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');});jQuery('.entry-content p.watermarked > div.watermarked_image > img').each( function() {if ( jQuery(this).hasClass('alignnone') ) {jQuery(this).parent().addClass( 'alignnone' );}if ( jQuery(this).hasClass('alignleft') ) {jQuery(this).parent().addClass( 'alignleft' );}if ( jQuery(this).hasClass('alignright') ) {jQuery(this).parent().addClass( 'alignright' );}if ( jQuery(this).hasClass('size-medium') ) {jQuery(this).parent().addClass( 'has-size-medium' );}if ( jQuery(this).hasClass('aligncenter') ) {jQuery(this).parent().addClass( 'aligncenter' );jQuery(this).parent().children().wrapAll('');}});}});});https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220825_Jenkins.mp3

MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone, from the State Departments Brussels Media Hub. I would like to welcome everyone joining us for todays virtual press briefing. Today, we are very honored to be joined by Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.

Finally, a reminder that todays briefing is on the record, and with that, lets get started. Ambassador Jenkins, thank you so much for joining us today for this very timely briefing. Ill turn it over to you now for opening remarks.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Thank you, John, and thank you, everyone whos participating, and John for the introduction. And congratulations, John, on your new role as Director of the Brussels Media Hub. The hub is an integral part of the U.S. Department of State to connect U.S. policymakers and experts with European media. I am very pleased to be here again speaking with all of you.

Now, we are here to talk about the developing situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, a result of Russias full-scale invasion and another example of its irresponsible behavior as a nuclear-weapon state.

The Russian Federation and President Putin have rattled the international community with the threat of a nuclear incident on two occasions already since further invading Ukraine earlier this year: by seizing Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant during the first days of the invasion and then using provocative nuclear rhetoric in the context of Russian aggression.

Chernobyl has returned to full Ukrainian control after five weeks of the seizure, but not without damage to the facilities. And of course, Russias nuclear saber-rattling was especially troubling, given that in early January of this year, Russia reaffirmed in a joint statement with the four other nuclear-weapon states the principle that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.

Their actions at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant have created a serious risk of a nuclear incident a dangerous radiation release that could threaten not only the people and environment of Ukraine, but also affect neighboring countries and the entire international community.

The risk of radiation release could all could be all but eliminated if Russia returns control of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant back to Ukraine and fully withdraws from Ukraines sovereign territory. Russia should immediately cease military operations around the plant and allow the Ukrainian staff working there to fulfill their responsibilities free from the duress of Russian armed forces. Russia should also commit to ensure safe access to experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, to assess the safety and security of all aspects of the plant, and uphold the IAEAs Seven Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Security.

So let us be clear: Russias continuing reckless behavior is not surprising. It is part of their playbook to coerce the international community to accept their end game, which is to dismantle Ukraine as a geopolitical entity and dissolve it from the world map. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent nation, and we cannot accept such a fate for Ukraine, or for any other sovereign nation.

The United States continues to stand united with Ukraine.

We have provided more than $13.5 billion in military assistance since the beginning of the Biden-Harris administration in January of 2021, and more than $12.8 billion of that is since Russia launched its premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal war against Ukraine on February 24th.

Yesterday, President Biden announced the fourth tranche of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI, which is worth up to $3 billion. It is the largest single package of security assistance committed to Ukraine to date, and it allows Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, C-UAS, and radars.

The United States will continue to provide the security assistance required to support Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and its territory.

And on a related note, I am currently calling from New York, where over 190 States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons the NPT are engaged in high-level and intense discussions on how the international community can continue to work together to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, achieve nuclear disarmament, and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Russias ongoing actions are directly undercutting these interests.

The NPT has served as the cornerstone of the nuclear nonproliferation regime for over 50 years and tomorrow will mark the final day of its Tenth Review Conference. As we conclude negotiations, we will have a real opportunity to not only strengthen this vital multilateral agreement but also to once again prove that the international rules-based order, which has kept us prosperous prosperous for over 70 years, will continue to bring peace and harmony for as long as we all work responsibly together.

Thank you, and over to you, John.

