Home News Brexit Leadership Deals No One Signed Up For
Brexit Leadership Deals No One Signed Up For
Britain’s political slate is about to be wiped clean as politicians on all sides of Parliament resign as part of the Brexit fall out.
However, as the dust settles and the way ahead becomes clearer, the future of the country appears to be in the hands of a minority of left and right activists rather than the electorate.
Many may consider they did not sign up to see Boris Johnson or a leave unknown take over as prime minister when they voted to remain or leave the European Union.
But the result seems to be that Labour’s 750,000 members and the 150,000 signed up Tory supporters will decide what happens next.
The move disenfranchises millions of voters who watching events play out in Westminster.
Corbyn’s untenable position
The Tories are discussing their options behind closed doors, while Labour has a more public demonstration of dissatisfaction with leader Jeremy Corbyn.
At least 18 of his shadow cabinet have resigned, claiming he lacks the leadership skills to take them into a general election. They have been replaced with more faceless unknowns carrying out roles no one knew existed.
Tory MPs and party activists will decide who is the next incumbent of 10 Downing Street, while Labour’s MPs and supporters will make a similar decision for their party if Corbyn goes, which is becoming extremely likely.
Corbyn is increasingly reaping the blame for Brexit for failing to mobilise Labour supporters to vote remain.
Osborne switches sides
“Half of our voters didn’t know what Labour’s position was,” said MP Angela Eagle, as she resigned from the shadow cabinet.
“Labour can’t be led by someone who can’t get that simple message across.”
Meanwhile, Chancellor George Osborne seems to have switched sides from remain to leave as he voiced support for Boris Johnson’s move to take over leadership of the Tories and take the plumb job in Downing Street.
“I’ve still got a job to do to steer Britain through economic turbulence,” he said. “The Treasury and Bank of England have a strategy and funding in place to settle the markets and to stabilise the economy. There’s no need for anyone to panic while Britain’s relationship with Europe is sorted out.”
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Dr. Monty Bechtold grew up in Mission, SD and is a proud alumnus of South Dakota State University. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1981.
Dr. Bechtold has held many prestigious positions in dentistry to include member of the SD State Board of Dentistry, Central Regional dental examiner, SD Dental Association Foundation board member, Delta Dental Board member (Vice President), SD Dental Association President, member SD Dental Association and member of the Southern District Dental Society.
Further, he is a proud parent of 4 girls, a loving husband to his wife Peggy, and a happy grandfather.
Dr. Murray Thompson grew up in Pierre, South Dakota, graduating from TF Riggs high school in 1997. He is a 2001 graduate of Creighton University with a BS in Physics and a 2005 graduate of the Creighton University Medical Center School of Dentistry.
After graduating dental school, he practiced 3 years with the US Air Force and 4 years in the SD Air National Guard 114FW. While on active duty, Dr. Thompson received advanced training in clinical operative dentistry, infection control, and both oral and intravenous conscious sedation. Continuing to serve the state of South Dakota, and the nation, he is also an officer in the SD Army National guard.
Professionally, Dr. Thompson is a member of the American Dental Association, the South Dakota Dental Association, and the Southern District Dental Society. He further serves the communities of Pierre and Ft. Pierre as a board member of the Capital Area United Way, Pierre/Ft. Pierre Kiwanis club, and is a frequent volunteer on the Delta Dental Mobile Dental Unit.
When not at work, you will find him spending time with his wife Jen and 2 children.
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British Prime Minister Theresa May | Carl Court/Getty Images
Theresa May to reveal more Brexit details before March
Government accepts Labour motion in bid to head off Tory rebellion.
By	Charlie Cooper
Updated 12/7/16, 10:02 AM CET
LONDON — Theresa May will publish further details of the U.K. government’s plan for Brexit before triggering Article 50, as she seeks to head off a rebellion by Conservative MPs who want parliament to have more scrutiny over her negotiating position.
The government made the commitment in an amendment to a Labour motion, to be debated in the House of Commons Wednesday, which had won the support of a number of Tory MPs who support a so-called "soft Brexit."
In return, the government’s amendment calls on Labour and Tory rebels to support May’s timetable for triggering Article 50 by March 31, 2017.
Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer called the decision “a hugely significant climbdown” and said his party will now push for a Brexit plan to be published by the end of January.
However, Downing Street sources suggested that Labour’s motion calling for greater scrutiny was consistent with May’s previous statements that the government will reveal more details about its Brexit strategy “when it is possible.”
May does not believe the Labour motion binds her to publishing any specific documents before March, but the government’s willingness to back the motion — albeit with caveats — points to a clear intention to release further details of the negotiating strategy before Article 50 is triggered.
It also allows between 20 and 40 potential Conservative rebels, who were reportedly considering backing the Labour motion, to do so while still voting with the government, heading off a rebellion or House of Commons defeat.
The vote on the motion is not binding on the government, but a rebellion would have been politically embarrassing for May, and a clear sign of instability within her own camp, which could have been seized upon by EU negotiating partners.
Theresa May could opt for ‘gray Brexit’
Barbara Surk
Labour’s carefully worded motion called on May to “commit to publishing the government’s plan for leaving the EU before Article 50 is invoked,” but conceded that the government could not reveal its full plan without damaging the U.K.’s negotiating position.
The government’s amendment, which will likely see the motion passed on Wednesday, adds an expectation that MPs “will respect the wishes of the United Kingdom as expressed in the referendum of 23 June” and asks them to call on the government to trigger Article 50 by March 31.
The amendment was welcomed by Euroskeptic Tory MPs, who want to hold the government to leaving the EU as soon as possible.
But Labour also claimed a victory. Starmer said: “For the last two months Labour have been pushing the government to put their plan for Brexit before parliament and the public. Without that plan, we have had unnecessary uncertainty, speculation and a running commentary on the government’s likely approach.
“The government have now agreed to publish that plan, and to do so before Article 50 is invoked.
“Labour will hold the government to account on this. We will also push for a plan to be published no later than January 2017 so that the House of Commons, the devolved administrations, the Brexit Select Committee and the British people have a chance to scrutinize it.”
Wednesday's debate is not directly linked to the Article 50 case currently being heard in the Supreme Court.
Judges will rule in the New Year whether MPs must hold a legally binding vote before Article 50 can be triggered, or whether the government can trigger Article 50 without parliament's authority.
ccooper@politico.eu
Who’s who in the Brexit talks
Brexit policy guides
Imagining the Brexit cliff edge
Exclusive: Boris Johnson finds it ‘hard to disagree’ with Trump’s verdict on May
The man set to be Britain’s next prime minister refuses to echo criticism of the US president’s leadership style.
Mainstream parties block Euroskeptics from top Parliament posts
Some committees suspend voting on leadership positions as pro-EU groups move to exclude far right and populists.


‘Supergirl’ Moves to the CW Increasing Their DC TV Universe
Posted by Ryan | May 12, 2016 | News, TV | 0 |
“Supergirl” is renewed with a new network home!
While there have been reports of “Supergirl” not being picked up for renewal, a recent report invalidates previous speculation. In addition to being renewed, “Supergirl” will be continuing its second season on the CW network. This means that “Supergirl” star Melissa Benoist will also be sharing her universe with “Arrow,” “The Flash,” and “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.” With the Supergirl/Flash crossover earlier this year, the transition should be much smoother and give added value to the show.
