PR in the Philippines

The U.S. intelligence community released its annual threat assessment for 2025 on March 25th. Notably absent was any mention of climate change—marking the first time in more than ten years that it hasn't been included. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, when questioned about the removal during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, stated that the assessment focused on “the most extreme and critical direct threats to our national security.” Gabbard stated she did not recall directing the intelligence community to omit climate change from the report. However, this change occurs amidst the Trump Administration's ongoing de-emphasis on climate issues within the federal agenda. The U.S. government has regarded climate change as a global security concern for at least three decades. Mark Nevitt, a law professor at Emory University, notes that academic studies at the Naval War College addressed environmental stressors and climate change back in the 1980s. President George W. Bush first officially recognized climate change as a national security threat in August 1991, and the U.S. national security community initially listed it as a threat in [omitted specific year/document as it was missing in original text]. The annual threat assessment typically includes climate change due to its potential to destabilize regions both domestically and internationally. Nevitt explains that the assessment aims to project areas of concern and competition, guiding the U.S. national security sector's focus. The intelligence community wants to be prepared for future conflicts and competition because climate change is destabilizing various parts of the world through extreme weather, droughts, and rising sea levels. The intelligence community often describes climate change as a "threat multiplier" because it intensifies existing problems and creates new challenges. Scott Moore, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in climate and security, states that climate change exacerbates existing threats like extremism and terrorism. He explains that intensified climate impacts put stress on food systems and worsen tensions within countries. Climate migration, for example, is increasing globally. According to the [omitted source name as it was missing in the original text], weather-related disasters caused over half of the new internal displacements within countries in 2023. Karen Seto, a professor at Yale School of the Environment, explains that mass migration can lead to political and social tensions, as well as border issues, potentially destabilizing entire regions and affecting national security. A study from the journal [omitted journal name as it was missing in original text] found that extreme weather contributes to migration into the U.S. through the southern border, with more migrants from agricultural regions in Mexico settling in the U.S. following severe droughts. Experts say such displacement can significantly impact people's lives and livelihoods, especially in already vulnerable regions. Moore suggests that in countries with extremist ideologies, extreme droughts caused by climate change may lead people to abandon farming, migrate to cities facing unemployment, become socially dislocated, and become more susceptible to extremism or violence. Domestically, considering climate change enables the U.S. military to ensure infrastructure resilience against extreme weather and to effectively respond to national disasters both at home and abroad. Nevitt highlights the need for the National Guard, Coast Guard, and U.S. military to assist communities during extreme weather events. Intensifying extreme weather due to climate change could strain military resources and endanger lives if the military isn't prepared. Infrastructure within the U.S., like energy and internet grids, requires fortification. Regions losing power during extreme weather events could become vulnerable to attack. Seto warns that the energy grid is highly at risk, and wildfires across the country could act as threat multipliers. She believes the national security risk lies in the lack of preparedness to respond to threats from foreign agents exploiting potential weaknesses. Demonstrating a commitment to addressing the climate crisis is crucial for maintaining U.S. diplomatic strength, especially with countries that prioritize climate change. Moore points out that countries significant to the U.S. defense posture, like Pacific Island nations, are deeply concerned about climate change and want to know what the U.S. is doing to help them cope. Ignoring climate change or censoring its mention can harm diplomatic engagement with important countries. Experts warn that removing climate change from the threat list and deprioritizing the issue will only make the U.S. more vulnerable. Nevitt argues that this will make the administration and national security sector less agile, potentially lacking the necessary personnel, plans, policies, and capacity when disasters strike. He emphasizes that climate change cannot be wished away.

