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Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Texas-Oklahoma Rail Line Serving Thousands Could Be Scrapped
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amtrak has stated that it will have to suspend its Heartland Flyer service, which operates between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, adjacent to the I-35 corridor, unless it receives additional funding from the state of Texas. Newsweek reached out to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation via email for comment. Why It Matters According to Amtrak, the Heartland Flyer served over 80,000 customers in the 2024 fiscal year, bringing in $2.2 million in ticket sales, with the Texan economy benefiting "significantly" from the service. The company said that the Heartland Flyer "generates $5.3 million in direct economic benefits and an estimated $23.7 million in overall economic activity." It warned its end would weaken transportation links to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is due to host several 2026 Soccer World Cup matches. What To Know In a press release published on Thursday, Amtrak said it would have to suspend the Heartland Flyer service "no later than Oct. 1 unless Texas secures its share of funding." Amtrak said earlier this year that the Texas Department of Transportation asked for $7.05 million to support the Heartland Flyer, but this "was not approved in the legislative budget cycle." The Heartland Flyer is a state-supported train, meaning it connects multiple settlements along a route of less than 750 miles, with the project funded by state authorities in Texas and Oklahoma and operated in partnership with both states' transportation departments. A map showing the current Heartland Flyer line from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. A map showing the current Heartland Flyer line from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. Amtrak/Google Maps Overall, Amtrak runs 30 state-supported routes across the country, working with 21 agencies from 18 states. Heartland Flyer is also connected to the Texas Eagle service, which runs to Chicago and San Antonio, and the Sunset Limited, which travels between San Antonio, El Paso and Los Angeles. On Wednesday, the Trump administration warned that it could slash federal funding for the currently under-construction California High-Speed Rail line, intended to link Los Angeles and San Francisco. What People Are Saying Amtrak President Roger Harris, in a press release: "Reliable rail service provides a vital transportation option for residents and visitors alike, strengthening regional mobility, economic development, and tourism. "With service that supports Texas' continued economic growth and the region's connectivity, sustaining the Heartland Flyer is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long term mobility in the region." Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, in the same press release: "The Heartland Flyer is key to ensuring Fort Worth's continued success as a global destination and is central to the city's tourism industry, business community, and thriving economy. Fort Worth is the busiest Amtrak station in Texas – generating millions in economic impact annually – and as people continue to move to our region, travel reliability, mobility choices, and connectivity will be key to our competitiveness." Gainesville Mayor Tommy Moore, in the press release: "This is more than just trains and tracks. The Heartland Flyer supports nearly $20 million in annual economic activity and almost 30 full-time jobs. It provides a vital transportation option for Texans and Oklahomans alike – and losing it will be a major setback for mobility, our environment, and our economy. By working together, I believe we can find a solution that keeps the Heartland Flyer on track. I'll keep the public informed every step of the way, and I'll keep fighting to make sure this critical service stays in place for years to come." Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, in the press release: "Oklahoma City has long been committed to a comprehensive, connected transportation system, and we have benefited from the Heartland Flyer's contribution to that vision. We recognize that Texas benefits greatly from the visits of our residents via the Flyer, and we also deeply appreciate the amenity and the connection to the entire Amtrak system. The Heartland Flyer is a vital link that supports economic opportunity throughout our region." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether Texan authorities will provide the funding Amtrak says is required to keep the Heartland Flyer operating.
Daily Maverick
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Crime rates show hopeful decline — Is South Africa turning the corner on violence?
