Chile has launched its largest-ever public–private partnership to exploit lithium, a critical mineral central to electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy tech, potentially surpassing Argentina’s production footprint. The initiative, backed by state and private capital, seeks to attract long-term investment and strengthen Chile’s position in global supply chains, especially amid surging demand from China. Officials argue the country’s abundant lithium reserves and improved regulatory framework make it an ideal candidate for large-scale development. The project aligns with national economic diversification goals while prompting discussions on environmental safeguards and community consultation. Chile’s move reflects broader competition among South American lithium producers for foreign partnerships and market leadership.

Wildfires scorch over 800 hectares; 158 communes on high alert

A wave of wildfires in central and southern Chile has burned more than 800 hectares, including significant forest areas in Las Condes and surrounding regions. The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and emergency services report that fires are active across 158 communes, triggering widespread deployment of firefighters, aircraft and community evacuation warnings. Extreme heat and dry conditions have exacerbated fire behaviour, complicating containment efforts. Local authorities activated the “Red Button” emergency alert in multiple municipalities to coordinate rapid response and resource mobilisation. Residents have been urged to follow safety protocols and stay informed on closures and air quality updates. The government has also appealed for inter-regional assistance as the season’s fire risk peaks.

Education regulator mandates “safe classroom” procedures for private schools

Chile’s Superintendency of Education has ordered private schools to adopt “aula segura” (safe classroom) procedures to address incidents of violence , bullying and disruptive behaviour. The directive requires institutions to establish clear protocols for identifying and managing safety risks, protecting students and staff, and reporting serious cases to authorities. The move comes amid rising public concern over school safety and disciplinary consistency across educational settings. Regulators emphasised that safe classroom measures must align with national education standards and child protection norms. Schools must now review internal policies and train personnel to meet the new requirements. Advocates say the policy will create more structured, equitable and enforceable safeguards, while some private school associations seek clarity on implementation timelines and resource support.

Johannes Kaiser outlines “red lines” for potential role in Kast’s government

Johannes Kaiser, leader of Chile’s National Libertarian Party (PNL) and former presidential candidate, met with representatives linked to president‑elect José Antonio Kast to present a set of “red lines”, non‑negotiable conditions for his party’s cooperation with the incoming administration. Kaiser said his group is available to be part of the future government if the conditions that protect its identity and core principles are accepted, framing the lines as a framework for operational cooperation rather than personal appointments. He emphasised that discussions will continue soon to define the scope of possible collaboration, including policy priorities that must be respected. The stipulations reportedly include opposition to the continuation of certain gender and sexual education programmes, reflecting ideological priorities of his libertarian platform. The deliberations are ongoing as both sides gauge how the PNL might support Kast’s agenda without compromising its political identity.

PS and FA defend Communist Party’s mobilisation call against Kast

Chile’s Socialist Party (PS) and Broad Front (FA) have publicly defended a call by the Communist Party (PC) to mobilise against presidential candidate José Antonio Kast, framing protests as a legitimate democratic expression. Facing criticism from opponents who labelled the mobilisation incitement, PS and FA leaders argued that peaceful citizen action addresses deep political divisions and responds to concerns over Kast’s policy agenda on social rights and inequalities. The debate has intensified in public discourse, with voices on both sides warning about polarisation and the tone of campaign rhetoric. PS and FA officials stressed the importance of respecting collective mobilisation within constitutional bounds, while urging all political actors to avoid incitement to violence. The episode reflects broader ideological battles shaping Chile’s electoral environment.

Firefighting brigades recently managed to bring under control blazes in San Matías National Park and the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural Area, though officials said those zones will remain under close surveillance for at least 48 hours to prevent reactivation. A fire remains active in Concepción municipality, where emergency teams and volunteers are working from a newly established field camp.

International assistance has started to arrive. A helicopter from Chile, provided with support from the Airbus Foundation and the French government, has been deployed in San Ignacio de Velasco to patrol and contain fires on the Caparuch plateau. Local officials noted that additional cooperation is expected following recent discussions with the diplomatic corps.

