Latest news with #LindaJohnson
Time Out
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
These NYC public libraries are back open 7 days a week, as part of the new city budget
No more standing outside your local library on a Sunday, wondering why the doors are locked. Thanks to New York City's new $115.9 billion budget, 10 more public library branches across the five boroughs will now be open seven days a week. The move restores weekend access for readers, researchers and kids hunting down graphic novels, after a rollercoaster few years of cuts, closures and clawbacks. The win comes thanks to a $32.7 million infusion for New York City's three public library systems—$30.7 million in operating support, plus $2 million earmarked specifically for expanding seven-day service. That means, instead of tiptoeing around limited weekend hours, book-loving New Yorkers can breathe easy and browse freely on Sundays again. As Gothamist reported back in March, just 21 out of the city's 200-plus libraries offer seven-day access. This expansion, long championed by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, will increase the number to 31, a small but significant step toward a more literate and equitable city. 'At a time when libraries across the country are under threat, New York City has once again safeguarded our vital institutions,' said the city's three library presidents, Linda Johnson (Brooklyn), Tony Marx (NYPL) and Dennis Walcott (Queens), in a joint statement. The funding reverses a much-lamented 2023 decision by Mayor Eric Adams to slash $58 million from library budgets, which had ended Sunday service. After fierce public outcry and steadily rising attendance numbers (8 million visitors in 2024, up 10% year-over-year), the funding was restored in 2024, and now it's baselined. In plain terms: There will be no more annual 'will-they-won't-they' budget drama over basic library access. Beyond libraries, the new budget includes sweeping investments: $70 million for immigration legal services, $125 million for preschool special education and $3 billion in capital funding to expand affordable housing. There's also a new Department of Sustainable Delivery to tame the city's e-bike chaos and a pilot for universal infant care. But for many New Yorkers, this particular victory hits close to home—and bookshelf. Seven-day library access means more kids in reading rooms, more job seekers getting resume help and more seniors joining book clubs.
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Prime Minister's Science Prize Winners
Photo: Royal Society Te Apārangi/Rebecca McMillan Dr Linda Johnson and her team from AgResearch have been awarded Te Pūiaki Putaiao Matua a Te Pirimia, the Prime Minister's Science Prize. The $500,000 prize is awarded for transformative scientific advances with significant economic, health, social, political, cultural and/or environmental impacts here in New Zealand or internationally. The Endophyte Discovery Team's recognition comes from their work with endophytes - microorganisms, often bacteria or fungi, living within a plant which help rather than harm it. Dr Johnson says endophytes provide a sustainable solution to agriculture, reducing inputs by controlling pests and diseases. Susie speaks to Dr Linda Johnson, science group manager for resilient agriculture and principal scientist at AgResearch, and Dr David Hume, AgResearch senior scientist. Photo: Melanie Phipps This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Brinklow residents say green belt homes will destroy village
'Green belt homes will destroy our village' 8 minutes ago Share Save Joan Cummins BBC Midlands Today Charlotte Benton BBC News, West Midlands Share Save BBC Brinklow resident Linda Johnson said the plans were not sustainable Plans to build hundreds of new homes to help meet housing targets in a historic village would "destroy" the area, residents say. The development is part of Rugby Borough Council's local plan with proposals to build 415 new homes on green belt land in Brinklow, near Rugby. Linda Johnson from the village, said the plans were not sustainable and bringing 1,500 people to the area where there was a lack of public transport, "wasn't the answer". The authority launched an eight-week consultation at the end of March and hosted a public meeting on Tuesday to encourage the community to tell the council what they thought of the development. Residents had dubbed the consultation as the "Battle of Brinklow" and said they were not prepared to let their village be "overrun by developers". "It's absolutely ludicrous that we'd lose a village like Brinklow, if they can build here they can build anywhere," resident Amanda Hayhurst said. "Why not declassify Westminster Abbey, that's how insensitive these people [the council] are," she added. About 150 campaigners gathered outside Rugby Town Hall in March when the authority's local plan was considered by the full council. The authority said it wanted to hear the community's opinion on "individual site allocations" and their views on its strategy to "allocate housing to some of the larger villages", instead of building a new countryside settlement. A spokesperson for the village's parish council said Brinklow was a "nationally important heritage asset" A spokesperson for the village's parish council said Brinklow, which was home to 24 listed buildings, a 13th-century church and ancient woodland, was a "nationally important heritage asset". Ms Johnson added that once the green built land had been built on it would be "gone forever". "We can't reverse these decisions," she said. 