Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia
Issued on
05 Feb 2025 10:07
Issued for
COOTRA GRASS FIRE in Pinkawillinie Conservation Park on the Eyre Peninsula.
Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions
Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.
At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.
More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Clayton Fire Thunder, age 40, of Oglala, South Dakota, of Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of False Statement following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 30, 2025.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fire Thunder was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024.
The conviction relates to the following facts presented at trial. At approximately 4:00 A.M. on September 15, 2022, Fire Thunder caught a ride to a man’s residence just a few miles east of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Fire Thunder was intoxicated. The individual Fire Thunder was seeking to contact was a methamphetamine dealer. Fire Thunder had acquired a firearm and intended to exchange the firearm with the methamphetamine dealer. As Fire Thunder approached the front door of the residence, he heard noises coming from inside the residence. At some point while on the exterior of the residence, Fire Thunder mishandled the firearm, causing a bullet to discharge into the house. Fire Thunder heard a female screaming, and he left the residence. A later investigation revealed that the bullet had traveled through the siding of the residence and into the adjacent bedroom where the methamphetamine dealer and a female were present. The female was struck by the bullet on her left side slightly below her arm. She later succumbed to her injuries. During two separate interviews with FBI agents in October 2023 and May 2024, Fire Thunder made false statements about the firearm and his involvement in the killing.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for April 25, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2025.
Preston White Feather, age 28, was sentenced to one year in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. White Feather was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,888.56.
White Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in December 2023 within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On December 9, 2023, White Feather stole merchandise from a convenience store in Mission, South Dakota. He was identified on surveillance video and was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
White Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Norris, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on February 4, 2025.
Harold White Hat, age 41, was sentenced to one year and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Hat was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024.
White Hat was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in 2022. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In July of 2024, White Hat relocated from his registered address in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but he did not thereafter update his sex offender registration. He was arrested in Todd County, South Dakota, on August 23, 2024.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
White Hat was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.
Nathaniel Yazzie, 24, was sentenced to one year and seven months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Yazzie was indicted for Child Abuse by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024.
On July 29, 2024, Yazzie struck a three-year-old child multiple times in the face and head while the child was in his care. A concerned party heard the child being abused in Yazzie’s room and called law enforcement. Upon arrival at Yazzie’s residence, law enforcement found the child with a bloody lip and bruising on his face, including linear bruises consistent with being slapped. Yazzie was arrested on tribal charges, and the child was transported to the hospital for medical care.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Yazzie was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Ellery Zephier, Sr., age 39, of Marty, South Dakota, of Kidnapping and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The jury acquitted Zephier on two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The verdict was returned on January 23, 2025.
The assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The kidnapping charge carries a maximum penalty of any term of years, up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024.
Between July 20-25, 2024, Zephier kidnapped and held a woman against her will in his home in Marty. During that same time frame, Zephier assaulted the woman resulting in her sustaining serious bodily injury.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for April 28, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PORTLAND, Ore.–A Tualatin, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States and filing false currency transaction reports.
David Katz, 48, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $44,877,254 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents and trial testimony, from January 2014 through December 2017, Katz, as president of Check Cash Pacific, Inc., conspired with others in the construction industry to defraud the United States by facilitating under-the-table payments to construction workers. To carry out the scheme, sham construction companies were created and used to cash more than $177 million in payroll checks at different Check Cash Pacific locations. The cash was used to pay construction workers under-the-table, with no taxes being withheld or reported to the IRS.
Construction companies would notify Katz when they planned to bring checks into one of his check cashing locations so that Katz could ensure he had enough cash on hand to complete the transaction. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of payroll checks were cashed daily and Katz was aware that at least one of his co-conspirators used a false name and social security number. Acting as compliance officer, Katz allowed hundreds of false regulatory reports to be filed knowing they contained the fake identity.
For his role in the scheme, Katz received a 2% commission on each transaction which, in total, amounted to more than $4 million. Over the course of their conspiracy, Katz and his co-conspirators prevented the IRS from collecting more than $44 million in payroll and income taxes due on the cash wages.
On December 2, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Katz with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of filing false currency transaction reports with FinCEN. On June 12, 2024, a federal jury in Portland found Katz guilty of all charges.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Andrew T. Ho, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Veea Inc. (NASDAQ: VEEA), a pioneer in edge computing and AI-driven solutions, today issued a Letter to Shareholders from Founder and Chief Executive Officer Allen Salmasi.
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
On the occasion of Veea ringing the Nasdaq Opening Bell on February 5, I want to welcome our shareholders and share our insights with respect to our vision, strategy, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Connecting the World at the Edge
I am thrilled to share with you that a monumental shift in technology has occurred, one that now directly aligns with our vision of the future dating back to the founding of the company ten years ago. This transformation is the convergence of Edge Computing, Hyperconverged Networks, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the very edge that all things connect to the network, commonly referred to as Edge AI.
We have developed a portfolio of fully integrated, scalable, and turnkey wireless and wired communications and computing devices and services – VeeaHub products, VeeaWare, and VeeaCloud – that deliver cloud-to-edge solutions and allow businesses to manage high volumes of data to enable real-time applications and maintain system reliability. Our solutions have been iterated over the last several years to minimize production costs, reduce installation expenses, and deliver scalability with easy integration to third party solutions, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership compared to typical edge computing solutions.
We possess more than 100 exclusively-owned patents covering 26 patent families, and a significant partner ecosystem. Our products have been deployed to enterprises and SMB/SMEs across several countries, providing real-world solutions across various end markets. We are transforming lives from remote villages in Indonesia, where Veea’s mesh network is empowering internet connectivity in health, education, and agriculture, to retailers in Mexico, farms in North America, a campus in Hong Kong, and a 21-acre commercial building complex in Orlando, Florida where our Veea Edge Platform is enabling common indoor and outdoor common area Wi-Fi.
Well Positioned to Support the 5thIndustrial Revolution
Significant advances in AI technologies are now driving the 5th Industrial Revolution, fundamentally reshaping how we live, work, and interact. Unlike previous industrial revolutions driven by mechanization, electricity, computing, and automation, the 5th Industrial Revolution is characterized by the seamless integration of AI and human intelligence to enhance decision-making, improve productivity, and drive innovation across every sector. This is not just a technological trend; it is a pivotal force shaping the future of industries, economies, and our organization.
AI inferencing is at the heart of this revolution, driving a new business paradigm that demands a fresh approach to technology infrastructure and service delivery. AI inferencing refers to the process where a trained AI model applies its learned knowledge to analyze new, unseen data and generate predictions or decisions based on the patterns it has identified during training; essentially, it’s the “action” of using an AI model to make sense of “new information” and draw conclusions from it. For many enterprise and consumer use cases massive amounts of data must be collected and processed at the edge. Among many of its utilities, this is what Veea Edge Platform does most efficiently.
Veea’s unique implementation of Edge AI brings the power of AI closer to where data is generated—at the “edge” of networks. This means faster decision-making, reduced latency, enhanced security, increased reliability, data privacy and sovereignty, and real-time insights without the dependency on centralized cloud infrastructure. Edge Computing complements this by processing data locally, significantly improving efficiency and reducing bandwidth costs.
