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Indianapolis Star
5 hours ago
- General
- Indianapolis Star
IREAD retention requirements emphasize need to invest in student success
With new IREAD retention requirements now in effect, the stakes around early literacy and education feel higher than ever for students, families and schools. Indiana has taken several important steps to address this issue, including expanding access to summer learning, mandating Science of Reading training for educators and investing in interventions for students in need. Briggs: Indiana's school letter grades will help housing prices more than parents That work is paying off. Through the RISE Summer Learning Program, which powers summer learning labs across more than 140 schools and learning centers, students gained 26 percentage points in ELA proficiency in just five weeks last summer. Those gains came from access to high-quality instructional materials and teachers who were deeply trained and supported. The same model should not be limited to summer. It is what students deserve year-round, before retention is ever on the table. Indiana has made real progress, but the state should continue to invest in what works for all readers, from the very start.
Indianapolis Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana Democrats need a moral comeback to stage a political one
I'm not a cynical person. I believe deeply in the power of people, relationships, and community to make things better. But when it comes to politics, especially right now, cynicism can feel like the only rational response. The most generous possible description of the current occupant of the White House is that he's a self-dealing narcissist with a mysterious charisma and an emotionally resonant economic critique of the last 40 years. The previous administration, by many credible accounts, functioned as a shadow presidency with an unelected cabal of aides and lackeys pulling the levers of power as the incumbent's mental deterioration accelerated in plain view. The state level, at least here in Indiana, doesn't offer much consolation. Many of our elected officials are unserious about governing; some are actively harmful. There's not a lot to justify even a shred of idealism. In other words, the moral high ground in politics, circa 2025, doesn't count for much. Unless, of course, the moral high ground is all you have. I've been writing this column for about six months now, and most of my ire has been directed at Indiana Republicans. They hold 85%–90% of the power in this state, so it seems only fair they receive a commensurate amount of scrutiny. I could pick more on Democrats, but why? The most coherent argument Indiana Dems have offered over the past decade is: 'Look at those crazy Republicans! At least we're not them!' It's an argument built almost entirely on outrage and a vague sense of moral and intellectual superiority. Yet, in just the past five years, several prominent Indiana Democratic officeholders (of the few that still exist) have been credibly accused of various creepy and distasteful acts. Most of these probably don't rise to the level of criminal offenses, but they are, without question, the acts of morally bankrupt individuals. The only thing worse than the individual acts is the top-to-bottom institutional complicity. The state party refuses to act. Party officials sweep credible allegations under the rug. The City-County Council orders a third-party investigation, which is then immediately hamstrung with lawyerly hair-splitting over 'legality,' when the real question should be about propriety and public trust. And Mayor Joe Hogsett, the de facto moral leader of the party, shrinks from the spotlight and shirks his responsibility. Briggs: Todd Young's political survival means never fully crossing Trump As much as it pains me to say it, this stands in stark contrast to the last time a prominent Hoosier Republican faced a similar scandal. When former Attorney General Curtis Hill was accused of unwanted sexual advances, the GOP replaced him at its convention. When Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor faced (arguably) more serious accusations, the caucus initially voted to keep him in leadership. This might all sound like holier-than-thou primping and preening. After all, as previously established, modern politics is a cynical, zero-sum game. That's why my point isn't really about moral propriety, but about political ineptitude. Indiana Democrats seem to think that because they have so little power, they have to protect what scraps they do have. But I think they're getting it backwards. The question isn't 'how do we hold on to the little we've got?' The question is: 'What exactly are we sticking up for?' To illustrate — because, apparently, I'm the tortured sports metaphor guy — let's talk Bobby Knight. When he was leading undefeated teams and raising banners in the 1970s and '80s, he was untouchable. By all accounts, he was the same guy in 2000 when he was fired for an altercation with a student. But, by then, the program had been mired in mediocrity for years. The glory days were long gone. Knight was expendable, so he was canned. Opinion: I was dragged out by sheriff's deputies. Indiana Democrats stayed silent. Back to the Dems: What banners have their harassing and complicit officials raised? What accomplishments justify the tolerance of such behavior? They hold no meaningful state power. Even their grip on Indianapolis is routinely undermined by the legislature. What exactly are they defending, other than personal relationships and individual careers? I want a credible Democratic Party in Indiana. Yes, I agree with them on many of the big issues. But more than that, I want a real competition of ideas and a political landscape that generates better policies to improve Hoosier lives. Here's the bottom line: The moral high ground isn't worth much in politics these days, unless it's all you have. If Indiana Democrats want to make a political comeback, it begins with making a moral one.