Supergirl, which stars Melissa Benoist as the Girl of Steel, will now air on The CW, joining the other super series in producer Greg Berlanti’s universe, Arrow, The Flash, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
Fans may rejoice having another character added to the CW universe, but this move also comes with a hefty price. CBS reports that the pilot episode of “Supergirl” cost around $14 million and $3 million for each episode that followed. CW producer Greg Berlanti has shown interest in the franchise but was far from interested in that price tag. With the move to CW, we can expect the budget for “Supergirl” to be cut tremendously with a production venue change from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
“The other thing I would say was incredibly hard, was just trying to do something of this scope and size, and, quite truthfully, in Los Angeles. It’s an expensive city to shoot in. These things don’t come cheap, and we didn’t want to do it if we couldn’t give it the scope that it really deserves.”
With Berlanti’s creative spirit, this budget cut shouldn’t impact the show’s production value. We’ve seen flying superheroes in the current run, so I don’t expect that incorporating Supergirl into the mix would be too much trouble.
What are your thoughts on “Supergirl” joining the CW? Is this the right move?
This was first reported by Entertainment Weekly
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Jan 16 2017 January 16, 2017 January 16, 2017 NoComment	by Administrator
Sri Lanka warns of worst drought in 40 years
The Sri Lankan government declared a state of alert in response to what is already considered the worst drought in four decades, implementing measures such as water-use restrictions.
Steps taken by the government of President Maithripala Sirisena in recent days included deploying soldiers, establishing a presidential commission and urging the population to be prudent in the consumption of water.
The National Water Supply and Sanitation Council warned of the need to rationalize the consumption of drinking water, as the currently available reserve is only expected to last for two months.
Alahudeen Ansar, the head of the council, said that drinking water demand had increased by 15 per cent and that measures have already been taken to restrict its use in many areas of the 13 affected districts.
Sri Lankan authorities have expressed concern that the situation may lead to social instability in a country where 31.8 per cent of its 22 million inhabitants directly depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. The Deputy Minister of Provincial Council and Local Government, Karunarathna Paranawithana, said on Saturday that there had already been rumours about farmers are threatening to open water reservoirs to access the vital resource.
The situation led President Sirisena this week to appoint a presidential task force with the participation of key ministries and secretaries of state to take action to tackle the problem after the Department of Meteorology said on Friday that the country was facing the worst drought in 40 years.


PT-ZHY
Embraer Legacy 500
Astonjet
Class Super midsize
Max. passengers 9
The first deliveries of the Legacy 500 occurred in early 2014 as Embraer launched their first ever aircraft to have a revolutionary fly-by-wire cockpit, intended to fill the gap between their larger Legacy aircraft and the Phenom series. It is also the first Super Midsize Jet with full fly-by-wire technology, providing improved comfort, efficiency and stability. Embraer designed the 500 with one objective: to become the leader of its class. In terms of its interior, the Legacy 500 offers a wider and longer cabin than any other Super Midsize jet in existence, providing unparalleled space and comfort. Designed by BMW, the cabin features typical seating for up to 10 passengers and premium seats are available which include electrically actuated lumbar support and massage and heating systems, not seen on any other jet in the category. The Legacy 500 does not compromise performance for its luxurious cabin as it offers an excellent range and maximum cruise, thanks to its two state-of-the-art turbofan engines, which are more fuel-efficient than those of the majority of its rivals. Fast, efficient and extremely comfortable; the Legacy 500 provides an exceptional service.


Rock glaciers gain speed as permafrost thaws
October 7, 2018 - 06:25
Article from Norut - Northern Research Institute
The acceleration of rock glaciers in Scandinavia has been documented for the first time. It can be linked to the thawing of the permafrost in the north.
Keywords: Glaciers
By: Rannveig Haugen Stiberg
In August 2014, the ground-based radar measured large movements (marked in red) in the rock glaciers at Ádjet in Troms county. (Photo: Norut).
Scientists have long known that rock glaciers in the European Alps are moving faster than previously recorded. This is related to the thawing of permafrost and it is creating challenges for emergency preparedness in the Alps.
Due to climate change, the permafrost in the north has also started to thaw. And it could have major consequences for people as well as infrastructure.
Rock glaciers as climate predicters
Rock glaciers are unique landforms consisting of a mix of rock fragments and ice. They often look like a tongue-shaped section of scree. Rock glaciers are only found in areas with permafrost and a supply of rock debris, which usually comes from rockfalls and avalanches.
Using remote sensing data from the last 60 years, a Norwegian research group has found clear signs that previously stable rock glaciers are now accelerating.
The movement of a rock glacier complex on the Ádjet mountain in the Skibotn valley, Troms county, Norway, has received considerable attention in the doctoral project of Harald Øverli Eriksen at UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Norut.
“By comparing recent and historical aerial photos, we have documented that the glacier, which moved at an average of 0.5 metres per year in the period from 1954 to 1977, accelerated to around 3.6 metres per year in the period 2006 to 2014,” says Eriksen.
“Data from radar satellite from the period 2009 to 2016 showed that speed accelerated from 4.9 to 9.8 metres per year. The maximum velocity for one year was no less than 69 metres. It’s almost as if you can see the rock glacier creeping down the mountainside,” continues Eriksen.
Results suggest that the lower part of Ádjet is moving the fastest, and is in the process of detaching.
Harald Øverli Eriksen. Photo: Norut.
“In all likelihood, the accelerating rock glaciers are a visible result of the permafrost thawing,” says Harald Øverli Eriksen.
Researchers at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET) have recently pointed out that thawing permafrost can cause more rock flows. In Svalbard, this is causing problems, including settling damage to buildings with foundations directly on permafrost.
Observed for the first time in Scandinavia
Harald Øverli Eriksen has recently published an article on the findings in the international journal Geophysical Research Letters along with co-authors from Norut, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET).
The study documents for the first time a unique acceleration of a rock glacier in Scandinavia.
“A lot indicates that the increased velocity of the rock glacier may be linked to an increase in temperature and precipitation, which has resulted in warming of the permafrost and increased amounts of water that has made the body of the rock glacier more unstable,” says Senior Researcher Ketil Isaksen at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
What are the consequences of permafrost in the north thawing?
“The social consequences and which measures should be taken are something that are outside our field of expertise. We have now documented that the thawing affects our mountain areas. It is now up to our politicians and operational authorities, such as the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), to consider and implement any emergency preparedness measures,” says Harald Øverli Eriksen.
“We continue to follow developments by analysing radar satellite images. This data is very well suited for measuring ground movements,” adds Senior Research Scientist Tom Rune Lauknes at Norut.
Remote sensing provides unique information
To study the rock glacier at Ádjet in Troms, the researchers used four supplementary remote sensing methods to collect data from a period stretching 62 years. They used old aerial photos of the glacier terminus, radar satellite images processed with SAR interferometry (InSAR) and offset tracking and data from ground-based radar, among other things.
“Using remote sensing from satellite and the ground enables us to follow this type of landform that is often found in inaccessible places with steep and dangerous terrain,” says Tom Rune Lauknes.
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H. Ø. Eriksen, L. Rouyet, T. R. Lauknes, I. Berthling, K. Isaksen, H. Hindberg, Y. Larsen & G. D. Corner, Recent Acceleration of a Rock Glacier Complex, Ádjet, Norway, Documented by 62 Years of Remote Sensing Observations.
