, including the protection and regeneration of biodiversity.
The principles of Indigenous data governance emerged from deliberations about how to protect Indigenous sovereignty when sharing knowledge and data for academic research. These CARE principles hold that Indigenous data should be governed for collective benefit, authority to control, responsibility and ethics.
This is critically important in ecological research, which too often neglects duties relating to data about natural ecosystems and the people who live within them.
It is troubling that the recognition of Indigenous data sovereignty is largely lacking from the discussion of nature markets so far. Unless Indigenous data sovereignty is upheld, the legitimacy of nature markets will likely be irreversibly tarnished.
But Indigenous data sovereignty is more than a risk: it is a source of power. It is a right to self-determination, to choose how data are used and their value is distributed. By ensuring this right, nature markets might deliver on their promise of inclusive, sustainable prosperity.
David Hall is Policy Director for the Toha Network.
Mike Taitoko is a shareholder of Toha Foundry Ltd and a Trustee of Toha Network Ltd.
Nathalie Whitaker works for the Toha Network in various capacities, including shareholder of Toha Foundry and trustee of Toha Network Trust.
Renee Raroa is the Establishment Director of the East Coast Exchange, a venture in the Toha Network.
Tasman Turoa Gillies is Head of Operations for Takiwā, part of the Toha Network.
Headline: NCDHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2024-2025 Season, Encourages Residents to Get Annual Vaccines and Use Other Preventive Measures
NCDHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2024-2025 Season, Encourages Residents to Get Annual Vaccines and Use Other Preventive Measures hejones1
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first flu-related death of the 2024-25 flu season. An adult in the Charlotte metropolitan area died due to complications of influenza during the second week of October. To protect the privacy of the family, additional information will not be released.
“This is a sad reminder that influenza can be a very serious illness,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Taking preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting vaccinated, regularly washing hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick are important to help protect you and your family.”
Influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase over the coming weeks. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections. Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people aged 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. RSV vaccinations are also recommended to protect older adults 75 years and older, adults 60-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV and pregnant women during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants. Parents should talk with their health care provider about other options to protect infants from severe RSV disease.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are available at pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers and local health departments. These vaccines can be administered at the same visit. To find a vaccine near you, visit http://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.
Early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent respiratory infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you begin to feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment is especially important for those who are hospitalized, people with severe illness and those who at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions.
In addition to vaccines and treatment, the following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner or sanitizer to prevent the spread of viruses to others
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home, including:
Staying in a separate room from other household members, if possible
Using a separate bathroom, if possible
Avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets
Not sharing personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
A respiratory virus surveillance summary that includes information on flu, COVID-19 and RSV-related activity across North Carolina is updated weekly at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte reporta la primera muerte relacionada con la gripe (influenza) de la temporada 2024-2025. Un adulto en el área metropolitana de Charlotte murió debido a complicaciones de la gripe (influenza) durante la segunda semana de octubre. Para proteger la privacidad de la familia, no se divulgará información adicional.
“Este es un triste recordatorio de que la influenza puede ser una enfermedad muy grave”, dijo el epidemiólogo estatal Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Tomar medidas preventivas contra la gripe (influenza) y otras enfermedades respiratorias como vacunarse, lavarse las manos regularmente, cubrirse al toser y quedarse en casa cuando está enfermo son importantes para ayudar a protegerlo a usted y a su familia”.
Se espera que la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VSR, por sus siglas en inglés) aumenten en las próximas semanas. Las vacunas son la mejor manera de prevenir enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes por estas infecciones. Las vacunas son especialmente importantes para las personas con mayor riesgo de enfermedad respiratoria viral grave, incluidas las personas de 65 años o más, los niños menores de 5 años, las mujeres embarazadas, las personas con un sistema inmunológico comprometido y las personas con ciertas condiciones médicas como el asma, la diabetes, las enfermedades cardíacas y la obesidad.
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades recomiendan que todas las personas mayores de 6 meses reciban una vacuna contra la gripe estacional y la vacuna contra el COVID-19. También se recomiendan las vacunas contra el VSR para proteger a los adultos mayores de 75 años o más, a los adultos de 60 a 74 años que tienen un mayor riesgo de VSR grave y a las mujeres embarazadas durante las semanas 32 a 36 del embarazo para proteger a los bebés. Los padres deben hablar con su proveedor de atención médica sobre otras opciones para proteger a los bebés de la enfermedad grave por el VSR.
Las vacunas contra la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el VSR están disponibles en farmacias, consultorios médicos privados, algunos centros de atención médica calificados a nivel federal y departamentos de salud locales. Estas vacunas se pueden administrar en la misma visita. Para encontrar una vacuna cerca de usted, visite http://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.
Las pruebas y el tratamiento tempranos con un medicamento antiviral pueden ayudar a prevenir que las infecciones respiratorias se vuelvan más graves. Los tratamientos funcionan mejor si se inician poco después de que comiencen los síntomas. Si comienza a sentirse enfermo, comuníquese con su médico de inmediato para ver si necesita tratamiento con un medicamento antiviral recetado. El tratamiento es especialmente importante para aquellos que están hospitalizados, personas con enfermedades graves y aquellos con alto riesgo de complicaciones graves en función de su edad o condiciones médicas.
Además de las vacunas y el tratamiento, se deben tomar las siguientes precauciones para proteger contra la propagación de virus respiratorios:
Lávese las manos regularmente con agua y jabón, o use un limpiador o desinfectante a base de alcohol para evitar la propagación de virus a otras personas.
Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca.
Limpie y desinfecte las superficies y los objetos que podrían estar contaminados.
Cúbrase la tos y los estornudos con un pañuelo de papel y luego deseche el pañuelo de papel rápidamente.
Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo, excepto para buscar atención médica o pruebas, y tome medidas para evitar transmitir la infección a otras personas en su hogar, que incluyen:
Alojarse en una habitación separada de otros miembros del hogar, si es posible.
Usar un baño separado, si es posible.
Evitar el contacto con otros miembros del hogar y mascotas.
No compartir artículos personales para el hogar, como tazas, toallas y utensilios.
Usar una mascarilla cuando esté cerca de otras personas.
Para obtener más información sobre los virus respiratorios, incluido cómo acceder a las vacunas, las pruebas y el tratamiento en su comunidad, visite http://www.vaccines.gov/es/, flu.ncdhhs.gov o covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
Un resumen de la vigilancia del virus respiratorio que incluye información sobre la gripe, el COVID-19 y la actividad relacionada con el VSR en Carolina del Norte se actualiza semanalmente en covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.
NITI Aayog is set to host the Second International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024, a two-day event on the 17th – 18th October 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. This is the second major seminar in the Methanol Economy Programme by the NITI Aayog. Methanol Economy in India was started in September 2016 when NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Methanol Institute, USA, organized the first seminar. After 8 years, NITI Aayog is organizing the Seminar and Expo to highlight all the progress of projects, products and R&D initiatives related to Methanol production, application, and allied technological developments in the world.
The seminar will be a comprehensive platform for discussions on the methanol economy, bringing together global experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. The key focus of the Seminar would be to highlight the role of Methanol in the world energy transition and the rise of Methanol as a low-carbon fuel in green shipping. NITI Aayog is partnering with Methanol Institute, USA, as the Knowledge Partner. Government of India through various Departments supported various R&D projects in Indian high ash coal to methanol, DME production, conversion of diesel engines to operate on 100% Methanol and Methanol blends in Diesel (MD15) and Methanol blended petrol. The government is also promoting work in methanol cooking and process heating applications.
This event is not just limited to discussions; an exciting Methanol Expo will also run alongside the seminar, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in methanol production, storage, and utilization. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading global companies and organizations, explore the latest advancements, and witness first-hand how methanol is set to revolutionize industries like transportation, shipping, power generation, and more.
Key Indian Industries like Kirloskar, Ashok Leyland, Volvo Penta, FCTecNrgy, Wesman Thermal process, METFUEL, Thermax, BHEL, NTPC and Defence labs like NMRL have developed 100% Methanol buses, trucks, LCVs, gensets, fuel cell and reformed based energy applications, boilers, gas turbines and other cutting-edge applications. The entire array of products and technologies will be on display at the Expo.
The seminar comes at a critical time as India advances its vision of a methanol economy. Methanol, a versatile fuel that can be produced from a wide range of domestic feedstocks, including biomass, coal, and renewable sources, is positioned to play a crucial role in India’s clean energy transition.
As India seeks to meet its COP commitments and align with global sustainability goals, the International Methanol Seminar will focus on key themes such as:
Methanol as a clean alternative fuel for transportation, shipping, and power generation.
Sustainable production and scaling of methanol technologies, emphasizing local production to enhance energy security.
Global partnerships and innovation exchanges that foster international collaboration on methanol advancements.
Speakers from about a dozen countries will be in full participation through both physical and virtual modes.
The International Methanol Seminar 2024 promises to be a landmark event, offering a platform for groundbreaking discussions and collaborative efforts to propel India and the world toward a sustainable, methanol-powered future.
For further information please go through this link:
Union Minister of State Sh. Jitendra Singh emphasizes collaboration and innovation as key drivers of India’s climate action National Action Plan on Climate Change quintessential to India’s climate strategy and adaptation efforts:- Dr. Jitendra Singh
Dr. Singh urges citizens for collective efforts in climate fight, encourages simple daily steps towards sustainability
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:46PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that there is an urgent need for decisive action to combat climate change, a challenge that is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality affecting lives, economies, and the future of the planet. He was addressing the Times Now Global Sustainability Alliance’s 6th edition of the SDG Summit 2024 in New Delhi today. The theme for the address was Game Changing India’s Science Based Targets for Climate Change.