WASHINGTON — In a significant restructuring effort, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Thursday that it will eliminate 10,000 jobs. The agency, which oversees vital public health functions such as monitoring infectious diseases, inspecting food and healthcare facilities, and managing health insurance programs for a large portion of the U.S. population, plans to reduce its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000. This reduction includes 10,000 layoffs, alongside 10,000 positions vacated through early retirements or buyout offers extended to nearly all federal employees under the Trump administration. The majority of the job reductions will occur within public health agencies. The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food and medication standards, will see a reduction of 3,500 employees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, responsible for tracking infectious disease outbreaks, will cut 2,400 positions. Additionally, the National Institutes for Health, a leading public health research agency, will lose 1,200 staff members. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which manages health coverage for elderly and low-income individuals, will eliminate 300 jobs. ```

What poses the greatest risk to the health security of Americans? Several possibilities exist. is spreading among birds, cattle, and 50 mammal species. are on the rise both domestically and internationally. COVID-19 remains a threat and could evolve into a more lethal form. Further away, Uganda is still battling an Ebola outbreak, and has been detected in . However, the most significant threat to American health might be self-inflicted. According to a , there are plans to for international immunization programs, including , which have long protected Americans from health risks originating abroad. These cuts would seriously endanger the health, well-being, and economic stability of every American. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that U.S. foreign policy should prioritize American national interests. He stated that every expenditure, program, and policy must be justified by answering three simple questions. For decades, U.S. support for international immunization has unequivocally met these criteria. U.S. philanthropies and the government have been instrumental in funding vaccines for many of the world's most vulnerable children. Vaccines are our primary defense against infectious diseases, both as a preventive measure and as a response to escalating outbreaks or pandemics. In our rapidly changing world, we know the is inevitable, not just a possibility. Consider Gavi, a global alliance of public and private partners dedicated to global vaccination efforts. Gavi, , employs an innovative financing strategy to significantly lower vaccine costs and gradually transfer the financial responsibility of immunization programs to national governments as they progress from low-income to middle-income status. The alliance provides vaccines for half the world's children, having immunized over 1.1 billion children in the past 25 years. This has resulted in a remarkable return on investment of $54 for every dollar spent. Naturally, as a former , my perspective is biased. However, by any objective standard, Gavi's accomplishments have been exceptional, not only in projecting U.S. soft power but also in safeguarding the vital security interests of the United States and its allies. The front lines in the fight against many infectious diseases may be distant from U.S. borders, but every case of measles or avian influenza within the U.S. underscores a crucial point: viruses disregard borders. In our interconnected world, immunization in less developed countries is essential to preventing outbreaks of preventable but devastating diseases both abroad and within the U.S.—diseases that can claim lives and cost billions to contain. In essence, improved immunization coverage in Khartoum and Kinshasa saves lives there, but also in Kansas City. Reflect on the situation just over a decade ago. In 2014, three West African nations were ravaged by an that resulted in over 11,000 deaths. Cases appeared in the U.S. and six other countries, triggering fear and panic exacerbated by the absence of a vaccine to control the disease. Gavi not only facilitated the development of an experimental vaccine but also established a global vaccine stockpile that has been instrumental in rapidly containing subsequent outbreaks. Consequently, no further cases have reached the U.S. This health-security dividend is the reason why U.S. funding for global immunization programs has historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support, starting under President George W. Bush and continuing during President Trump's first term, when he to Gavi, even while reducing contributions to other global health initiatives. His continued support for Gavi was logical because the alliance was regarded as a model for effective aid delivery. Notably, the U.S., the second-largest government funder after the U.K., contributed proportionally to its share of the global economy. Since 2000, its efforts have enabled 19 countries to strengthen their health systems and economies to the