'Change is not a bad thing' Meanwhile, Debbie Aston, who owns land in the village, supported the authority's plans and said change did not have to be a "bad thing". Ian Currington from Brinklow Parish Council said the area was not against more people in the village, but thought a plan for a "sustainable amount" of new houses was more appropriate. "We just want to have a voice and make sure our voice is heard," he said. The borough council said housing targets were set by central government and all community feedback would be considered as part of the plan making process. The public consultation is open until 19 May. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
PM's Science Prizes Celebrate Excellence
Press Release – New Zealand Government Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the winners, acknowledging the crucial role that science plays in building a more productive, innovative, and sustainable New Zealand. Prime Minister Some of New Zealand's most outstanding scientific minds have been recognised at the 2024 Prime Minister's Science Prizes Award Ceremony, held this evening in Wellington. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the winners, acknowledging the crucial role that science plays in building a more productive, innovative, and sustainable New Zealand. 'This year's top honour, the Prime Minister's Science Prize, has been awarded to Dr Linda Johnson and the Endophyte Discovery Team at AgResearch,' Christopher Luxon says. 'Their groundbreaking work to improve the health and productivity of ryegrass is making a tangible difference for New Zealand farmers, boosting yields while reducing reliance on pesticides.' Ryegrass is the most commonly used pasture grass in New Zealand agriculture. The team's research has led to the development of beneficial microorganisms that protect grass from pests and disease, while also enhancing drought resistance. 'This is an excellent example of science delivering real-world solutions. 'By improving the quality of pasture on our farms, we're not only increasing our capacity to produce high-quality food, but we're also supporting the growth of our economy and ensuring a more resilient future for our agricultural sector.' The Prime Minister's Science Prizes comprise five prestigious awards, with a total prize pool of $975,000. The 2024 recipients include: Dr Olivia Harrison, University of Otago – awarded the MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for her multidisciplinary work in understanding and managing anxiety. Dr Aiden Kiely, Aorere College, Auckland – awarded the Science Teacher Prize for his dedication to equity and excellence in science education. Professor Jemma Geoghegan, University of Otago – awarded the Science Communication Prize for advancing public understanding of infectious diseases and guiding policy responses to pandemic threats in New Zealand and the Pacific. Rena Misra, Epsom Girls' Grammar School – awarded the Future Scientist Prize for her innovative research into using fungi to improve stormwater filtration systems. 'Congratulations to all this year's winners. Your achievements are a testament to the power of Kiwi ingenuity and scientific excellence,' Mr Luxon says. 'Your work is not only advancing knowledge—it's improving lives and building a better New Zealand for future generations.' The five prizes are: The Prime Minister's Science Prize An individual or team for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand and/or internationally. The total value of this prize is $500,000. $100,000 goes towards the team, and $400,000 will be used to support the ongoing research. The Prime Minister's MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize An outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or equivalent qualification conferred within the last eight years i.e. (no earlier than 1 January 2014). The total value of the Prize is $200,000. $50,000 is for the winner, and $150,000 for their ongoing research. The Prime Minister's Science Teacher Prize A registered teacher kaiako who has been teaching science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum to school-age children in a primary, intermediate or secondary New Zealand registered school or kura kaupapa. The total value of this prize is $150,000. The winner can use $50,000 at their own discretion. The winner's school will receive $100,000 which must be used for the development of science in their school. The Prime Minister's Science Communication Prize A practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public and/or science and research communities. The total value of the Prize is $75,000. $55,000 of the Prize money is to be used to support the recipient to carry out a programme of activities/professional development to further their understanding of science communication. $20,000 is for the winner. The Prime Minister's Future Scientist Prize Awarded to a Year 12 or Year 13 school tauira student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research, maths, technology or engineering project. This Prize is valued at $50,000 and is to be used to support the winner's tertiary education.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