Recognizing India’s responsibility as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the country’s commitment to balancing sustainable development with global climate change mitigation efforts. He highlighted the importance of science-based targets, which, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with aspirations to restrict it to 1.5 degrees.
He outlined India’s key climate targets, which include:
A reduction of 33-35% in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2030, using 2005 levels as a baseline.
A commitment to increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW.
An ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
The Minister of State underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving these targets, urging stronger partnerships between government, industry, academia, and civil society. He highlighted that innovation will be central to India’s strategy, whether through advancements in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or green technologies. The government is committed to supporting research and development to drive these innovations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Dr. Singh pointed to the robust policy framework established by the Government of India to guide climate action, with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) playing a pivotal role. The NAPCC, launched in 2008, comprises eight key missions that address various aspects of climate adaptation and mitigation:
1. National Solar Mission: Aims to promote solar energy technologies and achieve 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022.
2. National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on expanding wind energy capacity and encouraging innovation in wind technology.
3. National Mission for Energy Efficiency: Seeks to enhance energy efficiency through programs such as the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme.
4. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Aims to promote energy efficiency in buildings, urban planning, and waste management.
5. National Water Mission: Focuses on water conservation and equitable distribution, addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources.
6. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: Works to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem through research and monitoring.
7. National Mission on Agricultural Adaptation: Aims to build resilience in agriculture by promoting sustainable practices and crop diversification.
8. National Mission on Green India: Seeks to increase forest cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance ecosystem services.
Moreover, He emphasized that India has developed various sector-specific strategies to strengthen its climate goals. These goals include:
Energy Sector: Investments in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass, alongside the implementation of smart grids and energy storage.
Transportation: Promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and enhancement of public transportation systems.
Agriculture: Focus on climate-resilient crops, improved irrigation, and sustainable farming practices.
Urban Development: Encouragement of sustainable urban planning, green building practices, and waste management initiatives.
Water Resources: Promotion of water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and enhanced river basin management.
Disaster Management: Strengthening resilience against climate-induced disasters through improved early warning systems and community preparedness.
Dr. Singh urged every citizen to actively participate in the fight against climate change, emphasizing that simple changes in daily life can have a significant impact. He stressed the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability and urged all stakeholders to collaborate towards a resilient and sustainable future.
He congratulated the organisers and wished success to the event.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $60 million in Green Resiliency Grant funding to support 13 transformative green infrastructure projects across the state. The projects will combat the effects of climate change, particularly in flood-prone and disadvantaged communities. The GRG program, supported through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, will deliver on Governor Hochul’s State of the State resiliency commitment to protect New Yorkers from extreme weather and ensure equitable access to clean water resources. With almost half of the funds being granted to New York City to make the city more resilient, today’s announcement underscores our state’s unwavering dedication to addressing a resilient and greener future for the City.
“Hurricanes Helene and Milton are another reminder of the urgency needed in investing in resiliency measures to keep our communities safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Strong and sustainable infrastructure is our first line of defense. Together with our state’s unprecedented clean water investments, the Environmental Bond Act is shoring up our infrastructure and protecting our communities for generations to come.”
GRG is part of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive resiliency plan and actions to safeguard clean water presented in her 2024 State of the State Address and Executive Budget. Governor Hochul committed $60 million to the program in April 2024 during Earth Week and the grants are administered through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). EFC issued draft eligibility guidelines for public comment starting in March and used public input on draft eligibility guidelines to help inform development of the program.
The awards were announced by EFC President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman at an event today in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. A $10 million GRG award will support a project to revitalize the Tibbetts Brook. Once dammed and buried to create a mill pond, the Tibbetts Brook will be unearthed and rerouted using innovative green infrastructure techniques. This will not only restore the waterway to its natural state, but also significantly reduce combined sewer overflows into the Harlem River by over 200 million gallons annually. The project will also create a new rail-to-trail park area, extending the Putnam Greenway and providing residents with improved access to new open space and into Van Cortlandt Park. By connecting to the 750-mile Empire State Trail, this initiative will foster a more accessible and enjoyable outdoor experience for walkers and bikers.
The Tibbetts Brook project is one of three in New York City to receive green grants, totaling nearly $27 million in this inaugural round of the GRG program, demonstrating the State’s commitment to sustainable and resilient urban development.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Governor Hochul understands the importance of hardening municipal infrastructure to combat the effects of climate change. EFC is committed to advancing the Governor’s bold resiliency plan by awarding critical grants to the communities that need it most. New York State is bringing new investment, modern infrastructure, and good-paying green jobs to communities.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Green infrastructure solutions help protect our communities and the environment by capturing, absorbing, and better managing stormwater in the wake of increased flooding and severe weather fueled by climate change. Through Governor Hochul’s generational investments from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other sources, New York is making sustained progress to improve resilience in flood-prone communities across the state, especially in those communities most burdened by environmental pollution and the impacts of climate change. Today’s investment of $60 million is one more shining example of how New York is safeguarding communities across the state.”
NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue said, “As we confront the effects of climate change, it’s vital that we bolster our infrastructure to make our communities more climate-resilient. We’re extremely grateful to Governor Hochul for providing funding for these essential green infrastructure projects that will improve resiliency in flood-prone areas, minimize the impact of extreme weather events, and ensure access to clean water.”
NYC Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said, “Addressing climate change, managing stormwater and cleaning up the environment for almost half the state’s population will require a significant amount of investment and these Green Resiliency Grant awards are a great example of the State tackling the issue and joining the City in sharing these costs. I’m grateful to EFC and DEC for recognizing these needs and look forward to continuing this partnership to improve the lives of our shared constituents.”
Awarded Projects: Broome County Industrial Development Agency: $1.475 million for the Roberson Museum Green Initiative to integrate bioretention basins, porous pavement, vegetated swales, and riparian buffer restoration to manage stormwater and improve resilience to flood events at the historic Roberson Mansion and associated facilities in Binghamton.
Buffalo Sewer Authority: $8.75 million for the Rain Check 2.0 Park Projects to implement stormwater tree trenches, rain gardens, underground stormwater storage systems, and porous pavement in five parks. The project will reduce stormwater runoff by 100,000 cubic feet annually, reduce combined sewer overflows during extreme weather events, address urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and enhance recreational opportunities.
Village of Dolgeville: $1.75 million for the North Main Street Waterfront Park Project to implement tree trenches, an infiltration basin, porous pavement, and a bioslope to reduce runoff to the storm sewer system and the East Canada Creek. The project will improve water quality and provide the first publicly accessible connection to the scenic creek, enhancing recreational activities. Plans include a playground, swing garden, pavilion, and porous pavement walking paths.
Town of Geddes: $1.025 million for the Dwight Business Park Green Infrastructure Retrofit Project to install bio-retention, vegetative swales, and porous pavement in strategic locations within the business park. The project will reduce non-point source contaminants from entering Onondaga Lake while restoring approximately one acre of wetland and reducing urban heat effects.
Village of Hastings-On-Hudson: $2.5 million for the Farragut Parkway Wet Extended Detention Pond Project to store runoff, holding it in place for pollutants to settle out and for infiltration and evapotranspiration. The detention pond and drainage bypass will reduce downstream peak flows to Boutilliers Brook, a watercourse frequently overwhelmed during storm events and mitigate the persistent and destructive flooding experienced in a residential area.
City of Kingston: $4.375 million for the Safe & Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall Streetscape Project to add bioswales and stormwater tree pits to improve climate resiliency, reduce runoff, and protect natural resources. Streetscape improvements will increase pedestrian and cyclist safety in a busy urban neighborhood.
Village of Mamaroneck: $6.6 million for the Floodplain Restoration Effort to mitigate flood risks in a designated high-risk area by creating two floodplain benches. The project will increase flood storage capacity and improve water quality with natural sediment filtering.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation: $10 million for the Harlem Meer Stormwater Resilience Project. Through smart water infrastructure and ecological restoration, the project will transform Central Park’s northern waterbodies into a multiple pond system for stormwater management, reducing the risk of flooding in Central Harlem and East Harlem.
New York City Housing Authority: $6.85 million for the Jefferson Houses Cloudburst Project to manage, store, and filter stormwater runoff at a public housing development in East Harlem. The project will install a subsurface retention system, porous concrete pavers, and two synthetic turf fields. These green infrastructure practices will reduce urban heat island effect while providing residents access to outdoor recreation space.
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority: $10 million grant for the Tibbetts Brook Daylighting Project to reduce combined sewer overflows to the Harlem River by more than 200 million gallons annually, with improved access to new open space and into Van Cortlandt Park, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
City of North Tonawanda: $1.5 million for the Oliver Street Green Infrastructure Improvement Project to convert impervious terrace back to green space, reduce pavement width, plant street trees, and install structural soils and/or bioretention areas. The project will extend an existing storm sewer and separate combined storm and sanitary sewers, reducing untreated discharges into the Niagara River.
City of Ogdensburg: $2.925 million for the Downtown Mall Beautification, Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Reduction Project to integrate porous pavement surfaces and add bioretention and rain garden techniques. The project will improve water quality in the St. Lawrence River and reduce stormwater from entering the city’s combined sanitary storm sewer. A new pocket park will feature landscape design to retain and reuse rainwater. LED lighting and electric vehicle charging stations will further promote renewable energy options to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the parking area.
