Latest news with #Carnegie
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Consultation To Build On New Zealand's Strong Fuel Security Welcome
Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes today's announcement of public consultation on the proposed Fuel Security Plan by Associate Minister of Energy Shane Jones. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the proposed plan is a constructive opportunity to build on New Zealand's already high-performing fuel security settings. "New Zealand has a robust, well-functioning fuel supply system. Our current system, based on importing refined fuels, rather than crude, gives us more flexibility and resilience than when we imported crude into Marden Point, a single point of failure." Carnegie says the proposed Fuel Security Plan announced today is about building towards a longer-term strategic direction for New Zealand's fuel security. "The risks we face today are not the same as five years ago. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and our security planning must change with it. It's critical that the Government balances our high-functioning fuel imports system with any domestic production. We will seek to ensure the final plan does this in a way that minimises costs for consumers." Fuel resilience must continue to be balanced with affordability and practical implementation, Carnegie says. "It's important to be clear-eyed: New Zealand will always rely on imported fuels. Domestic alternatives like biofuels will only ever supplement, not replace, imported fuels. We have to weigh the cost of resilience. Emerging technologies often come at a premium, and we need to think critically about how much we're willing to pay for the insurance for domestic production" Carnegie says the best insurance policy remains New Zealand's diversified network of experienced fuel suppliers. "This consultation is an opportunity to make innovative, cost-effective improvements to an already strong system. We look forward to engaging with the Government to find the lowest-cost, most effective options to build on our current level of resilience, without duplicating effort or adding unnecessary cost."
The National
07-07-2025
- Business
- The National
What has and hasn't changed in Scotland since 2014
Eleven years on, much has changed, including a precipitous socioeconomic decline of which Brexit has been part. What has not changed is the interest in Scotland in the US (perhaps because 250 years ago it too sought independence from British rule). In the early 2000s, I had the privilege of hosting the late Alex Salmond at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs in New York. Alex began with a characteristically amusing and telling anecdote: 'When I first visited the US, about 10% of Americans claimed Scottish ancestry. Then I heard 20%. And now it's 25% – maybe if I stayed for a while longer ...' READ MORE: Scotland among seven countries to sign landmark independence declaration In any event, Scotland and Scottish affairs hold a special place in American hearts, as well an awareness that Scotland and its people have punched above their weight in the world (the Carnegie name is on foundations, think tanks and, of course, libraries across the US, for example). The article appeared at a time when the No forces had mounted a full court press against independence. Virtually all major media, all parties other than the SNP, titans of business and other leadership figures presented a tsunami of opposition. One scholar, Historian and broadcaster Simon Schama said in the Financial Times: 'Scotland's exit from the rich, creative and multicultural unity of Britain would be a catastrophe'. I can just hear the classic Glasgow response: 'Aye, right!' What weapons did the Better Together clique wage against us Yes folks? The heaviest mallet was, of course, economic. The English chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, delivered what came to be known as 'the sermon on the pound', basically threatening any efforts at a Scots currency. A deputy head of the World Bank refuted this, saying a Scots pound was achievable. Various luminaries warned an independent Scotland would find itself isolated and would have 'great difficulty' in achieving membership of the European Union. Since the end of the Cold War, nine small, newly independent states have become EU members. To deny an independent Scotland would be egregious. (Of course, English voters removed us from Europe two years later.) Then there was the straw man fear that a 'hard border' between Scotland and England might stir up centuries-old animosity. Nonsense. Norway and Sweden were essentially one country until 125 years ago. Bilateral peace has reigned since. To turn the conversation from the negative to the positive, I asked: 'What might be the benefits of an independent Scotland, for itself and the world beyond?' Schama, in the same FT article, extolled the achievements of Scots in the 300-plus years of the UK – in the sciences and engineering, arts, philosophy, global exploration, public service, architecture et al. Yes, and these achievements surely emphasise Scotland's indisputable capacity for independence. I once debated the Canadian politician and public intellectual Michael Ignatieff, who had the temerity to suggest that Scots should be happy with the status quo since so many of us had found fame and fortune in London. My response was: 'And why on Earth should Scots have to go to London to accomplish this? Why not enrich themselves and Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee?' A view of London Possibly under more severe threat than it was 11 years ago is the social contract of Scotland with its people. In the preface to the 2014 report Scotland's Future, Salmond wrote: 'Our national story has been shaped down the generations by values of compassion, equality, an unrivalled commitment to the power of education.' While these ideals are fragile and under attack, I firmly hold to the belief that Scotland has historically had a social-democratic conscience, a commitment to basic services for all that is far different from what has been called the 'madcap capitalist laboratory' of London. This leads me to the third, and most difficult challenge for Scotland – and the most compelling argument for addressing the challenges as an independent nation. READ MORE: Details emerge of Scottish arm of new Corbyn project The 11 years since 2014 are nothing less than an indictment of a Westminster Parliament for its cynical misrule – known more euphemistically as 'austerity'. These years brought no fewer than five Tory prime ministers, all of them inept. We now have, under Starmer, a Labour Government that is a travesty of the Labour movement in its disregard for the needs of the most vulnerable in Britain. But sadder yet for a Scots expat who benefited from Salmond's passion, intellect and deep commitment to independence has been the precipitous decline of the SNP since Alex relinquished the leadership. In his stead we have had a series of feckless successors. Something Fergus Ewing said articulates perfectly the SNP's demise: 'We have lost three-quarters of our MPs, 65,000 members, and seen a 10%-15% drop in the polls. Who, hand on heart, can defend that record?' The record has been deservedly earned. On visits to Scotland since 2014, I have seen or heard from others deterioration in education, transport, health services and business and industry. The closing of the Grangemouth oil refinery amid the most feeble opposition from the SNP is a metaphor for Scotland's decline. What I wrote in 2014 was a rallying call in support of the SNP as the referendum loomed. No more. I am now a supporter of, and donor to, the Alba Party. Under the decisive leadership of Kenny MacAskill – who I am proud to call a friend, and believe is Salmond's true and rightful successor – Alba are the only party to have put forward a comprehensive and compelling blueprint for the overriding issue facing Scotland today, even more so than in 2014, ie independence, and detailed plans for the socioeconomic ills that will be tackled under Alba. Both a re-energised campaign for independence and the work that will follow present challenges for Scots and Scotland, not least for a native cautiousness that is often most commendable. I am reminded of the words of the great Scots socialist intellectual, Tom Nairn, who once rued the fact that Scots sometimes lacked the decisiveness 'to walk through an open door.'. It's time to stride through that door, if only because history has shown that allowing Westminster to call the shots had been nothing short of disastrous. I noted at the end of the 2014 article that the independence case was most clearly and succinctly put by an Indian gentleman in Hyderabad: Writing in the FT, he said: 'The Scots have always been a nation, and are now asking for their own state.' That seems to express the obvious – and the essential. David Speedie was awarded a Kennedy Scholarship to Harvard after three years as a lecturer in English Language at the University of St Andrews and has been a resident of the US since then. Most recently he was chair of the programme on International Peace and Security at Carnegie Corporation of New York and senior fellow at the Carnegie Council on Ethics in International Affairs in New York, as director of the programme on US Global Engagement, which he created. He was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a founding member of the American Council for US-Russia Accord. He is now a consultant based in Virginia.
CBS News
01-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Heavy rain hits Pittsburgh area, leading to flash flooding in Carnegie
Storms pounded the area again and left a mess for many across the region. Not only did the storm send water gushing down roads in Carnegie, but it also knocked out power, forcing Duquesne Light crews to come out and address the situation. It looked like a creek that overflowed its banks along Rosslyn Road in Carnegie. Just one problem: there's no creek there. That's just how much water was rushing down the hill after buckets poured from the sky early in the workday. People who work nearby told KDKA-TV it was around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the rushing water came cascading down the hillside, dumping debris and blasting into anything in its path. It poured along the retaining wall, through parking lots and into the street. Cars were driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid the hazard as they climbed up the hill. To make matters worse, power started sparking and eventually it went out. Nearby businesses shut down for the day and nearby neighbors were left without power after the storm. By the afternoon, it dried up, but debris was left behind, posing a few hazards for drivers. It ended up being passable. Duquesne Light crews were out working on several utility poles to get the lights back on. Their outage map says people should get their power back this evening.