Recent rainfall in parts of Chiquitanía, including Roboré, Carmen Rivero Torres, San Matías, and areas near San Ignacio de Velasco, has helped reduce the intensity of some fires. Still, authorities have urged residents to remain alert, stressing that while many blazes are now under partial control, the risk of flareups remains.

Other major contributors include Indonesia, DR Congo, Brazil, the USA, Canada, Russia, and China. Together, these countries represent a substantial share of global deforestation, and the impact reaches far beyond their borders.

According to Market vs Media , Russia lost more than 4.2 million hectares of tree cover, and Brazil lost more than 3.3 million hectares. However, not all losses are permanent; some result from seasonal logging and wildfires. EARTH ORG estimates that the world loses 10 million hectares of forest each year, with 96% of this destruction concentrated in tropical regions, where biodiversity is richest and carbon storage is most vital.

The global trend is worrying: tree-cover loss has nearly doubled since the early 2000s, rising from 13.4 million hectares in 2001 to 29.6 million hectares in 2024. In total, the world has lost over 517 million hectares of tree cover, about 13% of what existed at the turn of the millennium.

This includes 3.7 million hectares of tropical primary forests lost in 2023, equivalent to ten soccer fields every minute. Fires alone accounted for 6.7 million hectares of loss in 2024, almost double the figure from the previous year.

These numbers reveal stark regional contrasts. Laos’s steep loss reflects rapid agricultural expansion and mining , while Sweden’s high percentage comes mainly from industrial logging, much of which will regrow, but still represents a major disruption to carbon cycles.

Bolivia’s situation is particularly concerning: while Brazil has reduced Amazon deforestation by 36% through stricter enforcement, Bolivia is seeing deforestation rise due to soy expansion and wildfires.

The economic consequences of deforestation are also becoming clearer. Tree loss threatens commodity markets tied to palm oil, beef, and soy, while increasing scrutiny from investors who are pivoting toward ESG-aligned funds .

Carbon markets are gaining traction, but without stronger incentives for forest-rich countries like DR Congo and Laos, permanent loss could accelerate, putting global climate targets at risk.

However, the Brazilian segment of the Amazon is facing severe challenges—from rampant deforestation to the impacts of climate change—that threaten not only its environmental integrity but also the livelihoods of indigenous communities and the global climate balance.

Deforestation remains one of the most pressing issues for the Amazon. In recent years, large swaths of forest have been cleared to make way for cattle ranching, soy cultivation, and other agricultural activities.

Economic pressures and policy shifts favouring rapid development have driven these activities, resulting in significant loss of forest cover. According to a Reuters report, deforestation rates have surged as enforcement of environmental regulations has weakened, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of this vital ecosystem.

Compounding the problem of deforestation is the prevalence of illegal logging and mining. These illicit activities also break habitats, threatening countless species.

BBC investigative reports have highlighted that unregulated logging operations, often occurring in remote areas, are difficult to monitor and control, leading to persistent environmental damage. Mining, similarly, pollutes waterways and soils, further destabilizing local ecosystems.

Climate change has emerged as a formidable threat to the Amazon. Rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns have intensified drought conditions, leading to more frequent and severe wildfires.

A study published in Nature illustrates how these climatic changes are increasing the incidence of fires and exacerbating the loss of forest cover. This creates a vicious cycle that undermines the forest’s ability to sequester carbon.

These alarming trends suggest that Amazon’s capacity to act as a global carbon sink is being severely compromised. In 2024, a staggering 44.2 million acres of Brazil's Amazon rainforest burned, an area larger than the state of California.

Mark Friedlander, a director at the Insurance Information Institute, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the destruction, noting that the economic losses could reach between $20 billion and $30 billion. This surpasses previous records and underscores the severity of the situation.

The fires have not only destroyed thousands of homes and businesses but have also disrupted lives and livelihoods. The insurance industry is bracing for a massive influx of claims, which could lead to increased premiums and stricter underwriting practices in the future.

In southern Brazil, the fires have claimed lives and pushed dozens of cities into a state of high alert. The combination of extreme heat, prolonged dry conditions, and strong winds has made containing the fires a monumental challenge for authorities.