point where they no longer require international immunization support. Indonesia, for example, recently became a Gavi donor for the first time. This contrasts with many aid programs that lack an exit strategy. The more we support Gavi now, the sooner it will achieve its ultimate goal of rendering itself obsolete by making us all safer. The American people voted for America First. To many, this means reducing waste, using taxpayer dollars wisely, and ensuring that every dollar serves American interests. Gavi helps achieve all these objectives, and its current CEO that it has not received an official termination notice and hopes to collaborate with the White House and Congress to secure funding. We can only hope these efforts succeed. Cutting funds for vaccinations would be self-defeating. Maintaining our support for immunization abroad continues to create a healthier and safer world for everyone, including America. ```

` tags. `` TIME has announced the recipients of the 2025 TIME Earth Awards, recognizing individuals who are making a significant impact on the planet's future through their work in areas such as climate justice, leadership, raising awareness, and activism. The honorees for the 2025 TIME Earth Awards include Catherine Coleman Flowers, founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice; Michael R. Bloomberg, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former New York City Mayor; Rainn Wilson, actor and co-founder of Climate Basecamp; Jay Inslee, former Governor of Washington State; Selassie Atadik, chef and founder of Midunu; and Bill Frist, chair of the Global Board of the Nature Conservancy and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. –See the full list of 2025 TIME Earth Awards: –See the 2025 TIME Earth Awards cover, featuring Catherine Coleman Flowers (Photograph by Eric Ryan Anderson for TIME): TIME editors commented on this year’s awards: “Each year TIME recognizes individuals whose actions have profoundly influenced global efforts to combat climate change. This year marks the third annual Earth Awards from TIME, and the urgency is greater than ever. In 2024, the planet exceeded 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, a concerning milestone highlighting the critical need for global action. Despite challenges posed by rising populist politics, this year’s honorees remain dedicated to promoting sustainability and creating a greener future.” To celebrate the awards, TIME will host its third annual TIME Earth Awards in New York City on April 23, following the 2025 TIME100 Summit earlier in the day. The dinner will be attended by the 2025 TIME Earth Awards honorees, including Michael R. Bloomberg, Rainn Wilson, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Jay Inslee, Selassie Atadika and Bill Frist. The 2025 TIME Earth Awards are presented by official timepiece partner Rolex and founding partner Galvanize Climate Solutions. ### ``

TIME magazine annually recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to global efforts in addressing climate change, one of the planet's most critical issues. This year marks the third TIME Earth Awards, and the importance of this recognition is greater than ever. In 2024, the planet exceeded 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, a troubling milestone that underscores the urgent need for global climate action. Despite challenges posed by rising populist movements worldwide, this year's honorees remain dedicated to promoting sustainability and building a greener future. Among the honorees is a leader in environmental justice, known for advocating for marginalized communities, particularly Black and rural families affected by sewage issues. This individual has collaborated with both Democrats and Republicans to achieve lasting change. Also recognized is the Governor of Washington (2013-2025), a prominent figure in local climate action. As a co-founder of the U.S. Climate Alliance, he has united numerous states to advance a clean economy. The former Mayor of New York and U.N. Special Envoy is being honored for his unwavering commitment to supporting innovative solutions. When President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in January, Bloomberg Philanthropies stepped in to coordinate continued funding for the nation's climate goals. In Ghana, a chef, the founder of Midunu—an experiential restaurant highlighting the region’s culinary heritage—and Midunu Chocolates, uses her cuisine to advocate for sustainable agriculture and showcase the power of African culinary traditions. In 2024, she was named Yale’s inaugural Global Table Fellow to emphasize the connection between sustainability, health, and culture. Back in the U.S., a former Republican Senator from Tennessee is advocating for the recognition of climate change as a public health crisis. He serves as the global chair of The Nature Conservancy, which recently launched the Senator Bill and Tracy Frist Initiative for Planetary Health. An actor is working to improve communication about the urgency of the climate crisis. To that end, he co-founded Climate Basecamp in 2022, an organization that brings together scientists and influencers to make discussions about climate change more accessible.