Edge Computing is not just a supporting technology—it is the core capability that enables AI inferencing to deliver real-time, context-aware insights to both enterprises and consumers alike. By processing data closer to the source, Edge Computing ensures that AI applications are responsive, resilient, and efficient. This shift requires businesses to adopt new operational models, emphasizing agility, scalability, and decentralized intelligence.
AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS)
At Veea, we are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging Edge Computing to power our AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) offerings. Traditional business models are no longer sufficient to support the speed, scale, and complexity required by broadly adopted AI-driven applications. Some believe that AI Agents will eventually replace SaaS solutions.
Hyperconverged Networking (HCN) is the backbone that supports this rapid data processing and AI-driven environment. By integrating computing, storage, and networking into a unified system, HCN enhances scalability, simplifies IT infrastructure, and ensures robust data flow between edge devices and core systems. Veea’s virtualized software environment, supporting cloud-native applications, together with one of the most advanced HCN implementations, positions us very well to lead in the delivery of highly optimized solutions in this new era, creating unparalleled value for our customers and sustainable growth for our shareholders.
Through the seamless integration of Edge AI, Edge Computing, and Hyperconverged Networking, all supported by Veea’s cloud-managed products, we are driving:
– Innovation: Delivering cutting-edge products and services that meet the demands of the widest range of the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
– Operational Efficiency: Reducing costs and improving performance for many industries.
– Growth Opportunities: Expanding into new markets and sectors that are rapidly adopting AI inferencing and edge technologies.
– Shareholder Value: Enhancing our competitive advantage, creating revenue streams, and supporting long-term financial performance.
A Unique Business Model Supported by Technology that Delivers Solutions to Real World Problems
What sets Veea apart in this transformative era is our unique business model as a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that is delivering solutions such i) as 5G fixed wireless access through our VeeaHub edge computing products with AI-driven cybersecurity, and a range of value-added services currently being rolled-out by network operators to SMBs and SME, as one of its highly scalable use cases, and ii) Edge AI inferencing through our innovative AIaaS offering with complete turnkey hardware and software solutions (i.e., full stack). This model allows us to deliver AI-powered applications and insights at scale without requiring the end-users to invest heavily in infrastructure or specialized talent.
Through our AIaaS platform, we provide end-to-end management of AI workloads, from deployment and optimization to continuous monitoring and maintenance. This approach offers several key differentiators:
– Scalability: Clients can easily scale their AI capabilities as their business grows, without the complexities of managing hardware and software.
– Cost Efficiency: By offering AI on a subscription basis, we lower the barriers to entry, making advanced AI accessible to organizations of all sizes.
– Agility: Our managed services enable rapid deployment and iteration, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing market demands.
– Expertise: Clients benefit from our deep expertise in AI, edge computing, and hyperconverged networking, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
AI inferencing supported by Edge AI represents a compelling business model and a significant growth opportunity for several reasons:
– Explosive Market Demand: The global demand for real-time, data-driven decision-making is rising across industries including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, smart buildings, smart cities, and smart farming. Organizations need solutions that process data instantly, making Edge AI inferencing critical.
– Recurring Revenue Streams: The MSP and AIaaS business models enable predictable, recurring revenue through subscription-based offerings. This stabilizes our financial outlook and supports sustainable growth.
– Competitive Advantage: Edge AI allows businesses to differentiate themselves through faster, smarter, and more secure operations. By providing managed AI inferencing services, we help our clients maintain a competitive edge, which in turn strengthens our market position.
– Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Our managed services reduce the cost and complexity for customers, making it more attractive for businesses to adopt advanced AI without large upfront investments.
– Global Scalability: The decentralized nature of Edge AI allows us to serve clients worldwide, expanding our reach and unlocking new markets without the limitations of traditional centralized data processing.
– Rapid Innovation Cycle: Continuous improvements in AI algorithms, edge devices, and networking technologies create opportunities for us to innovate and offer enhanced services regularly, driving both customer retention and new customer acquisition.
– Portable Software Stack: Our full stack software can run on third-party hardware (i.e., CPU-based or GPU-based servers, Access Points (APs), routers, etc.) with a Linux host that meet our minimum requirements, making our cloud-managed platform hardware agnostic.
In Closing
Our commitment to innovation and excellence, combined with a differentiated business model, not only strengthens our value proposition to customers but also positions us to develop a robust, recurring revenue stream that drives sustainable growth and profitability.
We are committed to investing in these transformative technologies, fostering strategic partnerships, and continuing to lead in innovation. Our goal is to ensure that Veea remains at the forefront of this technological revolution, delivering growth and value to our shareholders.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in our vision. Together, we are shaping the future.
Warm regards,
Allen Salmasi
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
About Veea
Veea Inc. (NASDAQ: VEEA) was formed in 2014 and is headquartered in New York City with a rich history of major innovations in the development of advanced networking, wireless and computing technologies. Veea makes living and working at the edge simpler and more secure. Veea has unified multi-tenant computing, multiaccess multiprotocol communications, edge storage and cybersecurity solutions through fully integrated cloud- and edge-managed products. Veea’s fully integrated turnkey solution offers end-to-end cloud management of devices, applications and services with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), optionally with a highly simplified plug and play 5G-based Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offering. Veea Edge Platform™ enables direct connections from the wide area optical fiber, cellular and satellite networks to devices on the local area networks created by a VeeaHub® mesh cluster over network-managed Wi-Fi and IoT devices – a unique patented capability called Multiprotocol Private Network Slicing (MPNS) for ISPs to offer subscription-based services for one or a group of endpoints. Veea Developer Portal and development tools provide for rapid development of edge applications including federated learning with pre-trained models for inferencing to cost-effectively enable Edge AI for most enterprise use cases.
Veea was recognized in 2023 by Gartner as a Leading Smart Edge Platform for the innovativeness and capabilities of our Veea Edge Platform™ and a Cool Vendor in Edge Computing in 2021. Veea was named in Market Reports World’s in its research report published in October 2023 as one of the top 10 Edge AI solution providers alongside IBM, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services among others. For more information about Veea and its product offerings, visit veea.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely” or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company’s strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties including those regarding: the Company’s business strategies, and the risk and uncertainties described in “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements” and the additional risk described in Veea’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024 and any subsequent filings which Veea makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
The Equity Group
Devin Sullivan
Managing Director
dsullivan@equityny.com
Conor Rodriguez
Analyst
crodriguez@equityny.com
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tourist destinations in China attract visitors with ice and snow activities
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Feb. 4 — China’s sci-tech museums have received more than 3 million visits during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, according to the China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) on Tuesday.
The Beijing-based CSTM said that it has guided the public to explore the scientific elements of Spring Festival customs. During the holiday, the museum welcomed more than 150,000 visits, of whom over 90 percent came from outside the capital city.
Sci-tech museums across the country have launched various Spring Festival-themed science exhibitions, integrating Chinese zodiac culture, intangible cultural heritage techniques and cutting-edge technologies.
