Maggie Chapman MSP reacts to Rachel Reeves’ conference speech
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The Winter Fuel Payment cut is the political choice of a Labour Chancellor who is refusing to break from Tory economics, says the Scottish Greens social security spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP.
This follows a Labour conference speech by Rachel Reeves that doubled down on the punishing cut.
Ms Chapman said:
“The Chancellor promised people across the UK that there would be no return to austerity, but having listened to her conference speech, I am not sure she knows what that means.
“She said she had no choice except to cut the Winter Fuel Payment because there wasn’t enough money for it. But she could make different choices: she could raise taxes on the biggest corporations or the wealthiest people.
“Only this morning, Labour doubled down on nuclear weapons. She could choose to use the billions she is spending on weapons of mass killing to support families being plunged into poverty. She could stop public subsidies going to arms companies to make bullets and bombs being used in genocide.
“The cut is an entirely political choice, and so is the suffering and death that will be its consequence. The Chancellor would clearly rather punish pensioners than stand up to her wealthy donors. It was a shameful decision, and it was astonishing to hear Labour members and MPs applauding as she tried to defend it.
“For 14 years, people all across our country have suffered through Tory austerity, and, in July, they were told that they were voting for change. Many hoped this would be the end of the pain. But in reality, it’s just the next chapter of austerity, this time being written by Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
Rep. Don Beyer today announced that Rep. Jennifer Wexton will receive the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award at his Eighth Annual Women’s Conference: The Time Is Now on September 26.
Rep. Jennifer Wexton serves Virginia’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to serving in the U.S. House, Wexton served the people of Northern Virginia for over two decades as a prosecutor, attorney, advocate for abused children, and state Senator. Throughout her legislative career, Wexton has been renowned for her success in working across the aisle to deliver results to better the lives of Virginians.
In September 2023, Wexton announced that her previous Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis had been updated to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy – a kind of ‘Parkinson’s on steroids’ – and would not seek reelection. Following this diagnosis, Wexton used her platform and time in office to raise awareness for and champion passage of the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act which was ultimately signed into law by President Biden. In July 2024, Wexton became the first member of the U.S. House to have a model of her voice generated by artificial intelligence speak for her on the House floor.
“A neurodegenerative disease diagnosis is extremely difficult news for anyone to receive, but Jennifer has faced her diagnosis with extraordinary grace, strength, and courage,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “She has never wavered in her service to the American people and was instrumental in the enactment of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, the most significant action Congress has taken in decades to combat Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. I am so proud to know and serve with Jennifer and call her a friend.”
Rep. Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011. It is named after his grandmother, who is credited with convincing the Roosevelt Administration to appoint Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet Secretary in the United States. Clara Beyer served as Secretary Perkins’ right hand, working on child labor issues. She was the first woman appointed as US Representative to the International Labor Organization in Geneva.
The award is given annually to recognize exceptional work to empower women. Previous awardees include Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya J. Bradsher, Dr. Tahera Ahmadi, journalist Marie Ridder, gun violence prevention advocate Naomi Wadler, rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, diplomat Betty King, PeaceWomen founder Ruth Gaby Vermot, journalist Lisa Feldmann, Arlington community activist Portia Clark, and immigration advocate Ofelia Calderón.
This year’s conference will be held at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus on the evening of Thursday, September 26. Registration and additional information are available here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
WASHINGTON — Utilizing his “magic minute,” Speaker Johnson argued today on the House floor for swift passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) that would increase protections against noncitizens and illegal aliens voting in U.S. elections.
“This will be one of the most important votes that members of this chamber will ever take in their entire careers. And it’s an issue we never thought we would have to actually address, but that moment has come to us now,” Speaker Johnson said. “Should Americans and Americans alone determine the outcome of American elections? Or should we allow foreigners and illegal aliens to decide who sits in the White House and in the People’s House and in the Senate?”
Click here to watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks from the House floor
Below are excerpts from Speaker Johnson’s remarks.
On the risks posed by noncitizen voting and illegal immigration:
Americans all over the country understand what’s at stake here. They refuse to hand over our country to illegal aliens, cartels, traffickers and violent criminals and murderers. That’s what’s at stake. Now, look, I hate to say it, but we have so many noncitizens in the country right now. That if only one out of 100 of those illegal aliens voted, you’re talking about hundreds of 1000s of votes being cast.
And remember, these aren’t huddled masses of frightened families yearning to be free. In January of this year, we took the largest delegation of members of Congress to the border. In January, we went to Eagle Pass, Texas, it was the epicenter of the open border crisis at the time, and we met with the Border Patrol agents and high of high officers in US Customs and Border Patrol and they told us the truth.
They said down there at Eagle Pass of all the many, many countless people who have come across that border illegally because Joe Biden and Secretary Mayorkas opened the border wide, they said you should know this members of Congress, they said 70%, 70% of the people who crossed illegally in Eagle Pass in the Del Rio sector are single adult males between the ages of 18 and 49. These are not huddled masses of people seeking refuge from persecution, you know seeking asylum here for just causes. These are people who do not have our best designs in mind.
Because of Joe Biden’s open border policies, we’ve got ISIS smuggling rings operating in our country. We have cartels. We have operational control of the border. We’ve got Chinese and Russian spies here in our midst roaming freely in our country. We’ve got murderers and rapists offending again and again across the country and they are never deported. These are people that Joe Biden and his administration are releasing into the country every day. The director of the FBI has testified multiple times now before this before Congress before our committees and said all the red lights are flashing. What is he referring to? The unprecedented dangerous situation. The enemy is here the enemy is in our country now…
We’re facing a dangerously high number of dangerous individuals who could actually change the outcome of our elections and thus determine the future of this great Republic.
On addressing counter-arguments:
Now, some of our colleagues are arguing, some of the outside interest groups who want those open borders, the open borders crowd, they’re pointing out that it’s already illegal to vote and you don’t really need to do this. That’s true. It is illegal to vote under federal law. Only US citizens are supposed to vote in a US election. But here’s the problem. The law is not being followed.
Even though it’s already illegal, this is happening. Let me give a couple examples: in Georgia State election officials are catching 1000s of noncitizens who are trying to register to vote but they are one of only a few states that is making that effort right now to check the voter rolls on the front end before the disaster occurs.
In May, the state of Ohio, they had to remove 137 noncitizen voters from the rolls when they did a quick check. In May of last year, Virginia removed almost 1500 noncitizens from their voter rolls. But here’s the catch, only after more than 800 of those noncitizen ballots had been cast in 2019. They already participated in an election illegally.