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Complaints about weeds in Edinburgh reach 10-year high
The number of complaints about weeds in Edinburgh have hit their highest level for more than a decade. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A freedom of information request submitted by Lothian Tory MSP Miles Briggs showed the city council received 636 requests to remove weeds in 2024. The last time there were more than 500 requests was in 2016. That year, there were 565 complaints about weeds. Otherwise, the numbers over the past 10 years varied between 483 in 2015 and a Covid low of 88 in 2020. In Balerno, community weeding has helped replace the use of glyphosate Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 2024 figure of 636 represented an increase of more than 200 per cent on the 2023 total, when there were only 200 requests for weeds to be removed. Mr Briggs said the council had suggested that a combination of factors such as the mild, wet weather and the reduced use of glyphosate weedkillers may be behind the increase. The council agreed in 2023 to a gradual, three-year phasing-out of herbicides containing glyphosate, which threatens bee colonies and has been linked to cases of cancer. Instead, it said it would use a combination of other methods to control weeds, including hot foam, pressurised hot water and mechanical sweeping. Scott Arthur, the transport and environment convener at the time, said there was 'growing pressure' to reduce glyphosate use from residents across the city who were concerned about its potential environmental and health impacts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some parts of Edinburgh are already glyphosate-free. Residents in Balerno campaigned against the use of chemical weedkillers and now there is community weeding organised by the Pesticide Free Balerno group and increased mechanical sweeping. Mr Briggs said he had been disappointed to see more weeds in Edinburgh as he was out and about this summer. 'My research has confirmed that this has indeed become a bigger problem over the last few years.' And he continued: 'As glyphosate is phased out of use, councillors must find new ways to keep weeds under control. 'With rising vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh, it is vital that the council stays on top of this situation so that Edinburgh does not lose its reputation as a beautiful city to live in and visit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I am grateful to our Conservative councillors for securing additional funding for the excellent 'Pride in our City' project, which has been cleaning up our streets for the past year and will no doubt help mitigate against this increase in weeds.' Current transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said: 'We've significantly reduced our reliance on glyphosate-based herbicides, opting instead for more environmentally friendly weed control methods like deep street cleansing, mulching, strimming, and manual hoeing. 'However, the recent mix of sunshine and rain has created ideal growing conditions for greenery which means some areas may appear more overgrown than usual. If residents notice an area that needs attention, I'd encourage them to report it through the Council website so we can respond appropriately.'
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
$265 Million Private Capital Unlocked Through Low Emission Transport Fund
Businesses operating in New Zealand have committed around $265 million of investment in low-and zero-emissions transport projects – on road, off-road and on water – through the Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF) over the past decade. The programme, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), was revised in 2021, expanding the remit of its predecessor the Low Emissions Vehicle Contestable Fund (LEVCF), which launched in 2016. Projects approved for funding in the LETF's final rounds – 14, 15 and 16 – have been announced today. Richard Briggs, EECA's Group Manager – Delivery and Partnerships, said the LETF had unlocked an extraordinary amount of private capital for projects that would not have happened as quickly or at all, as well as lowered organisations' operating costs by improving energy efficiency and productivity. 'The programmes demonstrated the benefits for business in making the switch to low or zero-emissions vehicles, machines, and vessels, showing others in their sectors what's possible and viable.' Briggs said the rapid acceleration of energy-efficient transport technologies had reduced the risk for early adopters and the need for this type of support. As such, the LETF had wound down to a natural end. Milestone projects include the world's first electric milk tanker (Fonterra) and electric hydrofoil ferry in commercial operation (Vessev and Fullers 360). The fund supported New Zealand's first hydrogen-powered truck (NZ Post) and truck (Auckland Transport), first electric double-decker buses (Tranzit, Metlink, Greater Wellington Regional Council) and first electric supermarket delivery vans (Foodstuffs). The LETF also co-funded around half of New Zealand's 1300+ public EV chargers, with almost 700 more in the pipeline. These include the country's first high-speed DC chargers (ChargeNet). Briggs said EECA continued to support the heavy vehicle sector to improve its energy efficiency and lower operating costs through the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund, which offers grants of up to 25% of the purchase price of a new zero-emissions heavy vehicle, or 25% of the cost to convert an existing ICE vehicle to be power by zero or low-emissions technologies. EECA would ensure successful delivery of previously co-funded projects, as well as provide data on EV charging infrastructure and fuel use across the transport sector, Briggs said. 