Harald Øverli Eriksen
Norut - Northern Research Institute
Norut Northern Research Institute is a national research and innovation company located in Northern Norway. Read more
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Board presentation on Gender Identity
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Rutgers Provides Board Presentation On Gender Identity
The impact school policies and practices have on students whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth was the focus of a comprehensive presentation by Rutgers Associate Professor Dr. Melinda Mangin at a recent Board of Directors meeting.
An Associate Professor in the Department of Education Theory, Policy, and Administration in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers, Dr. Mangin shared a wealth of information pertaining to what it means to be transgender, best practices for supporting transgender students, and recommendations for "promoting a sense of belonging" at school.
"Schools should be inclusive spaces where all students feel they belong, including transgender and gender-expansive children," said Dr. Mangin.
Among the many terms and statistics shared by Dr. Mangin were:
1.4 million adults in the United States identify as transgender.
54 percent of K-12 students participating in a 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey reported being verbally harassed, and 24 percent were physically attacked.
Approximately two percent of people are "intersex," meaning their physical bodies do not conform to the standard definition of male and female.
Dr. Mangin acknowledged that habits like separating students into typical boy and girl activities are hard to break, but said there is "both a legal and educational imperative for schools to be gender inclusive."
Dr. Mangin is the recipient of a Spencer Foundation research grant titled "Educational Standards of Care for Transgender Children: How School Leaders Develop Transgender-Inclusive Elementary Schools."
An article on the topic by Dr. Mangin was published in Phi Delta Kappan, and can be found at https://www.kappanonline.org/mangin-transgender-gender-identity-school-policies-gender-expansive/


Dental office tragedy shows need for emergency preparation
By Joanna Brown
It's been more than a decade that Larry Sangrik has been lecturing about medical emergency preparedness, urging his colleagues to educate themselves and their staffs to respond quickly and appropriately when the unexpected arises. He knows that it’s not a question of IF but WHEN will you have a medical emergency in the office.
Larry Sangrik“Most dentists think a medical emergency won’t happen during the scope of their practice,” said Dr. Sangrik, a general dentist in Chardon, OH. But statistically, the fact that you’re dealing with people – the number of people who come into your office – suggests you will deal with a medical emergency. It doesn’t have to be life threatening. It may be an allergy, or low blood sugar in a diabetic patient.
Dr. Sangrik routinely scans the national news in search of examples that will keep his content current. They’re not hard to find – there have been 19 pediatric deaths alone since 1996.
He stopped in his tracks, however, when he learned of how Raven Maria Blanco’s family had responded to her 2007 death under conscious sedation in a dental office.
The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation, established by the 8-year-old’s family, aims to increase awareness of and preparedness for medical emergencies in dental offices. With Dr. Sangrik as its consultant, the foundation is working within organized dentistry to influence dentists and their staffs.
“They are committed to raising awareness within the profession and working with the dental profession,” Dr. Sangrik said.
The Institute of Medical Preparedness (www.emergencyactionguide.com) has prepared a list of six steps toward emergency preparedness. The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation would like to see it implemented nationally.
“It’s an easy system. Dentists have good intentions, but they may not know where to go to get their offices started,” Dr. Sangrik said. “Dental visits can be stressful events to patients. Some type of medical event may occur, and we need to be prepared for it.”
The Institute’s Six Links of Survival can be divided into two groups. There are three educational components – doctor training, staff training, mock drills – and three physical components – the presence of an emergency manual to guide your response, having the right equipment on hand, and stocking appropriate medications.
“These are timeless principles that offices need to incorporate,” Dr. Sangrik said. “Science will change and improve and be different 20 years from now, but these six areas will remain. Even as technology evolves, these six things will still be true.”
Be prepared for emergencies in your dental office
The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation aims to increase the awareness of medical emergency preparedness in dental offices across the United States. The foundation was established by the family of 8-year-old Raven Maria Blanco following her 2007 death under sedation in a dental office.
The Institute of Medical Preparedness, in partnership with the Raven Maria Blanco Foundation, has prepared a list of survival. Dentists and their staffs might consider the Blanco family’s story and the downloadable handbook below as they work to better equip themselves to respond to medical emergencies of all kinds.
View the public service announcement from the Raven Maria Blanco Foundation below.


Chase William Coffin
Funeral services for Chase William Coffin, 23, McLouth, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at McLouth First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Fall Creek Cemetery near Jarbalo.Mr. Coffin died Friday, July 7, 2006, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., from injuries received in an all-terrain vehicle accident near McLouth.He was born April 4, 1983, in Leavenworth, the son of Dale William and Terri Elaine Pennel Coffin. He graduated from McLouth High School in 2002 and was a lifelong resident of the McLouth and Oskaloosa area.Mr. Coffin played football and basketball and ran track in high school. He attended the Manhattan Area Technical College and worked as a lineman for the Leavenworth-Jefferson Rural Electric Cooperative in McLouth. He was an active member of the Quartermaster Company in Kansas City, Kan., of the U.S. Army Reserve, and was a member of the McLouth First Baptist Church.Survivors include his parents, of Oskaloosa; paternal grandmother, Jennie Coffin, Leavenworth; maternal grandmother, Mary Pennel, McLouth; two brothers, Joshua and Nicolas, both of McLouth; a sister, Amelia Coffin, Oskaloosa.Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the church.The family suggests memorials to the church, sent in care of the Barnett-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa, 66066.


Los Angeles International Airport (IATA Code: LAX) is one of the largest in the western United States and is classified as the sixth busiest in the world. The airport serves over 60 million passengers a year and offers approximately 680 flights serving nearly 30 countries around the world. The airport is equipped with a nine passenger terminals, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The Bradley Terminal serves nearly 18 million passengers a year. All terminals have upper and lower levels, offering a variety of dining, shopping and other service options.
Facilities that today incorporate Los Angeles International Airport have been in use since the 1920s, when a landing strip there attracted pioneer aviators. A Los Angeles Municipal Airport formerly known as Mines Field was created there in 1928. The airport recently celebrated its 86th birthday, continuing a long history of providing extensive services, flights, and domestic and international destinations for travelers.
Los Angeles International Airport is massive, with upper and lower levels, dozens of restaurants, cocktail lounges, as well as traditional and the duty free shops in the domestic and international terminals. Favorite restaurants at LAX include Panda Express, located in the Great Hall Food Court and, the Home Turf Sports Bar, located at the departure level of Terminal 1, and Chaya Sushi located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Shopping options include everything from Hugo Boss and Michael Kors to Coach, to Relay, and See’s Candies, (all located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal). The airport also provides a number of currency exchange and banking services as well as ATM machines.
Car rental services at Los Angeles International Airport are plentiful and include those provided by Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Alamo, Thrifty, and Avis. Additional car hire companies provide free phones at the interactive visitors information centers located in baggage claim areas of every terminal. The phones provide contact information for each car rental company. Customers of some car hire companies can utilize the free LAX Shuttle Airline Connection Bus designated for “Lot C” to reach their rental car courtesy shuttle. These free shuttle buses are located on the lower arrivals level islands outside of baggage claim under the blue signs. Purple signs designate “rental car shuttles” that take customers to appropriate rental car services near the airport.
Compare pricing and car options at LAX: Alamo – www.alamo.com, Car-hire.net/usa/los-angeles.php.
Review additional information regarding Los Angeles International Airport by visiting their website at www.lawa.org and clicking on the LAX tab at the upper right corner of the screen, or by contacting them at (310) 646-5252. The airport is located at 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045.