City of Utica: $2.25 million for the Nail Creek Floodplain Restoration to construct flood benches and incorporate riparian buffer zones or wetlands along Nail Creek at the confluence of Halleck’s Ravine, addressing flooding during storm events.
Disadvantaged Communities Disadvantaged communities are those identified by the Climate Justice Working Group, pursuant to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change, and are prone to increased risks of pollution, flooding, and extreme heat. Disadvantaged communities shall receive no less than 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act funds. EFC sought to surpass the 40 percent goal for the GRG program.
New York’s Commitment to Water Quality New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY25 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $5.5 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Governor Hochul’s State of the State initiatives are helping to ensure ongoing coordination with local governments and ensure communities can leverage these investments. The Governor increased WIIA grants for wastewater projects from 25 to 50 percent of net eligible project costs for smaller, disadvantaged communities. The Governor also expanded EFC’s Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with its water infrastructure is encouraged to contact EFC at https://efc.ny.gov/CAT.
The funding, in addition to other substantial water quality investments, includes the voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 which is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities’ ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats; and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. The first round of funding under the Environmental Bond Act was awarded through the WIIA/IMG programs in December, when Governor Hochul announced $479 million in grants to 156 projects across New York State, including $309 million made available to disadvantaged communities.
TEL AVIV, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Israel Acquisitions Corp. (NASDAQ: ISRL) today announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) for a proposed business combination (the “Combination”) with Gadfin Aero-Logistics Systems (“Gadfin”), an Israeli technology company specializing in all-weather unmanned aerial delivery for necessary cargo such as medical supplies.
Through the company’s patented technology, its unmanned aerial vehicles, powered by Hydrogen Fuel cells, that are able to deliver medical supplies and other cargo with ease, even under harsh weather conditions to long range destinations. This makes it possible to significantly improve logistics delivery in both combat zones and for civil purposes.
“Israeli entrepreneurs have been known as lead innovators in technology, and Gadfin’s unmanned aerial vehicles are no exception,” says Izhar Shay, Executive Chairman of Israel Acquisitions Corp. “The company’s technology has the ability to revolutionize the speed of delivery of necessary medical supplies and other important cargo, including into high-risk areas. We look forward to partnering with Gadfin and supporting the growth of their business.”
“We are excited to partner with Israel Acquisitions Corp and bring our unparalleled technology to the Nasdaq markets,” says Eyal Regev, Gadfin CEO. “With this public listing, we will be able to accelerate our production and bring to the market new models fulfilling backlog orders. This will bring this much needed technology to remote locations, hospitals, and other civil areas.”
Israel Acquisitions Corp expects to announce additional details regarding the Combination when a definitive Business Combination Agreement is executed, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024.
About Israel Acquisitions Corp. Israel Acquisitions Corp. is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated as a blank-check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The Company intends to focus on high-growth technology companies that are domiciled in Israel, and that either carry out all or a substantial portion of their activities in Israel or have some other significant Israeli connection. The management team is led by Chairman, Izhar Shay, Chief Executive Officer, Ziv Elul, and Chief Financial Officer, Sharon Barzik Cohen.
Forward Looking-Statements This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the initial public offering and search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the initial public offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Headline: German Armed Forces receive final Ground Alerter 10 sense and warn camp protection system
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On 16 October 2024, Thales officially handed over the final commissioned Ground Alerter (GA) 10 radar, from a total order of 17 GA 10 warning and alerting systems delivered to the German Armed Forces in Koblenz.
The GA10 is a portable C-RAM (Counter – Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) alert and impact zone early warning system for camp protection as well as dismounted operations in convoy protection
The radar system has already proven itself in asymmetric scenarios and saved numerous lives in the past.
DITZINGEN / KOBLENZ — [16 October 2024] — In a ceremony held today at its Koblenz site, Thales handed over the final radar of a total of 17 Ground Alerter 10 (GA 10) warning and alerting systems for protection against indirect fire (WASI) to the Bundeswehr. In February 2021, the company was awarded the contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to supply an initial five systems, with the option for further systems, following a competitive tendering process. The contract, which in addition to the delivery of the systems also includes training, documentation and an initial supply of spare parts, was completed today with the handover of the last system on time and on budget and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
Eric Huber, Vice President Surface Radars Thales, commented“We are very pleased with this successful project completion on time and on budget, demonstrating Thales capabilities in camp protection and warning alerts. The GA10 contributes significantly to the protection of German soldiers during their important missions at home and abroad. Our Ground Alerter 10, manufactured in Ditzingen as a European military off-the-shelf product, draws on strong radar expertise and operational experience, and has already saved many lives in the past, and we are particularly proud of that.”
The Ground Alerter 10 is a portable counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) system for Force Protection. It is combat proven in various missions, such as convoy protection, camp protection and has saved many lives in the recent past. Its integrated alert network warns military personnel of missile and mortar threats by generating an acoustic and visual alert at the estimated impact point area. This takes place as soon as the trajectory indicates an imminent impact in the respective safety area and the system simultaneously provides reliable data on the firing position at an early stage to facilitate necessary countermeasures. To date, various GA10s are already in use to protect UN camps in North East and Eastern Mali, as well as by the French Forces in several out-of-area camps
Easy to set-up, operate and transport, the GA10 is well suited for deployment in dismounted operations for convoy protection. Two people can accomplish en-camp/de-camp and only one person is required for system initialization and monitoring. Being the lightest system of its class and completely portable (only 1- or 2-men loads), re-deployment of the system is possible with protected vehicles or by helicopter. Mandatory for mobile operations, the GA10 prime power consumption only amounts to 350 Watts and facilitates battery-only supply.
Expertise in radar technology
At Thales Germany’s Baden-Württemberg site in Ditzingen near Stuttgart, tried-and-tested, highly mobile radars for ground and coastal surveillance are developed and manufactured that are used by armed and security forces worldwide for stationary or mobile protection of complex environments.
Note to the editors
The Ground Alerter 10 is a complete sense and warn system consisting of a UHF radar, an integrated alarm network with multiple wireless and wired alarm devices and an operating unit (ruggedized laptop).
The radar system consists of the main elements:
Antenna (incl. GPS positioning system) with 6 m telescopic mast
electronic radar frequency control unit (RFC)
electronic signal processing unit (SPC)
The power supply is also possible with a battery system. This consists of two 6-packs (6-fold battery arrangement) of Li-Ion batteries of the internationally used type BB2590 in a transport box that also serves as a charging station.
With a corresponding interconnection (J-unit), the battery boxes can be alternately replaced during operation. The set of two boxes is sufficient to operate the radar for > 2×4 hours. The system is operated with a ruggedized laptop with a European keyboard via the VENUS operating software. The integrated alarm network selectively generates an audible and visual alarm only in the area of the point of impact.
Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the official dinner of Banka Slovenije in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, 16 October 2024
It is a pleasure to be here this evening.
Not far from here, tucked away in the National and University Library, lie copies of the Abecedarium and the Catechism. These two texts, written by the religious reformer Primož Trubar in 1550, were the first ever books to be printed in Slovenian.[1]
At a time when German was the language of the ruling classes, Trubar’s pioneering act was fundamental in helping to establish the national identity of Slovenians.[2]
Today, his portrait graces the €1 coin in Slovenia, framed by the famous words found in the Catechism, “Stati inu Obstati” – “to stand and withstand”.[3]
It is telling that both books – one a primer for the Slovenian language, the other guidelines for religious observance – were designed to teach, for there is much that Europe can learn from Slovenia in the uncertain world we now face.
The global order we knew is fading. Open trade is being replaced with fragmented trade, multilateral rules with state-sponsored competition and stable geopolitics with conflict.
Europe had invested considerably in the old order, so this transition is challenging for us. As the most open of the major economies, we are more exposed than others.
So, in this new landscape, we too must learn “to stand and withstand”. And we can do so by drawing on two valuable lessons from Ljubljana.
Opportunity in times of uncertainty
The first lesson is that uncertainty can create opportunity.
While many in Europe are anxious about the future, Slovenians are no strangers to uncertainty.
Within a single generation, Slovenia made a success of the extraordinarily difficult transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Policymakers defied the odds by implementing tough structural reforms to first join the EU and, later, the euro area.
Today, Slovenia is a success story. It is a developed, stable and high-income economy, with the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of central and eastern European countries (CEECs).
The nation’s success owes much to the creativity and vigour of its people and their innate ability to seize economic turning points and transform them into opportunities.
For example, when Slovenia joined the EU, it was exposed to greater levels of competition from other Member States in the economic bloc.
But Slovenia quickly capitalised on its skilled workforce to develop a new business model based on deep integration in the Single Market. Today, every single car produced in Europe has at least one component that is made in Slovenia.[4]
For Europe, the changes in the global economy today represent a similar turning point. But if we approach it with the right spirit, I believe it can be an opportunity for renewal.
A less favourable global economy can push us to complete our domestic market. Fiercer foreign competition can encourage us to develop new technologies. More volatile geopolitics can drive us to become more energy secure and self-sufficient in our supply chains.
For Slovenia, the transformation of the automotive supply chain will be a particular challenge. But the economy is already adapting. For example, in July this year Slovenia secured a major investment in domestic electric vehicle production.[5]
For many Slovenians, striding into an unpredictable future may seem like second nature.