It shouldn’t surprise us that criminals who break our border laws my friends are also going to break our election laws. These are not paragons of virtue in all these cases, as the 70% of people who came across the border who are military aged males coming into our country without any deterrence at all. They’re not law abiding citizens my friends, they’re illegal aliens and they should not be participating in the election. Remember, if just a small percentage, a fraction of a fraction of all those illegals that Joe Biden is brought in here vote, if they do vote, it wouldn’t just change one race and it might it might potentially change all of our races.
On the necessity of the SAVE Act:
The Save Act is the bill before us. It’s not complicated. It’s written in very plain language so that everyone can read it and understand it.
Everybody understands the SAVE Act. We’ll do several important things and all of them are obvious common-sense measures. Here’s the list: 1) It requires state election officials to ask about citizenship before providing voter registration forms. What a concept. 2) It requires an individual to provide proof of citizenship, if indeed he or she wants to register to vote in our federal elections. 3) Provide states with access to our federal agency databases. Why is that so important? Well, so they can remove noncitizens from voter rolls and confirm citizenship for individuals who lack that all important proof of citizenship. 4) It directs the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether to conduct removal proceedings if an illegal alien or noncitizen has been identified as having been registered to vote in federal elections.
American citizens will be protected and in no way harmed by this bill. There is not a conceivable argument that the Democrats can make to oppose the commonsense measures that we’re putting before them today. Nothing changes the voter registration process in the states. The only people who will face hurdles here are those who are trying to break our federal laws.
And that’s why it’s patently absurd that the White House issued a veto threat. They issued a veto threat. President Biden’s is going to veto the bill. And Democrat leadership right now is engaging in a very robust whipping operation to stop this bill from being passed. It is absolutely outrageous. And the American people need to know what’s happening here. It’s dangerous. It’s dangerous for the future of our country. It’s dangerous for the future of your family if you’re watching at home.
Joseph Story was the great American legal scholar and Supreme Court Justice and the author of the seminal commentaries on the constitution that we used to have to read in law school. And he said it this way on this subject this is very important. Listen to what he said. He said, “If aliens might be admitted indiscriminately to enjoy all the rights of citizens at the will of a single state, the Union might itself be endangered by an influx of foreigners, hostile to its institutions, ignorant of its powers and incapable of due estimate of its privileges.”
He said that so well, I wholeheartedly agree. I know everyone on our side of the aisle does. If we’re going to maintain this great American experiment, this grand experiment in self governance that we’ve now kept for 248 years, if we’re going to keep it for more than we have to ensure that the outcomes of our election remain in the hands of Americans alone.
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infrastructure Dividend Split Corp. (TSX:IS) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that a distribution for September 2024 will be payable to Class A shareholders as follows:
Record Date
Payable Date
Distribution Per Preferred Share
September 30, 2024
October 15, 2024
$0.125
The equity shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IS.
Middlefield
Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.
For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.
This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund;and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.
Key representatives from Plymouth’s health and social care sector have met for the first time to share system-wide, collective workforce strategies across University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Livewell Southwest and adult social care.
The event hosted by Caring Plymouth, the city’s sector skills partnership for health and social care, brought together a range of stakeholders including adult social care providers, Plymouth City Council’s Commissioners, senior representatives from the NHS and Livewell Southwest, training providers including further and higher education, and representatives from Department for Work and Pensions.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We now have shared understanding about the demands for this critical workforce so that we can better prioritise the coordinated actions that we need to take to deliver a sustainable, system-wide skilled workforce for the future. We know that this sector has the highest overall demand for recruitment in Plymouth, with approximately 350 unique job vacancies a month with highest demands for care workers and home carers as well as nurses, and there is also significant need for managerial and administrative roles.”
Speaking at the event, Darryn Allcorn, Chief Nurse & Director of Integrated Professions at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “It is exceptionally positive that we can work collaboratively across the city in order to understand our collective workforce demands and challenges. There is so much more to our workforce than the traditional caring roles associated with health and social care. Through working together, we can ensure our local communities not only have employment opportunities but supported to develop lifelong careers.”
Sharing their workforce strategy priorities, Nicky Varker, Assistant Director of Workforce at Livewell Southwest, said: “We share in the ambition to deliver the highest-quality health and care services to our population and to do this, we want to make sure Plymouth is the destination of choice for roles in the sector. This means creating attractive packages that bring the best people into the city and support them to unlock their potential. We’ve worked hard to open doors in recent years with new pathways into nursing that are helping people to achieve aspirations they had started to close a door on. The challenge is to spread this into our wider workforce to create clear development pathways to help people enter and grow within Livewell.”
The event also marked the launch of the city’s first dedicated Skills and Training Directory for the Health and Social Care sector which provides access and improved information, advice and guidance for people new to the sector as well as helping the existing workforce with career progression.
PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSUREBY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1.
KEY INFORMATION
(a)
Full name of discloser:
Invesco Ltd.
(b)
Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c)
Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
AngloGold Ashanti PLC
(d)
If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e)
Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
20.09.2024
(f)
In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
Yes, Centamin PLC
2.
POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a)
Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
Class of relevant security:
USD 1 ordinaryGB00BRXH2664
Interests
Short Positions
Number
%
Number
%
(1)
Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
1,665,180*
0.39
(2)
Cash-settled derivatives:
(3)
Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
205,500
0.04
410,000
0.09
Total
1,870,680*
0.44
410,000
0.09
*The change in the holding of 2,154 shares since the last disclosure on 13.09.2024 is due to the transfer out of a discretionary holding.
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b)
Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:
3.
DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a)
Purchases and sales
Class of relevant security
Purchase/sale
Number of securities
Price per unit
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Sale
1,311
28.03 USD
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Sale
05
28.06 USD
(b)
Cash-settled derivative transactions
Class of relevant security
Product descriptione.g. CFD
Nature of dealinge.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
Class of relevant security
Nature of dealinge.g. subscription, conversion
Details
Price per unit (if applicable)
4.
OTHER INFORMATION
(a)
Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(b)
Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(c)
Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?
YES
Date of disclosure
23.09.2024
Contact name
Philippa Holmes
Telephone number
+441491417447
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
SUPPLEMENTAL FORM 8 (OPEN POSITIONS)
DETAILS OF OPEN STOCK-SETTLED DERIVATIVE (INCLUDING OPTION) POSITIONS, AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE OR SELL ETC.
Note 5(i) on Rule 8 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1.KEY INFORMATION
Full name of person making disclosure:
Invesco Ltd.
Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities the disclosure relates:
AngloGold Ashanti PLC
2.STOCK-SETTLED DERIVATIVES (INCLUDING OPTIONS)
Class of relevant security
Product descriptione.g. call option
Written or purchased
Number of securities to which option or derivative relates
Exercise price per unit
Type
e.g. American, European etc.
Expiry date
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Put Option
Written
102,500
1.17 USD
American
18/10/2024
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Put Option
Written
103,000
1.31 USD
American
18/10/2024
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Call Option Short Position
Written
-102,500
1.62 USD
American
18/10/2024
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Call Option Short Position
Written
-102,500
2.63 USD
American
18/10/2024
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Call Option Short Position
Written
-102,500
2.61 USD
American
18/10/2024
USD 1 ordinary GB00BRXH2664
Call Option Short Position
Written
-102,500
2.77 USD
American
18/10/2024
3.AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE OR SELL ETC.
Full details should be given so that the nature of the interest or position can be fully understood:
It is not necessary to provide details on a Supplemental Form (Open Positions) with regard to cash-settled derivatives.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
Parents in Stoke-on-Trent have been receiving extra support with finding free or affordable school uniforms with the help of a QR code
VAST have collated a resource of school uniform banks, exchanges, swap shops and donation points.
They are using this information to develop a toolkit to help communities find their nearest school uniform bank or find support with the huge cost of school uniform with the help of a QR code.
The cost of living crisis has hit many families in Stoke-on-Trent hard and finding money for school uniform can feel impossible, which is why this work by VAST has been so helpful to many across the city.
Faye Angus, Communications and Content Manager at VAST said: “As a parent, I am all too aware of the cost of school uniforms and how long they realistically last on growing children. It’s not as simple as popping to the local supermarket for the cheaper jumpers and cardigans, not when a lot of schools are insisting on branded blazers, ties, and sometimes even PE socks!”
“We worked closely with the sector to develop a cost-of-living comms toolkit; a range of content for voluntary sector organisations to share information on free and/or affordable food within their local communities. But we wanted that content to reach as many people as possible with the information and support they need, and what they needed support with was accessible school wear.”
“The survey responses we gathered meant we were able to connect communities with free or affordable second-hand school uniform. Whether it was a uniform exchange to take old and outgrown items and swap them for bigger ones, or it was a free bank for specific branded items – we were able to share where to access it.”
“We’re very grateful to the groups who responded to our survey and were able to help local parents and carers to access the uniform they need for their children, either for free, by exchanging outgrown items, or at a fraction of the retail price.”
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for Education and Anti-Poverty, said: “This has been a brilliant campaign that VAST have put together to help families across Stoke-on-Trent with the high cost of school uniforms.
“With the cost of living crisis affecting so many and children growing out of school uniforms that then need replacing, it is a recurring cost that many find hard to afford.
“I am so pleased that so many families have been helped by this across the city and urge anyone still struggling with school uniform costs to check out the resources VAST have put together for extra support.”
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real Estate Split Corp. (TSX: RS and RS.PR.A) is pleased to announce that a distribution for September 2024 will be payable to Class A shareholders as follows:
Record Date
Payable Date
Distribution Per Equity Share
September 30, 2024
October 15, 2024
$0.13
The Fund also announces that the third quarter distribution of 2024 will be payable to preferred shareholders as follows:
Record Date
Payable Date
Distribution Per Preferred Share
September 30, 2024
October 15, 2024
$0.13125
The equity and preferred shares both trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the respective symbols RS and RS.PR.A.
Middlefield
Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.
For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.
This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund;and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.
PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSUREBY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1.
KEY INFORMATION
(a)
Full name of discloser:
Invesco Ltd.
(b)
Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c)
Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
REA Group Ltd
(d)
If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e)
Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
20.09.2024
(f)
In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
Yes, Rightmove PLC
2.
POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a)
Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
Class of relevant security:
Ordinary NPV AU000000REA9
Interests
Short Positions
Number
%
Number
%
(1)
Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
275,113
0.20
(2)
Cash-settled derivatives:
(3)
Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
Total
275,113
0.20
*The change in the holding of 22 shares since the last disclosure on 20.09.2024 is due to the transfer in of a discretionary holding at 198.99 AUD.
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b)
Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:
3.
DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a)
Purchases and sales
Class of relevant security
Purchase/sale
Number of securities
Price per unit
Ordinary NPV AU000000REA9
Purchase
51
198.99 AUD
Ordinary NPV AU000000REA9
Sale
5,431
198.99 AUD
(b)
Cash-settled derivative transactions
Class of relevant security
Product descriptione.g. CFD
Nature of dealinge.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
Class of relevant security
Nature of dealinge.g. subscription, conversion
Details
Price per unit (if applicable)
4.
OTHER INFORMATION
(a)
Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(b)
Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(c)
Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?
NO
Date of disclosure
23.09.2024
Contact name
Philippa Holmes
Telephone number
+441491417447
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website atwww.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSUREBY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1.
KEY INFORMATION
(a)
Full name of discloser:
Invesco Ltd.
(b)
Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c)
Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
Smith (DS) plc
(d)
If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e)
Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
20.09.2024
(f)
In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
Yes, International Paper Company
2.
POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a)
Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
Class of relevant security:
10p Ordinary GB0008220112
Interests
Short Positions
Number
%
Number
%
(1)
Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
5,955,810*
0.43
(2)
Cash-settled derivatives:
(3)
Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
Total
5,955,810*
0.43
*The change in the holding of 1,232 shares since the last disclosure on 12.09.2024 is due to the transfer in of a discretionary holding.
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b)
Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:
3.
DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a)
Purchases and sales
Class of relevant security
Purchase/sale
Number of securities
Price per unit
10p Ordinary GB0008220112
Sale
43,783
4.68 GBP
10p Ordinary GB0008220112
Purchase
332
4.68 GBP
(b)
Cash-settled derivative transactions
Class of relevant security
Product descriptione.g. CFD
Nature of dealinge.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
Class of relevant security
Nature of dealinge.g. subscription, conversion
Details
Price per unit (if applicable)
4.
OTHER INFORMATION
(a)
Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(b)
Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
None
(c)
Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?
NO
Date of disclosure
23.09.2024
Contact name
Philippa Holmes
Telephone number
+441491417447
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website atwww.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tendo announced today a new partnership with Fijoya, a leading employee benefits platform. This collaboration combines Tendo’s Marketplace with Fijoya’s end-to-end modular solution, streamlining healthcare for providers and employees seeking care. The integration simplifies administration and delivers a value-focused solution for employers by combining quality, convenience, and affordability.