MODERATOR: Thanks very much, Ambassador, for those opening remarks. We have a number of questions coming in, and a few of them follow kind of the same line. From Louise Francis (sic) from Belgium: Do you know, Ambassador, when the IAEA visit to the plant could take place? What are the dates? And do you know under which conditions the visit would take place?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Thank you, Louise from Belgium. Just want to say that this is a very fluid situation, as you know. So we continue to strongly support the IAEAs visit and work with partners to make that happen. Its very important, as I said, that the IAEA is allowed to visit the Zaporizhzhya Power Plant. Now, the IAEA DG, Director Grossi, has repeatedly said that hes willing to lead a team there as soon as possible. When that would be and the details around that, I will defer to them, of course. But as I said, we definitely want to emphasize the importance of the IAEA visit to the nuclear power plant.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. The next question coming from Bulgaria, Momchil Indjov. Your Excellency, do you have information about the potential threat from the plant to the Balkan region? If so, could you specify, please, what that threat would be?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Yes, thanks for that question as well. If theres a nuclear incident, a radiation release, it will be felt not just in Ukraine but also the neighboring states and the entire international community. And so thats a very important point that I want to make the involvement and the impact to many countries, not just those in the region. And itll also have a humanitarian and economic impact, as you can imagine. So that is why Russia must return control of the plant to Ukraine and cease all military activity there. Nowhere in history of this world has a nuclear power plant become a part of a combat zone, so this really has to stop immediately.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. Next question from Setsuko Inaki from Nippon TV in Japan. What would be the hardest challenge to realize the IAEA mission and should it be, IAEA be on site for a longer period to ensure the safety and security of the site?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, actually the hardest challenge at this moment is for the IAEA to actually get access to the site in a manner that respects Ukraines sovereignty. And of course we need Russia to cease all military operations at the site. So on the fundamental details, of course, I will refer to the IAEA.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. Well go to a couple of questions from Ukrainian journalists. Dmytro Anopchenko from Inter TV: How realistic, in your point of view, is the idea to create a demilitarized zone around the station, and how could Russia be forced to agree to this plan?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, obviously, fighting near a nuclear plant is dangerous and irresponsible, and I think thats really important that we need to highlight that point over and over again. So as we saw, we continue to urge an end to all military operations at or near Ukraines nuclear facilities and to return full control to Ukraine. And of course, creating a demilitarized zone around these nuclear power plants is something that we are continuing to stress.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. If you dont mind, I theres a couple of journalists who have their hands raised. Id like to go to one of those questions.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Yes.

MODERATOR: Can we go to John Hudson, please, from Washington Post.

QUESTION: Hi, thanks. Ambassador, the state-run nuclear power company in Ukraine issued a release today saying that after shelling and some fires, that the plant has been completely cut off from Ukraines electricity grid for the first time. Can you verify this? Can you tell us at all about the risk that that might pose in general to the plant but also in terms of the wider risk in terms of a radioactive event?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, unfortunately Im not I dont have any information right now that can confirm those reports, whether they are actually true or not. So I dont have any information that I can provide at this point. However, we are very concerned about turning off any of the power plants; we are very concerned about any of the activities that are taking place, particular since we do not have adequate access to see what is actually taking place and what can be the immediate impact of whats going on there. So we dont have anything that we can confirm to you right now.

I mean, Ive heard some of those reports as well. Were trying to confirm whether there is some validity to that. But I think the important thing to highlight is anything like that, whether youre shutting off things or turning things off, will have immediate impact obviously to Ukrainian citizens, entities in the vicinity, and also concerned about any type of potential nuclear incident, a radioactive incident that can occur, and again want to highlight the importance of Russia withdrawing from the site and giving control back to Ukraine and having access of the IAEA so they can actually see whats taking place within the plant.

MODERATOR: Thank you for your answer, maam. Well go back to some of the questions in the Q&A box, from Italy this time. Micol Flammini from Il Foglio: Is Russia using the nuclear threat as a tool to achieve something like it was with the wheat deal, when the threat was the food crisis?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Thanks for that question from Italy. And like I said in my opening remarks, Russia is engaging in irresponsible behavior as a nuclear-weapon state. And unfortunately, this is not the first time that they have used veiled threats to get their way. So it is something that were concerned about there. So thanks for the question.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. Back to Ukraine, from Oleksandr Khymych from RBC-Ukraine News Agency: Shouldnt the United States immediately announce a specific list of sanctions and other reactions that will be taken immediately in the event of any disaster at the nuclear power plant?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, actually the goal is to not have a disaster at the plant and to avoid an incident by calling on Russia to end all of its military actions and return full control to Ukraine.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. Were going to go back to quite a journalists who are raising their hands, if you dont mind.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Yes, thats fine.

MODERATOR: Jennifer Hansler, I believe, from CNN. She may have taken her hand down. Jennifer, go ahead if youre able.

QUESTION: Hi, can you hear me?

MODERATOR: Yeah, we got you.

QUESTION: Okay, great. Thanks so much, Ambassador. I just wanted to follow up. I know the goal is to not have a nuclear catastrophe, but are there active plans right now on how to mitigate any worst-case scenario at Zaporizhzhya if it does come to that? And also, are there any discussions about how to hold Russia accountable should they refuse to cede control back to the Ukrainians here and cause such a disaster? Thank you.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, as you can imagine, we are continuing to have discussions. Weve had a number of opportunities here at the UN Security Council. I was here about two weeks ago at the Security Council. We had a discussion on this issue. We all quite a few countries, I can say, highlighted the importance of Russia withdrawing from the nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. We had we had an opportunity to highlight the importance of a demilitarized zone, the safety of the staff and the importance of the IAEA access.

So we have been using every possibility we can to continue to impress upon Russia the importance of doing all of those things that I have highlighted and to be accountable as a nuclear-weapon state and be responsible as a nuclear-weapon state.