'EECA is New Zealand's lead agency and expert voice on energy use and we're continuing to evolve to ensure we're best placed to support the market.' A full list of approved projects for LETF rounds 14, 15 and 16 can be found below. Notes: LETF and LEVCF by the numbers 17 funding rounds across LEVCF and LETF, since 2016 359 contracts approved for funding $100,487,332 in government co-investment approved $265,466,603 in private capital committed. Approved projects for Low Emission Transport Rounds 14, 15, and 16 Round 16 approved projects Round 16 of the LETF launched on 3 February 2025 for Vehicles, Technology, Off-road and Marine. The round closed on 24 March 2025. EECA has approved five projects that would allocate co-funding of $469,159. Beacon Marine Limited, $23,100: Beacon Marine will partner with Pahi Oysters to demonstrate an electric motor on an existing oyster barge. Naut Limited $191,206: Naut will partner with an aquaculture business to demonstrate a fully integrated electric vessel, offering a low-emission alternative for an industry that has traditionally depended solely on internal combustion engines (ICE). Cascade New Zealand Limited, $60,403: Cascade New Zealand will demonstrate electric forklift attachments as an alternative to hydraulic options which requires significantly less energy to operate. When used on an electric forklift, the energy reduction will enable less power usage and longer cycle time. 3i OPCO Limited, $160,150: 3I OPCO will demonstrate an electric excavator which will work within the holds of vessels to unload cargo. Beacon Marine Limited, $46,300: Beacon Marine with partner with Explore Group will demonstrate an inboard electric conversion of their America's Cup tour experience boat from diesel propulsion to a fully electric system. Round 15 approved projects Round 15 of the LETF launched on 18 November 2024 for Ports. The round closed on 10 February 2025. EECA has approved five projects that would allocate co-funding of $1,630,742. Lyttelton Port Company Limited, $333,392: Lyttelton Port Company will demonstrate shore to ship power by upgrading electrical infrastructure on LPC's inner harbour jetties to provide shore power to visiting vessels and accurately track energy usage and emissions reductions. CentrePort Limited, $350,000: CentrePort will demonstrate a system that can control how and when electricity resource is consumed. It will unlock electricity supply capacity to enable electrification of CentrePort's heavy electric vehicles fleet to continue without triggering wider network reinforcement. Port of Tauranga Limited, $447,000: Port of Tauranga will test an electric straddle carrier at Port of Tauranga to examine its feasibility in a New Zealand port context. Otago Port Limited, $343,000: Otago Port will deliver emissions reduction by separate vertical and horizontal container movement associated with long distance port terminal container flow using straddle carriers. Lyttelton Port Company Limited, $157,350: Lyttleton Port Company will replace a diesel sweeper truck, which operates at multiple Port locations, with a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equivalent. The project will demonstrate how the electric sweeper can operate efficiently for a full work shift and how its operation impacts battery performance and operational productivity. Round 14 approved projects Round 14 of the LETF launched on 29 July 2024 for Vehicles, Technology, Off-road and Marine. The round closed on 9 September 2024. EECA has approved 12 projects that would allocate co-funding of $2,198,620. Etrucks Limited, $20,000: Etrucks will import and demonstrate an E1400 Windrose long-range electric truck. The E1400 has a loaded range (49t) of 670km. The truck will come equipped with MCS and CCS2 charging. Port Napier Limited, $302,000: Port of Napier will demonstrate autonomous battery-electric container terminal tractors (ABECTTs) and a battery-swap charger in their port operations. ContainerCo (NZL) Limited, $232,000: ContainerCo will replace a single empty container handler with a fully electric version to demonstrate that the current diesel empty handlers could be entirely replaced with electric handlers. Seeka Limited, $27,000: Seeka will demonstrate two custom-designed electric ATVs for use under kiwifruit canopies, reducing emissions, improving safety, and cutting operational costs while aligning with sustainability goals