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Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
500 crore free bus tickets under Shakti scheme; Karnataka CM, Deputy CM celebrate landmark
The Karnataka government Monday celebrated the landmark of issuing 500 crore free bus tickets for women under the 'Shakti scheme'. In an event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, flanked by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, handed out free tickets to women passengers aboard a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus. Speaking to reporters after the event, Siddaramaiah said that the Shakti scheme was implemented on June 11, 2023. Under the scheme, women from Karnataka were allowed to travel for free after producing identification documents in non-premium buses run by the four state-run transport corporations. Shakti scheme is among the five guarantees being implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka, apart from Gruha Lakshmi – Rs 2,000 monthly allowance for women head of families, Gruha Jyothi – free power below 200 units every month, Anna Bhagya – 10 kg rice per person of a family in a month, and Yuva Nidhi – unemployment allowance for graduates and diploma holders for six months. Speaking at another event held at Indi, Vijayapura district, Siddaramaiah said that the Rs 83,000 crore spent on guarantee schemes for the welfare of the people was a clear example of the state government being pro-development. 'Is 500 crore (tickets for) women travelling free, Gruha Lakshmi funds for 1.23 crore families, 1.64 crore households receiving free power supply below 200 units, and helping crores of Kannadigas under Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi schemes, not development?' he asked. He said the BJP and the JD(S) were making false allegations against the government to derail the welfare schemes implemented by it.
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
What's the state of our healthcare in Miami? See challenges and cures
Health Care What's the state of our healthcare in Miami? See challenges and cures The articles below focus on Miami's healthcare challenges and innovations. They include a look at a new medical hub in Doral offering more access to healthcare. Meanwhile, vaccination rates among Florida's youth are dropping, posing a public health risk due to increased vaccine hesitancy. Women's healthcare faces affordability and accessibility issues, partially due to Florida's choice not to expand Medicaid and implement restrictive abortion laws. Catch up with the coverage below. Florida's healthcare system has 'worse-than-average performance' for women, according to a 2024 report. By Carl Juste NO. 1: WHY IS WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE IN A 'PERILOUS PLACE'? TAKE A LOOK AT THE FLORIDA RANKINGS Women in the state are struggling with health issues and access. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Adlai Coleman No image found Outdoor worker at Casaplanta Garden Center, Otty Bustos, takes a water break on Friday, July 5, 2024 in Kendale Lakes, Fla. By Sophia Bolivar NO. 2: FLORIDA HAS HIGHEST NUMBER OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES IN THE NATION, NEW REPORT FINDS 'Without common-sense workplace protections, heat-related illness, coupled with Florida's high uninsured rate, will spell trouble for a growing number of residents' | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi Marcellus Francis 7, laughs while rolling out dough. He is flanked by his twin sisters, Morgan Francis, 10, and Madison Francis 10, as their mother Lavi Francis, right, looks on during the cooking class by Eatwell Exchange at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in Miami. Standing on the left is Ashley Carter. By Alexia Fodere NO. 3: SHE'S TEACHING KIDS, FAMILIES HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY MEALS FROM FOODS OF THEIR HOMELAND 'People will say, 'This is my first time ever seeing my cultural foods regarded as healthy,' Ashley Carter, founder of EatWell Exchange | Published October 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Nancy Dahlberg No image found A photo of the Overtown Youth Center. By Courtesy of OYC Miami NO. 4: SUPPORT MIAMI'S OVERTOWN AS IT REINVENTS ITSELF THROUGH TECH AND MEDICAL INNOVATION | OPINION OnMed CareStation in Overtown is a high-tech medical kiosk enabling people to access everyday healthcare services remotely. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pascal J. Goldschmidt and Erin Kobetz A nurse double-gloves before handling and preparing doses of the measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine at a pop-up clinic at the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Administration Building in Carrollton, Texas, on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Liz Rymarev/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) NO. 5: WHY FEWER KIDS ARE GETTING VACCINATED IN FLORIDA — AND HOW THAT COULD AFFECT OUTBREAKS 'I have seen a growing rise in parents who are concerned.' | Published March 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante No image found An external view of the new UHealth Doral Medical Center during its grand opening event on Thursday, November 21, 2024. By Alexia Fodere NO. 6: A GROWING MEDICAL HUB IS CHANGING HEALTHCARE IN MIAMI. WHAT'S DRIVING THE NEW PUSH? 'Every major system is expanding. The whole area is hot now.' | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante No image found Kayla Smith, 19, left, double check the recipe as the 'Sweet and Sour' cooking team prepare their meal with help from sisters - Dynasty, 19, and Dominique Daniels, 21, right during a pilot cooking program funded by Miami Beach resident and longevity expert Dan Buettner, at the Overtown Youth Center on April 3, 2025, in Miami, Florida. By Carl Juste NO. 7: WILL THIS SOUP LEAD TO A HEALTHIER AND LONGER LIFE? SEE WHAT'S COOKING IN MIAMI They're taking tips from the world's Blue Zones. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Kuching councils to host inaugural 722 Walk as symbol of unity for Sarawak Day
