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Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
On the brink: Why slashing spending on global health will make us all sicker
This week, the Chancellor received a letter from those who know the NHS inside out with a plea to think again about international aid. It was signed by Presidents of diaspora health associations from across the UK, representing thousands of overseas-born healthcare workers serving in our NHS. Their message was clear: if the UK retreats further from its global health commitments, we all lose. These are not lobbyists or idealists. They're doctors, nurses and specialists on the front line of British healthcare. They understand the hard economics of government budgets. But they also understand something the Treasury may be in danger of missing: global health isn't charity. It's a vital investment in our own safety, economy and NHS resilience. When the UK backs health partnerships abroad, it's not altruism. Helping others stay healthy is one of the smartest ways to protect ourselves. Programmes like the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardships funded by DHSC's Fleming fund, link NHS teams with hospitals in low-and middle-income countries to tackle antimicrobial resistance. So far, more than 65,000 health workers have been trained. Prescribing has improved. Infection controls are stronger. Meanwhile, UK staff return with invaluable experience that strengthens our NHS, from leadership under pressure to a deeper understanding of infectious diseases. It's the kind of low cost, high impact intervention any sensible government should double down on. Before the 2021 cuts, a programme called the UK Partnerships for Health Systems was set to train 78,000 global healthcare workers and improve care for hundreds of thousands of patients. It was abruptly slashed by £48million. Programmes were halted. Partnerships paused. Opportunities for mutual learning lost. That was the last government. We did not expect to see the same thing happen under this government, with its distinguished track-record of supporting UK Aid over many decades. The letter from the Presidents of Diaspora Associations makes it clear what this means in real terms – not just for patients in low-income countries, but for UK health care workers whose knowledge and innovation stem from these international exchanges. One in five NHS workers is a non-UK national. Their expertise connects the UK to over 200 health systems worldwide. They help make the NHS one of the most internationally engaged healthcare systems on the planet. Many trained in countries with fragile systems. Many are already playing leadership roles in linking British institutions with their counterparts overseas. In Tanzania, a partnership led by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust helped introduce laparoscopic surgery and set up a burns unit. In Ethiopia, Nottingham's NHS trust collaborated with Jimma University to improve trauma and diabetes care. The return on investment? More skilled, confident UK staff - and stronger UK healthcare at home. Health partnerships do far more than train workers. They help develop curricula, fortify health systems overseas and importantly, build Britain's global reputation at a time when influence is in short supply. The UK-Africa Health Summit earlier this year showed the power of collaboration, bringing together Ministers, health leaders and diaspora professionals to forge solutions on workforce mobility and pandemic preparedness. This diplomacy is with a scalpel, not a sword – and it works. The Chancellor faces tough choices. But cutting the global health budget and not mitigating the consequences, would be a false economy. It would weaken our defences against future pandemics, shrink the NHS's talent pipeline and damage our standing in the world. As the letter from diaspora leaders makes clear: this is not a plea for charity. It's a call for strategic investment. Let's not wait for the next global crisis to remind us that disease doesn't respect borders. Let's act now – to protect the NHS, promote economic stability and ensure Britain remains a trusted force for health and progress worldwide. Ben Simms is CEO of Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025 : The Best Luxury Resort Vacations Based On Bestselling Books
Actor Sean Connery poses as James Bond next to his Aston Martin DB5 during the filming of 'Goldfinger', Switzerland, 1964. Getty Images Reading and travel: This Father's Day, why not combine the two passions into the ultimate luxury vacation? Some of the planet's finest vacation spots have also served as the inspiration — often literally — for the best books ever written. Here are 11 destination ideas for dads who love a good luxury vacation as much as a good book. GoldenEye Villa on Jamaica's northern coast, Fleming spots a field guide to the Birds of the West Indies and borrows the name of its author: Bond. (c) Giovanni Damiani / Island Oupost Images The year is 1952. An aspiring British novelist, Ian Fleming, needs to name the titular character of his first book, Casino Royale. As he sits in the corner of a room at the present-day GoldenEye Villa on Jamaica's northern coast, Fleming spots a field guide to the Birds of the West Indies and borrows the name of its author: Bond. James Bond. Today, the GoldenEye's main villa sleeps up to 10 people in its three bedrooms, each with tropical garden baths. Two standalone guest cottages, Sweet