One of your most famous paintings, “The Sower”, hangs on display here at the National Gallery. Depicting an agricultural labourer at the crack of dawn hard at work sowing seeds in a field, the painting represents Slovenians’ resolute determination in the face of uncertainty.
The rest of us in Europe will need to draw on this example in the uncertain times ahead. If we do so, we can also turn uncertainty into opportunity.
The importance of sharing the benefits of change
The second lesson from Slovenia is that the benefits of change can – and should – be more widely shared.
The path of renewal for Europe is inescapably linked with new technology, especially digitalisation. But new technologies can sometimes lead to uneven labour market outcomes.
Slovenia has undergone remarkable technological change over the past 20 years. Today, the country’s level of digital development is 7% above the CEEC average and it can compete with some of the most digitally developed EU countries in certain areas.[6]
Yet Slovenia’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – is the second lowest in the OECD.[7] The country also benefits from high levels of gender equality. Female labour force participation is higher than the EU average and nearly equal to that of men.[8]
Many in Europe are worried about the challenges ahead, such as the effects of artificial intelligence on social inclusion. But we should let Slovenia’s example inspire us.
With the right approach, we can move forward and become more technologically advanced while ensuring everyone can benefit from the gains.
And when everyone benefits, Europe benefits too. Over three-quarters of citizens in Slovenia feel attached to Europe, and almost two-thirds identify as both Slovenian and European – levels that are well above their respective EU averages.[9]
Conclusion
Let me conclude.
In today’s uncertain world, Europe must learn “to stand and withstand”. And it can do so by looking to Slovenia as an example of how to overcome challenges that come its way.
First, we must work hard to sow the seeds of success. And then, as the folk singer Vlado Kreslin sings, “vse se da” – “everything is possible”.
strong>ATLANTA. – FEMA assistance is available to renters, including students, with uninsured losses from Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, with an incident period of Aug. 4–20, 2024.
FEMA may be able to help renters as well as homeowners with serious needs, displacement costs, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Renters may qualify for assistance including the replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies; replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment; vehicle repair; and medical/dental bills.
Assistance is available to people with disaster-caused damage in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wheeler counties.
There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
What You’ll Need When You Apply
A current phone number where you can be contacted.
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
Your Social Security number.
A general list of damage and losses.
Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. FEMA hasstreamlined the application process so people can apply to FEMA and SBA at the same time. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition. No need to wait on the decision for a FEMA grant or for your insurance to settle; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.
SBA representatives will also be available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at Disaster Recovery Centers scheduled to open throughout Georgia. In addition, applicants may call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Approves More Than $1.8 Billion for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts
Biden-Harris Administration Approves More Than $1.8 Billion for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts
WASHINGTON — The Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than $1.8 billion in federal assistance for individuals and communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell continues to lead the federal response, working in coordination with state and local partners to ensure that survivors receive the resources they need to jumpstart their recovery.
Currently, FEMA has deployed more than 4,400 personnel to the affected areas, working side by side with over 8,000 federal responders to support state and local governments in their recovery efforts. FEMA personnel on the ground are actively coordinating with local officials, conducting damage assessments and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs.
Federal assistance for those affected by the hurricanes includes $597 million to support survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $934 million has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property.
Applying for assistance is a critical first step towards recovery. Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia,Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. Individuals affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get an application started. Individuals can also apply using the FEMA App, calling 1-800-621-3362 or in person at a local Disaster Recovery Center. Disaster Recovery Centers in the affected communities can provide survivors with in-person help on their applications and answer questions. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. FEMA also has Disaster Survivor Assistance team members in the field supporting survivors and helping them with the application process.
Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for other federally declared disasters.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is ready to respond to insured flood losses. Those with an NFIP-backed flood insurance policy that suffered flood damage should begin filing their claim by contacting their flood insurance agent or company.
Recovery Update
For those affected by Hurricane Helene, FEMA has approved over $911.1 million in assistance. This includes $581.1 million in assistance for individuals and families, along with more than $330 million for debris removal and efforts to protect public health and safety. In response to Hurricane Milton, FEMA has approved more than $620.2 million in assistance, with $16.2 million allocated for individuals and families and over $604 million for debris removal and safety measures.
To support response and recovery efforts, FEMA delivered over 12.6 million meals and 12.9 million liters of water to states impacted by Helene. For Milton, FEMA delivered more than 2.2 million meals and 780,000 liters to Florida.
FEMA continues to open Disaster Recovery Centers in affected communities, offering in-person assistance, information on available resources and help with FEMA assistance applications. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are also on the ground in all affected states, helping survivors apply for aid and connect with additional resources from state, local, federal and voluntary agencies.
Support for North Carolina
As ongoing response efforts continue in western North Carolina, FEMA has approved over $100 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 77,000 households.
More than 3,000 families who cannot return home are staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Shelter numbers remain steady, with 13 shelters housing just over 560 occupants.
Commodity distribution, mass feeding and hydration operations remain in areas of western North Carolina. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft.
Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/Helene to get information and additional assistance.
Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.
There are over 370 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also six Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Lenoir, Marion and Sylva where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery. To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
Support for Florida
In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $213 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 71,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $330 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work. In response to Milton, FEMA has approved over $16 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 19,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $604 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work.
There are 120 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities to provide support. There are also 12 Disaster Recovery Centers now open supporting survivors from Debby, Helene and Milton where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.
Support for South Carolina
FEMA has approved over $132 million in housing and other types of assistancefor more than 146,000households.
There are 92 Disaster Survivor Assistancemembers in communities providing support. There are also five Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Anderson, Barnwell, Batesburg, Easley, Greenville and North Augusta where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information.
Support for Georgia
FEMA has approved over $119 million in housing and other types of assistancefor more than 118,000 households.
There are 139 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also four Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Valdosta, Douglas, Sandersville and Augusta where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene.
Support for Virginia
To date, FEMA has approved over $4.7 million in housing and other types of assistancefor more than 1,500 households.
There are about 57 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also four Disaster Recovery Centers open in Damascus, Dublin, Independence and Tazewell where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov).
Support for Tennessee
FEMA has approved more than $11.8 million in housing and other types of assistancefor more than 2,400 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.
There are more than 42 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There is now one Disaster Recovery Center open in Erwin where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.
FEMA remains steadfast in its mission to support survivors as they begin their recovery from these historic storms. The agency will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by Milton and Helene.
As of November 4, the National Film Board of Canada and Telefilm Canada will be sharing the office space currently occupied by the NFB production team at 5475 Spring Garden Road in downtown Halifax.
October 10, 2024
As of November 4, the National Film Board of Canada and Telefilm Canada will be sharing the office space currently occupied by the NFB production team at 5475 Spring Garden Road in downtown Halifax. Sharing space will promote synergy between the two organizations and benefit Atlantic Canadian filmmakers, partners and producers, who will be able to meet with Canada’s two main federal film agencies under one roof.
Quotes
“The NFB has been a presence in Atlantic Canada and Acadia for more than 50 years, and we are loudly and clearly re-affirming our commitment to the region. From the idea to the screen, our teams are here to identify projects and receive proposals for animation and documentary films, supporting directors and co-producers, and developing marketing and distribution strategies. Our goal is to ensure that stories from this wonderful region are told and shared with Canadians across the country,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB.
“Stimulating and supporting the region’s film industry is a priority for Telefilm Canada,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO, Telefilm Canada. “This objective guided the development of our Atlantic Strategy, which we recently unveiled. Our goal is to create and provide opportunities that strengthen expertise and stimulate creative and financial competitiveness across the sector’s entire value chain. So this announcement is very much in line with our desire to strengthen our commitment, reflecting Telefilm’s spirit of collaboration with key players in the ecosystem.”
The NFB and Telefilm in Atlantic Canada
The NFB has been a presence in Atlantic Canada for more than 50 years and remains rooted in the region as a producer and co-producer.
Telefilm is proud to unveil its 2024-2027 Atlantic Strategy, developed for and with Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island industry professionals. Learn more here:
Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a one-of-a-kind producer, co-producer and distributor of engaging, relevant and innovative documentary and animated films. As a talent incubator, it is one of the world’s leading creative centres. The NFB has enabled Canadians to tell and hear each other’s stories for over eight decades, and its films are a reliable and accessible educational resource. The NFB is also recognized around the world for its expertise in preservation and conservation, and for its rich and vibrant collection of works, which form a pillar of Canada’s cultural heritage. To date, the NFB has produced more than 14,000 works, 7,000 of which can be streamed free of charge at nfb.ca. The NFB and its productions and co-productions have earned over 7,000 awards, including 11 Oscars and an Honorary Academy Award for overall excellence in cinema.
About Telefilm Canada
As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Alonzo Dewayne Harden, 30, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 17, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in Huntington in which Harden was a passenger. Harden exited the vehicle and fled on foot before he was apprehended by officers. While fleeing, Harden tossed a loaded Glock Model 22 .40-caliber pistol with an extended magazine to the ground. Officers recovered the firearm.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Harden knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for malicious assault and use or presentment of a firearm during the commission of a felony in Cabell County Circuit Court on August 26, 2021.
Harden is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-116.
The following is a statement from Southland-based MP and ACT Health spokesperson Todd Stephenson:
I love food trucks. They bring life, commerce, and tasty treats to our towns.
But in Invercargill, joyless food fascists are trying to crack down.