On your first question, I cannot say in terms of whether what specific actions are taking place on that in that respect. But obviously theres a recognition of a possible issue there. We are all worried about a potential nuclear incident. We are all worried about a potential radiation that can be leaked based on the irresponsible actions of Russia. So I would just say that were all aware of that, and were taking that into consideration.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. The next question, again, to a journalist who is raising their hand from Dmitry Kirsanov, who is from the TASS News Agency.

QUESTION: Hi. Thank you for doing this. Can you hear me okay?

MODERATOR: Yes, we hear you.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Yes.

MODERATOR: Good morning, Madam Secretary. I have two separate questions. First, who is shelling the station? And secondly, while we have you here, could you update us on the talks or consultations or discussions, if you prefer, between the Russians and the Americans on the New START, on the issues pertaining to the inspections resumption? Thank you so much.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Im not able, at this point, to make any confirmation about the shelling and where its coming from. But what I would say is that, once again, the important thing to keep in mind and want to continue to reiterate here with all of you is the importance of Russias withdrawal. Because these are all important questions, important issues, but we have to remember that we would not be in this situation if Russia would simply withdraw and give the site back to Ukraine.

On the New START, I think we all are aware that the discussions between the U.S. and Russia on START, the follow-on to the New START, have been are not taking place right now as a result of the situation were dealing with. And those talks will continue in the future when the situation is right for that to happen.

On the inspection issues, I can just say that I know that there still is a were still trying to figure out how we can make that happen. We know that there has been some pushback from the from Russia, but we are still in the process of trying to figure out how we can make that how we can make that go forward.

MODERATOR: Thank you, maam. Next question will be from going to, again, a journalist who is raising their hand, Michael Backfisch from the Funke Media Group in Germany. Michael, please.

QUESTION: Yes, hello. Can you hear me?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Yes.

QUESTION: Hello. Thank you very much, Madam Ambassador. It is said that the Russians want to cut off Ukraine from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and to divert the whole electricity to the Crimea Peninsula. Do you see it that way, and what would be the American countermeasures in order to prevent this? Thank you.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Yes. I totally agree that anything like that on Russian behavior is unfortunate, which is certainly one way to describe it. We certainly dont want that to happen. We know that will have a ramification, of course, for our Ukrainian counterparts as well. So we dont want that to happen and but were continuing to talk with Russia and through these Security Council discussions and to impress upon Russia not to do that.

I cant recall. Whats the second part of the question?

QUESTION: Yes. That would be, what would be the American countermeasures in order to prevent this?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, I wouldnt put so much countermeasures as much as, obviously, were trying to do the diplomatic efforts. But what I will say is I think that this has raised, in many respects, the importance of understanding the need to not rely on countries who have questionable processes and efforts in terms of relying on energy sources. And one of the things that we are looking at is diversifying energy sources and working with countries who are so dependent on Russia.

And this is not just in the Ukraine context but in the larger context. So I think that raises that point and something that the U.S. is very keen to work with countries on in terms of reliance on countries that have questionable practices. So thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you, Ambassador. We only have about five minutes left, so Ill go one more question. Lets take one from Kiyomiya Ryo from The Asahi Shimbun, Japan. Ryo, please go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi. Thank you. This is Ryo. So my question is about NPT Review Conference and final document. Among parties, there have been big disagreement, especially with Russia about the matter Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. So how does the U.S. assess the discussion at the Review Conference so far, and how do you see the need to make a compromise and make a consensus?

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Thank you. As I said, we have one more day here of the for the conference, and I know that the U.S. delegation has been working extremely hard to find ways to have a successful Review Conference, have a consensus document. We continue to work toward a consensus outcome that reflects the enduring commitment of all the NPT parties to nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

So I cant really get into the details, particularly so close to the conclusion, but I will say that we that folks are still working around the clock as we speak. We are continuing to be hopeful that we will have a consensus document at the end of the day tomorrow. And so we will all see very soon where we will be at that time. But we are continuing to work closely with all of the NPT parties to try to reach a successful conclusion. So thanks for asking.

MODERATOR: Thanks very much, Ambassador. And unfortunately, thats all the time we have today. Thank you for your questions, and thank you, Ambassador Jenkins, for joining us. Before we close and before I cover a couple of more administrative matters, Ambassador, Id like to see if you have any final remarks for the group.

AMBASSADOR JENKINS: Well, just thank you, John, for inviting me again to speak to all of the all of the journalists. I want to thank all of you again for your participation and actually for your continued interest in these really important issues.

We hope that we will have a successful conclusion, of course, tomorrow to the NPT, but also we once again call on Russia to withdraw from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. We feel, obviously, thats the best answer to all of these potential problems. But we will also, obviously, keep following up on everything thats going on and encouraging all countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, to find a way to allow the IAEA to do to go to the plant in a way that respects Ukraines sovereignty.

So once again, thank you, all of you, for listening and for your continued interest in these important issues. Thank you, John.

MODERATOR: Thanks so much, Ambassador. Appreciate that. For everyone else, we will shortly be sending the audio recording of this briefing to all the participating journalists, and well also provide a transcript as soon as it is available. Wed love to hear any feedback you have. You can contact us at any time at TheBrusselsHub, one word, @state.gov. Thanks again for your participation, and we hope you can join us for another briefing in the near future. This ends todays press briefing.