Spot and Pool House, sleep two adults comfortably. The famed property advertises a private beach, personal butler and housekeeper — perfect for the dad who lives (or aspires to live) a confidential lifestyle. The Flying Stag bar at The Fife Arms in Braemar, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is one of two hotel bars on the property. The Fife Arms Through 10 novels, multiple generations of family members, and lots of time travel, Diana Gabalon's Outlander series spins a romantic image of the Scottish Highlands. To relish its present form, send dad to The Fife Arms in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Opened in 2018, the hotel features 46 one-of-a-kind rooms and suites, two restaurants, and two bars: a whisky bar with more than 500 bottles and a cocktail bar inspired by Elsa Schiaparelli. The Fife Arms also brings the Outlander world to life with its extraordinary art collection (more than 16,000 antiques and artworks adorn the property), roaring fireplaces, and richly layered sense of place. No time travel required. NoMad London is the former Bow Street Police Station, where Oscar Wilde was detained and tried NoMad London NoMad London, a luxurious 91-room boutique hotel, now home to tourists around the globe, was once the Bow Street Police Station that detained Oscar Wilde. Step back in time and appreciate the adaptive reuse — One wing of the original holding cells has been preserved and converted into guest rooms. The hotel weaves Wilde's legacy throughout: portraits by Napoleon Sarony hang in the Twenty8 NoMad restaurant, and subtle nods to his work can be found in the hotel's library. Guests can also visit the adjoining Bow Street Police Museum, which offers deeper insight into the building's storied past and its famous former occupants. Shangri-La The Shard, London is offering Bees in Bloom Tea at TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge on Level 35 Shangri-La The Shard, London One of London's most celebrated luxury hotels, the Shangri-La The Shard, London, is offering the Bees in Bloom Tea at TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge on Level 35. Served on a stand adorned with dried florals, the afternoon tea includes nature-inspired pastries such as The Bee, The Ladybug and The Marguerite Daisy followed by delicious savouries and finger sandwiches. The tea will be finished with the hotel's signature miniature chocolate Shard pastry, decorated with a honeycomb pattern, filled with berry mousse and served over clouds of dry ice. Beach villa cottage at the Hotel del Coronado. that Baum found both refuge and inspiration for The Wizard of Oz. Hotel del Coronado Between 1904 and 1917, L. Frank Baum made frequent winter pilgrimages to Coronado Island, often taking up residence at the Hotel del Coronado. It was here, off the coast of San Diego, that Baum found both refuge and inspiration. He completed three books in the Oz series during this period: Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (1908), The Road to Oz (1909), and The Emerald City of Oz (1910). Beyond writing, Baum left a literal imprint on the hotel itself, designing the crown-shaped chandeliers that still hang in the Crown Room today — an idea he pitched to the hotel's manager, insisting the space needed something more regal. In a 1905 poem, Baum captured the island's enduring appeal: 'And every day her loveliness shines pure, without a flaw; new charms entrance our every glance, and fill our souls with awe!' The Hotel del Coronado, opened in 1888 and now a National Historic Landmark, remains a favorite for travelers chasing both the ocean breeze and echoes of the past. For a splurge, send dad to an exclusive Beach Village cottage with ocean views, and dinner at 1500 Ocean, where the menu matches the setting: elevated, coastal, and unhurried. Caernarfon Castle is located in Gwynedd, north-west Wales and was built in the late 11th century. Shutterstock Send Dad through the looking glass and explore Wales through the eyes of Lewis Carroll. The British author and poet was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland by the real-life Alice Liddell, whose family vacationed in the beach town of Llandudno. The Liddells' summer home was located in Penmorfa, about three hours south, and the rugged coastal landscapes spanning the region will inspire even the most veteran globetrotter. The Jane Austen 250th anniversary tour ends with a stay at The Bird, a charming hotel in Bath The Bird, Bath Active England's immersive Wonderland Trail ($4,999 per person) takes travelers through Wales in Carroll's footsteps: the myth-rich peaks of the Brecon Beacons, walking behind a waterfall, indulging in a private whiskey tasting, exploring centuries-old cathedrals, and experiencing a private seaside choir performance. The seven-day tour takes guests by foot and by train to some of Carroll's favorite locales, with stays at the best boutique hotels along the way. For this itinerary, enquire through the website. Active England also offers the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Tour ($3,600 per person), which celebrates the novelist with a 6-day curated guided tour across London to Winchester and Southampton, to New Forest and Bath. Walk right up to Jane Austen's house in Chawton, where she lived and wrote her novels, and visit her final resting place, the Winchester Cathedral. The tour ends in Bath, which is mentioned in each of Austen's six novels. Charming accommodations like the Wykeham Arms