The city council asked for feedback from locals on food truck locations. Instead,they got a scoldingfrom the National Public Health Service.
These taxpayer-funded busybodies complained that Invercargill’s food trucks serve meals that‘tend to be processed, high in fat, and in some cases sugar’.
Heaven forbid someone burning calories on a worksite might want to buy a bacon buttie or a donut.
The bureaucrats told the council it should use licencing fees to push food trucks into offering healthy food options. That’s just ridiculous. The council needs to maintain pipes and roads, not hire compliance officers sticking their beaks into food truck menus.
The health service goes on to whinge that food trucks‘operate in locations where there are few or no other food options’.
In other words, if it weren’t for food trucks, some parts of town would have no food options at all. So why would we impose new rules that make it harder to open a food truck?
The NPHS needs to butt out. No-one is forced to buy nachos or a curry.
The good news is Invercargill City Council told the NPHS where to stick it, saying that so long as the food is safe, health concerns won’t be considered.
Meanwhile, with the Government looking to find savings, a new target may have presented itself.
Mesa, AZ – The Governor’s Office is now accepting applications to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Residents knowledgeable and passionate about Arizona wildlife and conservation in eligible counties are welcome to apply.
The five-member Game and Fish Commission establishes policy, rules, and regulations for the management, preservation and harvest of wildlife and fishery resources, as well as watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations. The commission also serves in an advisory role to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and its mission visit the Arizona Game and Fish Commission website.
The commission is structured to ensure geographical and political representation from across Arizona. The current opening must be filled by a resident of Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yuma, or Yavapai counties. Applicants must disclose their party affiliation on their application and must not have changed party registration within the past two years in order to be eligible.
Applicants must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 7th.
Individuals interested in applying must do so through the Boards and Commissions website. Applicants are required to include their current residential address, political party, and a resume with their application. Any additional materials or letters of recommendation that applicants wish to be included in their application packet should be emailed to [email protected].
The Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Commission will be meeting in October to review applications and conduct interviews in-person. Questions regarding the review process should be directed to Cindy Freehauf ([email protected]) with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Individuals also may contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions by emailing [email protected].
Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
In letter, bipartisan group of Senators call out Administration for missing deadlines on Iran sanctions
The missed deadlines were put in place by Casey’s Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, which cracks down on Iran’s petroleum trade
Senators: “Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined his colleagues Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and John Hoeven (R-ND) in a letter urging the Administration to speed up enforcement of sanctions on Iran’s petroleum trade. The letter pointed out that the Administration has missed several deadlines put in place by the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, which cracks down on foreign persons who knowingly engage in the petroleum trade with Iran.
“Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade. Therefore, we ask the administration to honor the reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements prescribed within the SHIP and Fight CRIME Acts,” wrote the Senators.
On April 23, 2024, Senator Casey voted to pass an emergency supplemental spending law with legislative provisions to strengthen U.S. national security, including the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act and the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (Fight CRIME) Act.
The SHIP Act includes important provisions to sanction foreign persons that knowingly engage in the petroleum trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Fight CRIME Act restricts certain missile-related activities and transfers by Iran. The bills include a number of reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements for the Administration so that Congress can track efforts to deny Iran the resources and ability to engage in destabilizing activities, commit human rights violations, support international terrorism, and fund weapons development.
Senator Casey has long pushed to protect American economic and national security by monitoring Iranian oil activity. Earlier this year, Casey cosponsored the bipartisanIranian Sanctions Enforcement Act–legislation establishing a fund to cover expenses related to the seizure or forfeiture of property found in violation of sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran or a covered proxy of Iran, including Hamas, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran-sponsored militias in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, after learning about potential Iranian oil transport on Panamanian vessels in violation of U.S. sanctions, Casey urged the Panamanian Maritime Authority (AMP) to investigate the hundreds of vessels of concern. Thanks to Casey’s advocacy, AMP launched investigations into all Panamanian ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil, de-flagged vessels that had no evidence of oil transport, and removed dozens of ships from its registry.
Read the full letter HERE or below:
Dear Secretary Blinken, Secretary Yellen, Acting Director Palluconi, and Administrator DeCarolis:
On April 23, 2024, Congress passed H.R. 815, an emergency supplemental appropriation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, that was signed into law by President Biden on April 24. The supplemental package included additional funding for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian assistance. The national security package also included legislation to strengthen U.S. national security, including the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act and the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (Fight CRIME) Act. The SHIP Act includes important provisions to sanction foreign persons that knowingly engage in the petroleum trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Fight CRIME Act restricts certain missile-related activities and transfers by Iran. The legislation includes a number of regulation publishing and reporting requirements from the administration in order for Congress to track efforts to deny Iran the resources and ability to engage in destabilizing activities, commit human rights violations, support international terrorism, and fund weapons development.
For decades, there has been evidence that Iran has funded direct attacks on America and our allies. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran has only become more emboldened to act against democratic interests across the globe. To cite just two recent events, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in its August 2024 report that Iran continues to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium, and on September 10, 2024, the Pentagon confirmed reports that Iran has transferred shipments of Fath 360 close-range ballistic missiles to Russia to support their continued aggression against Ukraine. Iran is able to further these disrupting activities due to profits from their oil trade. According to United Against Nuclear Iran, a non-partisan watchdog organization that tracks Iranian oil shipment, Iran exported 1,626,866 barrels per day in August 2024. Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade. Therefore, we ask the administration to honor the reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements prescribed within the SHIP and Fight CRIME Acts that were included in H.R. 815, the emergency supplemental appropriations.
To date, the administration has not met the following deadlines:
By July 23, 2024 (90 after enactment, and every 180 days thereafter), the Secretary of State shall provide a report that identifies Iranian persons utilizing an unmanned combat aerial vehicle against a United States citizen. P.L. 118-50, Div. K Sec.6(a)
By August 12, 2024 (10 days before regulation enactment), the President shall notify the appropriate Congressional committees of the proposed regulations to combat proliferation of Iranian missiles. P.L. 118-50, Div. K Sec. 5(f)(2)
By August 22, 2024 (120 days after enactment), the President shall promulgate regulations as necessary for the implementation of sanctions to combat proliferation of Iranian missiles. P.L. 118-50, Div. K Sec. 5(f)(1)
By August 22, 2024 (120 days after enactment, and annually thereafter), the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration shall submit a report describing Iran’s growing exports of petroleum and petroleum products, including their exports to the People’s Republic of China and the ships and ports involved in the oil sales. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 4(a)
By August 22, 2024 (120 days after enactment), the Secretary of State shall submit written strategy on the role of the People’s Republic of China’s role in evading U.S.-imposed sanctions on Iranian-origin petroleum products. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 5
The following deadlines are upcoming within the next 30 days:
By October 11, 2024, (10 days before regulation enactment) the President shall notify and brief the appropriate Congressional Committees on the regulations to be established to implement the SHIP Act. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 3(e)(2)
By October 21, 2024 (180 days after enactment), the President shall prescribe necessary regulations to implement sanctions enforcement. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 3(e)(2)
On and after October 21, 2024 (180 days after enactment), the President shall impose sanctions on foreign persons determined to have knowingly engaged in the Iranian petroleum trade. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 3(a)
Given the havoc Iran is wreaking in the Middle East and the wider region, this information is both timely and vital for Congress to carry out appropriate sanctions oversight and understand what greater legislative action is required to ensure Iran does not have the resources to harm the United States or our partners and allies. We look forward to these timely reports and enhanced understanding of the administration’s plan to counter Iranian oil trade and accessible revenue for their funding of terrorism. We ask that you honor the October deadlines and work to address the deadlines already missed in order to provide Congress with the relevant reports as quickly as possible.
We further request that you provide our offices an update on your efforts and when to expect these reports no later than October 29, 2024. Thank you for your continued work and attention to this matter.
Four award-winning National Film Board of Canada (NFB) produced and co-produced documentaries will be featured at DOC NYC in New York City, from November 13 to December 1, 2024.
October 10, 2024 – Toronto – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Four award-winningNational Film Board of Canada (NFB) produced and co-produced documentaries will be featured at DOC NYC in New York City, from November 13 to December 1, 2024.
America’s largest documentary film festival, DOC NYC will host the NYC premieres of twoNFB co-produced feature docs:
A Mother Apart (Oya Media Group/NFB) by Laurie Townshend accompaniesBrooklyn-based Jamaican-American poet and LGBTQ+ activist Staceyann Chin as she re-imagines the essential art of mothering—having been abandoned by her own mother;
40 years after vanishing from public view, a trailblazing trans soul singer finally gets her second act in Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (Banger Films/NFB) by Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, executive produced by Elliot Page.
The festival will also present the US premieres of two NFB shorts:
Directors will be in attendance at the festival. All four films will be streaming at DOC NYC following their in-person premieres, with online screenings geo-restricted to the United States.
More about the films
Come As You Are section November 18, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Village East by Angelika November 19, 2024, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika
A Mother Apart by Laurie Townshend (89 min) Producers: Alison Duke and Ngardy Conteh George (Oya Media Group); Justine Pimlott (NFB) Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/a-mother-apart
How do you raise a child when your own mother abandoned you? In a remarkable story of healing and forgiveness, Staceyann Chin, renowned for performances in Def Poetry Slam and hit solo shows like MotherStruck!, radically re-imagines the essential art of mothering. In seeking her elusive mother—a trail that leads to Brooklyn, Montreal, Cologne and, finally, Jamaica—Staceyann and her daughter forge a new sense of home.