East China’s Fujian Science and Technology Museum is holding an exhibition on the “wisdom of the snake,” allowing visitors to learn about snake biology. In another sci-tech museum in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a humanoid robot interacts with audiences, showcasing the latest progress in China’s robotics technology.
The CSTM said that it will lead the country’s sci-tech museums to continue innovating forms of science popularization in 2025.
Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Media Contact 202-321-9747
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast released the following video exposing radical, far-left grants issued by the State Department and United States Agency for International Development under the Biden administration.
WATCH HERE
Democrats and unaccountable bureaucrats don’t want Americans to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being wasted abroad. Chairman Mast is here to set the record straight.
Several egregious examples include:
$15 million for condoms to the Taliban through USAID.
$446,700 to promote the expansion of atheism in Nepal through the State Department.
$1 million to boost French-speaking LGBTQ groups in West and Central Africa through the State Department.
$14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the southern border through the State Department.
$20,600 for a drag show in Ecuador through the State Department.
$47,020 for a transgender opera in Colombia through the State Department.
$32,000 for an LGBTQ-centered comic book in Peru through the State Department.
$55,750 for a climate change presentation warning about the impact of climate change in Argentina to be led by female and LGBT journalists through the StateDepartment.
$3,315,446 for “being LGBTQ in the Caribbean” through USAID.
$7,071.58 for a BIPOC speaker series in Canada through the State Department.
$80,000 for an LGBTQ community center in Bratislava, Slovakia through the State Department.
$3.2 million to help Tunisian migrants readjust to life in Tunisia after deportation through the State Department.
$16,500 to foster a “united and equal queer-feminist discourse in Albanian society” through the State Department.
$10,000 to pressure Lithuanian corporations to promote “DEI values” through the State Department.
$8,000 to promote DEI among LGBTQ groups in Cyprus through the State Department.
$1.5 million to promote job opportunities for LGBTQ individuals in Serbia through USAID.
$70,884 to create a U.S.-Irish musical to promote DEI in Ireland through the State Department.
$39,652 to host seminars at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on gender identity and racial equality through the State Department.
$2.5 million to build electric vehicle charging stations in Vietnam’s largest cities through USAID.
$425,622 to help Indonesian coffee companies become more climate and gender friendly through USAID.
###
Source: US State of California
Note: View the superseding indictment here.
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, 38, with seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets in connection with an alleged plan to steal from Google LLC (Google) proprietary information related to AI technology.
Ding was initially indicted in March 2024 on four counts of theft of trade secrets. The superseding indictment returned today describes seven categories of trade secrets stolen by Ding and charges Ding with seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets.
According to the superseding indictment, Google hired Ding as a software engineer in 2019. Between approximately May 2022 and May 2023, Ding uploaded more than 1,000 unique files containing Google confidential information from Google’s network to his personal Google Cloud account, including the trade secrets alleged in the superseding indictment.
While Ding was employed by Google, he secretly affiliated himself with two People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based technology companies. Around June 2022, Ding was in discussions to be the Chief Technology Officer for an early-stage technology company based in the PRC. By May 2023, Ding had founded his own technology company focused on AI and machine learning in the PRC and was acting as the company’s CEO.
The superseding indictment alleges that Ding intended to benefit the PRC government by stealing trade secrets from Google. Ding allegedly stole technology relating to the hardware infrastructure and software platform that allows Google’s supercomputing data center to train and serve large AI models. The trade secrets contain detailed information about the architecture and functionality of Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips and systems and Google’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) systems, the software that allows the chips to communicate and execute tasks, and the software that orchestrates thousands of chips into a supercomputer capable of training and executing cutting-edge AI workloads. The trade secrets also pertain to Google’s custom-designed SmartNIC, a type of network interface card used to enhance Google’s GPU, high performance, and cloud networking products.
As alleged, Ding circulated a PowerPoint presentation to employees of his technology company citing PRC national policies encouraging the development of the domestic AI industry. He also created a PowerPoint presentation containing an application to a PRC talent program based in Shanghai. The superseding indictment describes how PRC-sponsored talent programs incentivize individuals engaged in research and development outside the PRC to transmit that knowledge and research to the PRC in exchange for salaries, research funds, lab space, or other incentives. Ding’s application for the talent program stated that his company’s product “will help China to have computing power infrastructure capabilities that are on par with the international level.”
If convicted, Ding faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each trade-secret count and 15 years in prison and $5,000,000 fine for each economic-espionage count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Boome and Molly K. Priedeman for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorneys Stephen Marzen and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Today’s action was coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states.
A superseding indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Seattle – Three citizens of Mexico were arrested late last week in Bellevue, Washington in connection with a drug deal involving more than 25 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. All three men are being held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington, on a criminal complaint.
According to records filed in the case, on January 29, 2025, an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations began communicating with a transnational drug organization about purchasing crystal methamphetamine. The deal was set for the next day: 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine for $62,000 to be exchanged at a restaurant parking lot in Bellevue.
After the undercover agents were shown the drugs, they walked the defendants back towards a vehicle where they claimed the money was waiting. As law enforcement swooped in to arrest the drug traffickers, they attempted to flee but were taken into custody. The men are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with attempt to distribute.
The three men are identified as:
Eber Omar Barrones-Madrid, age 24
Juan Jose Prado-Estrada, age 25
Jose Manuel Ochoa-Sanchez, age 27
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced the successful close of the acquisition of a fully licensed and permitted 101 MW site and gas-fired power project situated on 19 acres of land near Fox Creek, Alberta in an all-cash transaction for $21.7 million. The site has potential to scale to 1 GW of power, reflecting Alberta’s abundant energy resources, supportive regulatory posture and pro-business environment.
The 101 MW gas-fired power project includes all permits and licenses required to construct an on-site natural gas power plant, as well as approval for a 99 MW grid interconnection with Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”). Bitdeer will develop and construct the power plant in partnership with a leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) company and is expected to be energized by Q4 2026.
Concurrently, the Company plans to build 99 MW of datacenter capacity for Bitcoin mining. This newly acquired site and power generation project provides the Company a unique opportunity to become the world’s first fully-vertically integrated Bitcoin miner at scale and potentially achieve some of the lowest Bitcoin mining production costs in the industry.
Strategic Benefits
“We are really excited about planting roots in Alberta, our first site in Canada. This acquisition is the culmination of extensive collaboration with multiple government agencies and the Canadian Blockchain Consortium. It marks a significant step in our strategy to become the first fully-vertically integrated Bitcoin miner, giving us unmatched control over costs, energy efficiency, and scalability,” said Haris Basit, Chief Strategy Officer at Bitdeer. “By combining our own power generation, SEALMINER mining machines and opportunistic grid participation, we believe this site will set a new benchmark for industry unit economics.”
Regarding the project, Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta said, “We are so pleased to welcome the world’s first net-zero, fully integrated off-grid Bitcoin mining facility — right here in Alberta. Today’s investment is another sign that Alberta continues to be a leader in technology and innovation not only across the country, but across the world. If you want to do business and have a plan to bring your own power, then Alberta is the place for you.”