and The Bird in Bath offer dad a local retreat off the beaten tourist path. Pool view of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa in Key West Ocean Key Resort and Spa Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West, Florida from 1928-39, and wrote or completed some of his most famous works here — A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon, and To Have and Have Not, which was set in Key West. For the 125th anniversary of Hemingway's birth, hotels and restaurants across the city have turned up the literary love. Visit the Hemingway Home and Museum or, for a more comprehensive tour of his Key West experience, visit some of Papa's favorite haunts via the Hemingway Experience. The sprawling Casa Marina Key West resort opened in 1920 and was frequented by Ernest Hemingway. Casa Marina Key West Send dad to the Casa Marina Key West, an oceanfront property originally opened in 1920 and frequented by the author himself. This year, the Casa Marina opened the Canary Room, a new lobby bar and lounge inspired by Hemingway's short story A Canary for One and lifelong ties to the island. It's part of a recent $79 million transformation to the 311-room, 63-suite hotel. Browse the lounge library and order a rum-based cocktail flight featuring Papa's Pilar from the Hemingway Rum Company. At the Bungalows Key Largo, guests immerse themselves in the legacy of Ernest Hemingway at the Hemingway Bogie and Bacall's for fine dining (Hemingway and Bacall had a brief marriage) and on-site restaurant Fish Tales, inspired by Hemingway's love for deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys. Bungalows Key Largo When coming from or going to the westernmost Key, visit Bungalows Key Largo, the Keys' first and only adults-only, all-inclusive resort. The waterfront oasis offers an exclusive experience: 135 private bungalows, each appointed with opulent amenities and accommodations. The 12-acre property includes multiple restaurants, jacuzzies, pools, water sports and a wellness spa. Hemingway's influence is felt throughout. Bogie and Bacall's is a fine dining restaurant inspired by the connection between Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Ernest Hemingway. The Hemingway Bar serves Papa's favorite drinks within a space adorned with the same Art Deco ambiance and Cuban tiles found in his Key West home. The on-site restaurant Fish Tales, like the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Old Man and The Sea, is inspired by Hemingway's love for deep-sea fishing. Jazz Age charm permeates the lobby of the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue NH Collection New York Madison Avenue The sounds of live jazz saturate the lobby every weekday night at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, The building has a rich history dating to 1923, including a past life as a college residence for men and fraternities, rising up during the Jazz Age depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Located four blocks from Grand Central Station, the property blends modern and vintage, luxury and functionality. Its 288 rooms are highlighted by five suites, including the 784-square-foot penthouse. Dad will enjoy a visit to the Morgan Library and Museum next door. Originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan when it opened in 1924, it's now one of the world's greatest collections of illuminated manuscripts, early printed books, and literary manuscripts — and free to the public. Morgan found the American Dream in New York and, more than a century later, is still synonymous with wealth. Gatsby could only dream of it. The 42-room boutique hotel is centrally located to the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Coliseum NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali For those who yearn to create a connection with one of Italy's most historic cities, the Hotel Calimala in Florence rises to the occasion in a literal sense. Its rooftop bar, Angel, feels straight out of a scene where Gilbert roams through Renaissance streets and dines al fresco under a golden sky. In Rome, the NH Collection Roma Fori Imperial is a 42-room boutique hotel centrally located to the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Colisseum. Oro Bistrot by Natale Giunta serves delectable local cuisine in-house, while the rooftop cocktail bar is the perfect place to watch the sun set over some of Rome's most famous monuments. The in-house restaurant at the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi pairs a three-course menu with Italian wine or mocktails © 2019 WHAT THE FOX STUDIO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts recently introduced an 'Eat Play Love' campaign inspired by Gilbert's novel. Two of the 15 participating properties are in India, and each offers its own unique brand of pampering. At the Shangri-La Bengaluru, that includes a trip with an expert chef to a bustling local market to handpick fresh produce. Guests return for a guided cooking session, in which they learn to create two traditional South Indian dishes. For 'play,' dive into Bengaluru's vibrant brew scene with a visit to a local microbrewery. Visit Chi, the property's on-site spa, and select a signature therapy designed to heal, relax and rejuvenate. At the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi, the Wellness Club offers a calming 30-minute hand or foot massage for two, a deeply relaxing 45-minute signature massage, and a 60-minute private yoga and meditation