Fijoya’s platform consolidates thousands of health and wellness benefits into a single, user-friendly solution. By incorporating Tendo’s Care Connect Marketplace, Fijoya will enhance employee experiences with transparent, predictable pricing for healthcare services. Employees can now purchase and schedule care with all-in pricing, reducing the complexity of navigating healthcare.
“Joining forces with Tendo allows us to further streamline healthcare for employers,” said Sagi Polani, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Fijoya. “Together, we’re delivering transparent, cost-effective solutions that benefit employers and their workforces.”
The Tendo Care Connect Marketplace offers guaranteed, fully bundled rates, streamlining direct contracting for episodes of care. These pre-negotiated contracts provide employers with 20-40% savings on healthcare services, helping them reduce overall healthcare expenses while offering robust benefits options. Care Connect offers a broad range of services across hospitals, surgery centers, imaging, PT, and labs spanning 30+ specialties as a one stop shop.
“This partnership helps employers enhance their benefits by providing easy access to high-quality, convenient, and affordable healthcare in a simplified shoppable experience,” said Ben Maisano, SVP, Head of Strategy at Tendo.
About Tendo
Tendo, a software company recognized as one of Forbes America’s Best Startup Employers for 2024, is reimagining what is possible in healthcare.
Founded by siblings Dan Goldsmith and Jennifer Goldsmith, the company works with leading health systems to deliver exceptional patient experiences, better clinical outcomes, and greater efficiency for patients, clinicians, and caregivers. Tendo’s solutions bring continuity to healthcare’s complex and disconnected landscape and insights to improve quality, health, and financial outcomes. With the recent acquisition of MDsave, Tendo is now able to offer patients a comprehensive platform to easily search, schedule, pay for, and manage healthcare services with transparent pricing. Learn more at www.tendo.com and www.mdsave.com.
About Fijoya
Fijoya is an employee health benefits platform designed to free employers from vendor fatigue with a modular, end-to-end solution for cost-effective and attractive benefits. The platform consolidates thousands of health and wellness benefits into a single, easily-customizable platform, reducing the need for multiple vendor contracts. Fijoya provides flexibility and zero administration, offering both existing and new benefits through a plug-and-play solution. Employees can use their funds as they see fit, guided by an AI-based recommendation engine to browse and pay for personalized health and wellness benefits.
Media Inquiries Carly Ray Senior Director, Marketing Tendo Email: carly@tendo.com
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Split Corp. (TSX: ENS and ENS.PR.A) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that a distribution for September 2024 will be payable to Class A shareholders as follows:
Record Date
Payable Date
Distribution Per Equity Share
September 30, 2024
October 15, 2024
$0.13
The Fund also announces that the third quarter distribution of 2024 will be payable to preferred shareholders as follows:
Record Date
Payable Date
Distribution Per Preferred Share
September 30, 2024
October 15, 2024
$0.175
The equity and preferred shares both trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the respective symbols ENS and ENS.PR.A.
Middlefield
Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.
For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.
This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund;and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.
A record-breaking response to the city’s Community Council elections has been hailed as great news for local democracy.
Applications earlier this month to become community councillors have resulted in an uncontested election on 16 September and 26 out of a possible 30 Community Councils being established; the most achieved at any triennial election.
Community councillors will take up their roles on 3 October.
Councillor Miranda Radley, Communities, Housing and Public Protection Convener, said: “This is fantastic news and a huge boost for local democracy in Aberdeen.
“Community Councils and community councillors play such a positive role in influencing the future of our city for the better.”
Community Councils act as a voice for their local area and express the views of local people on issues that are most important to them. They are also a statutory consultee on all planning applications and liquor licensing applications.
Community Councils usually meet once a month, to discuss concerns in their local area and through public engagement should encourage feedback and involvement from everyone in the local community. This could include consultations, public meetings and actively promoting the work of the Community Council.
Established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, most Community Councils comprise of up to 12 members with some having more, depending on the size of the population for that location, with each community councillor elected to serve for a period of three years.
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group (TSX: AIF) introduced ARGUS Intelligence at its Altus Connect conference last week, a new product built to drive CRE portfolio performance.
ARGUS Intelligence is Altus’ next-generation software for CRE investment management. It is designed to transform the way investors model, monitor and manage their assets and portfolios by providing instant performance insights. It delivers new capabilities for asset, portfolio, and benchmark management, and includes industry-leading ARGUS Enterprise. With ARGUS Intelligence, CRE investors can now dynamically drill into data to quickly analyze and compare performance metrics to enhance returns and reduce risk.
“For more than 30 years, ARGUS has led the way in bringing valuation transparency to the CRE industry. ARGUS Intelligence builds and expands upon this foundation with automated data connectivity and advanced analytics to deliver performance insights,” commented David Ross, Chief Technology Officer at Altus. “This launch marks a significant evolution for ARGUS, transforming it from its forecasting and modelling roots into a mission-critical solution for driving CRE performance. CRE investors can now consistently measure their performance against both internal plans and relevant peers and identify key metrics to stress-test their cash flows.”
Ross continued, “Altus is investing in enhancing CRE intelligence. We’re leveraging AI to solve critical data challenges and providing the industry with a new data model that connects the ARGUS ecosystem. This provides us with an incredibly rich CRE dataset to bring unmatched intelligence back to our clients.”
ARGUS Intelligence core capabilities:
Asset Manager Functionality: Dynamically access asset-level metrics and underlying assumptions, and seamlessly conduct scenario analysis.
Automated Data Consolidation: Benefit from Altus’ scalable data model which streamlines ARGUS modelling data to unlock new insights.
ARGUS Enterprise: Utilize the industry-leading software for trusted commercial property valuation, budgeting and cash flow forecasting, essential for managing commercial assets and property portfolios.
ARGUS Intelligence add-on capabilities:
Portfolio Manager Functionality: Create custom asset groupings and conduct scenario analysis to gain insights into portfolio level performance metrics and quickly identify which assets are driving performance.
Benchmark Manager Functionality (available in early 2025): Compare performance against the ARGUS ecosystem and conduct comprehensive attribution analysis.
“It’s great to see Altus deliver a product that modernizes the way the industry can access and consume data,” added Merritt Poole, Chief Financial Officer at Core Spaces, who attended Altus Connect. “The interactive dashboard on the Portfolio Manager capability highlights the most critical performance insights, enabling CRE professionals to quickly identify and react to the key drivers of portfolio value and cash flow growth.”
To learn more about ARGUS Intelligence, click here.