SAO PAULO — Brazil's Supreme Court has unanimously decided that ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, along with seven associates, will be tried on five charges, including allegedly plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 election. The court panel will examine existing evidence, potentially gather new evidence, and hear testimonies. Legal experts suggest Bolsonaro could face a prison sentence of up to 40 years. However, the actual time served, if convicted, could be less due to legal procedures. Here's a breakdown of what to expect following Wednesday's ruling: What are the charges against Bolsonaro? Bolsonaro will be tried for allegedly attempting a coup, involvement in a criminal organization that used weapons, attempting to violently overthrow the democratic rule of law, causing damage with violence and serious threats to state assets, and damaging listed heritage sites. The five-justice panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court based its ruling on the indictment by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. The formal accusation stemmed from a federal police investigation that identified Bolsonaro as the leader of a criminal organization active since at least 2021. Gonet also accused Bolsonaro of backing a plan that reportedly involved poisoning current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinating Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. When will the trial begin, and what will happen? While a specific trial date hasn't been determined, the Supreme Court panel chairman is expected to outline the procedural steps soon. Eloísa Machado, a law professor at Fundacao Getulio Vargas university in Sao Paulo, stated that the evidence-gathering phase of the criminal case will commence, including questioning defendants, hearing witness statements, and conducting expert examinations. Auxiliary judges will handle many of these procedures. "Afterward, the rapporteur will prepare a report and request a trial date," Machado explained. "Following this, prosecutors and defense lawyers will present their final arguments before the court decides whether to acquit or convict." Bolsonaro's defense team had requested that the full Supreme Court hear the case instead of just the five-justice panel, which could delay a ruling until 2026 as all 11 justices would need to weigh in. This request was denied. Who will judge Bolsonaro? Brazil’s highest court is using one of its two permanent five-justice panels to try Bolsonaro. None of the five justices were appointed by Bolsonaro. Justice de Moraes, as the case rapporteur, brought the charges before the panel he sits on. The other four justices are Cármen Lúcia, known for her strict stance on criminal cases; Cristiano Zanin, the panel's chairman and Lula's lawyer from 2013 to 2023; Flávio Dino, appointed by the current leftist president in 2023 after serving as his justice minister; and Luiz Fux, the court’s chief justice between 2020 and 2022, considered a moderate. Will Bolsonaro be imprisoned? Brazilian criminal law stipulates that arrests can only occur after a final conviction with no further appeals possible. As the final court of appeal for criminal cases involving public officials, the Supreme Court of Brazil holds ultimate jurisdiction over Bolsonaro’s case. If the former president takes any actions hindering the court's ability to rule, such as seeking refuge in an embassy, he could be arrested before the trial concludes. What has Bolsonaro said? Bolsonaro, barred from running for office until 2030 for abusing his power and undermining trust in the voting system, denies any wrongdoing and claims he's a victim of political persecution. "If I am jailed, it will create a lot of work for you all," Bolsonaro stated after Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision. Have other Brazilian presidents been tried? Lula was found guilty of corruption and money laundering by lower court judge Sergio Moro in 2017, a sentence later confirmed by a group of magistrates. He spent over a year and seven months in prison before being released after the Supreme Court changed its rules, prohibiting imprisonment until all appeals are exhausted. In 2021, the same court overturned Lula’s conviction, citing bias on Moro's part. Moro subsequently left his position as a federal judge to become Bolsonaro's justice minister. Michel Temer, who was president from 2016 to 2018 following Dilma Rousseff's impeachment, was acquitted in 2024 by a federal court in a corruption and money laundering case. He was briefly arrested in 2019, accused of profiting from fraudulent contracts between state-owned Eletronuclear and companies AF Consult Ltd and Engevix during his time as vice president. Fernando Collor, president from 1990 until his impeachment in 1992, was sentenced to eight years and ten months in prison in 2023 for his involvement in a corruption scheme at the then state-run BR Distribuidora. The Supreme Court upheld the sentence last year, but Collor has yet to be imprisoned. High-ranking military officials to be tried before the Supreme Court for the first time It is unprecedented for high-ranking military officials to face trial in Brazil’s highest court, as the country’s transition from military rule to democracy in the 1980s involved a broad amnesty for military personnel. Four high-ranking military officials who served under Bolsonaro will be tried: former Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira; former Navy commander Almir Garnier Santos; retired Gen. Augusto Heleno, who led the Institutional Security Office; and retired Gen. Walter Braga Netto, who was Bolsonaro’s chief of staff and defense minister. "Four-star generals accused of plotting a coup are now likely to be convicted and punished under Brazil’s democratic legal system," stated João Roberto Martins Filho, a political science professor at the Federal University of Sao Carlos and former president of the Brazilian Association of Defense Studies. "Anyone attempting a military-backed coup that fails could face consequences like what we’re seeing now. They could end up in prison.” —Associated Press writer Mauricio Savarese contributed to this report.

