Latest news with #DRA
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Judge orders City of Chicago to install accessible pedestrian signals
CHICAGO (WGN) — Kathy Austin and her guide dog, Rowen, navigate the streets of Chicago together, but it can often be a harrowing experience due to the lack of accessible pedestrian signals in the city. 'It's too difficult to cross down here with all the noise going on around us. You can hear, and it's difficult to hear the traffic,' Austin said. 'It's terrifying. I know one person who has gotten hit in a crosswalk without a signal.' Austin, a blind resident of Chicago, isn't alone in being able to recount instances when those like her were put in harm's way by not having the right assistance traversing pedestrian crosswalks. Jean Johnson, another blind resident of the city, shared similar sentiments to those expressed by her. 'I've had a lot of close calls. There are times when I know I have the white walking guy and people aren't paying attention,' Johnson said. 'I've been almost hit on several occasions just trying to cross the street.' As of Wednesday, only 3% of signalized intersections in Chicago have accessible pedestrian signals (APS), which are meant to help visually impaired pedestrians cross the road. Since there are so few intersections have APS in a city as large as Chicago, a group of blind residents filed a class-action lawsuit against the city. 'The case was brought under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is the part of the ADA that applies to public entities, state and local governments,' said Rachel Weisberg, an attorney with Disability Rights Advocates (DRA). 'We also brought this case under Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act.' DRA attorneys were in court Wednesday, where they reviewed a judge's remedial order that will require the city to install APS devices at 71% of its signalized intersections in ten years, and get to 100% compliance in 15 years. 'We're way behind,' Weisberg said. 'And Chicago is a first-class, incredible city, and everyone who lives here deserves to be able to safely and independently navigate our pedestrian signals.' While the remedial order serves as a sign of progress in Chicago, blind residents like Austin and Johnson still expressed a blend of disappointment and optimism. 'These should be in place already,' Johnson said. 'Ten years is a nice pad for them, but I think it's too long.' 'You go to any other cities, and many of them already have every intersection already equipped with these APS signals,' Austin said. 'So, it's a long time coming. Hopefully, it will happen quickly.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sky News AU
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Anthony Albanese defends his response to NSW Mid North Coast flooding while on a visit to disaster hit Taree
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his response to catastrophic flooding on the New South Wales Mid North Coast while visiting the devastated region. Mr Albanese on Tuesday travelled to Taree which was hit with record flooding last week when the Manning River surpassed six metres. His trip to the flood-affected community came a day after he announced in Canberra that dozens of ADF personnel would be deployed to assist with the clean-up. It was the first time Mr Albanese had visited Taree since the flooding reached record levels last Wednesday, after earlier visiting Maitland in the Hunter Valley on Friday. During a press conference in Taree, Mr Albanese was confronted with claims that some residents felt the ADF deployment and his visit had come a little too late. "I was on the ground in this region on Friday. I was on the ground here, I'm here again today," the Prime Minister said. "My minister has been here non-stop, has been here the entire time, the Minister for Emergency Management. "The Australian Defence Force, I saw in the main street of Taree. They're working, they're on the ground here, 70 of them. A hundred DRA (Disaster Relief Australia). "The Australian Defence Force personnel that I've met have come from Coffs Harbour, have come from Queensland, have come from different parts of NSW (and) nationally. "They've been deployed upon the request. We had Australian Defence Force in the air through choppers rescuing people. The priority last week was rescuing the extraordinary number of people who needed to be rescued." Mr Albanese met with a number of impacted residents while in the area on Tuesday, including a man who had been on his farm for more than seven decades and had lost stock. "The devastation that we have witnessed firsthand is being only exceeded by the extraordinary resilience that these Australians are showing. And I just take my hat off to them, they have been quite remarkable," he said. "It is a point that whilst there are people who are directly affected here, every Australian is affected as well by the fact that we've had a loss of dairy industries that will have an impact right throughout Australia and right throughout the economic impact here as well. "But the human impact we must remember first and foremost. The loss of five lives through these devastating floods, but the extraordinary hardship that people have gone through. "People have spoken about the 2021 floods and how that had a devastating impact, but they thought that would be the peak. Well, this flood has been far worse and the impact has been far more severe." The Prime Minister further announced the government was activating its disaster recovery payment for nine local government areas - Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Maitland, Mid Coast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Port Stephens. Affected residents will be able to access the payments - a one-off amount of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children - from 2pm on Wednesday. "This payment helps people who have suffered the most serious impacts, including major damage to their home or serious injury or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather," Mr Albanese said. The Disaster Recovery Allowance which provides "for up to 13 weeks of income support from people who can't attend their work as employees or people who are self-employed and are unable to earn an income" will also be made available to more residents. "We're extending that to all 19 local government areas that had previously been subject to support from the government. This will be available from 2pm tomorrow," Mr Albanese said. "That comes on top of the four local government areas including Mid Coast, Port Macquarie, Hastings, Kempsey and Dungog that had previously been subject to allow this support. "This... comes on top of the support that is already rolling out, including Personal Hardship payments – $180 for eligible adults and up to $900 per family – in the 19 affected local government areas."