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Originally posted here:
Special Online Briefing with Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security - United States Department...

HOUSTON, TX August 25, 2022 On the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey and nearing the anniversary of the 2018 Bond Program, the Harris County Flood Control District is marking significant progress on flood risk reduction efforts across the county.

Following Harvey, an overwhelming majority of Harris County voters placed their trust in the Flood Control District by collaborating on and approving a $2.5 billion bond to implement a nearly $5 billion program aimed at fortifying our future. This fundamentally transformed the work of our organization and accelerated flood risk reduction efforts across the county at an unprecedented pace.

Since Hurricane Harvey, teams from the Flood Control District have:

In addition, the Flood Control District is continuing to grow the organization's presence in the community as a proactive partner. We have evolved and expanded our outreach efforts significantly since Harvey and the passage of the 2018 Bond Program and continue to implement new ways to engage all Harris County residents. Since Harvey, more than 14,000 attendees have provided input on projects through 180 community engagement meetings. This feedback is critical to the work of the Flood Control District and helps ensure projects reflect the lived experience of our community.

Together, were focused on making Harris County stronger and more resilient for generations to come, said Flood Control District executive director Dr. Tina Petersen. Weve made significant progress, and we know the need is still great, so we are treating each and every project with a sense of urgency. The projects included in the 2018 Bond Program are providing substantial and immediate benefits to residents, making our communities safer from flooding.

Click here to view the Harvey Timeline. Also, you can view our progress since Hurricane Harvey, by clicking here.

See the original post here:
Harris County Flood Control District Marks Significant Progress on The Anniversary of Hurricane Harvey - Press Room - Harris County Flood Control...

Anderson CountySeal coat operations will be taking place at the following locations:

Anderson County construction projects updates:

US 79 Super 2 Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue work on final cleanup. Project consists of widening for a Super 2, including sub-grade work, surface treatment, base and surface hot mix asphalt, widening structures, bridge rail, MBGF, signage and permanent striping.

SH 155 Overlay Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on driveways and drainage structures on SH 155 in Anderson County. The speed limit is scheduled to be reduced to 60 mph throughout the project limits. Motorists should use caution when traveling through the project and expect lane closures and delays. It consists of OCST, PFC surface, shoulder texturing, edge treatment and pavement markings.

SH 175 Widening Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on drainage structures on US 175. Motorists should use caution when traveling through the project and expect lane closures and delays. Project consists of grading, subbase work, HMAC, drainage, structures, pavement markings and signing.

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Cherokee CountyJacksonville and Rusk crews will be removing encroachments and repairing potholes in various locations throughout the county.

Also, striping operations will take place at the following locations:

Cherokee County construction projects updates:

SH 204 Super-2 Widening Project

No work is scheduled this week. The project adds passing lanes and incorporates safety upgrades.

US 84 Widening

The contractor is scheduled to fill pavement edges and temporary seeding. Lane closures will be in place. Expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. The project will widen and resurface the roadway, along with adding safety upgrades.

FM 22 Safety Widening and Bridge Replacement Project

The contractor is scheduled to begin paving the final surface. Lane closures are anticipated. The bridge is now open to traffic. The project will widen the existing roadway, replace three bridges and incorporate safety upgrades.

SH 21 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue road work construction on driveway upgrades and structure extensions. No lane closures are expected. The project will consist of pavement resurfacing.

SH 135 Bridge Replacements

The contractor has placed message boards to inform the public. The project will begin Sept. 6. All birds have finished nesting. The project consists of the replacement of the bridge at Mud Creek and Mud Creek Relief.

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Gregg CountyLongview maintenance will be clearing trees from the right-of-way on FM 1845 and FM 3053. Crews will also be cutting high edges on FM 2207, from FM 1252 to SH 135 N. Expect flaggers controlling traffic.

Gregg County construction projects updates:

SH 135 Kilgore Traffic Circle

This project consists of completely rebuilding the traffic circle and full width of roadway to the Rusk County line. It will consist of removing existing concrete paving, reconstructing subgrade, constructing concrete paving, storm sewer installation, lighting, and striping. The traffic will be reduced to one lane in the southbound direction for the duration of the project. A detour will be set up for northbound traffic to follow SH 42. This will allow the contractor to build half of the roadway. Traffic will be switched to the newly constructed lanes later to allow completion of the other half of the highway. Expect delays.

SLP 281 Mill and Inlay

The project consists of performing mill and inlay all lanes with hot mix in both directions, including the center turn lane. Work will be performed at night. There will be alternating lane closures. Expect delays. Estimated completion is August 2022.