Coworking à Gateshead, Maingate Team Valley, Gateshead
The Axis Building, Maingate, Kingsway North, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 0NQ
The Gateshead Maingate Centre occupies three floors of the prestigious six-storey Axis building at the north entrance to the Team Valley Business Park. Team Valley is traditionally a heavily industrial area but has in recent years been transformed into a major European retail and business park, home to over 650 businesses employing 17,000 people. Gateshead is a modern town in the north east of England offering an impressive mixture of urban vitality and rural charm. It extends nearly 13 miles along the south bank of the river Tyne and over 4,000 businesses are based here. The Tyne and Wear region is now a major centre for international investment and Gateshead riverside is the site of one of the largest capital regeneration schemes in Europe. It has achieved global recognition for a number of ambitious projects contributing to the success of this vibrant area for both culture and business.
Gateshead, Maingate Team Valley
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Public Service grads told to resist fear and anger: 'Be the difference'
Paul Atkinson
Dean Jonathan Koppell told some 330 graduates at Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions convocation on Dec. 13 that he hoped the current political climate would not diminish their sense of optimism for work in the public interest.
“So we live in a time of extraordinary fear, all kinds of fear,” Koppell told the crowd at Comerica Theatre in downtown Phoenix. “I’m not saying that fears can be unfounded. But the fear can’t be paralyzing, and it can't be the only basis upon which people are mobilized.”
A political scientist by training, Koppell reminded the 5,000 people in attendance that there are legitimate kinds of fears. Fear of terrorists. Fear of cutting off Social Security. Fear of losing rights. And fear of an intrusive state.
“All these things are powerful and real and they can be enormously powerful as tools,” Koppell said. “But it’s very hard to use them to create constructive change.”
The dean reminded the audience of the famous words spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his first inaugural address: “... that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Koppell said he has a better appreciation for what Roosevelt was responding to as he took office during a time of crippling unemployment and poverty.
“Now I understand his warning,” he said. “You’ve reached this day having overcome great challenges.
“You did not accept that what you accomplished today was not possible because it was scary.”
“Fear didn’t own you,” Koppell reminded graduates. “You got here because you believed and you were optimistic about what could be done.”
Jonathan Koppell, dean of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, addresses students at the Fall 2016 Convocation held at Comerica Theatre in downtown Phoenix on Dec.13.
Jonathan Koppell, dean of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, addresses students at the Fall 2016 Convocation held at Comerica Theatre in downtown Phoenix on Dec. 13.
He suggested there was one other emotion that poses a significant danger.
“Anger seems to be in the air everywhere,” Koppell cautioned. “It is, along with fear, the other powerful emotion that seems to govern most discourse in the public and the private realm.”
As proof, he pointed to the comment section of news articles on the internet.
“If you look down at the comment sections, it will only take a couple lines before people are spewing the most vile, vitriolic, hateful things that you've ever seen,” said Koppell.
He reminded students that anger would make it impossible to do any of the things U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema — the ceremony's keynote speaker — suggested they pursue.
“If we only feel rage and anger, then how do you listen?” asked Koppell. “If you only feel anger, then how do you empathize?
“How do you learn? How do you craft solutions that don’t come from anger?”
Koppell pointed out that anger would not have helped them pass their tests.
“You didn’t succeed when all the obstacles in your way said you couldn't — out of anger,” Koppell said. “So I suggest to you that in order to be successful in public service you have to hold back on the very things that are so powerful — fear and anger.”
Hard work and a helping hand
Sinema delivered the keynote address, discussing the polarization in the U.S.
“We face a significant challenge today. The fight between the two edges has gotten severe,” Sinema said in a soft and somber tone. “I’ve recently said that these folks on the edges — they’re pulling at the fabric of their country and they are ripping the seams.
“But we can’t let that happen. We, those of us here today, all of us committed to public service — we must be the difference. We must be different.”
Sinema is a 1999 graduate of the college and a lecturer in the School of Social Work. She told students that those committed to public service can make a difference by trying to better understand another person’s life experiences and perspectives.
“We can be good people who care deeply about each other even when we disagree,” said Sinema. “We can all start by listening to someone with a different opinion, listening not to rebut or debate, but listening to understand.”
Representative Kyrsten Sinema delivers the keynote address to graduates at the Fall 2016 College of Public Service and Community Solutions Convocation.
A Tucson native, Sinema told her family’s story of going from middle class to a life of poverty living in an abandoned gas station. She said her family utilized government food stamps, and she relied on free school lunches and used federal grants to help pay for college.
Sinema saw education as essential to leaving poverty. She was valedictorian of her high school class at age 16 and graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in social work at age 18. She was employed as a social worker at a Phoenix school district before earning a graduate degree in social work from ASU in 1999. She went on to receive a law degree and a PhD from ASU.
In fact, Sinema was in law school in 2004 when she ran and won a seat in the Arizona Legislature, where she served four terms. She was elected to Congress in 2012 and will soon begin her third term representing Arizona’s Ninth Congressional District. A progressive Democrat, Sinema has earned a reputation for working with members of both major political parties on a variety of issues.
“There’s a conservative and a liberal narrative in our country, and often those two narratives are pushed against each other,” she told students.
“A conservative narrative says: ‘Hey kid, pull yourself up from your bootstraps! Do it yourself. Work hard,’” Sinema said. “And a liberal narrative might say: ‘You need to help those who are vulnerable. We need a safety net. Leave no one behind.’”
“The truth is that both of these narratives are true and they need each other,” said Sinema. “My whole life, my journey from homelessness to serving in the halls of the United States Congress is the combination of these two narratives.
“I worked so hard to make it, and thank goodness that there were people there to give me the helping hand I needed growing up.”
Embrace differences
With convocation taking place a month after a polarizing presidential election, College of Public Service and Community Solutions Deann Koppell told graduates not to be distracted by the adversarial tone of current discourse. Instead, he insisted it’s an opportunity for “rededication to the ideals that animate us today.”
“We are strong precisely because of our differences, including differences in beliefs,” said Koppell. “Our willingness and ability to engage constructively with people whose views are dramatically different than our own is our greatest asset.”
Koppell suggested that the current divisions should be cause for introspection with the goal to improve the ability to build bridges and to “stand up to injustice when we see it.”
“Let it be cause for vigilance to ensure that the rights and protections — which every member of our community is entitled to — are defended and preserved,” emphasized Koppell.
The dean called on graduates not to give up.
“Let it not be a cause to abandon the ideals of service or the search for solutions to our shared challenges,” Koppell said. “And let it not be a cause to fear free expression and dialogue.”
Koppell reminded graduates that the nation had faced deep divisions and uncertainty in the past only to emerge stronger. He acknowledged that this kind of optimism does not diminish the real struggles ahead, only that it illuminates the hard work that remains.
“Your optimism in getting here today, your optimism regarding our future is an inspiration to me,” Koppell confessed. “It's what gives me hope, and I urge you to retain it.
“Use it as a source of strength. It is what we need today, more than anything else.”


Doña Ana County Clerk's office checks electronic vote tabulators
This check is a normal part of the election process in New Mexico, which takes place following each general election.
Doña Ana County Clerk's office checks electronic vote tabulators This check is a normal part of the election process in New Mexico, which takes place following each general election. Check out this story on lcsun-news.com: https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2018/11/26/dona-ana-county-clerks-office-checks-electronic-vote-tabulators/2120923002/
Sun-News report Published 6:36 p.m. MT Nov. 26, 2018
Employees from the Doña Ana County Clerk's office participate in a statewide voting system check of electronic vote tabulators Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at the Bureau of Elections Warehouse. The check takes place after all general elections.(Photo: Josh Bachman/Sun-News)Buy Photo
LAS CRUCES - The Doña Ana County Clerk participated in a statewide voting system check of electronic vote tabulators on Monday.