Sky News AU
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Sky News AU
Dozens of ADF personnel to assist recovery efforts in flood affected NSW Mid North Coast communities after PM confirms additional support
Dozens of Australian Defence Force personnel are being deployed to the New South Wales Mid North Coast to help with recovery efforts in flood-affected communities. Anthony Albanese confirmed on Monday that the federal government was providing on the ground clean-up support, in addition to financial assistance for residents. The Prime Minister made the announcement from the national situation room in Canberra ahead of a visit back to communities devastated by last week's deadly flooding. "From tomorrow, we will have 70 Australian Defence Force personnel on the ground in the Mid North Coast, helping with recovery, helping with clean-up as well," he said. "As well as that, there'll be a team from Disaster Relief Australia, 25 initially. There'll be 100 personnel from DRA on the ground by the end of this week to provide assistance. "They will be involved in clean-up, in debris removal, in welfare checks and re-establishing critical infrastructure that is so important for these communities." The government previously said residents most severely impacted by the flooding would have access to the Disaster Recovery Allowance, with other financial support offered. "The Disaster Recovery Allowance is up to 13 weeks of income support for those who've lost work due to this event in the four most severely affected local government areas," Mr Albanese said. "Eligible individuals can apply from 2pm today through the myGov app or through the Services Australia website. The personal hardship payments are going out, $180 for eligible adults and up to $900 per family in the 19 affected local government areas. "The community recovery support fund is immediately available - $1 million for these 19 councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and repairing damage and that funding is available immediately. "For primary producers and small businesses, concessional rate loans, as well as freight subsidies to help transport livestock and fodder will be available as well. We'll continue to monitor what is necessary and we will ensure that the government does have your back if you're in these affected communities." The 19 council areas include Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha. Mr Albanese visited Maitland in the Hunter Valley on Friday to meet with SES personnel and provide an update on the floods but said he will travel further north to where the flooding was most severe. "Tomorrow, I'll travel to visit affected communities, and to see first hand again what the impact is having," he said. "Can I say for those people who've lost loved ones, my heart goes out to you. "This is a devastating impact and we need to... continually remind people, if it's flooded, forget it. Do not take risks. There are still risks out there." Five people died in the flooding disaster. Tens of thousands of residents were cut off and left without electricity, while initial estimates indicate 10,000 properties have been damaged by the floods, which most severely impacted Taree and areas around Port Macquarie. "Unfortunately, we are getting far too much experience in dealing with extreme weather events. The science told us that there would be more frequent events and that they would be more intense," Mr Albanese said. "That is what we are seeing playing out with the devastating impact on communities, most significantly a devastating human impact with five lives lost during this event, but also a significant environmental impact and of course, a significant economic impact as well."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FHLB Dallas and Bonvenu Bank Award $351K to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West
Funds Address Critical Need for Repairs and Storm-Resistant Roofs MANDEVILLE, La., May 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Bonvenu Bank (Bonvenu) celebrated awarding $351,264 in FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED and Disaster Rebuilding Assistance (DRA) grants at a media event today celebrating the grand opening of Bonvenu's new branch in Mandeville, Louisiana. The funds, which were awarded through FHLB Dallas member Bonvenu, will be used to make repairs for low-income households in Louisiana. Terri Gage, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, says that without the funds, many residents would not be able to afford to repair their homes. "In Louisiana we are finding more and more need for repairs to homes," she said. "I can't stress enough the importance of the funding. Not only do we have a significant insurance crisis in Louisiana, it's also a real struggle for low-income families to maintain their homes. The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund helps so many families in different ways." FORTIFIED roofs are installed to withstand damage from high wind, hail and thunderstorms. Homeowners can qualify for FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund grants up to $15,000 for roof replacements and up to $7,500 for roofs on new construction. In 2025, $10 million is available through member institutions within the FHLB Dallas District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For 2025, FHLB Dallas set aside $4 million of its AHP allocation for the DRA