session. Sorrento, the in-house restaurant, will serve up a three-course themed menu (aphrodisiac, mystery, or a blind tasting) paired with Italian wine or mocktails. Explore the colorful capital with a local English-speaking expert guide. The four-hour tour passes grand sights such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Raisina Hill. The Spa & Wellness Center at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, integrates its services with the natural setting of Ubud. felixhug/ Two hours north in Ubud, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, sits where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River. Guests can immerse themselves in the setting of Eat, Pray, Love and explore the best of all worlds. Mandapa's proximity to the center of town allows guests to enjoy slow mornings wandering the market for local food. Its on-site spa and wellness center focuses on holistic wellness and lifestyle programs based on the six pillars (Balinese Spa, Detox & Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy, and Healing). Try the yoga classes, held in the river-facing pavilion or on the rice paddy-fields platforms. The gorgeous Hotel Monteleone, located in the French Quarter, is where many storied authors sought as their hideout when visiting New Orleans. © James Shaw 2015 New Orleans is a writer's haven. Between its longstanding reputation as a multicultural hub for arts and music, and the quirky and infamous characters who have walked its famous streets, New Orleans always has a story to tell. It's also a great place to sit and write a book: Anne Rice, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, John Kennedy Toole, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Eudora Welty are among the many famous authors who have called New Orleans home, if even as a hideaway for writing their literary tomes. Located in the historic French Quarter is the literary landmark hotel, Hotel Monteleone. Williams, Hemingway and Welty spent time writing their award-winning novels and plays here. Williams was often in the Carousel Bar & Lounge, the setting in his Tony Award-winning play 'The Rose Tattoo.' Hemingway mentioned the Carousel Bar & Lounge in his short story 'The Night Before Battle,' and Welty drew inspiration from the Monteleone for 'The Purple Hat.' Set dad up one of the many literary suites named after his favorite author. The Jack Rose restaurant was named after Tennessee Williams' 1951 play in the city's Garden District on St. Charles named after Tennessee Williams' 1951 play in the city's Garden District on St. Charles Avenue. Jason Thomas Crocker Photography Tennessee Williams also frequented The Pontchartrain Hotel in the city's Garden District and wrote some of Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' while staying at the storied hotel. Original handwritten pieces of the play are written on the hotel's letterhead.
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Ground-breaking robotic tech for prostate surgery installed at the Ulster Hospital
Ground-breaking robotic technology that 'greatly improves quality of life' for men suffering from prostate problems has been installed at the Ulster Hospital. Aquablation Therapy eliminates the need for invasive prostate surgery and is the first treatment of its kind to be rolled out on the the island of Ireland. Belfast man David Fleming has become one of the first patients to benefit from the new technology. 'I have had an enlarged prostate for the last 10 years and I have been suffering with urine retention that required a hospital admission where I also required a catheter to be fitted. 'When my consultant informed me of this new technology a few months ago during a telephone call, I was excited to give it a go.' The precision technique involves using image-guided, high-velocity water jets to remove excess prostate tissue and is one of the most advanced and innovative treatments currently available for patient's experiencing urinary symptoms. Living with an enlarged prostate can have a detrimental impact on day-to-day life and can cause a frequent need to pee and difficulty fully emptying their bladder. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as acute urinary retention and infections. "The benefits of Aquablation were explained to me and I thought it was a no brainer, basically because it is more accurate, there is less blood loss and a shorter period under anaesthetic as well with better outcomes,' Mr Fleming said. 'This will really make a difference and will greatly improve my quality of life, as I will now be able to remove the catheter which can be inconvenient. I was nervous undergoing the procedure, but the staff in the Day Procedure Unit in the Ulster Hospital have been fantastic at making me feel at ease. I would definitely recommend it.' The South Eastern Trust has been chosen to enhance the Bladder Outlet Obstruction (BOO) service by using real-time ultrasound imaging to assist surgeons in mapping and directing the water jet with accuracy to avoid damage to nearby nerves and structures responsible for sexual function and continence. Unlike traditional procedures, no heat is involved, significantly lowering the risk of complications. The state-of-the-art technology reduces the likelihood of side effects such as erectile dysfunction, incontinence and bleeding that may require transfusion – it also offers shorter hospital stays and lower retreatment rates, improving overall outcomes for patients. Consultant Urologist, Mr Ajay Pahuja, believes it is cause for optimism. 