New official statistics showing decreased violent crime should provide the impetus for expanding holistic violence prevention strategies. South Africa's serious violent crime problem has received unprecedented global attention since President Cyril Ramaphosa met United States President Donald Trump last week in the White House. However, new data suggests that there could be cause for optimism. The January-March 2025 crime statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on 23 May 2025 show that while violent crime remains high, notable decreases occurred in key categories such as murder. If South Africa is indeed turning a corner, what could be the cause, and how can we sustain the trend? The long-term trend for murder rates (Chart 1) suggests a strong correlation between levels of good governance and crime. The sharp increase between 1979 and 1993 reflects political violence during the last decade of apartheid, much of which occurred with the complicity or involvement of the state. The rate peaked in 1993 at around 70 murders per 100,000 people. The equally dramatic decrease between 1994 and 2011 was an expected consequence of settling political strife as South Africa adapted to a new democracy. The lowest rate on record in 2011 was associated with the 2010 Soccer World Cup — which united South Africans behind a government determined to host a safe international event. The negative turnaround since then started two years after Jacob Zuma took office as president in 2009. Persistent increases over the next 13 years were associated with a weakening of state institutions and rule of law during State Capture. Corruption at all levels of government rose, and local criminal groups became embedded in many communities, leading to more illicit firearms, drugs, robberies, extortion and kidnapping. A 2024 Institute for Security Studies (ISS) analysis of firearm crime indicated that the availability of illegal guns in the hands of criminals fuelled violence. The ISS' Protest and Public Violence Monitor shows how South Africans feel about crime and governance. Since 2013, there have been more than 1,250 protests over crime nationwide, often concentrated in cities. These demonstrations represent just over 11% of all protests recorded, and frequently occur in cities where violent crime is high. Many of these protests were against the police or local authorities, often intensified by poor governance and service delivery, including water and electricity woes. The latest police statistics show notable drops in major violent crimes when comparing January-March 2025 with the same quarter in 2024 (Chart 2). Murder levels decreased by 12.2% to 5,727 murders, or an average of 64 per day. Aggravated robbery dropped by 10.4% to 31,749 cases — an average of 353 a day. This decrease was driven mainly by the fall in non-residential robberies and carjacking, which are among the types of robbery making up the aggravated robbery category. Attempted murders were down 5.8% to 6,985 incidents, and serious assaults fell 5.3% to 43,776. Overall, sexual offence levels remained largely unchanged at 13,452 (six more cases), though rape increased by 36 cases. Kidnappings were the most significant exception to the downward trend for violent crime, rising by 6.8% to reach 4,571 cases. This suggests that kidnapping is increasingly being adopted as a low-risk, high-reward offence. The reduction in murder rates is good news, but it's too early to know whether this is an outlier in an ongoing upward trend or the start of a sustained decrease underpinned by stronger governance. As promising as this is, better governance alone won't address persistently high violence levels. Even at its lowest point in 2011, the murder rate was more than five times higher than the international average. A deeper look at the latest statistics shows that two key factors drive violent crime in South Africa. The first is the prevalence of organised crime, which drives most robberies, kidnappings and gun violence. Organised and syndicated crimes can be reduced by intelligence-driven, targeted policing. The second factor is interpersonal violence. Half of all murders occur over weekends, and many are associated with the excessive use of alcohol, drugs or both. Violent crime is highest in the metropolitan areas, which account for over half of these offences nationwide. The four most populous provinces — Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape — contribute 72% of murders nationally. Though murder and attempted murder rates in Gauteng are comparable with the province's share of the national population, the province (especially Johannesburg) is a focal point for two violent crime types. Gauteng accounts for 36% of armed robberies (including 55% of all car hijackings) and 53% of kidnappings nationally. Regarding rural safety, the statistics show that six people were murdered on farms or smallholdings in the past quarter, two of whom were farmers. Mchunu said both were black farmers. The other four victims were employed or resident on farms (one was white). A high number of children are killed in South Africa, often in crossfire or at the hands of their caregivers. The SAPS estimates that 1,100 children were murdered between April 2024 and March 2025. A 2015 Save the Children South Africa and University of Cape Town study showed that violence against children costs the country R238-billion annually — combining direct and opportunity costs. Exposure to violence in childhood increases the chance of further victimisation later in life, and child victims could become adult perpetrators — sustaining intergenerational cycles of interpersonal violence. Poor mental health Experiencing violence in childhood is also associated with unemployment, dependency on grants, alcohol dependence and poor mental health. Better leadership and commitment by the government to curb violence could be starting to yield results. There is a renewed effort to strengthen the criminal justice system and strong turnaround strategies in the National Prosecuting Authority and South African Police Service, including partnerships with civil society organisations and the private sector. Good, trustworthy government, strong rule of law and effective criminal justice and civilian oversight institutions are key to reducing crime and violence. But they aren't enough to increase safety to the extent needed for a strong, healthy, more equitable society. A holistic approach is vital, such as in the Presidency's 2022 Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy. The strategy applies lessons from research, showing that a caring state supporting caregivers and families is key to breaking cycles of violence in the long term. This requires strong, sustained partnerships across sectors and the involvement of all South Africans.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Sons of late ANC leaders join Umkhonto weSizwe Party in KwaZulu-Natal
Sons of the late prominent ANC leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have joined MKP. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The sons of two late ANC leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have joined Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Sifiso Nkabinde's son, Sinqobile and Derek Thompson, the son of late Richmond Local Municipality deputy mayor Percy Thompson were both welcomed by the party provincial leadership at the weekend. Both sons live in Richmond in the midlands of the province. Welcoming the sons, MKP deputy provincial coordinator Shirley Willemse described the acquisition of the two as history in the making and clear signs that her party is well on its way to seize power in many municipalities in the province. 'We are part of history everyday. This means we are a party of choice and is a sign that our party is on a right track to seize power in many municipalities in the province,' said Willemse. She said the two came to the party meeting in Durban and joined which confirmed the party's motto that it is not recruiting people but that people come to the party and join (Asibabizi bayazizela). Sifiso Nkabinde was gunned down in 1999 after allegedly conducting a reign of terror in Richmond. At the time of his death he had joined Bantu Holomisa's United Democratic Movement after he was expelled from the ANC. He allegedly planned the killing of Richmond deputy mayor Percy Thompson and other seven people whom the alleged hitmen found in a bar watching the 1998 Soccer World Cup match in central town. The killing came after Nkabinde had allegedly ordered that all the ANC councillors resign in protest of his dismissal. It is believed that Thompson was among those who defied Nkabinde's instructions, however, the sons have made peace and have become friends according to MKP.