Estimated Costs and Development Timeline
The Company plans to commence site preparation and initial infrastructure development in Q2 2025 and energization in Q4 2026.
| Asset | Actual and Estimated Costs |
| 101 MW Fox Creek Site and 19-acre land near Fox Creek, Alberta | $21.7 million cash |
| Gas-fired power plant | ~$90 million |
| Electrical & datacenter infrastructure | $300K per MW or ~$30 million |
About Bitdeer Technologies Group
Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing industry. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.
Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations
Orange Group
Yujia Zhai
bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com
Public Relations
BlocksBridge Consulting
Nishant Sharma
bitdeer@blocksbridge.com
1 Assumes natural gas costs of ~$2.06 / GJ, plus regular maintenance and O&M
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QMC Metering Solutions, a privately owned leader in metering systems, wishes to clarify recent questions in the marketplace regarding our ownership and affiliations. We want to assure our valued customers and partners that QMC remains an independent company, fully focused on delivering the high-quality metering products and services you have come to trust.
As a privately owned company, QMC operates independently, enabling us to focus entirely on our customers’ needs and drive innovation without external influence. Although we highly value strong industry partnerships, QMC is not owned by any billing companies, does not provide billing services, and has no plans to do so. The organization is managed by a dedicated group of individual Board members and shareholders.
“Our independence is an integral part of who we are as a company,” said Stew Hutton, President of QMC Metering Solutions USA. “It enables us to remain agile, customer-focused, and innovative in how we serve our clients. We’re grateful for the trust our partners place in us and are committed to continuing to earn that trust every day.”
For over 30 years, QMC has been dedicated to supporting billing companies, utilities, property managers, and contractors across North America with reliable and innovative metering solutions. From water and energy metering to advanced data collection systems, QMC is proud to deliver best-in-class technology designed to empower businesses and improve utility management.
As we move forward, QMC remains committed to the partnerships we’ve built and to helping our customers succeed. We are proud of our independence, as it allows us to focus solely on providing the very best solutions to our clients.
For more information about QMC Metering Solutions and our suite of innovative products and services, please visit qmeters.com.
About QMC Metering Solutions
QMC Metering Solutions is a trusted provider of high-accuracy metering systems designed to support utility management and efficiency. Privately owned and operated, QMC offers a range of products and services to customers across North America. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, QMC empowers businesses to optimize utility usage and operations.
About Truety
QMC provides quality metering hardware for multi-family developers and manufactured housing. With over 30 years’ of experience in the metering industry, QMC is proud to present our newest solution, Truety. Truety combines accurate metering data with utility-grade submeters, eliminating the guesswork in tenant billing. No missing data, no estimates, no disputes. Deploy and bill faster and more efficiently with Truety.
Contact Information:
Stew Hutton
President, QMC Metering Solutions USA, QMC Metering Solutions
stew@qmeters.com
(415) 770-2246
qmeters.com
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cad3dab3-3314-4f28-b3c8-9836fb97a154
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emmeline Norris, PhD Candidate, Conservation Biology, James Cook University
Bennett’s tree kangaroos, one of Australia’s most mysterious marsupials, have long eluded researchers. Our new study, published in Australian Mammalogy today, has achieved a breakthrough: using thermal drones to detect these rare animals with unprecedented efficiency.
Tree kangaroos are found only in the tropical rainforests of Australia and New Guinea. Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, they spend their lives in treetops, feeding on leaves and vines. Their dependence on rainforest trees makes them vulnerable to deforestation and climate change.
Alarmingly, 12 of the 14 species of tree kangaroos are listed as threatened. Yet we know little about their numbers or habits due to difficulties studying them in dense rainforest.
Our new findings mark a significant step forward, offering hope for improved conservation of these elusive, near-mythical creatures. Thermal drones, which detect animals by their body heat, may help to unravel the mysteries of tree kangaroos and guide efforts to protect them.
Bennett’s tree kangaroos inhabit Australia’s most rugged and densely vegetated rainforests north of the Daintree River in Far North Queensland. They rarely descend from their vine-covered treetop roosts, which can be up to 40 metres high.
Traditional survey methods like spotlighting (that is, methodically using flashlights) or handheld thermal cameras (using infrared sensors to detect warm bodies) often fail to detect tree kangaroos, as these tools are limited to what can be seen from the ground.
As a result, there have been no systematic surveys of Bennett’s tree kangaroos. Population estimates rely on outdated observations and anecdotal evidence, leaving their conservation status unclear.
We need robust population estimates to detect shifting population trends and prevent population declines. This requires new monitoring methods to help us find these elusive animals.
Thermal drones are just what they sound like – drones equipped with infrared cameras that detect heat signatures from the air.
Warm-blooded animals like tree kangaroos stand out against the cooler rainforest background, even when partially hidden by foliage. This technology offers a powerful advantage over traditional methods, allowing researchers to scan large areas from above and see past vegetation.
In our study, we conducted three drone flights at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, Cape Tribulation, during the morning and evening.
To our surprise, we detected six Bennett’s tree kangaroos in under an hour of flight time – an unprecedented result. These included a solitary animal, a pair, and a group of three, all consistent with known home range sizes for the species.
By comparison, traditional ground surveys often require several nights of survey effort to spot a single animal. The drones not only made detection easier but also allowed us to closely observe the animals’ behaviour, such as feeding on specific plant species, without disturbing them.
Our findings suggest Bennett’s tree kangaroos are thriving in Cape Tribulation’s lowland rainforest.
While this is encouraging, further systematic surveys are needed to assess how population density varies with forest type, elevation and other factors.
Another intriguing discovery was the tree kangaroos’ diet. Using the drone’s colour zoom camera, we identified the vines and leaves they were eating. Mile-a-minute vine (Decalobanthus peltatus) and fire vine (Tetracera daemeliana) were popular choices on the menu.
These observations deepen our understanding of the species’ habitat needs and could inform future conservation efforts.
Conservation research methods must prioritise minimising stress on wildlife. The tree kangaroos showed no signs of disturbance, continuing to forage after briefly pausing to look at the drone.
This non-invasive approach is a promising alternative to traditional methods, like radio tracking (where a tag is attached to the animal), which can disrupt natural behaviours.
Despite showing promise, drone-based wildlife monitoring has its challenges. Regulations require drone operators to maintain visual line of sight with their drone. This can be difficult in a rainforest due to the height and density of the canopy.
To overcome this, we remotely operated our drone from a 47-metre-high canopy crane designed for research. This extra height allowed us to maintain a clear view while surveying a larger area.
However, canopy cranes are rare – there’s only one in tropical Australia. Expanding this approach will require alternative strategies, such as using mountaintops or canopy walkways as vantage points.
Our study is just the beginning. The next step is designing methods to estimate population densities more accurately – not only for Bennett’s tree kangaroos but also other tree kangaroo species in the remote mountains of New Guinea. By identifying individual tree kangaroos based on their unique fur markings, we aim to also study their social structure and sex ratios.
Thermal drones have the potential to revolutionise conservation efforts for hard-to-study wildlife. They offer a powerful tool to monitor populations and guide management decisions.