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary, Best First Feature Award and Best Canadian Feature Award at the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, Toronto.
Laurie Townshend is a Toronto-based filmmaker, writer and educator. Her films centre on the human capacity to transform small acts of courage into quiet revolutions, as seen in the dramatic short The Railpath Hero (2013, TIFF Black Star Series), the unscripted series Human Frequency Streetdocs (2014) and the award-winning short doc Charley (2016).
Sonic Cinema section November 19, 2024, 6:45 p.m., Village East by Angelika November 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m., Village East by Angelika
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story by Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee (99 min) Produced by Amanda Burt, Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen (Banger Films); Michael Mabbott; Justine Pimlott (NFB) Executive produced by Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn, Chanda Chevannes (NFB), Anita Lee (NFB), Elliot Page and Matt Jordan Smith (PAGEBOY Productions), Martin Katz, Nia Long and CJ Mac Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/any-other-way-jackie-shane
A star is reborn. With an outsize stage presence that eclipsed R&B greats like Etta James and Little Richard, soul singer Jackie Shane was the real deal. Jackie boldly carved a new path as one of music’s trailblazing Black trans performers—but on the edge of stardom, why did she suddenly leave the spotlight?
Any Other Way won the Out in the Silence Award at the Frameline International LGBTQ+ Film Festival in San Francisco, the Audience Award for Best Music Documentary at the Nashville Film Festival, and the DGC Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature Documentary at Hot Docs, where it was also a Top 10 Audience Favourite.
Toronto filmmaker Michael Mabbott’s features The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico (Best Canadian First Feature Award) and Citizen Duane both premiered at TIFF. His first documentary, Music Lessons, premiered at Hot Docs.
Lucah Rosenberg-Lee is a Toronto speaker, entrepreneur and filmmaker specializing in documentary and LGBTQ+ content. He has produced and directed a variety of projects including Passing and For Nonna Anna, which have screened at TIFF, Inside Out and Sundance.
Shorts: Our Bodies section November 16, 2024, 11:15 a.m., Village East by Angelika November 17, 2024, 9:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika
“Hey, let’s go on a diet together.” As kids in a small Quebec town, Eisha and Seema were more than sisters, they were soul mates, and a joint diet offered a shared sense of purpose. But their carefree project would take a dark turn, pushing Eisha to the very brink of death. Consumed by anorexia, she found herself battling her own fragile body—stranded between childhood and adulthood. Decades later, Eisha revisits her past in an exquisitely crafted work of auto-ethnography, evoking her unusual youth with aching lyricism.
Montreal filmmaker Eisha Marjara has made several award-winning films, including Locarno’s Prix de la Semaine de Critique winner Desperately Seeking Helen. Venus (2017), a dramatic comedy, won the EDA Award for Best Feature at the Whistler Film Festival and Best Feature Film at Cinequest, among other accolades. Eisha also authored the acclaimed young adult novel Faerie and is in post-production on her next feature, Calorie.
At the age of 13, deciding not to shave her legs led Andrea Dorfman to question and ultimately defy society’s expectations. With charm, warmth and humour, Dorfman’s film Hairy Legs captures the universality of girls exploring gender, curiosity and freedom as they evolve from spending exuberant, carefree days on their bicycles to facing and challenging stereotypes.
Winner of the Diversity Award (Film) at the Spark Animation Festival in Vancouver and an Honourable Mention – DGC Award for Best Canadian Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
Halifax filmmaker Andrea Dorfman has written and directed many award-winning documentaries, features and animated films, including the NFB-produced Flawed (2010), Big Mouth (2012) and feature doc The Girls of Meru (2018). Dorfman’s video collaborations with poet-musician Tanya Davis, How to Be Alone (2010) and How to Be at Home (2020), became YouTube sensations.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
4 mins ago
James McKinley-Blake is currently in his second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management).
James McKinley-Blake always had a dream of starting his own business, so he decided to act on it by enrolling in a business programme at EIT.
James, who was born in Australia and grew up in Hawke’s Bay, decided to take a gap year to work in retail and ponder his future after completing his final year at Napier Boys’ High.
“I was really interested in the arts and science and thought that’s what I wanted to do, but when I got to the end of my final year at school, I was a bit unsure of where I wanted to go to.”
“I took a gap year to think about what I actually wanted to do before I hopped into making this decision. But during that time, I always had the passion to start up or eventually manage my own business.”
“I thought business studies would be perfect. I saw that it was advertised at EIT and I thought, why not? Let’s do it, see what happens and I’m really enjoying it.”
James, 20, is currently in his second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management) at EIT Hawke’s Bay and he is loving it.
However his time at EIT got off to a tough start because the programme started the day before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, and the campus had been closed as a precaution. The classes were moved online and then moved off campus.
“The lecturers were great. They handled it well and just got into it. But when we ended up getting back to campus, you could tell a significant difference with that interaction because, personally, I prefer that face-to-face interaction.”
“Personally, I didn’t know what to expect with the business studies. I did go to an open day and heard about it for a bit, but when I got into it, it was a lot more than what I thought.”
James says that he would have no hesitation in recommending the Bachelor of Business at EIT.
“I may explore the sciences or arts a bit later in life, but at the moment just to build a steady foundation for my business, the business studies course is really enjoyable.”
He says that he is interested in starting his own business within horticulture or agriculture, but is keeping his options open.
He says he is also open to continuing studying and may look to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Business at EIT after he finishes his degree.
“James has already proven himself to be a conscientious student who is focused on his goals and impressed his lecturers with a positive and mature attitude,” says Russell Booth, Programme Co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT.
“He has also been discussing with me ways he can expand his experience whilst at EIT through applying for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship and has volunteered his time to help other students as a valued peer mentor. James is already making his intentions clear that he intends on taking advantage of every opportunity he can whilst studying at EIT and for someone like James, we are more than happy to help in whatever way we can!” says Russell.
A Sweeping Research Platform Can Now Mimic Steady, Predictable Water Power (and More)
NREL’s energy simulator can mimic the grids of the future—and now, this massive, virtual and real-world research platform can simulate water power, too. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL
Say you want to study something big—like a community power grid, a massive pipe system, or roadways crisscrossing the entire United States—but none of it exists, at least not yet. How do you study these invisible labyrinths to make sure they will be safe and efficient?
Good question, and here is the answer: You do that at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on a platform called the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (or ARIES, for short).
NREL’s experts have built a research platform that can create 3D simulations of entire power grids—either existing or theoretical—that contain thousands or even millions of different energy technologies. For example, researchers can populate an existing grid with wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, nuclear facilities, electric vehicles, or even smart devices, like our cell phones, to see how they could impact our future grid.
But until recently, one grid puzzle piece has not been well represented.
“The part that has been missing is: How can we simulate or represent water power devices?” said Rob Hovsapian, a mechanical engineer at NREL and an ARIES research advisor who helped introduce hydropower into the platform.
With ARIES, researchers can play out and plan for almost any future grid scenario. For example: How could huge amounts of renewable energy impact different community grids? And how could hydropower help our power system weather hurricanes, cold snaps, cyberattacks, and other disruptions?
“It allows us to do those ‘what if’ scenarios,” Hovsapian said. “In the real world, you’re limited to what’s there.”
Now that ARIES has integrated water power into its grid simulations, researchers can explore even more “what if” scenarios to prepare for the grid to come. Photo by Bryan Bechtold, NREL
Now, we can ask “what ifs” about water power technologies, like hydropower and the more nascent marine energy (sometimes called ocean energy because it often comes from powerful ocean waves, currents, and tides, but it can refer to energy from river currents as well). Though very different, both water power technologies generate predictable energy, making them a dependable partner for more variable energy sources, like wind energy and solar power. Those renewables, along with energy storage (like batteries), have been part of ARIES for a good while now. It was time to sprinkle a little water into the mix.
“Now that we can use ARIES to simulate hydropower, we can study more scenarios in more locations and even potential future energy systems,” said Jerry Davis, the laboratory program manager for ARIES. “We want to represent as many renewable generation sources as we can.”
But that is harder than it might sound.
A Hydropower Simulator Helps a Remote Alaskan Village
When fishers return to the harbor in the remote village of Cordova, Alaska, they enter a cove full of mast spikes resembling hundreds of mini-church spires. Those fishers—and there are a lot in Cordova—bring in salmon, halibut, rockfish, and trout but also something less desirable: a 400% increase in energy demand, which can strain the small village’s microgrid, a standalone power system that depends on just two hydropower plants and diesel generators (and diesel must be flown or boated in, often at great expense).
And that is a problem.
Cordova’s microgrid—and everything it powers, including hospitals and homes—is vulnerable to spikes in energy demand from the summer fish bonanza and Alaska’s dangerously cold winters as well as extreme weather events, like avalanches and droughts. The village needed solutions—novel ways for their microgrid to bob and weave with all these changes, so they can match energy supply to demand, especially when their economy or lives depend on it.
But you cannot simply tinker with such a critical system, hoping your manipulations do not cause a blackout or irreparable damage. Nor can you study something that does not exist, like batteries or solar panels that have yet to be installed.
That is where NREL and ARIES come in.