Spur 63/McCann Road Bridge Project

This project is part of the City of Longview Guthrie Creek Trail project. It will consist of building a bridge over Guthrie Creek to allow bicyclist and pedestrians to travel under Spur 63. The traffic will be reduced to two lanes, one northbound lane and one south bound lane to allow the contractor to build half of the bridge. Traffic will be switched later to allow completion of the bridge construction. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, new bridge, flexible base, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, flexible base, curb and gutter, sidewalks, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

Pentecost Rd. Bridge Replacement

The project consists of replacing the bridge structure on Big Head Creek. Pentecost Road will be closed to through traffic. Only local traffic will be allowed. Through traffic needs to select an alternate route.

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Henderson CountyAthens maintenance is scheduled to repair edges and patch potholes on various roads throughout the county. This will be a slow-moving operation using a TMA. Expect delays.

Henderson County construction projects updates:

SH 198 Bridge Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on the new northbound bridge and roadway elements. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph throughout the project. The project consists of the construction of replacing bridges, approaches, grading, structures, asphalt concrete pavement (ACP) base, ACP surface, retaining walls, curb & gutter, MBGF, and pavement markings.

BUS 175 Safety Improvement Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on roadway elements. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The project includes traffic signals, curb ramps and pavement markings.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Resurface Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on the final cleanup of the parking areas in the fishery and intersection with FM 2495 in Henderson County. The project consists of OCST and pavement markings.

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Rusk CountyCrews will be digging various ditches and cleaning culverts in various locations throughout the county. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be performing edging on US 259. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic.

Also, striping operations will be taking place at these locations:

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Smith CountyTyler Maintenance will be performing ditch maintenance in various locations throughout the county. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A sweeper and herbicide unit will also be in various locations throughout the county.

Smith County construction projects updates:

Sidewalks at Various Locations in Smith County

The contractor is scheduled to complete punch list items. Lane closures are anticipated. The project consists of sidewalk construction along SH 64 west in Tyler, SH 110 west in Troup and SH 135 north in Troup.

FM 344, etc., Safety Improvements

No work is scheduled this week. The project consists of improving drainage, culvert work, and guardrail upgrades.

SH 155 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue seal coat. Anticipate lane closures while work is in progress. When in progress, hours will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. Expect delays. The project will resurface the roadway, upgrade drainage structures, and repair bridge joints.

SH 64 Bridge Maintenance

The contractor is scheduled to complete punch list items. Lane closures are anticipated. The project consists of bridge maintenance and repair.

Tyler State Park Bridge and Resurfacing Project

No work is scheduled this week. The project consists of bridge and pavement resurfacing.

SH 110 & FM 346 Landscape Project

No work is scheduled this week. The project consists of landscape development.

Whittle Street, CR 2110 and CR 289 Bridge Replacement Project

The contractor is scheduled to begin construction on Whittle Street at West Mud Creek Tributary. The road is closed to through traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure.

The contractor is scheduled to continue construction on the CR 2110 bridge at Kickapoo Creek. The road is closed to through traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure.

No work is scheduled this week on the CR 289 bridge at Prairie Creek. The road is open to traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure. The contractor will complete one bridge at a time.

IH 20 Mill and Inlay

No work is scheduled this week. When in progress, work will be done at night, Sundays from 9 PM to 5 AM and Monday-Thursday 8 PM to 5 AM. Expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. Project consists of an overlay with TBPFC surface, ACP surface, planing, shoulder texturing and pavement markings.

US 271 Rehab, Turn Lanes, and Pavement Overlay

Crews will be paving shoulder level-up on the southbound inside lane and rehabbing southbound left-turn lane. Traffic control will consist of daily southbound inside lane closures managed by signs and channelizing devices. The project consists of paving, structures, MBGF, and pavement markings from I-20 north to the Gregg County line. The portion from I-20 to FM 16 also includes turn lanes and pavement rehabilitation.

IH 20 at Barber Road

This project consists of widening on ramps and exit ramps, culverts, drainage upgrades, new metal beam guard fence and bridge rails on the Barber Road overpass, and asphalt overlay. No work this week on this project.

Safety Improvement Project (Van Zandt, Anderson, Smith and Henderson County)

The contractor is scheduled to continue final cleanup on FM 850 in Smith County. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The project includes grading, structure work, guard rail replacement and bridge rail upgrades.

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Van Zandt County

Van Zandt County construction projects updates:

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties)

Crews will be addressing final punch list items. This project is to construct safety improvements consisting of upgrading metal beam guard fence and mow strip.

SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay (South of Canton)

Crews will be laying hot mix on the NB super two lane. Traffic control will consist of a daily northbound shoulder closure managed by flaggers and a pilot car. The project consists of Super 2 work including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, OCST, PFC surface, structures, signs and pavement markings.

SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay (North of US 80)

Crews will be extending drainage structures. Traffic control will consist of a northbound shoulder closure managed by channelizing devices. The project consists of Super 2 work including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, OCST, PFC surface, structures, signs and pavement markings.

CR 2918, etc. Bridge Replacements

Contractor will be addressing punch list items. All bridges are open to traffic and near final completion. Minimal impact to the traveling public is anticipated. The project consists of removing and replacing four bridges.

IH 20 Mill and Inlay

The project consists of milling and inlaying hot mix on various frontage roads in the area. Estimated completion is August 2022.