For the rare and remarkable Bennett’s tree kangaroo, this technology could make the difference between obscurity and security.
Emmeline Norris does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Rare, almost mythical Australian tree kangaroos can finally be studied, thanks to new tech – https://theconversation.com/rare-almost-mythical-australian-tree-kangaroos-can-finally-be-studied-thanks-to-new-tech-246334
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, at a meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) voted no on advancing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“I wanted to vote for Mr. Kennedy in the context of my family’s history. My dad stood behind his father the night his father gave the famous speech. I told him in my office, in my family, the Kennedy’s stood up. But when he answered Senator Cassidy’s question, and he couldn’t even give him the answer — that yes, the data is there to support vaccines today — I don’t need any more data, all of a sudden.”
Sen. Cantwell continued: “I need someone at HHS who is going to say, we are going to be a leader in medical technology, science, vaccines, we are going to fight foreign powers, we are going to be there to provide global health. And I don’t want a recalcitrant. I need a leader. And that is why I’m voting no,” said Sen. Cantwell.
The speech Sen. Cantwell referenced was on the night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968, when Sen. Robert F. Kennedy Sr. spoke in Indianapolis and delivered the tragic news to attendees. Her father, Paul Cantwell, was standing just behind the late Senator during that speech. Today, the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site near the site of the speech honors both Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy.
Last week, Sen. Cantwell grilled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on his anti-science and anti-vaccine views, and his promise to cut 600 employees from the National Institutes of Health:
“I represent a very big innovation state – innovation in health care, specifically. Innovation like NIH funding to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center that helped develop the HPV vaccine, which has the potential to eliminate over 95% of cervical cancer. NIH also funds a lot of jobs and grants – nearly 11,000 people in the State of Washington and over $1.2 billion worth grants,” Sen. Cantwell said last week during the nomination hearing. “I definitely am troubled by the medical research side of innovation, and some of the things that you have said. In fact, this issue about laying off 600 employees at NIH.”
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A with RFK Jr. during last week’s nomination hearing is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s questioning is available HERE. Our full press release on the nomination hearing is available HERE.
For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a staunch supporter of medical innovation and evidence-based science, including treatments for fentanyl addiction, abortion, vaccinations, stem cell research, and more.
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks during today’s Finance Committee markup is available HERE, audio HERE, and transcript HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced a resolution recognizing the great American achievement of creating the Panama Canal, the vital importance of the Canal in trade, national security, and geopolitics, and the necessity to ensure the neutrality of the Canal from interference by global adversaries like China. The resolution is co-sponsored by Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
RESOLUTION
Expressing the vital importance of the Panama Canal to the United States.
Whereas early efforts of the Colombian government and French investors to construct a canal across Panama were unsuccessful and resulted in bankruptcy by 1889;
Whereas, as a condition of United States Government support for Panama’s independence from Colombia, including the positioning of United States troops in the then-territory of Panama, the United States was to be assured access to construct and control a canal in perpetuity, an agreement that culminated in the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, signed at Washington November 18, 1903;
Whereas the Panama Canal was never initiated, engineered, or built by the Panamanian government;
Whereas the United States Government funded, pioneered, and built the Panama Canal over a 10-year period from 1904 to 1914, at a cost of $375,000,000 and 10,000 lives, and raised the canal above sea level through construction of a lock system;
Whereas, historically, the Panama Canal has been distinct from the sovereign territory of Panama;
Whereas the Panama Canal serves as a vital connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, connecting the east and west coasts of the United States and providing passage for more than 14,000 vessels in 2023;
Whereas approximately 72 percent of vessels traveling through the Panama Canal are traveling to or from United States ports;
Whereas, without the Panama Canal, vessels would have to pass through the notoriously dangerous Cape Horn, extending transit by nearly 8,000 miles;
Whereas, in 1977, President Carter surrendered United States control over the Panama Canal in a series of trea- ties with Panama known as the ‘‘Torrijos-Carter Trea- ties’’;
Whereas one of those treaties, the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed at Washington September 7, 1977, otherwise known as the ‘‘Neutrality Treaty’’, reserved the right of the United States to use armed force to defend the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal;
Whereas, for nearly a decade, the People’s Republic of China has steadily increased its footprint in the Panama Canal;
Whereas, in 2016, Panama ceded control of Margarita Island, the Panama Canal’s largest Atlantic port, to the People’s Republic of China-affiliated Landbridge Group in a $900,000,000 agreement;
Whereas, in 2018, Panama entered into a $1,400,000,000 agreement for the China Communications Construction Company and the China Harbor Engineering Company to construct the fourth bridge across the Panama Canal;
Whereas CK Hutchison Holdings, based in Hong Kong, manages two of the Panama Canal’s five ports, including the Balboa port along the Pacific and Cristobal port along the Atlantic;
Whereas the rapid acceleration of Chinese influence in the Panama Canal poses a high risk of intelligence-gathering and surveillance by the People’s Republic of China;
Whereas Chinese law requires the assets of civilian firms to be made available to support the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China;
Whereas the Panama Canal would serve as a logistics point between the east and west coasts of the United States in the event of a conflict involving United States Armed Forces, cementing its value to homeland and hemispheric defense;
Whereas the ability of the People’s Republic of China to control major entry and exit points of the Panama Canal would provide the People’s Republic of China with a significant military advantage relevant to United States Armed Forces in the event of a conflict:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) recognizes the ingenuity and labor of Americans that made the Panama Canal possible for future generations, with special regard for those Americans who lost their lives in pursuit of the Panama Canal project;
(2) expresses that the Panama Canal is vital to United States regional security, hemispheric hegemony, and economic interests;
(3) assesses that a pattern of Chinese-backed investment in port infrastructure and canal operations in Panama constitutes a violation of the Neutrality Treaty; and
(4) urges the Trump administration to ensure that the canal remains neutral and to take all appropriate measures to enforce the Neutrality Treaty.
The text of the resolution may be found HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, spoke on the Senate Floor as the Senate prepares to vote on the confirmation of Pam Bondi, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Attorney General.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“The Justice Department needs a leader who has the qualifications, the experience, the determination, and the moral clarity to keep America safe.
“Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is that leader. She has my vote and my vocal support.
“The Attorney General is America’s top prosecutor. The role should be filled by an experienced prosecutor.
“Attorney General Bondi has prosecution experience. A lot of it.
“She spent almost 30 years as a criminal prosecutor and then as a state attorney general. She has more trial experience than any modern U.S. Attorney General.
“Attorney General Bondi is the most experienced career criminal prosecutor ever to be America’s chief law enforcement officer. She is ready to lead on Day One.
“In Florida, Attorney General Bondi prosecuted a range of violent crimes. She locked up the worst of the worst. Her signature achievements were in fighting illegal drugs and human trafficking.
“When she became Florida Attorney General in 2011, the state was overrun with pill mills and opioid overdoses.
“Pam Bondi shut down the pill mills. She locked up the drug dealers. She pushed for stronger laws to stop the spread of synthetic opioids.
“Under her leadership, Florida led the fight against this deadly epidemic.