About Altus Group
Altus Group is a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate. We deliver intelligence as a service to our global client base through a connected platform of industry-leading technology, advanced analytics, and advisory services. Trusted by the largest CRE leaders, our capabilities help commercial real estate investors, developers, proprietors, lenders, and advisors manage risks and improve performance returns throughout the asset and fund lifecycle. Altus Group is a global company headquartered in Toronto with approximately 2,900 employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit www.altusgroup.com.
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
Mullin, Lucas Secure $5.5 Million Investment to OSU to Enhance Weather Prediction
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded Oklahoma State University (OSU) $5.5 million as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The purpose of these funds is to increase knowledge about local weather systems in the lower atmosphere, enabling the safe integration of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System.
Senator Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Lucas (OK-03) were the sponsors of the congressionally directed spending that made this funding possible. This project also received support from Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Payne County Commissioner Chris Reding.
“Oklahoma State University is leading the way in the aerospace and aviation industry,” said Sen. Mullin. “These funds will allow their innovation to continue as they expand research into weather sensors in commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft. I’m thrilled to share this news, and I also want to thank President Shrum for her leadership.”
“I’ve been proud to see my Alma Mater – Oklahoma State University – take initiatives in the aerospace industry and weather data sciences. I’ve spoken with President Shrum about the immense progress being made on campus in recent years, and it’s clear this community funded project will only further its impact,” said Congressman Lucas. “Those of us in Oklahoma know firsthand how important accurate weather predictions are to our livelihoods, and the funding made possible by this congressionally directed spending will enable OSU to take great strides in enhancing weather prediction through Unmanned Aircraft Systems. I’d like to thank President Shrum for her efforts and am excited to see what positive results this project will bring to our state.”
“On behalf of Oklahoma State University and its Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE), I would like to personally thank Senator Mullin and Representative Lucas for their support and tireless work in securing vital funding to further establish methods to standardize and trace commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) atmospheric measurements,” said OSU President Kayse Shrum. “This funding will provide enormous benefit to Oklahoma and the nation through facilitating the safe and sustainable integration of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility into the National Airspace System. The enhanced coverage and precision of low-altitude weather data this project will provide will offer significant benefits to the helicopter-based Emergency Medical Services community operating within the same airspace, helping to lessen their operational risks. The meteorology community will be able to leverage this data to refine weather products and extend warning times for potentially hazardous conditions contributing to critical safety measures being employed. Oklahoma State University’s OAIRE is a national leader in aerospace and aviation research and education and we are proud to be involved in this important project and owe Sen. Mullin and Rep. Lucas a debt of gratitude for making it possible.”
BACKGROUND
The objective of this project is to increase knowledge about local weather systems in the lower atmosphere, enabling the safe integration of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System.
The researchers will create a method to standardize and trace commercial UAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) atmospheric measurements. The project will develop protocols and standards for the Unmanned Aircraft Meteorological Data Report. The project will also evaluate existing maintenance operations that may support AAM operations, particularly related to weather impacts related to severe weather and fire. The researchers will also develop curricula to help the aviation community apply the new technology.
This project will demonstrate a novel, cost-effective method to support the integration of weather sensors in commercial UAS and AAM aircraft. The proposed system is essential for gathering local weather data and establishing a weather information dissemination network. The project will demonstrate dynamic path planning based on local weather data.
This project facilitates the safe and sustainable integration of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility into the National Airspace System. The technological advancements will also benefit the broader aviation community. The enhanced coverage and precision of low-altitude weather data offer significant benefits to the helicopter-based Emergency Medical Services community operating within the same airspace, helping to mitigate their operational risks. The meteorology community will be able to leverage this data to refine weather products and extend warning times for potentially hazardous conditions contributing to safety measures for various stakeholders within the airspace ecosystem.
SYRACUSE, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) invites you to participate in a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating performance during its third quarter ended September 30, 2024.
Event:
Earnings Conference Call – Third Quarter 2024
When:
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
How:
By conference call or from a simultaneous web cast
Access:
Conference Call Dial-In:
1-833-630-0464 1-412-317-1809 – Outside the U.S. & Canada
Dimitar Karaivanov, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joseph E. Sutaris, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will provide an overview of third quarter 2024 results. The management presentation is typically approximately 15 minutes, followed by investor questions and discussion.
The company’s results for the quarter will be released before the market opens on October 22, 2024, and will also be available in the ‘News & Presentations’ section of the company’s website at https://communityfinancialsystem.com.
The call will also be archived on the company’s website for one year and can be accessed at any time and at no cost during this period.
About Community Financial System, Inc.
Community Financial System, Inc. is a diversified financial services company that is focused on four main business lines – banking, employee benefit services, insurance services and wealth management services. Its banking subsidiary, Community Bank, N.A., is among the country’s 100 largest banking institutions with over $15 billion in assets and operates approximately 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. The Company’s Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. subsidiary is a leading provider of employee benefits administration, trust services, collective investment fund administration, and actuarial consulting services to customers on a national scale. The Company’s OneGroup NY, Inc. subsidiary is a top 66 U.S. insurance agency. The Company also offers comprehensive financial planning, trust administration and wealth management services through its Wealth Management operating unit. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Company’s stock trades under the symbol CBU. For more information about the Company visit www.cbna.com or www.communityfinancialsystem.com.
For further information contact: Joseph Sutaris, E.V.P. and Chief Financial Officer (315) 445-7396
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thnks, the first on-demand gratitude expression platform for enterprises, SMBs, and individual contributors, today announced Troy Stevenson, Account Manager at Pegasus Logistics Group as the individual winner and Pegasus Logistics Group as the company winner for the 2024 Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards sponsored by First Horizon.
As the gratitude in business pioneer, Thnks has transformed small gestures of appreciation into enduring business connections, fostering loyalty, and driving revenue growth. Through the Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards, Thnks celebrates individuals and organizations who are growing their businesses with gratitude.
“Troy and the entire team at Pegasus Logistics Group inspire a ripple effect of gratitude that transforms how we do business and strengthens our communities,” said Brendan Kamm, Thnks Co-Founder and CEO. “The response to this year’s Thnks Gratitude in Business Award has been truly remarkable. We’ve seen an inspiring array of stories demonstrating how gratitude is being leveraged as a powerful tool for business growth and relationship building.”