PM's Science Prizes Celebrate Excellence
Press Release – New Zealand Government Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the winners, acknowledging the crucial role that science plays in building a more productive, innovative, and sustainable New Zealand. Prime Minister Some of New Zealand's most outstanding scientific minds have been recognised at the 2024 Prime Minister's Science Prizes Award Ceremony, held this evening in Wellington. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the winners, acknowledging the crucial role that science plays in building a more productive, innovative, and sustainable New Zealand. 'This year's top honour, the Prime Minister's Science Prize, has been awarded to Dr Linda Johnson and the Endophyte Discovery Team at AgResearch,' Christopher Luxon says. 'Their groundbreaking work to improve the health and productivity of ryegrass is making a tangible difference for New Zealand farmers, boosting yields while reducing reliance on pesticides.' Ryegrass is the most commonly used pasture grass in New Zealand agriculture. The team's research has led to the development of beneficial microorganisms that protect grass from pests and disease, while also enhancing drought resistance. 'This is an excellent example of science delivering real-world solutions. 'By improving the quality of pasture on our farms, we're not only increasing our capacity to produce high-quality food, but we're also supporting the growth of our economy and ensuring a more resilient future for our agricultural sector.' The Prime Minister's Science Prizes comprise five prestigious awards, with a total prize pool of $975,000. The 2024 recipients include: Dr Olivia Harrison, University of Otago – awarded the MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for her multidisciplinary work in understanding and managing anxiety. Dr Aiden Kiely, Aorere College, Auckland – awarded the Science Teacher Prize for his dedication to equity and excellence in science education. Professor Jemma Geoghegan, University of Otago – awarded the Science Communication Prize for advancing public understanding of infectious diseases and guiding policy responses to pandemic threats in New Zealand and the Pacific. Rena Misra, Epsom Girls' Grammar School – awarded the Future Scientist Prize for her innovative research into using fungi to improve stormwater filtration systems. 'Congratulations to all this year's winners. Your achievements are a testament to the power of Kiwi ingenuity and scientific excellence,' Mr Luxon says. 'Your work is not only advancing knowledge—it's improving lives and building a better New Zealand for future generations.' The five prizes are: The Prime Minister's Science Prize An individual or team for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand and/or internationally. The total value of this prize is $500,000. $100,000 goes towards the team, and $400,000 will be used to support the ongoing research. The Prime Minister's MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize An outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or equivalent qualification conferred within the last eight years i.e. (no earlier than 1 January 2014). The total value of the Prize is $200,000. $50,000 is for the winner, and $150,000 for their ongoing research. The Prime Minister's Science Teacher Prize A registered teacher kaiako who has been teaching science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum to school-age children in a primary, intermediate or secondary New Zealand registered school or kura kaupapa. The total value of this prize is $150,000. The winner can use $50,000 at their own discretion. The winner's school will receive $100,000 which must be used for the development of science in their school. The Prime Minister's Science Communication Prize A practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public and/or science and research communities. The total value of the Prize is $75,000. $55,000 of the Prize money is to be used to support the recipient to carry out a programme of activities/professional development to further their understanding of science communication. $20,000 is for the winner. The Prime Minister's Future Scientist Prize Awarded to a Year 12 or Year 13 school tauira student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research, maths, technology or engineering project. This Prize is valued at $50,000 and is to be used to support the winner's tertiary education.
