Latest news with #Brown
Fox News
29 minutes ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Wounded vet confirmed to Veterans Affairs role as GOP slams Dems for slow-walking Trump picks
The Senate confirmed yet another of President Donald Trump's nominees on Tuesday, this time for a position that maintains veterans' cemeteries and oversees burials. Sam Brown, an Army veteran and former Nevada GOP Senate candidate, was confirmed by the Senate to be Trump's Veteran's Affairs undersecretary for memorial affairs. The 54-44 vote was largely a partisan affair, save for Nevada's Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jackie Rosen, who both crossed the aisle to vote for Brown's confirmation. The undersecretary for memorial affairs oversees the National Cemetery Administration, which operates and maintains over 150 national cemeteries. National cemeteries across the country have roughly 4 million veterans interred in their grounds, according to the VA. And the National Cemetery Administration provides for over 100,000 military veterans and eligible family members each year. Trump nominated Brown, who served in the army for five years before medically retiring after a roadside improvised explosive device detonated and burned one-third of his body, in January, and lauded him as an "American hero" in a post on his social media platform Truth Social at the time. "He fearlessly proved his love for our country in the army, while leading troops in battle in Afghanistan and, after being honorably retired as a captain, helping our veterans get access to emergency medications," Trump said. Brown's confirmation marked the third of the day in the Senate, where a growing list of Trump's nominees to a variety of agencies, judgeships and ambassadorships have been slowed down by Senate Democrats. Senate Republican leadership are trudging through the Democrats' blockade, and working to hammer out a deal to get more nominees moved through quicker. Senate Republicans argued that Brown's position, in particular, shouldn't be subject to the partisanship on display in Democrats' attempts to slow walk other, more controversial nominees. Sen. Jerry Moran, chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, had his request earlier this year to confirm Brown through a much faster process, known as unanimous consent, objected to by Senate Democrats in May. "Laying our veterans to rest with honor, serving their families with dignity is not a Republican or Democrat issue," the Kansas Republican said in a statement at the time. "I am discouraged that we cannot work in a bipartisan manner to confirm this qualified and capable leader for the National Cemetery Administration. That position is responsible for carrying out our nation's most solemn responsibility, burying our veterans."
Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
FHLB Dallas and First Security Bank Award $9K Grant to Little Rock Woman for Urgently Needed Roof Repairs
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Little Rock homeowner known for her community service received a $9,000 grant to fix the leaking roof on her longtime home. Kim Brown received the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through FHLB Dallas member First Security Bank. Awarded through FHLB Dallas member institutions, SNAP provides grants for the repair and rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing of eligible, special-needs individuals such as older adults or people with disabilities. 'The roof over the garage was cracking and creaking. I would pray for it to not fall over my car because that's how I work my ministry—driving people for doctors' visits and delivering meals,' Ms. Brown said. 'I'm very happy with my new roof and I'm very grateful to everybody that made it possible.' Ms. Brown underwent brain surgery in 2015 and subsequently retired from her job at a local retailer to act as a caregiver for a family member from whom she inherited her current home. Since retiring, she has dedicated herself to community service. 'We are proud to partner with FHLB Dallas to help homeowners like Ms. Brown,' said First Security Bank CRA Officer Andrea Lewis. 'As a community bank, we're honored to provide our expertise to connect people with resources that make a real difference on the ground.' Since 2018, First Security Bank has awarded more than $316,000 in FHLB Dallas SNAP grants. 'At FHLB Dallas, we're proud that our SNAP grants preserve homeownership by funding critical repairs that allow residents to remain in their homes,' said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. 'These grants provide stability and are building a strong community spirit in neighborhoods across our District.' More than $28 million has been awarded to households in FHLB Dallas' District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas since SNAP's 2009 creation. Learn more about SNAP. About First Security Bank Based in Searcy, Arkansas, privately held First Security Bancorp has the most complete and diverse product offering of any Arkansas-based financial services holding company. Supported by the strength of $1.5 billion in total capital and $8.13 billion in assets, First Security Bank offers solutions for the financial needs of individuals, businesses and the public sector, including a network of local community banks, respected investment banking and wealth management services, public finance, real estate development and revitalization, leasing and mortgage services. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $116.1 billion as of June 30, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit
The Australian
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Australian
Coalition backs major childcare reforms after shocking alleged daycare incidents
The federal Coalition will back reforms to childcare, in laws introduced by the government in the wake of a series of shocking alleged incidents at day care centres. The Coalition announced it would provide bipartisan support to the Labor government at a press conference on Tuesday. 'We are calling on the government to act with haste to improve our broken childcare system,' opposition education spokesman Jonathon Duniam said. Shortly after Mr Duniam spoke to media alongside Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, the childcare reform bill passed the lower house. With the Coalition's guaranteed support, the bill can pass the senate this week. The reforms were expedited after Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown was charged with more than 70 offences including sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16, sexual assault of a child under 16 and possessing child abuse material. He has yet to enter pleas to the charges. Opposition education spokesman Jonathon Duniam says he is baffled by some gaps in childcare regulation. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman Mr Brown's case was made public on July 1 after a suppression order was lifted, with police alleging Mr Brown abused eight children between the ages of five months and two years old. Since then, police have established Brown worked at 23 childcare centres across Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025. Parents and carers of 2000 children have been urged to get their kids tested for sexually transmitted infections. On July 15, Victoria Police said establishing Mr Brown's work history had been 'extremely complex' due to childcare providers not having centralised records. The force said the investigation remained 'ongoing' and 'active', and expected to release further updates in the coming weeks. Labor's bill proposes to strip childcare centres of federal funding if they cannot guarantee child safety. Allegations against Joshua Brown have rocked parents across Victoria. Picture Supplied The bill's introduction was brought forward in the wake of the allegations against Mr Brown. 'We cannot just say it's a matter for state and territory governments,' Mr Duniam said on Tuesday. Mr Duniam was 'baffled' there was no nationally co-ordinated working with children check system. The Coalition also backed a national register of childcare teachers, just like with school teachers. 'There's a range of measures there that need to be dealt with. And again, our message to the government is: Please, hurry up,' Mr Duniam said. 'Parents need it, children need it. We owe it to them. This is not a blame game. Let's get on and fix the mess, and we will stand with you in doing so.' Introduced last week, the reform bill would give the commonwealth government power to cut off funding to child care centres which do not meet the National Quality Standards for safety and quality. Centres which put kids at risk are in danger of having their funding totally cut. Any illegal activity would also be grounds to lose public funding. Government staff will also be given the power to do unannounced spot-checks. Education ministers will meet in August to discuss a national register of early childhood educators. The state, territory and federal Attorney-Generals will also discuss working with children check reforms, at their meeting next month. Blair Jackson Reporter Blair's journalism career has taken him from Perth, to New Zealand, Queensland and now Melbourne. Blair Jackson
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Astros GM Dana Brown 'would love' to land No. 3 starter at trade deadline
The Houston Astros are going to be buyers at the MLB trade deadline, and it's only a question of what kind og players they target. With needs at second base, outfield, third base, and in the rotation, there are plenty of avenues for general manager Dana Brown to take. But Brown has one area of the roster that he wants to address at the trade deadline, even if it's not the highest priority need. According to former GM Jim Bowden, during an appearance on Foul Territory, Brown "would love" to add another starting pitcher. "He wants a game three starter for the playoffs," Bowden said. "They feel great about Valdez and Hunter Brown pitching games one and two... he would love to get that game three starter." The Astros have one of the better one-two punches atop their starting rotation. Valdez has a 2.62 ERA and an 11-4 record with 141 strikeouts in 21 starts this season, while Brown has a 2.54 ERA and a 9-5 record with 149 strikeouts over his 21 starts. But, aside from those two, the Astros' rotation has a lot of question marks, thanks in large part to a ridiculous amount of pitchers on the injured list. MORE: Astros DFA fan favorite slugger, according to wife's announcement Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, Brandon Walter, and J.P. France all could return at some point this season, while Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco are done for the year. Any of those starters could be the team's number three starter for a postseason series. But Brown is looking to the trade market to land such a starting pitcher instead of relying on the uncertain returns of their injured starting pitchers. Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks is one name to monitor, as he'd be a more affordable option than some of the controllable pitchers on the market. While Bowden reports that the Astros "would love" to add another starting pitcher, those options are expensive and limited. But, if the right deal presents itself, the Astros could pounce and add a new starting pitcher at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. MORE MLB NEWS: Guardians announce Emmanuel Clase's replacement amid closer placed on leave Tigers trade for Twins' 4.95 ERA starter for minor leaguer Guardians' Shane Bieber drawing interest ahead of trade deadline Guardians' Steven Kwan 'desired' by Phillies at trade deadline Cardinals get horrible news on top-ten pitching prospect Padres named among most desperate teams at MLB trade deadline
New York Post
6 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Andy Reid has critical update after Hollywood Brown carted off Chiefs practice
The Chiefs appear to have survived a troubling injury scare. Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown Brown was carted off the field on Tuesday due to injury, but coach Andy Reid said after practice that the team was not overly concerned. 'I don't think it's too bad, but we'll see,' Reid told reporters, noting it was an ankle injury. It brought back reminders to a season ago when Brown suffered a shoulder injury in a preseason game that kept him out for most of the season. 4 Marquise Brown had an injury scare at Chiefs practice. AP Brown was only able to appear in two regular season games for the Chiefs — pulling in nine passes for 91 yards. Brown played in all three postseason games for the Chiefs, but was not a huge factor. The 28-year-old had five catches for 50 yards as the Chiefs made a run to the Super Bowl. Kansas City lost to the Eagles, 40-22, failing in their attempt to three-peat. Brown was not the only receiver to have an injury issue on Tuesday with Xavier Worthy 'banged his head' and Skyy Moore (hamstring) also leaving practice early. The Chiefs would be forced to call on JuJu Smith-Schuster and 2025 fourth-round pick Jalen Royals to pick up the slack left behind. 4 Marquise Brown (right) and Xavier Worthy both left practice with injuries. AP The team's most-talented receiver, Rashee Rice, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for driving 119.5 MPH during a Dallas car crash — and could face suspension from the league when he is released. In an optimistic sign before Reid's comments, Brown sat in the passenger seat — and not in the back of the cart. 4 Brown catching a touchdown against the Giants AP 4 Justin Fields at practice. Bill Kostroun/New York Post That mirrors what happened to Jets quarterback Justin Fields just a few days ago. During practice, he came up limping and hitched a ride on the passenger side of the cart. His injury turned out to be a dislocated toe, and Fields was back to practicing just a few days later. The Chiefs open up with the Chargers on Friday, Sept. 5