“Attorney General Bondi also protected victims of human trafficking in Florida. She pledged to make combatting human trafficking a top priority at the Department of Justice.
“Pam Bondi is a fierce advocate for safety. She is also a skilled leader.
“The Department of Justice is a huge agency. It controls 40 separate organizations. It employs more than 115,000 people. It oversees all 94 U.S. Attorneys across the country.
“Leading the DOJ is an enormous undertaking. Pam Bondi is up to the challenge.
“The Florida Attorney General’s office is one of the largest in the country.
“It handles a broad scope of civil and criminal investigations, just like the Department of Justice. She led that office effectively and efficiently.
“Attorney General Bondi has received overwhelming support from across the country.
“More than 100 former senior DOJ officials wrote a letter to the Judiciary Committee in support of Pam Bondi. Here is what they said about Bondi’s track record: It shows ‘the no-nonsense, law-and-order, pro-law enforcement approach she will bring to the Department of Justice.’
“The Fraternal Order of Police also urged the Senate to confirm Pam Bondi. This is an organization of more than 377,000 members of law enforcement.
“Attorney General Bondi has also earned the support of Second Amendment advocates.
“United States Attorney General Pam Bondi will stand in stark contrast to the prior administration’s Justice Department.
“The previous administration gave us two tiers of justice.
“It labeled parents as ‘domestic terrorists.’ It brought charges against pro-life protestors, then threw them in prison. It worked with left-wing judges and prosecutors to try to throw President Trump in jail.
“This doesn’t begin to get into the Russiagate Hoax or covering up for Hunter Biden. In both cases, you saw rogue federal agents try to subvert the democratic process.
“At her hearing before the Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Bondi promised a different path.
“Instead of playing politics, Pam Bondi pledged to enforce the law fairly,
fully, and faithfully.
“As she said in her opening statement, she will return the DOJ to its ‘core mission of keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law.’
“Her commitment to the Constitution, public safety, and equal justice under the law is exactly what America needs.
“The partisan, politicized, and polarizing prosecutions are over. Pam Bondi will usher in a new era of safety, sanity, and justice. Pam Bondi has my vote to be United States Attorney General.
“The Senate should confirm her without delay.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight took to the Senate floor to speak on President Trump and Elon Musk’s unconstitutional actions to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and call on Congress to protect the agency, which has played an indispensable role in protecting the interests, security, and reputation of the United States around the globe.
Watch Senator Welch’s speech below:
Read Senator Welch’s remarks as delivered here.
Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:
Senate Committee on Finance
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution
Senate Committee on Rules & Administration
Senator Peter Welch has spent the bulk of his life working to improve the lives of folks who too often get left behind. After fighting housing discrimination in Chicago, he enrolled in law school at the UC-Berkeley, and later settled in White River Junction, Vermont, where he worked as a public defender before founding a small law practice. He was first elected to represent Windsor County in the Vermont Senate in 1980. Peter was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served for 16 years before being elected to the Senate in 2022. In the Senate, he’s focused on lowering costs for Vermonters, making Washington work better for Vermont, and protecting civil rights and democracy in America and abroad.
Learn more about his work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Total greenhouse gas emissions fall 0.7 percent in the September 2024 quarter – 5 February 2025 – Seasonally adjusted industry and household greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand decreased 0.7 percent (136 kilotonnes) in the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
“The decrease in emissions this quarter came mainly from manufacturing, with falls in emissions recorded in most other industries,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.
Over this quarter, industry emissions (excluding households) decreased by 1.2 percent (204 kilotonnes). By comparison, gross domestic product decreased 1.0 percent in the same period.
Emissions attributed to households rose 0.3 percent (6 kilotonnes) in the September 2024 quarter.
Files:
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Thank you very much Simone.
Can I, in her absence, thank Aunty Violet for her welcome and wisdom – she’s had to go do school drop off. I told her it was much more important than listening to me.
I acknowledge also the traditional owners, the Ngunnawal people, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
And I offer that acknowledgement as a mark of respect for our history and an expression of hope for our future.
First Nations people were this continent’s first diplomats, first traders and they are connected to our region – it is a connection that makes our nation stronger.
Thanks UN Women for all you do. Thank you Christine, thank you Georgina for all you do here and in the world.
To my Ministerial colleagues, particularly the Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, to the Leader of the Opposition, Members and Senators, friends – it’s really great to be here.
The Prime Minister just talked about progress. He talked about the work we have done – the community has done, the Government has done – to make Australia a more equal country, as part of the “march forward” on gender equality.
But I regret to report that the situation around the world is not quite as encouraging.
More than 380 million women and girls worldwide are living in extreme poverty.
We talk a lot about economic empowerment, 2.4 billion women of working age do not have equal economic opportunities.
In countries like Iran and Afghanistan, repressive authorities deplete their nations’ souls but also their prospects, by denying the rights of women and girls.
Across the world, women are facing more sexual and gender-based violence, and less access to sexual and reproductive health services.
An estimated one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime globally.
Closer to home, that figure is even more stark – two in three women experience physical or sexual violence in the Pacific.
And as we have seen a surge in conflict and humanitarian crises internationally, we see devastating effects on women and girls.
Last year alone, cases of conflict-related sexual violence surged by 50 percent – almost a third of these cases involved girls.
These terrible facts and they underline the costs of gender inequality.
We know that gender equality is as a stronger predictor of peace than a nation’s wealth or political system.
We know that peace agreements are more likely to last when women can participate in them.
And we know that gender equality reduces poverty, strengthens social cohesion, unlocks economic productivity and enhances prosperity for current and future generations.
If women participated in the economy on equal terms with men, it could add up to US$28 trillion to the international economy.
So the whole world pays the price for the lack of gender equality.
We pay that price in a world that is more dangerous, more divided, less stable, and poorer.
And so it is in this context that today I release Australia’s International Gender Equality Strategy.
The Strategy outlines how Australia is driving gender equality with action to end sexual and gender-based violence.
Action to protect and advance women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Action to increase the security of women and girls and to ensure our humanitarian responses integrate the needs of women and girls.
Action to improve women’s economic security, through social protection, financial inclusion, reform to workplace gender equality…
And action to support women’s leadership, to drive change that benefits everyone.
Now I’m sure some will try to delegitimise this strategy as being about a “special interest”.
So I want to emphasise one thing the Prime Minister said – and something I believe passionately.
Gender equality is not a “special interest”. Gender equality is a matter of national interest.
Australia is always better off if our region and world is more prosperous and more secure.
So as we advance our interests in the world, policies that contribute to the women and girls’ empowerment are not simply an appendix to the rest of our foreign policy.
This Strategy reaffirms the centrality of Australia’s commitment to gender equality.
Because gender equality benefits everyone.
And when women march forward, the whole world makes progress.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On February 4, 2025 at approximately 11:15 a.m., File Hills First Nations Police Service received a report of sudden deaths at a residence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
Officers immediately responded. They located four deceased persons in the residence.
This is an unfolding investigation and we are unable to provide further details about the deceased persons at this time. We’ll do so once we are able to, and we’ve confirmed that next of kin notifications are complete.