Millions of acres, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, have been consumed by flames, marking this year as the worst for Amazon fires in nearly a decade.

Indigenous firefighter Aramiri, 49, expressed his frustration over the lack of action. “The situation has started to get worse. I’ve been fighting since 2013, and since then, we’ve been warning about these climate issues, but people didn’t want to listen to us. Now, they’re scrambling to catch up, but it’s already too late. We need to strengthen ourselves today,” he told AFP.

The fires are affecting residents far beyond the immediate fire zones. Thairine Moreno, a 36-year-old biologist from Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, shared her concerns: “I’ve been worried for a long time, but the recent drought and the inability to breathe because of the fires, seeing the sky turn black, has made me even more anxious.”

Retiree Ivan Donnarummo Vieira, 61, added, “I’m elderly, and there are many elderly people in overcrowded hospitals, along with children who are getting sick because they can’t breathe.”

The Brazilian government has launched efforts to address the crisis. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on social media that the Federal Police have opened 52 investigations into those responsible for the fires. On September 15, Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino authorised the federal government to allocate additional funds to combat forest fires and hire more firefighters.

Ghanaian recruits misled with jobs deployed to Ukraine warfront

Four Ghanaians are currently in critical condition after being injured on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They were among a group of 14 Ghanaians who were deceived into travelling to Russia with the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities. Read more here .

A Nigerian man has become the fourth person worldwide cured of HIV

A 66-year-old Nigerian man, Salisu Ahmed, has recently been cured of HIV, marking a significant medical breakthrough. This remarkable achievement was made possible through a stem cell transplant at the City of Hope Medical Centre in the United States. Read more here .

Dozens killed in Mali attack by Al Qaeda affiliate

An elaborate attack by an Al Qaeda affiliate in Mali's capital this week resulted in approximately 70 fatalities, according to diplomatic and security sources on Thursday, September 19. The government has not provided official casualty figures. On Tuesday, militants targeted an elite police training academy and the airport. Read more here .

Asia

Thailand introduces app allowing drivers to go licence-free while driving

Drivers in Thailand no longer need to carry physical licenses, thanks to a new mobile app introduced by the Department of Land Transport (DLT). The QR Licence app provides convenient access to digital copies of driving licenses on electronic devices such as phones and tablets. Read more here .

Fears grip ethnic minorities after deadly violence in Bangladesh

Ethnic minorities in Bangladesh's southern hilly region are living in fear after clashes left four dead and dozens injured, police and witnesses reported on Saturday, September 21. Sectarian violence, triggered by the lynching of a Bengali man, has displaced many ethnic families as homes and businesses were set ablaze in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Read more here .

India's Manipur on high alert over alleged influx of 900 militants from Myanmar

India's northeastern state of Manipur is on high alert following intelligence reports of a possible influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar, a senior security official announced on Friday, September 20. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil energy authorities approve returning to daylight saving time as drought bites

Brazilian energy authorities have approved the reintroduction of daylight saving time to conserve energy amid a severe drought impacting power generation, a senior official announced on Thursday, September 19. However, the measure will require the endorsement of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva before it can be implemented. Read more here .

Venezuela's exiled opposition head says he was warned Maduro forces coming for him

Venezuela's former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez sought diplomatic refuge after learning that President Nicolas Maduro's security forces were coming for him. Gonzalez, whom the opposition claims won the July election, told Reuters in Madrid that he feared imprisonment and torture if he remained in Venezuela. Read more here .

Residents worried as wildfires cause havoc in Colombia

Wildfires in parts of Colombia are devastating lives and livelihoods. Residents of Aipa are concerned about the health impacts and damage to vegetation. Fires in the Huila region have affected several areas, and locals fear they may be forced to leave their homes. Read more here .

President Dina Boluarte's request to attend the United Nations General Assembly was denied by the Peruvian Congress in a voting tally of 55 against, 50 in favour, and 5 abstentions. This decision was largely influenced by lawmakers who argue her immediate attention is required to address the devastating forest fires impacting the nation, which have tragically led to 15 fatalities. The opposition came primarily from left-wing and ultra-conservative factions, while support was shown by pro-Fujimori and certain right-wing groups, MercoPress reports.