This check is a normal part of the election process in New Mexico, which takes place following each general election, and focuses on verifying select precinct results for federal offices, for governor and for statewide elective office.
The check comes a day ahead of the New Mexico state canvassing board's certification of official results of the 2018 general election. The board is comprised of Gov. Susana Martinez, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and Chief Justice Judith Nakamura, who will meet in Santa Fe on Tuesday to canvass and certify official results, except for those races that will need to be recounted.
The U.S. second congressional district race has been of interest. On election night, Republican Yvette Herrell was ahead in the vote count, but after absentee votes were tabulated the following day, Democrat Xochitl Torres Small led by approximately 3,500 votes. Pivotal in that turnaround were 8,517 absentee ballots in Doña Ana County, where Torres Small lives.
On Nov. 13, Herrell petitioned the Third Judicial District Court in Las Cruces to impound the absentee ballots in order to "safeguard the putative voting documents, investigate reports of chain-of-custody issues and other improprieties, and ensure that a valid democratic outcome is obtained."
Judge Manuel Arrieta ruled on Nov. 16 that the impoundment would take effect after the election is certified.
More: Herrell's legal team proposes terms for inspecting election ballots in Doña Ana County
Read or Share this story: https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2018/11/26/dona-ana-county-clerks-office-checks-electronic-vote-tabulators/2120923002/
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Home > Members > Representative Bill Foster
Representative Bill Foster (1955 - )In Congress 2008 - 2011, 2013 - Present |
Illinois 11 House: 113th-116th (2013-Present)
Illinois 14 House: 110th-111th (2008-2011)
https://foster.house.gov
Legislation Sponsored or Cosponsored by Bill Foster
1. H.R.3561 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2019 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 06/27/2019) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 06/27/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
2. H.R.2987 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) National Security Accountability Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/23/2019) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence (Permanent Select) Latest Action: House - 05/23/2019 Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the... (All Actions) Tracker:
3. H.R.2986 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) BEST Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/23/2019) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology Latest Action: House - 05/23/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy. (All Actions) Tracker:
4. H.R.2870 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) End the Threat of Default Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/21/2019) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 05/21/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (All Actions) Tracker:
5. H.R.2804 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act of 2019 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/16/2019) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure Latest Action: House - 05/17/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. (All Actions) Tracker:
6. H.R.2572 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) To amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to clarify the definition of a deposit broker, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/08/2019) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 05/08/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
7. H.R.2430 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2019 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/01/2019) Cosponsors: (41) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 05/20/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
8. H.R.2400 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) American Innovation Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/30/2019) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Budget, Science, Space, and Technology, Armed Services Latest Action: House - 05/01/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities. (All Actions) Tracker:
9. H.R.2304 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Autofill Act of 2019 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/12/2019) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 04/12/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (All Actions) Tracker:
10. H.R.1718 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) GI Education Benefits Fairness Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/13/2019) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/13/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
11. H.R.1303 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2019 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/15/2019) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources Latest Action: House - 03/08/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. (All Actions) Tracker:
12. H.R.1302 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2019 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/15/2019) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 02/15/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker:
13. H.R.1165 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) ETO is Toxic Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/13/2019) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 02/14/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. (All Actions) Tracker:
14. H.R.1045 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/07/2019) Cosponsors: (24) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 03/25/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. (All Actions) Tracker:
15. H.Res.468 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Defense should review section 504 of title 10, United States Code, for purposes related to enlisting certain aliens in the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 06/27/2019) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services Latest Action: House - 06/27/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
16. H.Res.327 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Encouraging greater public-private sector collaboration to promote financial literacy for students and young adults. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/25/2019) Cosponsors: (18) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 04/30/2019 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (All Actions) Tracker:
17. H.Res.232 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Expressing support for designation of March 14, 2019, as "National Pi Day". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/14/2019) Cosponsors: (16) Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology Latest Action: House - 03/14/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. (All Actions) Tracker:
18. H.Res.162 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives and honoring the memory of the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/28/2019) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Oversight and Reform Latest Action: House - 02/28/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. (All Actions) Tracker:
19. H.Res.137 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nuclear security role. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/15/2019) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Foreign Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/14/2019 Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation. (All Actions) Tracker:
20. H.Amdt.289 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Description: Amendment increases the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority account by $1,000,000 to support increased R&D for biosecurity. Amends Bill: H.R.2740 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 06/12/2019) Latest Action: 06/12/19 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A023) Agreed to by recorded vote: 358 - 66 (Roll no. 273). (All Actions)
21. H.Amdt.288 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Description: Amendment increases and decreases funding by $1 for the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the purpose of instructing BLS to accept a wider and more forward-looking range of inputs into its range of projections for its workforce of the future. Amends Bill: H.R.2740 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 06/12/2019) Latest Action: 06/12/19 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A022) Agreed to by recorded vote: 260 - 164 (Roll no. 272). (All Actions)
22. H.Amdt.287 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Description: Amendment increases and decreases funding by $1 for the Substance Abuse Treatment account. Amends Bill: H.R.2740 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 06/12/2019) Latest Action: 06/12/19 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A021) Agreed to by recorded vote: 336 - 87 (Roll no. 271). (All Actions)
23. H.Amdt.286 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) Description: Amendment strikes Section 510, which currently prohibits HHS from spending any federal dollars to promulgate or adopt a national patient identifier. Amends Bill: H.R.2740 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 06/12/2019) Latest Action: 06/12/19 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A020) Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 - 178 (Roll no. 270). (All Actions)
24. H.R.7398 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) SPA Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 12/22/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - House Administration Latest Action: House - 12/22/2018 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Tracker:
25. H.R.7295 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Medical Records Access Fairness Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 12/13/2018) Cosponsors: (7) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 12/13/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker:
26. H.R.7189 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) ETO is Toxic Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 11/29/2018) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 11/29/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker:
27. H.R.6501 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) WISE Government Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 07/25/2018) Cosponsors: (9) Committees: House - Oversight and Government Reform Latest Action: House - 07/25/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (All Actions) Tracker:
28. H.R.5936 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) National Security Accountability Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence (Permanent Select) Latest Action: House - 05/23/2018 Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the... (All Actions) Tracker:
29. H.R.5789 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage protections for pregnant and post-partum women while receiving inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/15/2018) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Committee Reports: H. Rept. 115-730 Latest Action: House - 06/12/2018 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 565. (All Actions) Tracker:
30. H.R.5119 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) P3 Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/27/2018) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 02/27/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. (All Actions) Tracker:
31. H.R.4948 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) National Fab Lab Network Act of 2018 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/06/2018) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 02/06/2018 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions) Tracker:
32. H.R.4859 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2018 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 01/19/2018) Cosponsors: (17) Committees: House - Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 04/05/2018 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. (All Actions) Tracker:
33. H.R.4346 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) GI Education Benefits Fairness Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 11/09/2017) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 11/09/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. (All Actions) Tracker:
34. H.R.3763 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Smarter EPSCoR Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 09/13/2017) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology Latest Action: House - 05/22/2018 Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. (All Actions) Tracker:
35. H.R.3252 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Second Chance for Students Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 07/14/2017) Cosponsors: (12) Committees: House - Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 07/14/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. (All Actions) Tracker:
36. H.R.2750 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Protecting the Independent Funding of the Office of Financial Research Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/26/2017) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 05/26/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
37. H.R.2687 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/25/2017) Cosponsors: (59) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 05/26/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (All Actions) Tracker:
38. H.R.2608 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act of 2017 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/23/2017) Cosponsors: (7) Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure Latest Action: House - 05/24/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. (All Actions) Tracker:
39. H.R.2018 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Autofill Act of 2017 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/06/2017) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 04/06/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (All Actions) Tracker:
40. H.R.1569 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) American Innovation Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/16/2017) Cosponsors: (17) Committees: House - Budget, Science, Space, and Technology, Armed Services Latest Action: House - 04/25/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. (All Actions) Tracker:
41. H.R.994 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2017 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/09/2017) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources Latest Action: House - 02/24/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
42. H.R.993 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2017 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/09/2017) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 02/10/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (All Actions) Tracker:
43. H.R.992 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2017 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/09/2017) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 02/10/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (All Actions) Tracker:
44. H.R.913 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/07/2017) Cosponsors: (17) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 03/09/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
45. H.R.912 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2017 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/07/2017) Cosponsors: (42) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 03/09/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
46. H.Res.849 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Office of Technology Assessment should be reestablished. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/26/2018) Cosponsors: (23) Committees: House - House Administration Latest Action: House - 04/26/2018 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Tracker:
47. H.Res.828 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of science diplomacy, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/13/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Foreign Affairs Latest Action: House - 04/13/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
48. H.Res.782 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expressing support for designation of March 14, 2018, as "National Pi Day". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/14/2018) Cosponsors: (16) Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology Latest Action: House - 05/22/2018 Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. (All Actions) Tracker:
49. H.Res.640 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expressing support for the designation of December 3, 2017, as the "National Day of 3D Printing". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 12/01/2017) Cosponsors: (10) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 12/08/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection. (All Actions) Tracker:
50. H.Res.426 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Defense should review section 504 of title 10, United States Code, for purposes related to enlisting certain aliens in the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 06/29/2017) Cosponsors: (31) Committees: House - Armed Services Latest Action: House - 07/17/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. (All Actions) Tracker:
51. H.Res.300 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Encouraging greater public-private sector collaboration to promote financial literacy for students and young adults. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/01/2017) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 05/01/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
52. H.Res.260 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nuclear security role. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/06/2017) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Foreign Affairs Latest Action: House - 05/18/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. (All Actions) Tracker:
54. H.Amdt.837 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Description: Amendment sought to prohibit the use of funds to develop a space-based ballistic missile intercept layer. Amends Bill: H.R.6157 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 06/27/2018) Latest Action: 06/28/18 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A033) Failed by recorded vote: 160 - 251 (Roll no. 310). (consideration: CR H5849) (All Actions)
55. H.Amdt.521 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Amends Bill: H.R.620 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 02/15/2018) Latest Action: 02/15/18 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A003) Failed by voice vote. (All Actions)
56. H.Amdt.518 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Description: Page 3, line 4, strike "source code, including". Page 3, line 6, insert "algorithmic trading" before "source code". Page 3, line 15, strike "source code, including". ***. Amends Bill: H.R.3978 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 02/14/2018) Latest Action: 02/14/18 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote. (All Actions)
57. H.Amdt.401 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Amends Bill: H.R.3354 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 09/12/2017) Latest Action: 09/12/17 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A129) Agreed to by voice vote. (All Actions)
58. H.Amdt.266 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) Description: At the end of division A (before the short title), insert the following: Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for the procurement, the deployment, or the research, development, test, and evaluation of a space-based ballistic missile intercept layer. Amends Bill: H.R.3219 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 07/27/2017) Latest Action: 07/27/17 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A054) Failed by voice vote. (All Actions)
60. H.R.6206 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Second Chance for Students Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 09/28/2016) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 09/28/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. (All Actions) Tracker:
61. H.R.6205 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2016 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 09/28/2016) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 09/28/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. (All Actions) Tracker:
62. H.R.6204 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) No Cost Educational Resources Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 09/28/2016) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 09/28/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. (All Actions) Tracker:
64. H.R.6178 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act of 2016 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 09/27/2016) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure Latest Action: House - 09/27/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. (All Actions) Tracker:
65. H.R.5835 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Fair Distribution of Affordable Housing Funds Act of 2016 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 07/14/2016) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 07/14/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
66. H.R.5287 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/19/2016) Cosponsors: (14) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 05/19/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker:
67. H.R.4982 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2016 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/18/2016) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce | Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Reports: H. Rept. 114-560 Latest Action: Senate - 05/12/2016 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker:
68. H.R.4960 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 525 N Broadway in Aurora, Illinois, as the "Kenneth M. Christy Post Office Building". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/15/2016) Cosponsors: (19) Committees: House - Oversight and Government Reform | Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Latest Action: 07/15/2016 Became Public Law No: 114-193. (TXT | PDF) (All Actions) Tracker:
69. H.R.4669 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Advancing Standards in Regenerative Medicine Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/02/2016) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 03/04/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (All Actions) Tracker:
70. H.R.3677 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2015 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 10/01/2015) Cosponsors: (7) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 10/02/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (All Actions) Tracker:
71. H.R.3676 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2015 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 10/01/2015) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 10/02/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (All Actions) Tracker:
72. H.R.3343 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 07/29/2015) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 09/08/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
73. H.R.2980 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Mayflower Commemorative Coin Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 07/08/2015) Cosponsors: (53) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 07/08/2015 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
74. H.R.2372 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2015 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/15/2015) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Financial Services Latest Action: House - 05/15/2015 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. (All Actions) Tracker:
75. H.R.2008 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) GI Education Benefit Fairness Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/23/2015) Cosponsors: (11) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 05/11/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. (All Actions) Tracker:
77. H.R.1622 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) National Fab Lab Network Act of 2015 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/25/2015) Cosponsors: (17) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 04/29/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
79. H.R.1123 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2015 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/26/2015) Cosponsors: (29) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 03/31/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
80. H.R.787 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Payer State Transparency Act of 2015 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 02/05/2015) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Oversight and Government Reform Latest Action: House - 02/05/2015 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (All Actions) Tracker:
81. H.Res.940 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Expressing support for designation of December 3, 2016, as the "National Day of 3D Printing". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 12/02/2016) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 12/02/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker:
82. H.Res.759 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nuclear security role. Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 05/26/2016) Cosponsors: (6) Committees: House - Foreign Affairs Latest Action: House - 05/26/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
83. H.Res.641 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Expressing support for designation of March 14, 2016, as "National Pi Day". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 03/14/2016) Cosponsors: (6) Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology Latest Action: House - 03/14/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. (All Actions) Tracker:
85. H.Res.547 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Expressing support for designation of December 3, 2015, as the "National Day of 3D Printing". Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 12/02/2015) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House - Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House - 12/04/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. (All Actions) Tracker:
88. H.Amdt.1391 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Description: Amendment removes provisions related to brochure delivery and the requirement for annual audits at select private funds. Amends Bill: H.R.5424 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 09/09/2016) Latest Action: 09/09/16 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote. (All Actions)
89. H.Amdt.1122 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Description: Amendment sought to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Energy for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Amends Bill: H.R.5055 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 05/25/2016) Latest Action: 05/25/16 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A041) Failed by recorded vote: 206 - 213 (Roll no. 257). (All Actions)
90. H.Amdt.818 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Description: Amendment requires the Department of Transportation to issue an annual report detailing how the funds authorized in the bill are divided among the states and the sources of those amounts and also requires the IRS to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the tax burden of each State. Amends Bill: H.R.22 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 11/04/2015) Latest Action: 11/04/15 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A085) Agreed to by voice vote. (All Actions)
91. H.Amdt.317 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Description: At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: SEC 543. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to fund any Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. Amends Bill: H.R.2578 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 06/02/2015) Latest Action: 06/03/15 On agreeing to the Foster amendment (A049) Failed by recorded vote: 195 - 232 (Roll no. 279). (consideration: CR H3784) (All Actions)
92. H.Amdt.176 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) Amends Bill: H.R.2028 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Offered 04/30/2015) Latest Action: 04/30/15 By unanimous consent, the Foster amendment was withdrawn. (consideration: CR H2689) (All Actions)
94. H.R.5588 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) Payer State Transparency Act of 2014 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 09/18/2014) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Oversight and Government Reform Latest Action: House - 09/18/2014 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (All Actions) Tracker:
97. H.R.4473 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) Small Business Growth in Manufacturing Act of 2014 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/10/2014) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 04/10/2014 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (All Actions) Tracker:
98. H.R.4455 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) Learning Opportunities With Creation of Open Source Textbooks (LOW COST) Act of 2014 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 04/10/2014) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology, Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House - 06/13/2014 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training. (All Actions) Tracker:
99. H.R.3914 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 01/16/2014) Cosponsors: (21) Committees: House - Judiciary Latest Action: House - 03/20/2014 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. (All Actions) Tracker:
100. H.R.3856 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) Homeowners Debt Relief Extension Act of 2014 Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] (Introduced 01/13/2014) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 01/13/2014 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (All Actions) Tracker:
Sponsored Legislation Remove
Amendments (H.Amdt. or S.Amdt.) [21]
House amendment offered [21]
House amendment offered/reported by [21]
House amendment agreed to [13]
Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole [11]
Amendment failed in Committee of the Whole [6]
House amendment not agreed to [6]
Amendment agreed to by House [2]
Taxation [12]


Homepage > Social Studies > Ch 5 Challenges in the West > Ch 5.2
Chapter 5 – Section 2
Native Americans of the Great Plains fought to protect their way of life.
Native American Life on the Plains; A Clash of Cultures (p. 160-162)
Before 1500, the Native American tribes hunted buffalo as their main food in their diet. They used almost every part of the buffalo for food, clothing, and shelter. In the 1540's the Spanish brought horses to the Great Plains which allowed them to lead a nomadic way of life for buffalo hunting (move from place to place).
Native American tribes from the east were also living on the Plains by the mid 1800s because the federal government had forced them to move west onto reservations (land set aside for the Native American tribes).
However as the settlers moved west, there was a demand for land and the government tried to buy back the reservation land. Some tribes agreed but some tribes refused. Their refusal led to fighting between the whites and Native Americans. In 1862, 1200 Colorado militia attacked a peaceful Cheyenne village and killed more than 150 Cheyenne - Sand Creek Massacre.
Battle of the Little Bighorn (p. 162 - 163)
In 1874, white prospectors rushed onto Sioux land after discovering gold there. The Sioux warier chiefs, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse tried to drive the settlers off of their land. Fighting was fierce between the white settlers and the Sioux. The Seventh Cavalry led by George A. Custer tried to get the Sioux to return to the reservation. Several thousands of Sioux and Cheyenne killed Custer and his 211 men near the Little Bighorn River in Montana. The Battle of Little Big Horn was the last major Native American victory because the government increased its military. Native Americans of the Great Plains fought to protect their way of life.
Resistance in the Northwest and Southwest (p. 163- 164)
Northwest - The white settlers tried to take over the land of the Nez Perce in eastern Oregon and Idaho. They were forced to sell their land and move. Chief Joseph refused and the army forced them to surrender.
Southwest - The Navajos and Apaches fought against being forced to move to reservations but they also surrendered to the U.S. army.
A Way of Life Ends (p. 164)
Millions of buffalo were killed by the white hunters and the herds disappeared.
Native American prophet, Wovoka, and his followers, the Ghost Dancers, believed his prediction that Native Americans would again roam free.
The government feared that the Ghost Dancers were preparing for war and made them go to a temporary camp along Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota and hand over their weapons. When a shot rang out, the U.S. troops responded with gunfire and killed 300 Sioux. The Wounded Knee Massacre.
The Dawes Act Fails (p. 165)
Reformers wanted to "Americanize" the Native Americans and make them more like whites. Through assimilation the Native Americans were to adopt the culture of the people around them.
The Dawes Act in 1887 encouraged Native Americans to settle down as farmers. The government divided the reservation land into individual plots of land for each family. This failed because few Native Americans wanted to be farmers.
Native Americans Fight to Survive
Main Idea: The Native Americans of the Great Plains fought to maintain their way of life as settlers poured into their lands.
Most Plains tribes lived in villages along rivers and streams. They ate buffalo and made clot5hing, shoes, and blankets from it.
In the 1830s the federal government forced Native American tribes of the Southeast to move west of the Mississippi to territory between the Missouri River and Oregon Territory.
The Dawes Act divided reservations into individual plots of land for each family. The government sold leftover land to white settlers.
Native Americans did not know how to farm and or lacked the tools, training, and money to be successful; therefore many Native Americans had to sell their land for a fraction of its value to white settlers.
The Last of the Sioux (3:48)
Resistant to government regulated reservations, the Sioux retreated into the Black Hills until a final massacre at Wounded Knee.
The Buffalo and Native Americans (1:52)
The buffalo was an essential part of Native American life, used in everything from religious rituals to teepee construction.
Sitting Bull (2:54)
The tragic, yet true tale of Sitting Bull, the leader of the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux tribe who led his people's resistance against the United States, sung by musician and artist Jeffrey Lewis.
Ch 5 Section 2 Native Americans Fight to Survive
Ch 5.1


Series & Films / Storm
Director: Harris Done
Cast: Luke Perry, Martin Sheen, Robert Knott, David Moses, Alexandra Powers, Marc McClure, Renée Estevez, Glenn Shadix, E.E. Bell, David Sederholm, Richard Steven Horvitz, Kathleen Randazzo, Brendan Cowles, Mark Conley, Terry Parmer
On August 23, 1992, a black-ops research program led by General Roberts perfected a device to control the weather. It was launched from a specially outfitted plane and tested for the first time. But control of the machine was lost, and within hours a deadly hurricane had formed. It became the greatest natural disaster since the San Francisco Earthquake - Hurricane Andrew. In the wake of this catastrophe, all evidence of the program was buried. Seven years later, General Roberts has revived the top-secret project. He recruits ambitious meteorologist Ron Young, who has developed software that directs weather systems. The STORM device, now equipped with this software, has been launched into a weather front 300 miles off the California coast. Moments after the device has whipped the storm into a full-blown hurricane, Roberts orders it targeted at Mexico. The storm has grown in power to a super-hurricane...
http://www.youtube.com/v/E6yWfmVKIw0?fs=1&hl=en_US


Law and Leviticus
Law and Leviticus by Bruce Wells
Q. How are the different laws of Leviticus characterized as civil, ceremonial, and moral? What is this characterization based on?