Pegasus Logistics Group, the first company honored by the Gratitude in Business Awards, is being recognized for their exceptional dedication to fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition to drive growth. The company’s innovative initiatives, including their Culture Team’s CREW program and “People on Point” rewards system, demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a culture of gratitude and empowerment. As the individual winner, Stevenson’s commitment to building trust-based relationships and consistently showing appreciation embodies the transformative power of gratitude in the workplace.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Thnks and First Horizon,” said Ken Beam, Founder and CEO of Pegasus Logistics Group. “Gratitude is at the heart of our culture, and this win is a testament to the dedication and commitment of individuals like Troy Stevenson and all our team members. We believe that gratitude is the foundation for building strong relationships with our team members, clients, partners, and the community. It’s wonderful to see both Troy’s efforts and the collective spirit of Pegasus Logistics recognized. We’re excited to continue fostering an environment where appreciation drives success and strengthens our connections.”
Stevenson will be awarded $10,000 in Thnks credits to enhance further the gratitude program at Pegasus Logistics, a $500 credit from a selection of Thnks retailers, and a $2,500 donation will be made in his name to The Grace Foundation, which assists individuals and families in crisis and guidance toward self-sufficiency. The team at Pegasus Logistics will receive $10,000 in Thnks credits for their gratitude program.
“At First Horizon we’re proud to support the Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards,” said Lucas Doppler, SVP at First Horizon. “We share Thnks’ vision of celebrating those who elevate their workplace, enhance customer experiences, and enrich their communities – by leading with gratitude. “
To learn more about the Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards sponsored by First Horizon, visit thnks.com.
ABOUT THNKS Established in 2016, Thnks believes making people feel appreciated – not just part of a transaction – is a business-building strategy. Utilized by over 10,000 teams and 120 Fortune 500 companies, Thnks is an on-demand gratitude expression platform for enterprises, SMBs, and individual contributors that converts small acts of gratitude into lasting business relationships that drive loyalty and revenue. The Thnks platform incorporates technology, program analytics and compliance/budget adherence to empower customers with a more economical, intentional, and authentic way to make people feel appreciated. To date, millions of Thnks have been sent – proving small acts of gratitude generate outsized business impact.
ABOUT FIRST HORIZON First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $82.2 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities, and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.
ABOUT PEGASUS LOGISTICS GROUP Pegasus Logistics Group is a global leader in transportation and logistics, specializing in both international and domestic shipments of consequence. With a client-centric approach and a flexible global network of partners, we deliver a highly managed transportation model that adapts to the unique challenges of each business. Our stakeholder-focused approach ensures that our solutions benefit not just our clients but also our team members, partners, and communities. At Pegasus Logistics Group, we believe that true partnership is defined by flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to improving business processes as we grow together.
The 2024 European Week of Sport, an EU initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of staying active, kicks off this week. Every year, from 23 to 30 September, the European Commission invites citizens of all ages and backgrounds to participate in events and activities that celebrate an active lifestyle.
The initiative was first launched in 2015 to address the declining levels of physical activity across Europe. It encourages everyone to participate in sport and physical activity by highlighting the benefits of both for our physical and mental health.
As the Olympic and Paralympic Games took place in Europe this summer, the focus this year is on common EU and Olympic values. These are:
Inclusion – Sport is for everybody, not just athletes
Well-being – Sport boosts self-esteem and promotes better health
Belonging – Sport offers opportunities to meet others and brings generations together
Across Europe, a variety of events will take place to ensure that there’s something for everyone, regardless of your fitness level or background. During the week, you will have the chance to attend activities such as workshops, tournaments, games, walks and runs, open days in sports clubs, and much more.
This is your chance to discover new sports, connect with others, and kickstart a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Let’s #BeActive!
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Indicators are vital tools in environmental and economic policymaking. They simplify complex issues into manageable metrics, guiding decision-making, assessing performance and ensuring accountability. By providing a structured approach, indicators help set objectives, monitor progress and evaluate policy effectiveness. Additionally, they generate data that supports further research, leading to refined policies.
UNECE, together with the Joint Task Force on Environmental Statistics and Indicators and with the support of the Working Group on Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, has released updated Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, a tool designed to enhance environmental monitoring and support sound policymaking across the pan-European region.
Establishing guidelines for indicator use fosters international collaboration by creating a common basis for comparison. This standardization enhances data quality, enables countries to learn from one another and facilitates coordinated responses to transnational challenges. Harmonized indicators thus improve our understanding of regional conditions and support the development of targeted,
These new guidelines provide a revised list of 230 environmental indicators, including 74 priority indicators with detailed metadata. The aim is to better inform monitoring and decision-making in line with recent global policy frameworks, to increase the user-friendliness of metadata, and to better link them with statistical frameworks. In particular, the guidelines seek to enhance alignment with the Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics.
The United Nations Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) is a flexible, multi-purpose conceptual and statistical framework that provides an organizing structure to guide the collection and compilation of environment statistics at the national level. When applied it brings together data from various relevant subject areas and sources, covering environmental issues and aspects relevant for policy analysis and decision making.
To align the latest edition of the Guidelines with FDES to the maximum extent possible, the revised list of indicators is organized according to six main themes of the FDES: (1) Environmental Conditions and Quality, (2) Environmental Resources and their Use, (3) Residuals, (4) Extreme Events and Disasters, (5) Human Settlements and Environmental Health, and (6) Environmental Protection, Management and Engagement. This organization aligns with the hierarchical structure of FDES components, sub-components and statistical topics, providing a comprehensive framework for environmental statistics with an emphasis on the importance of data disaggregation.
The updated list of indicators will be promoted and applied across the pan-European region. This revised list includes indicators from various sources, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity, the European Environment Agency, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Conference of European Statisticians. Each indicator serves a specific purpose, helping to explain the causes and effects of environmental conditions. They can be used for environmental assessments within the analytical framework of the DPSIR model (Driving forces, Pressure, State, Impact, Response). The guidelines will remain a “living” document, recognizing the ongoing need to align with emerging policy requirements and global developments.
Ultimately, the 2023 Edition of the Guidelines enhance the relevance of environmental indicators for global environmental reporting by aligning with the SDGs. They introduce new and updated indicators to ensure that the guidelines remain responsive to emerging environmental challenges. The improved methodological consistency with statistical frameworks such as FDES ensures high-quality, comparable data. The guidelines are also more user-friendly, with clearer descriptions and references, making them more accessible to various stakeholders involved in environmental monitoring.
Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English
Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.
The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German BankingAct (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).
Please be aware:
BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.
Welcome to the 79th General Assembly, which opens with the Summit of the Future.
This unique gathering is aimed at reforming the multilateral system so that it corresponds to today’s world and can respond to today’s challenges.
Because global problems are moving faster than the institutions designed to solve them.
Conflicts rage, polarization deepens, and poverty and hunger persist. The climate crisis is accelerating; complex new technologies are emerging; the SDGs are falling behind.