The ARIES platform uses data from real-world wind turbines, solar panels, hydropower generators, and more to create a highly accurate virtual simulation of different grid scenarios and how they might react to changes in energy demand, weather, and higher levels of renewable energy. Graphic by Josh Bauer, NREL; photo by Joe DelNero, NREL
The village was one of the first communities to directly benefit from ARIES’ hydropower emulation platform, which, like the rest of ARIES, relies on hardware and software to accurately simulate the town’s spiderweb of energy devices. ARIES’ software programs, which are built on real-world data, can mimic actual grids (like Cordova’s microgrid), so researchers can manipulate the Cordova system in the safety of a computer simulation. Soon, ARIES will also be able to connect actual hardware, like a hydropower generator, to these virtual simulations so the system can receive live feedback from real tech and learn from it.
For hydropower, ARIES’ simulation capability is especially valuable. Although researchers can install experimental solar panels and wind turbines at a laboratory field site, they cannot replicate hydropower plants—they are simply too big and too specific to certain river sites or geography.
Instead, Mayank Panwar, a senior research engineer at NREL, and Hovsapian built what they call a Real-Time Hydropower Emulation Platform, which can mimic real-world hydropower facilities in real time—one second in the hydropower simulator equates to one second in the real world. As of today, their 2.5-megawatt emulator uses data from actual hydropower plants (including those in Cordova) to inform its simulations.
“As we add more and more technologies to ARIES and there’s more and more variability and uncertainty with the grid, such as wind and solar, hydro will play a key role in providing stability to the grid,” Hovsapian said. “But how would we quantify that? ARIES will be an ideal environment for us to do that.”
With ARIES, Hovsapian can ask more “what if” questions, like what if this hydropower plant in Cordova is paired with a 10-megawatt battery or 3 megawatts of solar panels instead of 1? And how do these changes impact the grid’s reliability? Thanks to ARIES, Cordova has their answers—and a more resilient grid, too.
No other system in the world can accomplish this kind of plug-and-play simulation, Hovsapian said.
And it is not just hydropower that benefits.
Getting Marine Energy to Communities Quickly
Marine energy is still in the early stages of development, but these technologies can be valuable sources of clean energy for communities that have ample flowing water and little else. Like Cordova, the Alaskan village of Igiugig also relies on expensive shipments of diesel fuel. Many island communities off the coast of Maine struggle to maintain stable power when weather whips through. Communities in Hawaii, where energy costs are typically higher than in the rest of the country, also often depend on costly imported fuels.
And yet, all three of these areas have one powerful thing in common: hefty amounts of water. With energy from river currents, waves, and tides, each community could improve its energy resilience and potentially achieve its clean energy goals, too.
There is just one problem: Before communities opt to install one of these nascent devices, they need greater confidence that the technologies can deliver on their promise—and that is exactly what ARIES can provide.
Prabakar (right) uses the ARIES research platform to simulate how marine energy technologies, like river current devices, could slot into existing grids and improve a community’s energy resilience. Photo by Joe DelNero, NREL
“A big part of our mission is de-risking energy technologies, so communities are comfortable deploying them,” Davis said.
At NREL, researchers are studying marine energy technologies “to make sure that things don’t fail in the field,” said Kumaraguru Prabakar, a research engineer at the laboratory. “Even if a small river generator is powering a small house, it is powering the grid, so you have to make sure it’s safe.”
And for that—and more complicated analyses—he needs ARIES.
Right now, Prabakar is examining how marine energy technologies slot into preexisting grids. Currents tend to be consistent, but rivers are still subject to freezes and droughts. Waves and tides are predictable but do not always churn out the same amount of power throughout the day or year. With ARIES, Prabakar can assess how these variations might impact different power systems and whether other solutions, like energy stored as green hydrogen, could balance out these fluctuations.
ARIES’ biggest gift might be time. In the last decade, researchers used to take years to validate new energy technologies, Prabakar said. But now, with ARIES, experts can significantly speed up that process (ARIES can even pair up with similar simulators at other national laboratories to pull in even more data, capabilities, and answers). Speed is especially critical to accelerate the development of marine energy technologies so they can help fight climate change sooner rather than later.
“If somebody comes up with an idea to add water power, they should be able to deploy it in less than 12 months,” Prabakar said.
“It’s exciting,” Hovsapian added. “There are a lot of changes coming, and ARIES can help us prepare.”
Learn more about the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES), the nation’s most advanced platform for energy system integration research and validation at scale. And subscribe to the NREL water power newsletter,The Current, to make sure you do not miss a water power update.
First Nations students from remote communities in Central Australia will have greater access to quality education, with $18 million from the Albanese Labor Government’s Central Australia Boarding Response Fund being made available to three Alice Springs schools.
Yirara College will be offered up to $10 million and St Philip’s College up to $1.7 million to upgrade existing facilities, while Yipirinya School will be offered up to $6.3 million for a new boarding facility, providing greater capacity to accommodate students in the region.
Announced in March 2024, the Central Australia Boarding Response Fund was established following a review of boarding schools in Central Australia by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments last year.
Community stakeholders including the Central Australian Aboriginal Leadership Group and the Central Australian Regional Controller were consulted and expressed the need for greater boarding capacity.
Boarding providers then participated in an open and competitive grants process to apply for funding.
This investment complements the $40.4 million allocated to all schools in the Central Australia region for On-Country Learning under the landmark $250 million plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia.
This is also in addition to the deal struck between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments to fully fund all Northern Territory public schools.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“For many First Nations students in Central Australia, boarding school is their only option to engage in education, so it’s important to ensure the right facilities are available to give them the best chance of success.
“This funding will provide more opportunities for First Nations young people in remote communities to access quality education, increasing participation, attendance and retention in Central Australian schools.”
“This funding demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to improving life outcomes for First Nations young people in Central Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:
“This investment in boarding facilities in Central Australia is about supporting school students in remote Northern Territory communities.
“This funding will go towards improving existing facilities and building new facilities.
“This builds on the $40 million investment the Albanese Government has made for every school in Central Australian and the historic deal struck with the Northern Territory Government to double Commonwealth investment and fully fund all public schools in the NT.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“I congratulate the Albanese Government for its $18 million investment in quality school boarding facilities in Central Australia that will make it easier for Aboriginal youth to be educated closer to home.
“School boarding facilities are the gateway to a quality education for many Aboriginal students living in remote communities across my electorate of Lingiari.
“I welcome the Albanese Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to our children’s future by increasing their access to a quality school education.
“Every child has a right to a quality education, regardless of where they live. Well-resourced school boarding facilities provide the benefits of a comprehensive, well-rounded educational experience, where students are supported to achieve academically, grow emotionally, foster lasting friendships, and enhance their teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills”.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, announced $25,018,750 in federal funding for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) Terminal Planning Project. The investment comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects (INFRA) grant program.
“I am thrilled today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded over $25 million for the Port of Coos Bay Intermodal Project,” said U.S. Representative Val Hoyle. “This project has the potential to bring over 8000 jobs to Southwest Oregon’s coastal communities and to strengthen our nation’s supply chain. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to rebuilding the South Coast as an economic engine for the state and introduces more pathways to the middle class.” She added, “I would like to thank Secretary Buttigieg, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the White House, and my partners in Congress for their support and persistence to help bring this project closer to fruition.”
“Today’s $25 million announcement takes a significant step forward to landing this Port of Coos Bay project that will ultimately generate thousands of good-paying jobs on the South Coast and extend huge economic and environmental benefits throughout Oregon,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “There’s still more work to be done, and I am committed to keep pressing the case along with Congresswoman Hoyle and Senator Merkley to provide all the federal investment this project has earned and fully deserves.”
“This $25 million federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic win for Oregon’s rural South Coast and our entire state and is the kickstart that Coos Bay’s transformative container port project needs. This project will create thousands of good-paying union and permanent local jobs, boost the economy, and help address bottlenecks in the national supply chain, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. “I have long championed this critical project alongside Representative Hoyle, Senator Wyden, Port leadership, and a diverse community of stakeholders, and together we advocated to the highest levels of the Biden administration to ensure this federal commitment. Today’s win moves the Port of Coos Bay forward toward the vision of becoming the first fully ship-to-rail port facility on the West Coast and is a testament to the power of collaboration and never giving up—the Oregon Way.”
In addition to creating thousands of jobs in a rural area that has been too often overlooked, the PCIP project will benefit the nation’s supply chain by easing congestion at West Coast Ports. It will also be the nation’s first ship-to-rail port on the West Coast, meaning the facility will not need to rely on trucks to move cargo. The project is also anticipated to use renewable energy sources to provide green electricity, which will allow for the use of electric-powered cargo handling equipment, vehicle charging, and onshore power. The Port will be fitted with electric power plug-ins to power ships at berth (known as “cold ironing”) during the process of unloading.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Raymond Anthony Rabago Montoya, 23, of Phoenix, was sentenced on October 2, 2024, by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $3,000 to the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. His co-defendant and mother, Griselda Guadalupe Montoya-Gastelum, 50, of Sonora, Mexico, was previously sentenced by Judge Lanza on July 8, 2024, to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montoya-Gastelum pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Lacey Act on April 25, 2024, and Rabago Montoya pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 26, 2024.