Initial investigation by File Hills First Nations Police Service determined their deaths are suspicious in nature. As such, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes was engaged to continue the investigation.
There will be a continued increased police presence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
On February 4, 2025 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP received multiple reports of an adult male pointing a gun at individuals on Zagime Anishinabek (formerly known as the Sakimay First Nation).
It is unknown if this incident is related to the sudden deaths on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation. We will provide an update on this investigation as soon as we are able.
Saskatchewan RCMP advise there is currently an increased police presence on Zagime Anishinabek in relation to this ongoing investigation. People are asked to avoid the areas where police officers are present and follow any police direction provided.
The public is asked to remain vigilant and exercise caution if in the Zagime Anishinabek area.
If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public. Further updates will be provided as we are able to.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Burnout has become a significant challenge in the legal industry, particularly for personal injury attorneys managing demanding caseloads. Practice AI is tackling this issue head-on with its cutting-edge solutions, AI Demands and AI Doc Reader, designed to streamline workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and help attorneys focus on higher-value legal work.
The Growing Challenge of Burnout in Law
The legal profession is known for its high-stress levels, long hours, and intense pressure to deliver results. Attorneys often find themselves buried in paperwork, from drafting demand letters to reviewing complex legal and medical documents. This burden can lead to fatigue, decreased efficiency, and ultimately burnout.
“With the increasing complexity of legal work, it’s critical to equip attorneys with tools that reduce stress and improve efficiency,” said Hamid Kohan, CEO of Practice AI. “Our goal is to empower lawyers with AI-driven solutions that handle the heavy lifting, allowing them to focus on what they do best: Advocating for their clients.”
How Practice AI Reduces Workload and Enhances Productivity
Practice AI provides two essential tools that transform the way attorneys handle their most time-consuming tasks:
The Impact of AI on Legal Workflows
Legal professionals can now generate demand letters in minutes instead of hours, significantly cutting down on administrative work and freeing up time for strategic case management. Document review, which traditionally consumes valuable hours, is streamlined through AI Doc Reader, allowing attorneys to access relevant information quickly and efficiently.
A Smarter Approach to Legal Work
Rather than replacing attorneys, Practice AI ensures that technology enhances their capabilities. “AI should be seen as an assistant, not a replacement,” Kohan emphasized. “By integrating AI, we’re reducing the mental load of repetitive tasks, enabling attorneys to maintain quality work while improving their overall well-being.”
Key Benefits for Attorneys
Experience Demands AI Today
Practice AI invites legal professionals to experience the efficiency and relief our AI solutions bring to daily practice.
How to Get Started
This simple process ensures that attorneys can quickly integrate Demands into their practices.
About Law Practice AI
Practice AI leads the way in developing AI-powered solutions tailored for legal and medical professionals. With products like AI Demands and AI Doc Reader, the company focuses on streamlining workflows, enhancing accuracy, and delivering secure, compliant tools that improve outcomes for professionals and their clients.
For more information about Practice AI’s tools, visit Practice AI or contact us below.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Practice AI
Address: 21731 Ventura Blvd. #175, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone: (424) 476-5858
Email: sales@mylawfirm.ai
Visit us on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | X.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ACHESON, Alberta, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or “the Company”) (TSX:NOA.TO/NYSE:NOA) announced today that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 after markets close. Following the release of its financial results, NACG will hold a conference call and webcast on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time).
The call can be accessed by dialing:
Toll free: 1-800-717-1738
Conference ID: 71653
A replay will be available through April 6, 2025, by dialing:
Toll Free: 1-888-660-6264
Conference ID: 71653
Playback Passcode: 71653
A slide deck for the webcast will be available for download the evening prior to the call and will be found on the company’s website at www.nacg.ca/presentations/
The live presentation and webcast can be accessed at: North American Construction Group Ltd. Fourth Quarter Results Conference Call and Webcast Registration
A replay will be available until April 6, 2025, using the link provided.
About the Company
North American Construction Group Ltd. is a premier provider of heavy civil construction and mining services in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. For over 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource and infrastructure construction markets.
For further information, please contact:
Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
North American Construction Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 960-7171
Email: ir@nacg.ca
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NVIDIA has received notice of an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer by TRC Capital Investment Corporation (TRC) dated January 21, 2025, to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of NVIDIA’s common stock at a price of $131.50 per share in cash. The offer represents less than 0.01% of NVIDIA’s outstanding common stock.
The closing of TRC’s offer is conditioned on, among other things, the trading price per share of NVIDIA’s common stock not decreasing more than 5% from the closing price per share on January 21, 2025, unless waived by TRC prior to expiration of the offer.
TRC’s offer is currently scheduled to expire one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on February 20, 2025. TRC may extend the offer, or terminate it, before the expiration date.
NVIDIA is not affiliated with TRC and does not endorse the offer documentation or the offer itself. NVIDIA expresses no opinion and is neutral on TRC’s offer and encourages shareholders to obtain current market quotations for their shares of NVIDIA common stock, consult with their brokers or financial advisors, and exercise caution with respect to TRC’s offer.
A mini-tender offer is an offer for less than 5% of a company’s shares. It is not subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for larger tender offers. The SEC’s guidance to investors on mini-tender offers is available at https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubsminitendhtm.html.
NVIDIA requests that a copy of this news release be included with all distributions of materials relating to TRC’s mini-tender offer.
About NVIDIA
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.
Stewart Stecker
Investor Relations
sstecker@nvidia.com
Mylene Mangalindan
Corporate Communications
press@nvidia.com
© 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA and the NVIDIA logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today penned this op-ed in the New York Post arguing that Congress must stop federal regulators from pressuring banks to remove the accounts of their political adversaries.
Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
“It’s not a crime to dissent from the woke agenda, but that didn’t stop the Biden administration’s financial regulators from treating people who disagree with it like terrorists.
“For the past four years, the federal government has placed major banks under immense pressure to close accounts owned by conservative individuals and businesses with little notice or transparency.
“This practice—known as debanking—used to be reserved for crime organizations and money launderers.
“Under President Biden, though, debanking became one of the federal government’s most effective censorship tools.
“Without a bank account, Americans cannot receive direct deposits, pay many bills or securely transfer money.
“In an increasingly cashless world, debanking doesn’t just shut a person out of his bank account—it shuts him out of society.
“On Wednesday, the Senate Banking Committee is holding a hearing so Congress can begin to understand how widespread this abusive practice has become.”
. . .
“Fair-minded Americans know the federal government should not be enticing major banks to treat law-abiding citizens like terrorists.
“That’s why I’ve introduced the No Red and Blue Banks Act, which would prohibit the federal government from contracting with banks that refuse to do business with companies solely because of political differences.”
. . .
“In America, you can believe what you want.
“Congress must protect all law-abiding citizens from religious and political discrimination, including their ability to bank.”
Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.
The full text of the No Red and Blue Banks Act is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to reverse the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) rule that targets oil and gas production on the outer continental shelf.