The Summit of the Future will consider steps to re-invigorate multilateral solutions for the world of today and tomorrow.
It will look at ways to tackle today’s emerging security challenges;
Bridge the financing gap and turbocharge the SDGs;
And harness the opportunities of digital technologies for all.
The interviews and discussions held in the SDG media zone help to inform people everywhere about issues that matter to everyone.
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada will make an announcement regarding new investments in space technologies at Spacebound 2024.
Longueuil, Quebec, — Tomorrow, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will make an announcement regarding new investments in space technologies at Spacebound 2024.
Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell will offer remarks and present the latest data on the Canadian space sector.
Media representatives are invited to attend the conference.
Time
What
Who
Where
8:30 a.m. ET
Announcement about new investments in space technologies and presentation of the latest data on the Canadian space sector
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Lisa Campbell, CSA President
Canadian Museum of Nature 240 McLeod Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2R1
Audrey Milette Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry audrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca
Joanna Kanga Press Secretary Office of the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada joanna.kanga@kpc-cpr.gc.ca
Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca
The Canadian Coast Guard’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) stations in Ontario are winding down their seasonal maritime search and rescue service.
September 23, 2024
Sarnia, Ontario – The Canadian Coast Guard’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) stations in Ontario are winding down their seasonal maritime search and rescue service.
IRB stations located at Britt on Gereaux Island, Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Corunna (St. Clair River), Brebeuf Island (Georgian Bay), and Long Point (Lake Erie) closed on September 4, 2024.
The Mitchell’s Bay (Lake St. Clair) IRB station will remain open on weekends, from 2:00 p.m. on Fridays until 6:00 p.m. on Sundays, until October 14, 2024.
The IRB program employs and trains post-secondary students to provide additional maritime search and rescue services during the busy summer season. The Canadian Coast Guard’s search and rescue lifeboat stations across the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay are staffed by Canadian Coast Guard personnel and will remain in service until November/December.
Marine emergencies can be called in to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-267-7270; or to a Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre by VHF radio (channel 16). For additional information on the Canadian Coast Guard’s search and rescue services, please visit: Search and rescue.
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity of the Republic of South Sudan on 20 September 2024. The Secretary-General and the Minister discussed the peace and transitional processes in South Sudan, as well as cooperation between the United Nations and South Sudan to address the challenges facing the country, including the ongoing flooding and resulting displacement.
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge, a global effort to enhance urban greening, reduce extreme heat events and improve air quality, has reached a significant milestone. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has facilitated the planting of 18.5 million trees in cities worldwide, more than double its initial target. This significant accomplishment represents a collective effort by partners to improve our planet’s well-being.
The Trees in Cities Challenge aims to address the pressing challenges of climate change and urban pollution by encouraging the planting and care of trees in urban environments. Trees play a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing community well-being and biodiversity. The Challenge has garnered widespread support from cities, governments, and civil society organizations around the world.
The participation of over 80 cities in the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge demonstrates their strong commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener future. It has inspired numerous local and regional tree-planting campaigns and initiatives.
The planting of over 18 million trees under the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge is a significant achievement contributing to global efforts to combat climate change highlighting also the importance of local action for sustainable development on a large scale.
The Trees in Cities Challenge has evolved into a worldwide initiative leading to the development of dedicated support programmes and new focus areas at UNECE. These include an Urban Expert Network with over 1,000 participants, a dedicated UN Petite Forest program, urban-to-national policy action work (resulting in the San Marino Urban Forestry Action Plan), urban food trees and forests, and more recently, the Coalition for Trees in Dry Cities.
The success of this UNECE initiative is a direct result of its strong partnerships with cities. This focus on sustainable local action for national and global impact reaffirms the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability as it plans for future initiatives.
Find out more about UNECE’s green cities initiatives and resources:
Building on the success of the previous editions, the Bank of Canada, the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are organising the fifth joint conference on expectations surveys. The aim of the conference is to bring together scholars to present their current research involving expectations surveys.
The Capital is gearing up to highlight the importance of Organ and Tissue Donation Week 2024 which runs from September 23-29 September.
This year the NHS Organ Donor Register celebrates its 30th birthday. To raise awareness of the incredible gift of organ and tissue donation, the City Chambers is turning pink.
The annual campaign raises awareness for the ongoing need for organ donation, whilst also encouraging people to make a decision about whether they wish to opt in or out of donation and making sure these wishes are discussed with family members.
Our Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), another landmark building on the city skyline, is also lighting up pink in support of the campaign.
Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron said:
Almost 60,000 lives have been saved since the NHS Organ Donor Register was created in 1994. Organ and Tissue Donation Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight this incredible fact.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, we must also be mindful of the fact that more than 7,600 people in the UK are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. There are thousands of people who could be given a new lease of life by a donor. To help as many people as possible we all need to play our part by considering and registering our decisions to be, or not to be, a donor.
These are conversations that need to be had amongst families, friends, colleagues, and communities as we go forward. Families are more likely to support donation when they are already aware of their loved one’s wish to be an organ donor.
Whilst it’s heartening that over half of people in Scotland have now registered their organ and tissue donation decision, a great many people still haven’t done so. Whatever your choice may be, the important thing is to make it, discuss it with loved ones, and record it.
I hope the aim of this week’s campaign of raising awareness of the lifesaving opportunities of organ donation encourages anyone who is 16 years old or over who have yet to record their decision to do so by visiting the official website today.
BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended a 25-year-old, unlawfully present Dominican noncitizen convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material in Massachusetts. Officers with ERO Boston arrested Enrique Alberto Ortiz-Brito Sept. 12 in Dorchester.
“Enrique Alberto Ortiz-Brito was convicted for possessing sick and disturbing sexual material,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “He posed a significant threat to the children of our Massachusetts community that we could not tolerate. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection lawfully admitted Ortiz into the United States Dec. 16, 2016, in Boston. However, Ortiz violated the terms of his lawful admission.
ERO lodged an immigration detainer with the Boston Police Department against Ortiz Aug. 31, 2017, following his arrest for possession of child sexual abuse material. Later that day, the Dorchester District Court released Ortiz from custody on a GPS monitoring system pending the outcome of his criminal case.
The Suffolk County Superior Court convicted Ortiz of possession of child pornography. The court sentenced him to a split sentence with a term of one year with 30 days to serve (deemed served) in the house of correction followed by three years of probation with numerous conditions, including sex offender registration.
Officers from ERO Boston arrested Ortiz Sept. 12 in Dorchester and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. He remains in ERO custody.
Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.
ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the cost of chronic diseases overwhelming family budgets and federal health care spending, Americans need better tools to manage their health, according to witnesses testifying before a Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing. Nearly 90 percent of the $4.1 trillion spent on health care in America each year is attributable to chronic disease. Addressing obesity, a risk factor for several chronic diseases, could save taxpayers up to $500 billion annually, and improve the nation’s physical and fiscal health. Witnesses pointed to the success of programs in various parts of Medicare – including innovative Medicare Advantage coverage options and value-based care delivery options – in improving patient health. The Health Subcommittee hearing follows the Ways and Means Committee voting earlier this year to provide innovative medical treatments to help more Americans manage chronic disease. In June, the Ways and Means Committee advanced bipartisan legislation requiring Medicare to cover certain anti-obesity medications, multi-cancer early detection tests, innovative medical devices and pilot a medically-tailored meal program. This week, the House of Representatives unanimously approved H.R. 3800, the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act which passed out of the Ways and Means Committee as well and provides private health insurers with the flexibility to cover preventive medication and treatments.
New Report: Obesity Costs Taxpayers an Additional $9.1 Trillion
Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including but not limited to, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee, led by Ways and Means Committee member Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-01), recently issued a report calculating that obesity and its associated health expenses will cost the federal government an additional $9.1 trillion over the next 10 years. Diabetes, a chronic disease, already accounts for a sizable portion of Medicare spending. These costs to taxpayers highlight the need to prevent and effectively manage chronic diseases.
Rep. Schweikert:“I’m the senior Republican on the Joint Economic Committee…We did the math on obesity in America. We calculate that over the next 10 years, obesity in America may add an additional $9.1 trillion additional health care costs…A bunch of the people on the Left and the Right came to me and said, I can’t believe you were willing to say it, but it’s true. You have a country where we are about to have the fifth year in a row where prime age males are dying younger. The Milken Institute says 47 percent of all U.S. health care is tied to obesity, and in many ways, we also have data that in four years, more than half of America will actually be up against that number. Diabetes now is 33 percent of all U.S. health care spending, 31 percent within Medicare.”
“Once you get the test, how do we act on that?” Connecting Innovative Screening to Treatment
Expanding coverage and access to innovative testing for chronic diseases – like multi-cancer early detection screenings – is a major first step in addressing the prevalence of chronic disease by allowing patients and providers to begin treatments even earlier than ever before. However, in response to a question from Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), former Senator and physician Bill Frist highlighted how more can be done to bridge the gap between when a test result is received and care is provided – particularly for patients in rural communities.
Rep. Fitzpatrick: “I also want to highlight the importance of prevention services – specifically for cancer. Currently there are more than 1.7 million people who receive a cancer diagnosis every single year. Our committee has advanced legislation to increase Medicare access to multi-cancer early detection screenings. Many of us are on the Cancer Caucus which I co-chair. We’ve also introduced numerous pieces of legislation. Dr. Peters and Senator Frist – in your experiences, what other investments, aside from early screenings, should be made to prevent further cancer diagnoses, and get our arms around this terrible killer in America.”
Former Senator Bill Frist, M.D.: “…Once you get the test, how do we act on that? In terms of the companies that I work with in the field, there’s a huge gap between if you have a positive result or a negative result, what happens? How do you get to that facility, to that critical access hospital, to the local hospital, to the hospital two or three hours away. And that’s where an opportunity, that gap exists for things like telemedicine, patient navigation.”
“We Mop Up the Floor While the Sink Overflows”: America Ignores the Root Causes of Chronic Diseases
A common focus of the hearing was how food could be better utilized as preventive medicine to address America’s chronic disease epidemic and its associated cost to individuals, families, and taxpayers. Witnesses discussed the importance of preventive medicine in addressing chronic diseases versus the prevailing approach of simply managing them after Americans have already become ill. As one witness told Health Subcommittee Chairman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), the status quo approach is similar to “mop[ping] up the floor while the sink overflows.”
Rep. Buchanan:“Dr. Hyman…we’re spending over a trillion dollars. We’re spending more money than we’ve ever spent, but we’re going in the wrong direction in terms of health care. When you look at 42 percent…obesity of adults, 20 percent with children. That’s wrong. That’s sad. We can do a lot better. What are your thoughts on it?”
Dr. Mark Hyman, Institute for Functional Health:“The science and the data are clear that we can solve this chronic disease epidemic by focusing on its root causes. I practice root cause medicine…What is the root cause? In America, we mop up the floor while the sink overflows. How do we turn off the faucet, so we deal with the root cause of the problem, which is the food that’s driving the chronic disease epidemic. I think there are a lot of levers that the government can pull…I think a deep understanding of food as medicine is very important.”
More Innovative Medicare Programs Can Be Part of Solving Chronic Diseases
Medicare Advantage has various programs and payment models specifically designed to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Recent data shows that nearly four million seniors are enrolled in plans that offer food and produce benefits. Additionally, Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) offer specialized care for individuals with severe or debilitating chronic disease (C-SNPs). One study on SNPs found that C-SNP enrollees with diabetes were 38 percent less likely to be admitted to a hospital and 22 percent more likely to have a primary care visit. Primary care providers treating patients upstream is key to chronic disease management. A Medicare Advantage provider detailed to Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03) specific innovative coverage options targeted to seniors with chronic conditions.
Rep. Smith:“Dr. Rinaldo, based on your experience with Medicare Advantage, how would you say plan design can better incentivize patients to build stronger relationships with their primary care providers?”Dr. Francesca Rinaldo, Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, SCAN Health Plan:“In our benefit design, we often eliminate or reduce costs for preventive care services like primary care visits, especially those that are related to chronic condition management. For example, we have our chronic condition ‘special needs’ plans related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Specifically, for our diabetic members, we provide services and benefits that include no-cost insulin and low-cost other drugs, no-cost diabetic supplies and no-cost diabetic self-management training. For our cardiovascular disease members in our ‘Heart First’ plan, we provide $0 cardiologist visits as well as low-cost cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and we provide no-cost primary care visits for these patients as well.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
Trahan Statement on the Passing of Methuen Mayor Neil Perry
Lowell, MA , September 21, 2024
LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after the passing of Methuen Mayor Neil Perry:
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mayor Neil Perry. He lived and breathed Methuen. Everyone in the Commonwealth knew that no matter the situation, Neil never backed down from a fight if it was in the best interest of hardworking families in Methuen. We will sorely miss his leadership, his determination, and his resilience, and my heart goes out to his family and friends mourning this tremendous loss.”