Defendants coordinated the illegal importation of exotic and protected wildlife from Mexico, including tigers, panthers, monkeys, and exotic parrots, into the United States, concealed through ports of entry, for financial gain. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began investigating the defendants in August 2022 after receiving a report from a person who believed that the four exotic parrots they had purchased from Rabago Montoya had been illegally imported. This report and further investigation led to the January 2023 execution of a search warrant at the home of Carlos Castro, where a tiger cub, an alligator, 12 snapping turtles, 6 tortoises, and boxes of other reptiles were found. Snapchat messages revealed that Montoya-Gastelum and Castro discussed illegal exotic animal sales and trades. Castro was subsequently convicted of Unlawful Sale of Wildlife in the Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County.
After federal agents observed advertisements for the sale of spider monkeys on Facebook, they conducted two undercover purchases of monkeys from the defendants for $6,000 each, one in April and one in May 2023. In June and August 2023, Rabago Montoya was encountered by law enforcement with dozens of endangered parrots concealed in his vehicle, many of which were deceased. Defendants were indicted on September 12, 2023, and arrested the following day.
“Once again we see Arizonans profiting from the concealment of contraband through the Nogales and Lukeville Ports of Entry,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Here, in lieu of controlled substances we have mistreated protected animals: and the sentences imposed send strong messages both of deterrence and of the importance of robust environmental protections.”
“Wildlife trafficking is illegal and immoral, as countless animals that are taken from the wild are smuggled across borders in inhumane conditions,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “In the case of spider monkeys, many trafficked animals perish due to inadequate care, while those that survive face a life of captivity. We hope this case emphasizes that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our partners will continue to ensure that those engaged in wildlife trafficking are brought to justice.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Zander and Lisa Jennis, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01305-PHX-DWL RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-138_Montoya et al.
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZfor the latest news.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)
WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday after the Department of Transportation approved American Airlines’ application to fly a non-stop flight between San Antonio International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.:
“Today’s announcement is a long-awaited and well-deserved victory for the people of San Antonio, the surrounding region, and our nation’s military and veterans. This nonstop flight between San Antonio and Washington Reagan Airport is the direct result of a yearslong, hard-fought battle to secure the legislative language necessary to make this happen in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
For far too long, residents of America’s seventh-largest city — including the tens of thousands of active duty servicemembers and veterans in Military City USA — were denied a direct, nonstop flight to our nation’s capital for no other reason than outdated legislation and crony protectionism.
I have relentlessly fought for a nonstop flight between San Antonio and Washington Reagan Airport in the House of Representatives. In April 2023, I led a bipartisan letter signed by every member of the San Antonio delegation in support of securing the legislative language ultimately signed into law. In the Rules Committee, I made sure the House considered an amendment to add seven flights at Washington Reagan. While that amendment came up short, it paved the way for the compromise struck by Senator Cruz and included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which I proudly supported. In July 2024, Senator Cruz and I led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 36 Texans urging the DOT to approve American Airlines’ application to fly this route.
I am grateful for Senator Ted Cruz and his steadfast leadership, members of the San Antonio congressional delegation, and American Airlines for working to break through the gridlock and deliver this much-needed improvement for San Antonio.“
Background:
Rep. Roy leads 7 Texans in supporting authorization of non-stop flight from Military City USA to nation’s capital
Rep. Roy issues statement on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
Sen. Cruz, Reps. Roy, Castro, Mayor Nirenberg Outline Next Steps for Nonstop Flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.
Texas Delegation Letter to the Department of Transportation
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Organization Distributed Deadly Narcotics to Middle Georgia from Atlanta Supplier
MACON, Ga. – A member of an armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization operating in Middle Georgia was sentenced to serve more than 19 years in prison for his crime.
Travis Warthen aka “Trap,” 40, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Warthen previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Sept. 28, 2023. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal handed down the sentence on Oct. 16. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Travis Warthen is a repeat armed drug trafficker who put the community at additional risk when he dangerously attempted to outrun law enforcement at high speeds, which he’s done before,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and our law enforcement partners are focused on combatting dangerous armed drug trafficking organizations, which heighten violent crime in our communities.”
“Violent and dangerous drug traffickers are enriching their lives by profiting off someone else’s pain and addiction,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Travis Warthen will now face significant federal prison time for his crime.”
“This organized criminal network peddled poison onto the streets of our community,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry W. Deese. “Most law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources to handle investigations to combat organizations like this one. We are fortunate to have federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia that recognize the benefit of working together to keep our communities safe.”
The following codefendants have been sentenced to prison:
Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison on Aug. 14. Breland previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting others to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023;
Randall Heath, 64, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison on Aug. 13. Heath previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023;
Raiford Reeves aka “RH,” 44, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison on May 15. Reeves previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on March 29, 2023;
Jeremiah Kaleta, 47, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 77 months in prison on July 23. Kaleta previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 3, 2023;
Lucretia Snellgrove, 52, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison on Jan. 24. Snellgrove previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 12, 2023;
Kendall Howard, 32, of Centerville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison on Jan. 24. Howard previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 12, 2023;
Luis Acosta, 36, of Centerville, was sentenced to time served on Jan. 24. Acosta previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 16, 2023; and
Kenneth Maddox, 32, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve four years of probation on Oct. 16. Maddox previously pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 15, 2023.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between Oct. 2021 and June 2022, DEA agents and local law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by co-defendant Reeves and several of his criminal associates including Warthen and Breland. Breland—the supplier to this DTO—was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics, primarily methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Reeves out of her condominium located in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from cell phones belonging to Breland and Reeves and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reeves. Reeves would supply other co-defendants, including Warthen, with some of the narcotics to sell.
On May 25, 2022, Reeves obtained methamphetamine from Breland in Atlanta and met with Warthen in Warner Robins to supply him with the illegal narcotic. After the transaction, agents followed Warthen and attempted a traffic stop. Warthen fled from authorities, driving into oncoming traffic and reaching speeds more than 100 miles per hour. The defendant lost control and wrecked before exiting the vehicle and running on foot. Warthen fell to the ground and was eventually detained. Agents seized a stolen 9mm caliber handgun under the front passenger seat and found a blue plastic container holding 274.2 grams of methamphetamine in the rear floorboard area. Warthen has a lengthy criminal history including prior felony convictions in both state and federal courts for illegal drug distribution.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
A man with fifteen prior felony convictions who used a stolen motorcycle to drive from Minnesota to Iowa and broke into a Winneshiek County home to steal firearms and other items pled guilty on October 15, 2024, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Steven Michael Current, age 58, from Canton, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of possession of firearms as a felon and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle.
In a plea agreement, Current admitted that he had fifteen prior felony convictions, and on September 26, 2022, he broke into a rural Winneshiek County home and stole eight firearms. Current also admitted that he drove a stolen 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle from Canton, Minnesota, to the burglary scene in Iowa on September 26, 2022. This motorcycle was stolen from a home in Rochester, Minnesota, on June 9, 2022. Current admitted that, during the burglary, he dropped two unscratched Minnesota lottery tickets from his pocket. Current was identified by images captured on a home camera system, and by images from the Minnesota store where Current purchased the lottery tickets.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Current remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Current faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by Winneshiek County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore County, Minnesota, Sheriff’s Office, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Headline: Governor Cooper Visits Yancey and Mitchell Counties to Survey Storm Damage as Federal, State, Local and Non-profit Partners Continue Unprecedented Response to Helene
Governor Cooper Visits Yancey and Mitchell Counties to Survey Storm Damage as Federal, State, Local and Non-profit Partners Continue Unprecedented Response to Helene mseets
Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Pensacola and Bakersville where he was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe and Commander of the State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddie Johnson to assess storm damage, witness relief operations and speak with those affected by Helene. In Pensacola, the Governor visited a supply distribution center operating at the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department. In Bakersville, the Governor joined Mayor Charles Vines for a walking tour to see areas that sustained damage during the storm.
“Today I was on the ground in Pensacola, Yancey County and Bakersville, Mitchell County, talking with folks affected by Helene and seeing how hard people are working to rebuild from this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and we will keep working with them to surge resources and to recover and rebuild their communities.”
The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes the following North Carolina counties and designations which were added Tuesday night:
Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union, and Yadkin counties for Individual Assistance,
Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
Swain County for permanent work (already designated for Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
The Major Disaster Declaration already includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Also today, Governor Cooper issued an emergency Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, to increase the amount of weekly unemployment payments available to North Carolinians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As a result of this Order, weekly unemployment benefits will increase from a maximum of $350 a week to a maximum of $600 a week. Prior to the executive order, many low-income and part-time workers would have received less than the $350 weekly maximum. To ensure that these workers receive necessary benefits in the wake of Helene, the order will also increase benefits by $250 a week (up to the $600 cap) for all eligible workers. This order is tied to the State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene, and will remain in effect until the end of the Emergency or until it is rescinded.
Law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of responders amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA officials remain in communities and are conducting operations to help people impacted by these storms recover as quickly as possible following reports of threats on the ground. Governor Cooper has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to identify specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure the safety and security of all involved as this recovery effort continues.
North Carolina National Guard and Military Response
Nearly 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.
National Guard and military personnel are operating 12 aviation assets and approximately 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.
FEMA Assistance
More than $102 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 181,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 2,000 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.
Approximately 1,400 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.
North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.
Help from Other States
More than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 142 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.
Beware of Misinformation
North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.
Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.
Storm Damage Cleanup
If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.
Power Outages
Across Western North Carolina, approximately 11,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.
Road Closures
Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.
NCDOT currently has approximately 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on approximately 7,000 damaged road sites.
Fatalities
Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.
Volunteers and Donations
If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc
Additional Assistance
There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.
If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.
For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.