Police seize 1.3 tonnes of shark fins

Peruvian police have intercepted a substantial illegal shipment of 1.3 tonnes of shark fins that were destined for export to Asia. Shark fins are deemed a delicacy in various cultures, yet this trade contributes to the drastic decline in global shark populations. A report highlights that as many as 273 million sharks are slaughtered annually to supply this market, often through inhumane methods where fins are severed from living sharks, leading to their eventual death.

Fight against deadly wildfires

The issue of wildfires is worsening in Peru, where at least 15 lives have been claimed and over 3,000 hectares have been burned since July. Notably, 22 of the country’s 24 regions are currently combating active wildfire outbreaks. Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén has attributed these blazes predominantly to human activities, compounded by adverse weather conditions hindering firefighting efforts. According to Time , civil defence officials have reported 98 injuries and a severe impact on the livestock sector due to these fires, affecting over 1,800 individuals.

Farmers asked to halt burns amid deadly wildfires

Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén has called on farmers to halt the burning of grasslands amid the dangerous fire season, which has already resulted in substantial fatalities. Human activities, mainly agricultural practices, and land trafficking are the primary catalysts for these fires, which typically occur from August to November. As of the latest reports , 222 fire emergencies have been documented, with 80% of these under control; however, risks persist due to the ongoing dry season and challenging terrains. Local officials are advocating for the deployment of military aircraft to aid firefighting efforts in remote areas.

Indonesia-Peru economic partnership agreement

Indonesia and Peru have initiated the third round of negotiations for the Indonesian-Peruvian Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IP-CEPA) in Jakarta. This round, spanning four days, aims to finalise a substantial agreement ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders Week scheduled for November 2024. Johni Martha from Indonesia's Trade Ministry has expressed optimism regarding enhanced market access and cooperative ventures in manufacturing and agriculture between the two nations, alongside efforts to mitigate non-tariff barriers. The fourth round of negotiations is set for October 28 to November 1, 2024, also in Jakarta, with the hope of reaching a consensus during the APEC summit, Indonesia’s state agency reports.

India's humanitarian outreach to Namibia has taken a significant step with the shipment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice, aimed at bolstering food security amidst the country’s acute food crisis exacerbated by El Niño. The urgency of this mission is emphasised by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report that states approximately 1.4 million Namibians are battling with acute food insecurity, with the situation likely to deteriorate in the forthcoming months, as Asian News International reports.

Celebration of Malaysia Day

 In celebration of Malaysia Day, the High Commission of Malaysia in Namibia marked the 61st anniversary of the event in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, attended by over 120 dignitaries, including government officials and diplomats. The celebration included traditional ceremonies and cultural performances, reinforcing the theme of “Jiwa Merdeka” or Spirit of Independence. Acting High Commissioner Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya highlighted the enduring bilateral relations established since Namibia's independence in 1990 and reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to assisting Namibia in addressing drought challenges through a pledged financial support of NAD710,000 (approximately $40,249.43), Bernama reports.

Over 1,100 wildfires since start of 2024

Namibia has witnessed an alarming surge in wildfires, recording over 1,100 incidents since the start of the year, attributed to ‘high-confidence fire alerts.’ Despite initiatives aimed at community training and fuel load assessments, the lack of a cohesive national approach hampers effective wildfire control. According to The Namibian , a senior station officer from the Windhoek Fire Brigade has identified community attitudes and accessibility issues as major hurdles during fire emergencies, stressing the need for public awareness initiatives and advanced detection technologies to mitigate the risks associated with human-induced wildfires.

Four children trapped in an empty freezer die

Investigations are underway into the death of four Namibian children who were playing in an empty old freezer in the Zambezi Region, in the northeastern part of the country. The children, aged between three and six, were found inside the freezer on September 16. Police believe they were accidentally trapped and suffocated inside the freezer. Two of the children died in the fridge, while two others died in the hospital, local broadcaster NBC reported.