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Wood CountyMaintenance crews are scheduled to perform hot mix overlay on SH 11 east of Winnsboro. Expect one lane closure with flaggers and a pilot vehicle controlling traffic. Delays are expected.

Wood County construction projects updates:

SH 37 Road Widening and PFC Overlay

Crews will be paving shoulder level-up northbound and southbound. Traffic control will consist of daily shoulder closures managed by flaggers and a pilot car. The project consists of base repair, level-up, spray paver, permeable friction course surface, structures, bridge rail, metal beam guard fence, and pavement markings.

FM 2088, etc. MBGF Improvements in Wood County

Crews will be replacing MBGF on FM 514 and placing concrete mowstrip at four locations on FM 2966. They also will be placing mowstrip at three locations on FM 17. Traffic control will consist of daily lane closures managed with flaggers. The project is for bridge maintenance consisting of MBGF and bridge retrofit rail.

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I-20 Total Maintenance Contract

Excerpt from:
TxDOT Project Updates for the Week of Aug. 29, 2022 - Texas Department of Transportation

Rupert Murdoch, so the aphorism goes, doesnt sue.

But his eldest son, it appears, is cut from different cloth.

Lachlan Murdoch is headed to Sydneys federal court, launching a defamation action this week over a news article, not involving his considerable Australian media empire, but instead Fox Newss reportage of the febrile denouement to the Trump presidency and the January 6 insurrectionist storm of the US Capitol.

In what is being portrayed as a David and Goliath clash between the billionaire and Crikey, a small Australian independent news website, Murdochs 40-page statement of claim alleges Crikey has falsely impugned he had illegally conspired with the former US president Donald Trump to incite a mob with murderous intent to march on the US Capitol on 6 January, and that he should be indicted as a traitor.

Murdoch, the chief executive and executive chairman of Fox Corporation in the US, is already involved in a monumental $1.6bn defamation lawsuit in the US on the other side of the bar table defending allegations by Dominion Voting Systems that Fox News pushed false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election in relation to Dominions voting machines.

But the Australian suit has opened up the possibility that Foxs reportage of the Trump presidency and its aftermath, and the corporations links to Trump himself, will be publicly aired in forensic detail in a court 15,000km away.

In starting this suit, Murdoch has invited scrutiny of his own organisations actions and reportage, a potentially high-risk strategy that will not be totally under his control. It has left some to ask: What game is he playing here?

Without doubt, it is a supremely high-risk strategy for Crikey too, facing a financial cataclysm if the case is lost. On Friday the site launched a GoFundMe page seeking donations for its legal fees, telling readers Lachlan Murdoch has unleashed his legal and financial forces against us.

At issue is an analysis piece written in June this year by Crikeys political editor, Bernard Keane.

The piece does not name Lachlan Murdoch individually at any point and is, in large part, not about the Murdoch family, its empire, or its news businesses. It is concerned with evidence given by the former White House staffer Cassidy Hutchinson to the US House select committee on the January 6 insurrectionist assault on the US Capitol building.

Hutchinson did not say the name Murdoch in her evidence.

Keanes alleged defamation does not occur until the final two paragraphs of the piece.

Having discussed Trumps tenacious promulgation of what commentators have dubbed the big lie that he won the 2020 US presidential election he lost by 306 electoral college votes to 232, and the popular ballot by 7m votes Keane argues the worlds most powerful media company continues to peddle the lie of the stolen election and play down the insurrection Trump created.

Keane then draws an analogy between the former US president Richard Nixon infamously the unindicted co-conspirator in the Watergate scandal with the Murdochs, arguing they and their slew of poisonous Fox News commentators are the unindicted co-conspirators in the events of January 6.

Its a strong line, and seeking to make such an analogy is newsworthy (if perhaps deserving of greater exposition than two unexplored paragraphs at the tail end of an article).

But an editor put the unindicted co-conspirator phrase into the headline. Murdochs people saw it. A five-page letter of concern was fired off within 24 hours.

After weeks of increasingly intemperate legal letters back and forth, Crikey went nuclear, goading Murdoch by taking out advertisements in the New York Times and the Canberra Times literally inviting him to sue, and publishing all the legal correspondence on its site.

Legal sources have told the Guardian that Crikeys bombast left Murdoch feeling he had no other option but to sue, and that he is determined to see it through.

And so it has come to this, the steps of Sydneys federal court, in the jurisdiction of New South Wales, the famed defamation capital of the world a sobriquet so earned because it is seen as the most applicant-friendly anywhere.

The alleged role of the Murdoch media in contributing to fanning the flames of insurrection that led to January 6 have been extensively canvassed in the US and elsewhere, but presumably he is suing in Australia because that is where he believes his chances are greatest.

Murdochs statement of claim states he seeks damages because, through the publication and republication of the article, he has been gravely injured in his character, and has suffered and will continue to suffer substantial hurt, distress and embarrassment.