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Twenty Distinguished Naturalized Citizens Honored by Carnegie Corporation of New York as Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Great Immigrants, Great Americans Tribute
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carnegie Corporation of New York announces the 2025 Class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans, recognizing 20 distinguished naturalized American citizens whose contributions have enriched our society and helped to strengthen our democracy. For 20 years, the philanthropic foundation has sponsored the public awareness initiative, honoring a total of more than 750 naturalized American citizens from almost 120 countries who represent a remarkable range of immigration journeys. To mark the tribute's 20th anniversary, Carnegie has commissioned a free comic book featuring more than a dozen inspiring stories as told by naturalized U.S. citizens and created by an award-winning production team and illustrator. The 13 comics include Peabody Award–winning comedian Mo Amer; seminal musician and filmmaker David Byrne; pediatrician Mona Hanna, who exposed the water crisis in Flint, Michigan; Nobel Prize–winning biochemist Katalin Karikó, whose work led to the COVID-19 vaccine; and Jim Lee, the legendary illustrator and chief creative officer of DC. The comic book, which is freely available to the public, may be downloaded at Carnegie has also commissioned the National Council of Teachers of English to develop free educational resources and lesson plans based on the comics, which will be available in fall 2025. The 2025 Class of Great Immigrants is comprised of naturalized citizens from 16 countries who are leaders across academia, the arts, business, journalism, medicine, philanthropy, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). They include: - Tope Awotona (Nigeria) Founder and CEO of Calendly, a scheduling software company that employs more than 650 people and provides services to over 20 million users at 100,000 organizations. - Moungi Bawendi (France) Winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work that revolutionized the chemical production of quantum dots used in biomedical imaging and computer and television displays. - Simon Johnson (England) Winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity and for developing theoretical tools to explain how institutions can change. - Michele Kang (South Korea) Founder and CEO of Kynisca, the world's first multi-team global organization focused on professionalizing women's football and proving its commercial potential and cultural impact. - Shahid Khan (Pakistan) President and CEO of Flex-N-Gate, an automobile components manufacturer with 76 plants worldwide and 27,000 employees. - María Teresa Kumar (Colombia) President and CEO of Voto Latino, a national nonprofit organization that encourages civic engagement among younger generations of Latinx voters - Tania León (Cuba) A Pulitzer Prize–winning composer, conductor, and educator who has held positions with Carnegie Hall, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, and is a founding member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. 'For 20 years, our Great Immigrants public awareness initiative has been a reminder that many of the most influential figures in our country have been distinguished naturalized citizens, like our founder Andrew Carnegie, born in Scotland,' said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie, who is a naturalized American citizen born in Ireland. 'The U.S. is a nation of immigrants and our ongoing support of nonpartisan organizations that help establish legal pathways for citizenship continues to enrich the very fabric of American life. We applaud this year's 20th class and the hundreds of 'Great Immigrants, Great Americans' before them.' The initiative aims to increase public awareness of the economic and societal benefits of immigration. It is a tribute to the legacy of Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant who, like the initiative's honorees, found success as an American and contributed enormously to his adopted country. During the past 20 years, the Carnegie database of Great Immigrants has grown into one of the largest online resources for examples of accomplished naturalized American citizens. Past honorees include Isabel Allende, Elizabeth Blackburn, Sergey Brin, Michael J. Fox, Min Jin Lee, Yo-Yo Ma, Rupert Murdoch, Martina Navratilova, and Pedro Pascal. Naturalization and the legal integration of immigrants are part of the foundation's overarching goal of reducing political polarization for a strong democracy. According to the American Immigration Council, a Carnegie grantee whose research is cited in the new comic book, there are 48 million immigrants in America, about half are naturalized U.S. citizens, and more than seven million are eligible to apply for citizenship. Among Fortune 500 companies, 230 were founded by immigrants or children of immigrants, and among business owners, one in four is an immigrant. The 20 honorees in the Class of 2025 will be recognized with a full-page public service announcement in The New York Times on the Fourth of July and through tributes on social media. Please join the celebration by sharing via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter) using the hashtag #GreatImmigrants. To learn more about the foundation's new comic book featuring Great Immigrants, visit The 2025 Class of Great Immigrants: Tope Awotona (Nigeria) Founder and CEO, Calendly Moungi Bawendi (France) Professor of Chemistry, MIT Helen M. Blau (England) Director, Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, and Professor, Stanford University Roger Cohen (England) Journalist and Paris Bureau Chief, The New York Times Akiko Iwasaki (Japan) Professor of Immunobiology, Dermatology, and Epidemiology, Yale School of Medicine Maz Jobrani (Iran) Comedian, Actor, and Author Simon Johnson (England) Professor of Entrepreneurship, MIT Sloan School of Management Michele Kang (South Korea) Businesswoman, Sports Team Owner, and Philanthropist Shahid Khan (Pakistan) President and CEO, Flex-N-Gate Manjusha (Manju) P. Kulkarni (India) Executive Director, AAPI Equity Alliance María Teresa Kumar (Colombia) President and CEO, Voto Latino Tania León (Cuba) Composer, Conductor, and Educator Sandra Leisa Lindsay (Jamaica) Vice President, Public Health Advocacy, Northwell Health Luciano Marraffini (Argentina) Professor, The Rockefeller University, and Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Priyamvada Natarajan (India) Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Yale University Kareem Rahma (Egypt) Comedian, Artist, and Musician Raúl Ruiz (Mexico) U.S. Congressman, California, District 25 Manoochehr Sadeghi (Iran) Grand Master Musician and Educator Yuan Yuan Tan (China) Former Prima Ballerina, San Francisco Ballet Avi Wigderson (Israel) Professor of Mathematics, Institute for Advanced Study About Carnegie Corporation of New York Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Hammond woman receives Carnegie hero award for assisting swimmers in peril
About two years ago, Sara Schaller and her daughter were at Porter Beach, collecting seashells and building sandcastles. As they were ready to leave, a woman ran up to them, asking if Schaller knew how to swim. 'She was like, 'She's drowning,'' Schaller said. 'I was like, 'What?' And then she pointed out to the water, and I could see someone going in and out of the surface.' A teenage girl and a teenage boy were trapped in Lake Michigan, Schaller said, but at the time, she only saw the girl. Schaller asked the woman to watch her child as she went to save the girl. 'She got pulled out past the buoys,' Schaller said. 'I just kept trying to talk to her, telling her she's got to swim, she's got to help me.' Tides had been bad at the beach that week, Schaller said, and the teenagers got swept up in a current while swimming. Schaller eventually brought the girl to shore when she learned a boy was also in the water. She swam to pull him out of the water and administered CPR until paramedics arrived. The next day, Schaller received a call from a detective on the scene, saying the girl survived, but the boy didn't. 'She said they were out swimming, and the tide took them out,' Schaller said. 'There was no way she was going to make it on her own.' In April, Schaller received a medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which is an organization that recognizes civilians in the U.S. and Canada for acts of heroism, according to its website. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, presented Schaller with the Carnegie medal. Schaller doesn't know who nominated her for the award, but she said it had to be someone who was at the incident. She hasn't talked to the girl she rescued or her family since the drowning. The Hammond resident was surprised to receive the award, she said. 'I'd never heard of the Carnegie award prior to this experience,' Schaller added. 'I was just happy that I was able to get the girl out in time. I feel really bad I didn't get the boy, though. That still bothers me.' Mrvan also talked about Schaller on the House of Representatives floor earlier this month. 'Northwest Indiana is home to over 40 miles of incredible shoreline on Lake Michigan, which is a tremendous attraction for tourism and our economy,' Mrvan said. 'But also, unfortunately, can, at times, pose great dangers with its currents and riptides. … Where many hesitated, (Schaller) stepped up and took life-saving action.' According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, since 2010, the Great Lakes have seen 1,357 drownings. In 2025, the lakes have already seen 23 drownings. The week Schaller saved the girl from drowning, most Indiana beaches had a tide advisory, and there were drownings in other areas. 'There was a general warning out that there was a strong tide,' Schaller said. 'The waves were big, and the water was pretty strong.' The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is a nonprofit that raises awareness about water safety, said Dave Benjamin, its co-founder and executive director. 'Knowing how to swim doesn't mean you could survive the marathon of a drowning incident, unless you have a survival strategy set in place,' Benjamin said. In 2010, Benjamin himself nearly drowned while surfing on Lake Michigan in Portage. He wiped out near a rock wall near a pier, and he didn't stay attached to his surfboard. 'When you panic, all of your experience, it's pretty much out the window,' Benjamin said. 'You start making a lot of mistakes.' It's important to know drowning statistics, Benjamin said, including who, when, where and why. He encourages adults to keep an eye on children when they're near bodies of water. In May, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources released water safety tips to Hoosiers, including discussing the dangers of water; telling someone where you are going and when you'll return; going with a buddy; staying away from flooded or fast-moving waterways; wearing a life jacket; keeping a watchful eye on children; and avoiding alcohol. When boating, the DNR recommends assessing water levels and monitoring the boat's speed, as well as designating a sober boat operator. People should also wear life jackets, which should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, in good working condition, and an appropriate size for the wearer, according to the DNR. Benjamin also encourages people to pay attention to currents and tide trends each day because that impacts swimming conditions.