Wee (front, seventh right) flanked by Hilmy (left) and Tan in a photocall with other organising committee members after the press conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 10): A historic collaboration between Kuching's three local councils will see the city hosting the inaugural 722 Walk this Sarawak Day, offering the public a meaningful and festive way to commemorate the state's journey to self-governance. The 722 Walk, taking place on July 22, will bring together the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) for the first time ever in a joint event. The three-kilometre walk, which kicks off at 6am from the MBKS headquarters and ends at the Kuching Waterfront, is expected to draw over 1,000 participants, including council staff and the public. Kuching South Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng, the key driver behind the initiative, described the event as more than a walk – it is 'a celebration of history, health, heritage, hope, and unity.' 'We understand the main state-level celebration is in Miri this year, but that does not stop us from holding our own event here in Kuching. 'This walk is our way of celebrating Sarawak Day in a way that is inclusive, healthy, and full of Sarawakian spirit,' he told a press conference at MBKS headquarters today. Inspired by a casual discussion among council leaders, the 722 Walk was born out of a shared desire to engage the public meaningfully on a day that commemorates Sarawak's self-government on July 22, 1963. To foster greater youth engagement, Child Councils from all three local authorities will be joining the walk, promoting patriotism among the younger generation. No registration is required, and participants are encouraged to wear red, black, and yellow or Sarawak batik to reflect the occasion's spirit. The walk will also highlight Kuching's vibrant multiculturalism and long-standing harmony, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) of promoting good health and well-being. City Jogger Club (CJC) has come on board as a co-organiser, assisting with logistics and providing volunteers as marshals – a gesture hailed by Wee as 'a model for civic responsibility'. Also present at the press conference, Kuching North Datuk Bandar, Dato Hilmy Othman, expressed his support for the joint effort, crediting Wee's patriotic vision for uniting the councils. 'Celebrating this day together sends a powerful message about unity, not just among government agencies but also among the people of Kuching. 'This initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle while also reminding us of our shared past and future,' said Hilmy, adding that DBKU looks forward to hosting the 722 Walk next year as part of a rotating schedule. MPP Chairman Tan Kai echoed similar sentiments, stressing that local councils are best positioned to bring Sarawakians together at the grassroots level. He encouraged overseas Sarawakians to mark the day in their own way, 'even if it's just by flying the Sarawak flag or cooking Sarawak laksa.' The public is also encouraged to display the Sarawak flag proudly across homes and businesses on July 22 in a show of solidarity. Wee concluded by urging all Sarawakians to embrace the meaning of the day: 'Sarawak Day is not just a date on the calendar – it's a reminder of who we are and what we stand for.' 722 Walk DBKU inaugural Kuching MBKS MPP sarawak day
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Chong: No justification for DUN seat hike, push for more parliamentary seats instead
Chong (centre) stresses his point during the press conference while flanked by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and DAP Socialist Youth Sarawak secretary George Lam. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 7): Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) does not see the need for Sarawak to increase its seats from 82 to 99 as the current population-to-state elected representatives (ADUNs) ratio remains relatively small compared to other Commonwealth nations. He said there was no compelling reason to increase the number of ADUNs, especially when then existing representatives already serve fewer constituents than their counterparts in both developed and developing Commonwealth countries. 'In these countries, each state assemblymen or assemblywomen serve a lot more than our current ADUN member-to-population ration which is 1:34,000 persons, and I think the land masses is a lot bigger. 'So, there's no reason why we are already serving under par with other ADUNs of the Commonwealth countries that we still need to increase the number of the state legislative,' he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly Complex here. He said this after debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special sitting of the DUN today. Chong acknowledged that rural constituencies present logistical challenges but stressed that urban constituencies also have their own complexities due to higher population density and the diversity of issues. 'The more people an elected representative has to serve, the more the demands that they have to address and tackle their problem.' He proposed the introduction of a weighted index system that factors in both geographical size and population to ensure a fairer allocation of seats. 'If your area is very big, maybe you get one plus point or if your population is large, you get another. 