He is also seeking aggravated damages, with the claim also alleging Crikey had published the parties legal correspondence as a strategy for self-promotion and commercial gain, while falsely suggesting that Murdoch was being unreasonable in his conduct towards them to settle the dispute, in circumstances where he repeatedly told them that an apology was the only further step that needed to occur for the matter to resolve.

He has one of Sydneys most high-profile defamation barristers, the sharp-elbowed Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing him.

Crikey says the imputations asserted by Murdoch are contrived and his response bullying and an abuse of media power. The publisher has retained Michael Bradley. The managing director of Marque Lawyers does not have a prominent history in defamation law, but is an experienced lawyer (if occasionally irreverent, he describes himself on his own website as a shameless self-promoter). The correspondence revealed this week by Crikey shows he is clearly up for the fight.

Crikey is painting this not only as a battle for its very existence the best way to support independent media is to become a member, the co-founder of publisher Private Media, Eric Beecher, beseeched but also as a broader fight for free journalism itself.

We didnt start this senseless altercation with Lachlan Murdoch. We may not be as big, rich, powerful or important as him, but we have one common interest: were a news company that believes in publishing, not suppressing, public interest journalism.

Dr Andrew Dodd, the director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, told the Guardian a legal showdown between the minnow and the monolith has been looking increasingly inevitable for some time.

Dodd, who has worked for both the Murdoch-owned News Corp newspapers and for Crikey, says Crikeys editorial position has become more trenchantly left wing, and has increasingly come to see its role as an unafraid and independent media organisation holding influential institutions like Fox and News Corp to account.

Beecher, in particular, has been a decades-long campaigner against Australias acute concentration of media ownership (65% of national and city daily newspapers are owned by Murdoch).

This is a defining issue for [Beecher], Dodd says. Its wrong to characterise this as simply a commercial exercise. There is a marketing element Crikey taking on the Murdochs but this is a marriage of deeply held principle and a commercial decision.

Dodd argues there is an irony in Lachlan Murdoch wanting to claim to have been identified in the Keane article (when the only reference was to the Murdochs, taken by many to refer primarily to Rupert) but not to confront the criticisms within the piece that Foxs coverage, and continued succour to the lie of the stolen election, had played a role in fomenting the discontent that inspired the January 6 insurrection.

What game is he playing here? Is he wanting to beat his chest and say I am in charge. Well, if he is doing that, he should also man up and be responsible for the editorial output of his news organisation, which has a lot to answer for despite what he might say a lot to answer for in relation to its coverage in the lead-up to what happened on January 6.

Lachlan has been very thin-skinned, unable to take one-tenth of the criticism that his organisation dishes out daily.

Dodd argues, too, that Murdoch the youngers actions reflect a brittle culture deeply ingrained in the psyche of News Corp.

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News doesnt like a pesky small player like Crikey, it runs contrary to the monopolistic idea at News Corp that small players dont have legitimacy. And when Crikey is kicking it in the shins in the irreverent way that it does, that is triggering for News Corp.

Others with knowledge of the companies and their histories have described Crikeys strategy as bold and potentially catastrophic. Picking a fight with the Murdochs will have undoubtedly driven subscriptions, but a loss could end it, or wound the company so greatly as to change it irreparably.

Crikey and Lachlan Murdoch have form. It is the fourth time in five years that Lachlan Murdoch has threatened to sue Crikey: in April last year Crikey had to run an apology at the top of its homepage for 14 days after a piece on Murdoch was shown to contain a series of errors. A year earlier, Crikey was forced to apologise for incorrectly comparing Murdoch to an organised crime boss.

Dr Matthew Collins QC, the president of the Australian Bar Association and a defamation law expert, says the fundamental legal question to be considered by the court is what does the ordinary reasonable reader of the Crikey piece understand to be conveyed by the piece.

And here, whats interesting is that Lachlan Murdoch is not named the reference is to Murdoch and to Fox News, and the imputations derive mostly from the heading and that single sentence at the end.

Perhaps counterintuitively, having written less, rather than more, about Murdoch, leaves greater scope for argument about what the article conveys to a reader.

Collins argues there are very serious questions about whether the imputations are, in fact, conveyed, and serious questions about whether the article sufficiently identifies Mr Murdoch in circumstances where he hasnt been expressly named.

And he argues the case is ripe to contest the newly introduced public interest defence in NSW defamation law: a defence to the publication of defamatory material if the issue is of public interest and it was reasonably believed the publication of the matter was in the public interest.

There is a political element at play too, with a renewed push for a judicial inquiry into media concentration in Australia, aimed largely at the Murdoch empire. And two former prime ministers of Australia have long railed against what they perceive as Murdochs malign influence on the Australia polity and public.

Malcolm Turnbull this week called the Murdoch lawsuit hypocritical on radio, saying very few people have defamed more people than the Murdochs over the years, their media organisations.

Theyre always bleating about freedom of speech and how the defamation laws are too harsh, and they stifle free speech.

And, Turnbull told the ABC, January 6 could not have happened without the toxic influence of Fox News.