'We are excited to launch this remarkable robotic technology that offers significant benefits for our Urology patients," he said. "Aquablation Therapy helps avoid invasive surgery and its associated risks, offering quicker recovery times and minimal discomfort. The robotic precision ensures targeted treatment, significantly reducing the chances of damaging surrounding tissues. Early outcomes have shown rapid and significant improvement in urinary symptoms.' Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Aquablation Therapy in providing substantial relief from symptoms and maintaining low rates of irreversible complications. Patient-reported outcomes are equal to, or better than alternative procedures, with this treatment boasting 99.5% continence preservation rate, preserving 100% of erectile function and maintaining 89% of ejaculatory function. South Eastern Trust Director of Surgery, Maggie Parks hopes to see similar results among male patients being treated at the Ulster Hospital which is commited to delivering world-class care. "As a Centre of Excellence in the South Eastern Trust, we are proud to lead the way in Northern Ireland, giving patients from across the Region access to the latest technology and the highest standards of treatment,' she said. Assistant Director of Surgery Katharine Dane added, 'Bringing the Aquablation service to Northern Ireland has been a collaborative project between our colleagues in SPPG (Performance, Safety and Service Improvement Department) and a variety of corporate and operational teams within the South Eastern Trust. We are all delighted to now see this service come to fruition and be able to make a significant difference to men's health across the Region. Being able to offer a full range of treatments for patients with bladder outlet problems is very exciting for all the teams involved.' Delighted to be partnering with the South Eastern Trust, Procept BioRobotics Account Manager, Bobby Badesha said, 'We are excited to be working closely with the Trust to bring Aquablation Therapy to patients in Northern Ireland. 'This partnership highlights our commitment to expanding access to innovative, minimally invasive treatments for prostate patients improving outcomes and their quality of life.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. McKee's job approval rating falls to 19% in latest UNH poll
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A new poll suggests Gov. Dan McKee is in serious political peril as he prepares to seek reelection next year. The latest 'Ocean State Poll' by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center pegs McKee's job approval rating at just 19%, down from 29% a year ago in the same survey. His disapproval rating in the poll was 71%, while 9% expressed no opinion. The survey also finds strong opposition to McKee's plan to run for another term in 2026. Just 11% of those polled said the governor deserves to be reelected, while 74% said he does not, including 60% of Democrats. 'It puts him in the Lincoln Chafee range,' said 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming, recalling the independent-turned-Democratic governor's poor poll numbers from 2011 to 2015. 'It's a very dangerous range for a governor.' (Story continues below graphic.) UNH's finding on McKee is markedly worse than a poll last month by another firm, Morning Consult, which put his job approval rating at 43% and his disapproval at 41%. The governor's campaign team has cited Morning Consult's data as evidence he has a path to reelection. A YouGov survey in March put his job approval rating at 36%. Separately, the new UNH poll puts President Trump's job approval rating in Rhode Island at 37%, down slightly since March. It also finds 54% of voters think Democratic U.S. Sen. Jack Reed deserves another term when he seeks reelection next year. The survey of 653 Rhode Island residents was conducted by UNH online and by text message from May 22 to May 26 using a probability-based web panel. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. Fleming said McKee's political team should be particularly concerned about his numbers among self-identified Democrats polled by UNH, 63% of whom disapprove of his job performance. Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes is planning to challenge McKee again in next year's Democratic primary, and others are also interested. 'The governor has some serious work to do over the next six months or so to show voters that he's doing a good job and deserves reelection,' Fleming said. 'If he can't do that, I think you'll see Democrats lining up to run for the office.' The poll shows 32% of voters definitely or probably want Foulkes to run next year, while 26% don't and 42% have no opinion. Among former candidates, 23% are open to former Republican candidate Ashley Klaus running again, and just 19% are open to former Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo doing so. Across four New England states surveyed by UNH, McKee's job approval rating is far lower than his counterparts. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont is at 52%, while Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte are both at 49%. Housing is cited most often as the top issue facing Rhode Island, named by 23% of voters in the UNH survey, followed by infrastructure (11%) and corrupt or incompetent government (10%). (Story continues below graphic.) As state lawmakers debate the proposed Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act, the poll shows 55% of voters support 'banning the sale and manufacture of firearms with military-style features,' while 37% oppose the policy and 8% expressed no opinion. At the federal level, Trump's numbers have moved little in Rhode Island during the early months of his administration, according to UNH's polling. The only noteworthy change was on his handling of foreign policy, where approval of his actions has dropped from 39% to 34% and disapproval has risen from 60% to 66% since March. Across the states tested by UNH, Trump's job approval is highest in New Hampshire (45%) and lowest in Massachusetts (34%), with roughly similar numbers in Rhode Island and Connecticut. More than two-thirds of Rhode Island voters say it is inappropriate for the U.S. to accept a luxury jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One and then be given to Trump's presidential library. However, 57% of Republicans say the move is appropriate. The poll shows 51% of Rhode Island voters think the U.S. is doing too little to help Ukraine, while 18% think it's doing about the right amount, 15% say it's doing too much and 16% aren't sure. Democrats are far more supportive of assisting Ukraine than independents or Republicans. Ted Nesi (tnesi@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi's Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
La. Treasurer John Fleming on U.S. Senate run, insurance reform, state pension funds, and school choice
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his run for the U.S. Senate against Senator Bill Cassidy in 2026. Bill Cassidy leads Louisiana Senate race, new poll shows Fleming says Senator Cassidy has a moderate, somewhat liberal voting record despite being a Republican for a conservative state. 'I, on the other hand, after eight years in Congress, with a strong conservative voting record, and also a founder of the House Freedom Caucus, moved on into the Trump administration, where I served four years, culminating in the last year, as Deputy Chief of Staff. My official title was Assistant to the President for Planning and Implementation,' said La. Treasurer Fleming. Fleming says President Trump deserved a second tour of the White House and has seen great things come out of it, like the 'Big Beautiful Reconciliation Bill.' Fleming adds that Senator Cassidy voted to convict the president in the second impeachment trial. The state treasurer also spoke on his disapproval of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. 7 competitive primaries to watch in 2026 'He appears to be restraining some of the very, very good liability insurance reform bills that are going to be necessary to get our insurance rates down. There's no way to do that unless we reduce the number of frivolous suits, which Louisiana has twice as many as any other state,' said Fleming. Fleming says he is also concerned about a bill that the governor supports. The bill would turn the Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, into an 'insurance czar' who can fix prices. 'What we really should be doing is allowing the free market to work. But that requires certain restraints and regulations to be sure that people who are injured in car accidents and their car is affected and harmed in some way, can be properly compensated, but not like a lottery system where you can make a lot of money at it,' said Fleming. The state treasurer feels as though the legislature is being restrained and wishes the 2025 fiscal session could be extended to pass more bills. Moving to state pension funds that provide retirement benefits, Fleming says research shows a number of funds are invested in Chinese companies. He says China has now become an adversary, and they do not follow the same bookkeeping or accounting rules as the United States. 'The U.S. is about to take off when it comes to our economy, with the passage of the Big Beautiful Reconciliation Bill that's going to extend the tax cuts and create new tax cuts, also the balance of trade that we're getting too under President Trump. So, we need to onshore our industrial base back again,' said Fleming. He says he has urged for a divestment in Chinese companies and investment in the United States. Senate GOP incumbents brace for MAGA primary challengers On the topic of education, Fleming spoke of the K-12 Public School and Charter School Transparency project. The project is a user-friendly, searchable website to help parents and families choose a school for their students, so they are not trapped in underperforming schools. The project highlights funding per pupil and expenses, performance in ELA and math, graduation rate, school grades, contracts and vendors, etc. 'Schools are just like businesses in some way, some are more competitive, some less competitive, what we really want is to make good schools better, and those that maybe are lagging and not giving good performance, and not efficient, we want to focus on those so we can help them, and get them to be more efficient, and certainty rule out any wasteful spending,' said Fleming. The state treasurer says transparency in government is always a good thing. 'When the people know where their tax money is being spent, they can hold accountable the schools, the administrators, you know, their elected officials, who put that power of spending in their hands, only good can come of that,' said Fleming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