'This index must be drafted and must be applied to the allocation of seats and the number of seats delineation, so that it has at least a fairer delineation of rural and urban seats,' he said. He also questioned the argument made by some elected representatives that they could not adequately serve their constituencies due to workload. 'If you feel it's too difficult to serve, then step aside and let others who can serve take over,' he said. On the claim that a spike in voter numbers justifies more state seats, Chong dismissed the notion as flawed, saying the role of elected representatives is to serve all constituents and not just the voters. 'There has been no sharp increase in Sarawak's population so it's not a justified reason. 'We have always been serving people of all ages even before they are eligible to vote.' The DAP Sarawak chairman also criticised the financial cost of adding 17 more ADUNs, noting that the estimated RM20 million in salaries alone for one term could be better used to benefit the people. 'This does not include their service centres, perks, and lifelong pensions. 'The government should use that money for the people instead of expanding the legislature unnecessarily,' he said. He also questioned the necessity of having 32 political secretaries to the Premier — one for each parliamentary seat in Sarawak. 'If you think that these ADUNs are insufficient, then why not reduce the number of political secretaries first? 'They too receive salaries, perks, drivers, and pensions,' he said, adding that having one or two political secretaries to the Premier should suffice. Chong stressed that what Sarawakians truly want is greater representation in the Parliament and not in the State Legislative Assembly. 'I call upon the Sarawak government to move a motion in Parliament through the deputy prime minister or minister to increase the number of Sarawak parliamentary seats. 'I will pledge my full support for that motion along with the other Sarawakian DAP MPs,' he said. Chong Chieng Jen increase lead seats State Legislative Assemb;y
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak DUN to table Bill on increasing assembly seats on July 7
Asfia (centre) flanked by Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang (left) and DUN secretary Nur Azhar Bujan holds up the documents for the media after the press conference. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 5): A special one-day sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has been scheduled on July 7 to table the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, which seeks to increase the number of elected members in the Assembly. DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar announced this during a press conference at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today. 'On June 18, I received a directive from the Premier to convene the State Legislative Assembly on July 7, for a one-day sitting,' he said, adding that the meeting will begin at 9am at the DUN Chambers on Level 8 of the DUN Complex. The Bill will be tabled by Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, with the first, second and third readings all to be carried out on the same day. Asfia said the Bill proposes to amend the composition of DUN membership, which currently stands at 82 elected members and was last increased from 71 seats in 2014. 'The last increase was in 2014, when the number of seats was raised from 71 to 82. That was 11 years ago,' he said. 'Under Article 14(1)(b) of the Sarawak Constitution, the Dewan has the power to increase its composition, and there is no maximum limit stated.' He explained that the Bill only requires a simple majority to pass, not two-thirds, as provided under Article 41(3)(a) of the Sarawak Constitution. 'Clause 2 shall not apply to a Bill for making any amendment consequential or law prescribing the number of elected members of the Dewan Undangan Negeri,' Asfia said, referring to the exemption from the two-thirds requirement for changes to the DUN composition. Asfia stressed that while the DUN can increase the number of seats, the actual delineation of constituency boundaries remains under the purview of the Election Commission (EC), a federal agency. 'Let me draw a clear line of demarcation between the composition of elected members in the DUN and the delineation of constituencies on the ground,' he said. 'Delineation is not done by the DUN. It is left to EC.' Asfia also cited the Federal Constitution to justify the timing of the proposed increase. 'Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution allows an increase in composition after an interval of not less than eight years,' he said. In terms of electoral context, Asfia said the lowering of the voting age to 18 has led to a 'staggering increase in the number of voters,' especially in vast and geographically challenging constituencies in Sarawak. He highlighted that Hulu Rajang spans 34,080 square kilometres, and Baram covers 22,075 square kilometres—both larger than the combined size of Perlis and Malacca. Bintulu, he added, has the highest number of voters at 113,599. 'The elected representatives are prisoners of geography in these colossal constituencies,' he remarked. Responding to questions from reporters, Asfia declined to reveal the proposed number of additional seats, saying: 'I will leave that entirely to the Minister who tables the Bill. I only speak on the legal interpretation and reasons for the increase.' When asked whether the move would lead to a similar increase at the federal parliamentary level, Asfia said: 'Parliamentary seats are outside the ambit and jurisdiction of the DUN Sarawak. They require a two-thirds majority in the National Parliament.' A notice for the one-day sitting was issued on June 20, 2025, in accordance with Standing Order 8(3), which allows for an early sitting if deemed in the public interest by the Chief Minister.