But the timing of this suit is intriguing as Lachlan Murdoch finds himself on the other side of the bar table, on the other side of the world, on the very same issue the 2020 US election.

In Delaware, Murdoch is defending a $1.6bn defamation action, brought by Dominion Voting Systems, over Foxs post-election coverage.

Dominion has alleged that Fox News broadcast claims it knew to be untrue about the validity of the 2020 presidential election result, alleging that Dominions voting technology had fraudulently stolen the election from Trump. Dominions suit alleges several of Foxs hosts repeatedly claimed, without evidence, Dominions voting machines were faulty, deliberately rigged to disadvantage Trump, or affected by technical glitches that distorted results.

Dominion successfully argued Fox Newss parent company, Fox Corporation, should be enjoined to the litigation because its two most senior executives, Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, allegedly played a direct role in participating in, approving and controlling reportage that amplified false perceptions of voter fraud.

Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch allegedly made a business calculation to spread former President Trumps narrative through Fox News even though they did not personally believe it, Delaware superior court Judge Eric M Davis said, ruling that the action against Fox Corporation could proceed.

He determined that Dominions allegations support a reasonable inference that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch either knew Dominion had not manipulated the election or at least recklessly disregarded the truth when they allegedly caused Fox News to propagate its claims about Dominion.

Dominion is confident. The truth matters, the companys lawyers wrote in their initial complaint.

Lies have consequences. Fox sold a false story of election fraud in order to serve its own commercial purposes, severely injuring Dominion in the process. If this case does not rise to the level of defamation by a broadcaster, then nothing does.

Fox has defended its coverage on first amendment grounds: A free press must be able to report both sides of a story involving claims striking at the core of our democracy.

The cases could impact upon each other: Murdoch will have in his possession the court material from the US case, which Crikey could potentially seek to obtain to use in its Australian defence.

Lachlan Murdoch being on the opposite side of the cases on opposite sides of the globe, the cases expose the glaring difference in the operation of defamation laws in the US and Australia.

Defamation is regarded as significantly harder to establish in the US system: public figures in America suing for defamation must prove that false statements were published maliciously. That is with prior knowledge they were untrue or with reckless disregard for whether they were true.

In applicant-friendly Australia, there is no public figure defence, nor a constitutional first amendment-like right to free speech. Critics of Australias laws say they are poorly drafted, and work neither to protect the private right to a reputation nor the public right to freedom of speech and of the press. Some defences, such as honest opinion and qualified privilege, are almost unworkable in Australia. But there have been recent reforms: this case will likely be one of the first tests of Australias new serious harm test which will oblige Murdoch to demonstrate his reputation was damaged by the article, or Crikeys actions thereafter.

Private Media, the company that owns Crikey, is valued at less than $20m by its own reckoning. It is supremely cognisant of indeed relishing its role as David to the Goliath of the Murdoch empire, worth billions. It sees a significant part of this battle as being played out, not in the staid surrounds of the federal court, but in the court of public opinion.

In the legal correspondence with the Murdochs that Crikey published this week, it quoted Lachlans own words back at him. In his 2014 Keith Murdoch Oration (Keith Murdoch was his grandfather), Lachlan Murdoch argued censorship should be resisted in all its insidious forms.

We should be vigilant of the gradual erosion of our freedom to know, to be informed and make reasoned decisions in our society and in our democracy.

The rest is here:
What game is he playing?: Lachlan Murdoch, Trumps election lies and the legal fight against a small Australian website - The Guardian

Burlington, Ont.Aug. 26, 2022 Another unprovoked coyote attack was reported to the City of Burlington from a woman walking in Central Park around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 24. She was treated at Joseph Brant Hospital for coyote scratches and released. City staff are also following up with health officials regarding a fifth unconfirmed attack on Mayzel Road, next to Central Park. The City is asking residents to be vigilant in these areas and report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/servicerequest.

Anyone attacked by a coyote is advised to seek immediate medical attention and report the attack to the Halton Region Health Department and to the City of Burlington Animal Services at animalservices@burlington.ca or 905-335-3030.

These attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and this cluster of attacks on humans are the first reported in Burlington.

The City of Burlington, with the expertise of a Certified Wildlife Control Professional, is urgently dealing with these most recent attacks and a den of coyotes related to the unprovoked attacks. The den is located on a private lot and City staff have contacted the owners to remove vegetation and fallen trees. They have seven days to comply with the City order to clean up the building site, so it is no longer an attractive denning site for coyotes.

Municipalities are responsible for taking appropriate actions to manage resident coyote sightings, encounters and attacks and take appropriate action. If a coyote attacks a person, the City has a Council approved Coyote Response Strategy in place that is currently being followed to prioritize and deal with this situation.

City of Burlington staff will present a report to council on coyote management recommendations at the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14 for approval at the City of Burlington Council Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quick Facts

Links and Resources

Map of coyote attacks

This map pinpoints the unprovoked coyote attacks in the City of Burlington

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Media contact:Carla MarshallCommunications Advisorcarla.marshall@burlington.ca

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City of Burlington responding to more coyote attacks - burlington.ca