through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Lyttelton Port Company Limited, $252,000: Lyttelton Port Company will demonstrate replacing a diesel empty container handler with a battery electric equivalent. Green Pacific Shipping Limited, $500,000: Green Pacific Shipping will demonstrate a 30-passenger electric foiling ferry built by Candela to operate between Auckland, Coromandel and Waiheke. Being transportable, including its charging equipment, it will be available around New Zealand for demonstration and trial by other potential users. Change Fuel Technologies Limited, $97,000: Change Fuel Technologies will build and demonstrate a hydrogen refuelling vehicle which can supply hydrogen to off-road vehicles. Rotorua Forest Haulage Limited, $20,000: Rotorua Forest Haulage will work with Scania NZ to demonstrate a fully electric truck that can operate on New Zealand roads at HPMV weights of 54T. Action Manufacturing, $132,000: Action Manufacturing will demonstrate a 100% electric refrigerated semi-trailer. The technology represents a step forward for trailer refrigeration. D&H Equipment Limited, $242,000: D&H Equipment alongside Ballance Agri-Nutrients will demonstrate a 20-tonne electric wheel loader in their fertiliser plant. This will test the suitability of electric off-road equipment in a highly corrosive fertiliser environment. Kwetta Limited, $239,600: This project aims to demonstrate how Kwetta's 'grid first' innovation can unlock and optimise existing network infrastructure for EV fast charging, by piloting Kwetta's dynamic flexibility grid service. United Civil Limited, $135,020: United Civil Construction will demonstrate their first fully electric 4-tonne excavator in Northland and Napier. This size excavator is widely used across many sectors and the project will demonstrate its use case across two regions.
Edinburgh Reporter
14-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Stafford Centre – still facing massive cuts to funding
As The Stafford Centre on Broughton Street faces cuts of their core funding, Miles Briggs, MSP, visited the centre which provides mental health care. The home of Change Mental Health is just one of those third sector bodies which is threatened with a massive cut in funding by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB). Along with others affected Mr Briggs warned earlier this year that the cuts, proposed to save £60m+ by the EIJB, could make Edinburgh the only city in Western Europe without third sector community mental health provision. The MSP has written to both the Chief Officer of the EIJB and the First Minister, as well as raising the issue in parliament on several occasions. Last month Miles Briggs attended a public meeting hosted by the Thrive Collective to discuss the impact of the cuts with providers and users of mental health services. The Thrive Collective provides community mental health services through charities such asChange Mental Health. Nick Ward, CEO of Change Mental Health, has strongly criticised the approach taken by the EIJB, highlighting the flaws in both the economic and clinical rationale behind the cuts. The City of Edinburgh Council announced £3 million of emergency funding in May for third sector services facing cuts. Change Mental Health did not feature on the list of 46 organisations which will receive this support. Mr Briggs has previously said that the funding formula used to allocate money to NHS boards, NRAC, was not fair to the Lothian region. NHS Lothian has consistently received less funding each year than population growth would require, according to the government's own funding formula (NRAC). He pointed out that the shortfall for 2024/25 is more than £10m, exacerbating a £150m shortfall over the last ten years. Lothian has the fastest growing population in Scotland, currently circa 916,000, and will represent 84% of Scotland's predicted population growth over the period to 2033. However, its funding remains at -0.6% below NRAC parity. Miles Briggs said: 'I'd like to thank the Change Mental Health team for inviting me to the Stafford Centre. It was fantastic to meet all the staff and chat to some of the users of this amazing service. 'This space means a lot to the people who come here. I share their concern that the support available here could be taken away from them by the proposed cuts to Edinburgh's third sector. 'These cuts have significantly distressed some of the most vulnerable people in our city and, if taken forward, could result in Edinburgh being one of the only western European cities without third-sector community mental health provision. That would be totally unacceptable. 'I have repeatedly asked the SNP and the EIJB to rethink their strategy, and I urge the First Minister to engage with my request for cross party communication on this matter.' The EIJB meets in August under its new Chair Cllr Tim Pogson. The decision about cuts was postponed at the last meeting under previous chair Katarina Kasper. Our video below was filmed at the public meeting on 26 May when it was still believed the EIJB would decide what to do on 17 June. Like this: Like Related