CAIRO — On Wednesday, thousands of Palestinians marched through the ruins of a devastated town in northern Gaza, marking the second day of anti-war demonstrations. In a rare display of public opposition, many protesters voiced slogans against Hamas. The demonstrations, largely concentrated in northern Gaza, appeared to be primarily focused on ending the war. Protesters demanded an end to the 17 months of deadly conflict with Israel, which has rendered life in Gaza unbearable. However, the protesters also voiced unusually direct and public criticism of Hamas, which has historically suppressed dissent with violence in Gaza, a territory it continues to govern despite the ongoing war with Israel. In Beit Lahiya, the site of a similar protest on Tuesday, approximately 3,000 people demonstrated, with many chanting, "the people want the fall of Hamas." In the heavily impacted Shijaiyah neighborhood of Gaza City, groups of men chanted, "Out, out, out! Hamas get out!" “Our children have been killed. Our houses have been destroyed,” said Abed Radwan, who said he joined the protest in Beit Lahiya “against the war, against Hamas, and the (Palestinian political) factions, against Israel and against the world’s silence.” Ammar Hassan, who participated in Tuesday's demonstration, reported that it began as an anti-war protest with a few dozen participants but grew to over 2,000, with people chanting against Hamas. "It's the only party we can affect," he said by phone. "Protests won't stop the (Israeli) occupation, but it can affect Hamas." While the militant group has previously violently suppressed protests, no overt intervention was apparent this time, possibly due to Hamas maintaining a lower profile since Israel resumed its offensive. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim acknowledged the right to protest in a Facebook post, but suggested that the focus should be on Israel, whom he termed the "criminal aggressor." ‘We want to stop the killing’ Family elders from Beit Lahiya voiced their support for the protests against Israel's renewed offensive and tightened blockade on Gaza. They stated that the community fully supports armed resistance against Israel. “The protest was not about politics. It was about people’s lives,” said Mohammed Abu Saker, a father of three from the nearby town of Beit Hanoun, who joined a demonstration Tuesday. "We want to stop the killing and displacement, no matter the price. We can't stop Israel from killing us, but we can press Hamas to give concessions," he said. According to witnesses, a similar protest took place in the heavily damaged area of Jabaliya on Tuesday. One protester in Jabaliya, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal, stated that they joined the demonstration because "everyone failed us." They said they chanted against Israel, Hamas, the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and Arab mediators. They reported that while there were no Hamas security forces present, scuffles broke out between supporters and opponents of the group. They later expressed regret for participating, citing Israeli media coverage that emphasized the opposition to Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz encouraged Palestinians to join the protests. "You too should demand the removal of Hamas from Gaza and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages. That is the only way to stop the war," he stated. A 19-year-old Palestinian, also speaking anonymously for fear of retribution, said he planned to join demonstrations on Wednesday. With his mother battling cancer and his 10-year-old brother hospitalized with cerebral palsy, he said his family has been displaced multiple times since their home was destroyed. "People are angry at the whole world," including the United States, Israel, and Hamas, he said. "We want Hamas to resolve this situation, return the hostages, and end this whole thing." Renewed fighting brings more death and displacement The protests followed a week after Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas by launching a surprise wave of strikes that killed hundreds of people. Earlier this month, Israel halted deliveries of food, fuel, medicine and humanitarian aid to Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians. Israel has vowed to escalate the war until Hamas returns the 59 hostages it still holds — 24 of them believed to be alive. Israel is also demanding that the group give up power, disarm and send its leaders into exile. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The war was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 50,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. Israel’s bombardment and ground operations have caused vast destruction and at their height displaced some 90% of Gaza’s population. Hamas secured a decisive victory in the last Palestinian elections, held in 2006. Following months of internal conflict and a week of intense street battles, it seized control of Gaza from the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, dominated by the secular Fatah movement, the following year. Rights groups say both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas violently suppress dissent, quashing protests in the areas they control and jailing and torturing critics. —El Deeb reported from Beirut. ```

Frito-Lay has announced a recall of a small quantity of Tostitos tortilla chips due to the potential presence of undeclared milk. The recall, announced Wednesday by the company, affects under 1,300 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips. These bags may contain nacho cheese-flavored chips, which contain milk as an ingredient. According to Frito-Lay, no allergic reactions have been reported in connection with this recall. The company advises individuals with milk allergies or sensitivities to dispose of the recalled chips immediately, as consumption could lead to a serious allergic reaction. Frito-Lay, a PepsiCo subsidiary based in Plano, Texas, stated that the potentially affected chips were sold at various retailers across the following 13 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These chips were available for purchase beginning on March 7th. All recalled bags share a "guaranteed fresh" date of May 20.