The South African
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Saudi Arabia vows to host 'most successful Rugby World Cup in history'
Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal believes his country, along with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates would jointly stage 'the most successful event in the history of rugby' if awarded the right to host the 2035 World Cup. With the 2027 and 2031 events scheduled to take place in Australia and the USA respectively, Spain is the current the frontrunners to win the bid to host the 2035 World Cup because World Rugby is reportedly looking to bring the tournament back to Europe in 2035. However, according to reports, Saudi Arabia is considering making an audacious bid to bring rugby's global showpiece to the Middle East for the first time, a year after they stage the Soccer World Cup in 2034. This was confirmed by Saudi Arabia sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal after last weekend's Formula 1 Jeddah Grand Prix. 'We're interested in rugby, we're interested in developing the sport locally, so we created a federation to see what we can do to develop the sport,' he said. 'I don't think we're on the level of hosting yet, but 2035 is in 10 years, so maybe it grows in that direction and we see a big interest in that, then why not?' 'A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Why not? The stadiums are ready there. It will be the most successful event in the history of rugby.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
21-04-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Saudi Arabia not ruling out a bid for 2035 Rugby World Cup
Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2034 Soccer World Cup, could make a bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup despite barely playing the game. Sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal was not ruling it out when he met reporters on the sidelines of Sunday's floodlit Formula One grand prix in Jeddah. 'We're interested in rugby, we're interested in developing the sport locally, so we created a federation to see what we can do to develop the sport,' he said. 'I don't think we're on the level of hosting yet but 2035 is in 10 years so maybe it grows in that direction and we see a big interest in that, then why not?' The Times newspaper reported last month Saudi Arabia could join with Qatar, who hosted the 2022 Soccer World Cup, and the United Arab Emirates in a joint bid for 2035 or 2039. It quoted Asia Rugby president Qais Al Dhalai, an Emirati, as saying it could happen. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are officially teaming up to launch a joint bid to host the 2035 or 2039 Rugby World Cup - a first for the region and potentially, a very big moment for the global game. Georgia Tolley gets the take of Benjamin Van Rooyen, CEO of Asia Rugby. - Dubai Eye 103.8 'A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Why not? The stadiums are ready there. It will be the most successful event in the history of rugby,' he said. The UAE are ranked 49th in the world, with Qatar 87th and Saudi Arabia not in the top 113. Australia hosts the next men's tournament in 2027 with the US in 2031. Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia, which has also been awarded the 2029 Asian Winter Games, has 97 sports federations and could not host everything. 'But why do we have 97 federations? Because we want to promote sports, even the smallest sports that maybe a small number of people participate in, in Saudi or there isn't that big of an interest, so at least someone can play that sport in the kingdom.' The country has spent heavily on sport but critics accuse it of 'sportswashing' its human rights record. The country denies rights abuses and says it protects national security through its laws. Al-Faisal said boxing was showing rapid growth, with more and more gyms opening as the country hosted world title fights, and golf was the same. 'We had a very small percentage of youth playing in golf but now after LIV Golf, and after the tournaments that we've hosted in the kingdom, we see a big number of participation,' he said. Cricket was another sport with potential due to the large number of foreign workers from elsewhere in Asia. 'I think in the cricket league we have around 35,000 players already, 90% of them are not Saudi, but we want to accommodate that because they live here, we want to provide for them,' said the prince. 'So does it mean we're going to host a big cricket tournament or match in the future? Maybe. But we'll see how it goes towards that, and if it makes sense to host these events.'