First AfCFTA consignment

Namibia is set to initiate its first trade consignment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in October 2024, as announced by Industrialisation and Trade Minister Lucia Iipumbu. This initiative follows the approval of Namibia’s tariff offer within the Southern African Customs Union framework, The Namibian reports . The AfCFTA is a pivotal endeavour aimed at establishing a unified market for goods and services across Africa by alleviating tariffs on 90% of goods and dismantling non-tariff barriers.

According to Lucas Albanaz, a doctor who spoke to AFP, "It seems that these past days, everyone noticed an increase, particularly related to respiratory illnesses, conjunctivitis—everything associated."

A resident, Adoaldo Dias Alencar, who also shared his health risk said "After I arrived, it all started again. A cough. A runny nose, difficulty breathing, and so on."

In response to the crisis, the government has mobilised firefighting efforts and is working to control the spread of the fires. Officials are also investigating the causes, with some attributing the blazes to illegal land-clearing practices.

Governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, told local media on Monday, August 26 that Soldiers and firefighters stayed on high alert to "prevent the reignition" of fires from, anticipating a spell of dry weather.

According to Reuters , two firefighters died on Friday, August 23 while trying to quench a fire at an industrial plant in the city of Urupes.

In response to the fires, São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas has ordered planes to spray water over the affected areas.

"We are chartering planes to spray water in addition to fire department aircraft," said Tarcisio de Freitas.

The Brazilian Institute of Space Research (INPE) has disclosed figures indicating a surge in wildfires, with approximately 1,700 incidents recorded from the beginning of the month. This area, known for its rich and diverse wildlife populations, is experiencing a frequency of fires that surpasses the previous high for June by over fourfold—a record that has stood for nearly twenty years, as reported by RFI . "This resurgence of fires in the Pantanal even before the dry season (which usually begins in the second half of the year) is extremely worrying," Claudio Angelo, a member of the Climate Observatory collective, told AFP.

Armed attacks

In the early hours of Thursday, June 20, a tragic incident occurred in the town square of Vicosa do Ceara, located in Brazil's northeastern state of Ceara, where a group of armed individuals launched an attack during a public gathering. The Military Police have verified the incident, which resulted in the death of seven individuals and injuries to two others. Surveillance footage from the area displayed multiple vehicles arriving at the location, from which the attackers emerged and coerced several attendees into a submissive posture with hands on their heads. Reports from Xinhua and accounts from eyewitnesses indicate that a barrage of gunfire, estimated to be around 50 shots, was heard, culminating in the fatality of both male and female victims. The injured parties were promptly transported to the local hospital for treatment. While the authorities are still investigating the motive behind this heinous act, they have disclosed that one of the deceased was found to be wearing a monitoring device on their ankle, a device commonly used for individuals on parole or under judicial supervision awaiting trial proceedings.

Employee strike

Shell's local unit leader, Cristiano Pinto da Costa, voiced concerns on Thursday, June 20, regarding a strike by Ibama employees that is disrupting licensing operations in Brazil. While Shell has not experienced direct repercussions from the strike, the potential impact on future licensing—particularly related to their partnership with Petrobras in the Mero oilfield—remains a source of unease. HR World has highlighted that Ibama has deliberately delayed license issuance since January amid a dispute over salaries and working conditions. The strike, which gained approval in no fewer than 14 states last week, is reportedly diminishing Brazil's oil production by approximately 80,000 barrels daily, per the oil lobby group IBP.

Assassination of politician

Following a complex six-year investigation, the Supreme Court has charged several prominent individuals with serious offences. Among those indicted are Federal Deputy Chiquinho Brazao, his sibling Domingos Brazao of the Rio State Court of Accounts, and Rivaldo Barbosa, the ex-chief of the local judicial police. They stand accused of orchestrating a political assassination. Reports from Brasil de Fato suggest that these men purportedly contracted Ronnie Lessa, an ex-police officer, to carry out the hit on a young progressive politician who was interfering with their illicit activities in areas dominated by militias. The attack, which took place in March 2018, also resulted in the death of the politician's driver, Anderson Gomes.