A. The distinction between moral, ceremonial, and civil law is often associated with John Calvin and Reformed theology, though it may go back to Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. Some have argued that it goes all the way back to some of the early church fathers.
Biblical texts themselves do not make this distinction. In fact, there are so-called ceremonial and moral laws together in the same lists in Leviticus (in the lists in Lev 18-20, for example) without any clear differentiation, and in some cases the violations of these laws are all lumped together as “abominations.” In addition, there is nothing explicit in the New Testament to support making this threefold distinction. I would say that, in general, each of the laws points to a meaning—loyalty to Yahweh, ethical behavior in the community, and so forth—beyond the literal rule that the law contains. How one should appropriate that meaning in our world today is a difficult question and one on which modern faith communities differ.
Bruce Wells, "Law and Leviticus", n.p. [cited 15 Jul 2019]. Online: http://bibleodyssey.org/en/tools/ask-a-scholar/law-and-leviticus
Bruce Wells
Professor, Saint Joseph's University
Bruce Wells is professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Wells is the author of The Law of Testimony in the Pentateuchal Codes (2004) and the co-author of Everyday Law in Biblical Israel (2009).
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NCSE at Work: A New Mexico Story
At 9:30 p.m. on a recent work day, I called a reporter who had just e-mailed me, asking for comment on the latest developments with the New Mexico science standards. “Don’t you ever sleep?” he joked. I chuckled. Ten hours later, at 7:30 a.m. the next day, a different reporter called me, asking for comment on the same developments, and I happily, if a bit blearily, discussed the situation with him. I say this not to brag of my work ethic—my secret, I confess, is coffee—but to illustrate a benefit of your support of NCSE.
There simply isn’t any organization out there that rivals NCSE in monitoring the all-too-frequent attempts to compromise the integrity of science education in the United States. So when the media needs to understand the details of such attempts—the background, the players, the implications—they come to NCSE. The benefit is obvious: when the press coverage of attacks on science education is more accurate and complete, the public’s understanding is more accurate and complete—and that translates into action.
Take New Mexico, for example. As soon as NCSE was aware that the proposed state science standards were edited to weaken the treatment of evolution, climate change, and the age of the earth, we swung into action, preparing a quick explanation of the scientific and pedagogical problems with the revisions, organizing a coalition of activists within New Mexico, and—crucially—identifying journalists in the state who would need to be alerted about the problem and informed about the underlying issues.
Not everything goes as planned, of course. I was still trying to get in touch with a reporter at one of the state’s newspapers, who I thought was in a good position to break the story, when I was informed, via the coalition of activists that NCSE had organized, that a concerned New Mexican had informed a reporter at Mother Jones, who was about to break the story. No worries: I managed to get in touch with Andy Kroll before he filed his copy, so NCSE set its stamp on the very first coverage on the New Mexico standards to appear.
Since then I’ve lost track of how many reporters I’ve talked or e-mailed with about the New Mexico science standards in the last two months, but perhaps only half of the time have I or NCSE been mentioned in the resulting story. That’s fine. The point is not necessarily to get NCSE’s name in the headlines, although that’s always nice. The point is to alert the public, via the media, of the urgent need—here, to oppose the misguided revisions that would have compromised the scientific accuracy of New Mexico’s science standards.
And, again, such alerts translate into action. New Mexico abounds in people who are concerned about science education, whether because they’re science educators themselves, scientists, environmentalists, businesspeople, faith leaders or freethinkers, parents, or all of the above. And lots of them, when they saw coverage of what was proposed for their state’s science standards, decided to take action. That often included, I’m happy to say, getting in touch with NCSE, which helped them join the coalition of activists.
Thanks to NCSE’s early and unrelenting efforts in September and October 2017, there was a virtually unbroken stream of criticism of the Public Education Department, which finally, in late October, announced that instead of the flawed standards originally proposed, it would be adopting the Next Generation Science Standards in their entirety, with the addition of six New Mexico-specific standards, and—crucially—with their standards on evolution, climate change, and the age of the earth complete and unmolested. It was a decisive victory.
Now, none of the activities that NCSE was involved in with respect to New Mexico was all that extraordinary, considered individually. It’s not rocket surgery to compare two sets of science standards and note the divergences, or to identify education reporters at the largest newspapers in a given state, or to recruit scientists to speak about evolution and geochronology at a public rally, or to keep people informed of developments by e-mail, or (for that matter) to be by the phone late one day and early the next.
But considered collectively? It takes experience and organization to ensure that all of these tasks are appropriately coordinated and consistently accomplished. So if you want to be sure that when science education is under attack in your state, or your town, or your school, there’s someone ready to help, you should support NCSE. And remember: a portion—albeit a too small portion, if you ask me—of each donation pays for the office’s supply of coffee, allowing us to be hard at work, day and night if necessary.
(-) Remove Anti-evolution filter Anti-evolution


Exploiting Epigenetic Variation for Plant Breeding
Epigenetic changes can bring about new traits without altering the sequence of genes. This may allow plants to respond quicker to changes in their environment. Plant biologists at the University of Zurich have now demonstrated that epigenetic variation is also subject to selection and can be inherited. This could expand the possibilities for crop breeding.
The sequence of genes passed on to daughter cells or offspring isn’t the only factor that determines the traits of cells and organisms. Chemical changes in the genetic material that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence also play a role in controlling which genes are active or inactive. Methylation is one such epigenetic mark, which involves the addition of small chemical groups to specific bases in the DNA. The role of the inheritance of epigenetic variation in humans and mammals is controversial; however, there are several examples of epigenetic inheritance in plants.
Adaptability thanks to epigenetics
Plant biologists at the University of Zurich have now demonstrated that naturally occurring epigenetic variation in mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) is subject to selection. The team of Ueli Grossniklaus at the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology also showed that newly selected traits – which are important for seed dispersal – are passed on for at least two to three generations even without selection. “Epigenetic variation thus contributes to the ability of plants to quickly adapt to changes in the environment without sequence changes in the genome,” explains Grossniklaus.
Selection of plants with effective seed dispersal
In their experiment, the plant biologists simulated a rapidly changing environment. They selected Arabidopsis populations over five generations according to how far they dispersed their seeds. Only seeds that spread to locations a certain distance from the mother plant were used for the subsequent generation. The researchers then took the seeds of three independent populations featuring effective seed dispersal and grew them together with seeds of the original, non-selected population – but this time in an environment without selection pressure. The plant populations were examined in depth after a further two generations.
Analysis of genetic activity, genome, and epigenome
“We were able to show that in the selected plants, two traits that are important for seed dispersal were different compared to the original population. The plants flowered later and had a higher number of branches,” says Grossniklaus. These changes could not be traced back to mutations in the genome of the plants. However, the researchers found significant differences in the epigenome: The state of methylation was altered at about 50,000 bases in the DNA. Differences were also found in the activity of genes that controlled flowering, for example.
New opportunities for crop breeding
Even under normal environmental conditions without selection, the new traits were maintained for at least two to three generations. “Like genetic variation, epigenetic variation is subject to selection and contributes to the diversity of plant traits. Since the genetic basis of crops is often very limited, epigenetics could be used to expand the material for plant breeding,” emphasizes Grossniklaus. Climate change is likely to alter the environmental conditions in many of the world’s regions within a short period of time. Plant species that can quickly adapt to changes are thus becoming increasingly important.
Read the paper: Nature Communications
Article source: University of Zurich
Image credit: University of Zurich