program. As an example of how the DRA funds are used, an elderly local homeowner whose home was damaged by Hurricane Ida three and a half years ago was awarded $14,974 in DRA funds to repair significant roof and window damage. The FHLB Dallas DRA program provides grants for the repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied housing affected by a disaster event in a federally declared disaster area within the FHLB Dallas District. "This funding is extremely important for low-income homeowners in St. Tammany Parish and throughout Louisiana," said Michael Colston, vice president and community development officer at Bonvenu Bank. "We are excited to be a part of this program and stand ready to help communities with our available resources." "Bonvenu has been a strong partner of FHLB Dallas," said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "These funds have the potential to help so many residents ensure that their homes are secure and able to withstand what storms may come." Visit the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund and Disaster Recovery Assistance pages at to learn more. About Bonvenu Bank Bonvenu Bank is a community bank in Louisiana that offers a variety of banking services for individuals and businesses. Formerly Citizens National Bank, Bonvenu Bank was established in 1985, and has 14 full-service branch locations throughout Louisiana. Committed to offering an elevated banking experience, Bonvenu strives to build a prosperous future for the communities it serves. Bonvenu Bank has been a leading financial partner for businesses and individuals in Northwest Louisiana for 40 years. 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 $109.9 billion as of March 31, 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 View source version on Contacts Corporate CommunicationsFederal Home Loan Bank of (214) 441-8445
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FHLB Dallas and Bonvenu Bank Award $351K to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West
MANDEVILLE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Bonvenu Bank (Bonvenu) celebrated awarding $351,264 in FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED and Disaster Rebuilding Assistance (DRA) grants at a media event today celebrating the grand opening of Bonvenu's new branch in Mandeville, Louisiana. The funds, which were awarded through FHLB Dallas member Bonvenu, will be used to make repairs for low-income households in Louisiana. 'These funds have the potential to help so many residents ensure that their homes are secure and able to withstand what storms may come." Share Terri Gage, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, says that without the funds, many residents would not be able to afford to repair their homes. 'In Louisiana we are finding more and more need for repairs to homes,' she said. 'I can't stress enough the importance of the funding. Not only do we have a significant insurance crisis in Louisiana, it's also a real struggle for low-income families to maintain their homes. The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund helps so many families in different ways.' FORTIFIED roofs are installed to withstand damage from high wind, hail and thunderstorms. Homeowners can qualify for FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund grants up to $15,000 for roof replacements and up to $7,500 for roofs on new construction. In 2025, $10 million is available through member institutions within the FHLB Dallas District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For 2025, FHLB Dallas set aside $4 million of its AHP allocation for the DRA program. As an example of how the DRA funds are used, an elderly local homeowner whose home was damaged by Hurricane Ida three and a half years ago was awarded $14,974 in DRA funds to repair significant roof and window damage. The FHLB Dallas DRA program provides grants for the repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied housing affected by a disaster event in a federally declared disaster area within the FHLB Dallas District. 'This funding is extremely important for low-income homeowners in St. Tammany Parish and throughout Louisiana,' said Michael Colston, vice president and community development officer at Bonvenu Bank. 'We are excited to be a part of this program and stand ready to help communities with our available resources.' 'Bonvenu has been a strong partner of FHLB Dallas,' said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. 'These funds have the potential to help so many residents ensure that their homes are secure and able to withstand what storms may come.' Visit the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund and Disaster Recovery Assistance pages at to learn more. About Bonvenu Bank Bonvenu Bank is a community bank in Louisiana that offers a variety of banking services for individuals and businesses. Formerly Citizens National Bank, Bonvenu Bank was established in 1985, and has 14 full-service branch locations throughout Louisiana. Committed to offering an elevated banking experience, Bonvenu strives to build a prosperous future for the communities it serves. Bonvenu Bank has been a leading financial partner for businesses and individuals in Northwest Louisiana for 40 years. 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 $109.9 billion as of March 31, 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