Sailing-Brazil to join SailGP

Brazil will join SailGP with backing from an Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, becoming the first South American team in the league of foiling 50-foot catamarans. The Mubadala-owned Brazil SailGP team will partner with Brazilian sports and entertainment firm IMM, led by ex-Brazilian Olympic sailor Alan Adler. SailGP's CEO Russell Coutts is excited to develop Brazil's fan base. The team will start racing in SailGP's fifth season, beginning in November. The announcement was made on the eve of SailGP's New York Grand Prix, reports CNA

Venezuela's President Maduro has raised concerns about new threats from the US, such as sanctions and economic aggression, in response to the US expressing reservations about the country's electoral process. Maduro who couldn't accept the threat of sanctions on Good Friday took to X to share his displeasure. “The US empire chose Good Friday to threaten Venezuela once again. They threaten to drive the nails of sanctions, blockade, and economic aggression against… our country. The empire, in its arrogance, believing itself to be the owner of the world, believes it owns our people,” said Maduro on X, formerly Twitter. According to the Daily News Egypt , this has led to the passing of a new act to extend coercive measures against the country.

Coup plot accusation

Attorney General for Venezuela, Tarek William Saab has criticised the Organisation of American States (OAS) and its head, Luis Almagro for 'betraying' the country and supporting coup plots. The head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office explains that the Secretary-General of the OAS prioritises defending freedom of conspiracy over freedom of expression, Prensa Latina reports. This was in response to Almagro's condemnation of the harassment of Voz Media journalist Orlando Avendaño who the Venezuelan government accuses of inciting hatred in the country.

Clamp down on illegal mining

In a bid to protect its environment, Venezuela has expelled over 10,000 illegal miners from nature reserves in the south, as part of Operation Roraima 2024. This initiative aims to halt illegal mining in the environmentally significant sites of the Amazon region. According to AZERTAC , the head of the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, Domingo Hernandez Larez, shared on X that the expulsion of the miners was carried out through a "safe route with due respect for human rights."

Surge in wildfires

Venezuela is experiencing a surge in wildfires due to a climate change-driven drought affecting the Amazon rainforest region. A recent report by WION reveals that the country recorded more than 30,200 fire points from January to March 2024. This projection marks the highest for the period since 1999.

Approval of law against fascism

The Venezuelan National Assembly has approved a law against fascism, which includes measures to dissolve social and political organisations promoting fascist ideologies and prohibits individuals with fascist ideologies from running for public office. Critics argue that the law is a tool for the government to suppress political opposition, Nova.news reports.

The new variant of COVID, JN.1, is spreading rapidly worldwide, and Colombia is no exception. During the week of December 16 to 22, 7,930 new cases and 80 deaths due to COVID were recorded, as reported by El Colombiano . Authorities in cities like Barranquilla have stated that they are on alert after the holiday season.

Former senator freed from prison

Former senator Arturo Char was freed from prison on Monday, January 8, after a judge in Santa Marta ordered his release due to the expiration of terms, as reported by El Tiempo . His defense argued that 120 days had passed without resolving his legal situation. The politician is under investigation for alleged electoral corruption.

Forest fires in Antioquia

During the Three Kings' holiday weekend, Antioquia recorded eight wildfires. The largest occurred on Cerro de la Cruz in Copacabana, affecting approximately 15 hectares, according to El Colombiano . Carlos Ríos Puerta, the general director of the Administrative Department of Disaster Risk Management in Antioquia, stated that a total of 24 wildfires have been reported so far in 2024, with 20 involving vegetation. He also stated that authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent the rekindling of fires.

Criminal network in Cartagena  

Authorities in Cartagena have dismantled an alleged criminal network accused of human trafficking. A German man and six Colombians are suspected of sexually exploiting underage and adult women and have been arrested. The network allegedly offered sex and drugs tourism packages to its clients, as reported by El Espectador.

Attempts to recover the Pan American Games  

Efforts to recover the 2027 Pan American Games have intensified following Panam Sports' announcement that it was withdrawing the venue from Barranquilla due to the lack of two payments from Colombia. It is expected that President Gustavo Petro will announce an action plan on Tuesday, January 9, according to El Espectador . Pan-American confederations from various sports have also sent a letter to Panam Sports requesting reconsideration of the decision.