On Sept. 3, 2024, the Biden administration published its rule requiring all new oil and gas leaseholders on the outer continental shelf to submit an archeological report to the BOEM before production can begin. The rule burdens lessees with conducting costly surveys for marine archaeological resources, such as shipwrecks or “cultural resources.”
“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations,” said Kennedy.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) joined the resolution.
“The Biden administration was in hyperdrive to finalize regulatory strangleholds on U.S. oil and gas production, one of which is this BOEM cultural survey requirement. With the new Congress, I truly hope we can effectively use the Congressional Review Act to overturn this Biden rule and return some commonsense to our nation’s energy policies,” said Hyde-Smith.
Previously, the BOEM regional director only required leaseholders to issue an archeological report if a project had the potential to impact archeological resources. The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Oct. 3, 2024, now requires all new oil and gas leaseholders to conduct reports. Existing leaseholders on the outer continental shelf have 11 months to comply with the regulation.
Kennedy’s resolution to reverse the Biden administration’s rule would help make sure that BOEM does not handicap oil and gas producers’ ability to provide affordable energy to Americans.
Text of the resolution is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
Bill Prohibits Federal Government from Using Taxpayer Dollars to Enter into Contracts with Anti-Second Amendment Corporations?
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination (FIND) Act to prohibit the federal government from entering into contracts with groups that discriminate unfairly against firearm associations or businesses.
“We cannot allow businesses with anti-Second Amendment policies and rhetoric to benefit from taxpayer-funded government contracts,” said Risch.“The FIND Act ensures the federal government doesn’t line the pockets of businesses working against Idahoans’ right to keep and bear arms.”
“Taxpayer dollars should not support businesses that unfairly target law-abiding citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. Full stop,” said Crapo.
“Democrats and woke corporations have proven over and over again that they want to carry out an unconstitutional, overreaching gun-grabbing agenda, and under no circumstances should our federal government use taxpayer dollars for these efforts. Doing business with anti-Second Amendment corporations erodes Americans’ trust and infringes on law-abiding citizens’ Constitutional rights. It must stop,” said Daines.
The legislation was cosponsored by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
Source: Minister for Trade
Sabra Lane: The US-China trade war is escalating, with Beijing imposing retaliatory tariffs and restrictions on critical mineral exports. Where does Australia stand? Senator Don Farrell is Australia’s Trade and Tourism Minister and Special Minister of State. Minister, thanks for joining the program.
Minister for Trade: Nice to be with you, Sabra.
Sabra Lane: China has announced retaliatory action to Mr. Trump’s tariffs. They’re both Australia’s friends, but only one is an ally. Does the government back Mr Trump?
Minister for Trade: We want to have a cool, calm and collected approach to this issue. We believe that we have a very strong argument to defend free and fair trade, and that’s the argument that we put to the Chinese Government. And at the end of last year, the last of the products that had been subject to those impediments, namely crayfish, were sent back into China. When the opportunity arises, I’ll be putting exactly the same argument to my American counterpart that we support free and fair trade and it’s in the best interests of both our countries to continue to do that.
Sabra Lane: Some say it’s shakedown diplomacy. You argue, and the government says, Australia is prepared, but a slowdown in China could affect Australia. How hard could this be?
Minister for Trade: Well, it’s always possible that higher tariffs on Chinese products going into the United States will have an impact on the Australian economy. As I say, what Australia needs to do is to push issues that are in our national interest. We’re an island. We rely on trade to produce our prosperity. It’s been very successful in recent years. We’ve had record trade. One thing that this government has managed to do is to diversify our trading relationship. So, we now have new free trade agreements with the with the United Kingdom, with India. In fact, in the last few days, India made us a fresh offer to extend our free trade agreement. We’ve negotiated a new free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. So, all around the world, we’re looking to diversify our trading relationship so that we’re not simply reliant on one or two countries to provide for our prosperity. We’re looking for a much broader relationship and we’ve been successful in that.
Sabra Lane: Mr. Trump’s choice of Commerce Minister Howard Lutnick has not been confirmed just yet. Have you spoken with him yet or when do you expect to meet with him to discuss trade?
Minister for Trade: No, I haven’t spoken with him yet, Sabra, but I have approached the person who will be his Chief of Staff. We’ve indicated that we are very keen to talk. under their system until you get approved by the Senate, you’re not in a position to discuss with other countries. But we’ve made it very clear, and the message that’s come back from Mr Lutnick is that he is very happy to talk with us as soon as he’s legally able to do that. And I hope to be, if not the first person or first overseas minister to speak with him, to be one of the first. And when we get that opportunity, we will push our argument in our national interests that we believe in free and fair trade. That there is no reason for the American Government to impose tariffs on Australia.
Sabra Lane: We avoided them last time round on steel and aluminium. Are you confident that we can do that again?
Minister for Trade: What I’m confident about, Sabra, is that we will push the issues that are in our national interest. One of the points I’ll be making to Mr Lutnick is that since President Trump was last in the White House, American sales to Australia have virtually doubled. So, free trade has been very good for the American businesses in Australia. Of course, it’s been good for us because we have increased our trade with the United States. But right at the moment, the balance is very much in the United States’ favour. We buy almost twice as much from the United States as we sell to them. So, I pose this question; why would you impose a tariff on a country where you’ve got a surplus? And, of course, that was the argument that former Prime Minister Turnbull used with Mr Trump last time. So, I think we’ve got a very strong argument. In Singapore mid-last year, we signed another trade agreement with the United States, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. So, we’ve been building strong relations with the United States over the last few years. And I think we have a very, very good and strong argument. And I want to do, I want to present that argument to the United States and ask for their serious consideration about what further action they might take.
Sabra Lane: We have heard this morning with your Special Minister of State hat on, the group Advance is sending out material right now to voters that the Electoral Commission ruled at the last election was misleading. The group says it’s legal right now because it’s being sent before the writs have been issued. Do our laws need tightening to stop this kind of misleading material being sent all the time?
Minister for Trade: Well, we’ve got laws to deal with the issue of truth in advertising in the electoral context.
Sabra Lane: Well, this is getting through right now.
Minister for Trade: Well, those laws haven’t yet passed. We’ve got legislation before the Parliament that’s coming on this Thursday. They’re trying to put downward pressure on the cost of Australian elections. We want every ordinary Australian to be able to participate in the electoral process. And as you saw earlier in the week, Sabra, there’s massive amounts of money going into the Australian electoral system. We want to stop that.
Sabra Lane: Have you got to deal with the Coalition to get this passed?
Minister for Trade: Well, I’m talking to everybody, Sabra, as I have been for the last couple of years. And I’m hopeful that this Senate, this week will see the merit in putting downward pressure on the amount of money that’s being spent in Australian elections. It’s interesting over the break, President Biden himself warned that we can’t have a situation where the billionaire oligarchs simply determine who gets into the Australian Parliament. Ordinary Australians, people like you and me, Sabra, have to be able to participate in the electoral process without having billionaire sponsors determining who will and won’t get into the Parliament. So, I’m hopeful that all the discussions I’ve had and I’ve, you know, met with all of the serious players in this space and I’m hopeful that the arguments that we’re presenting for putting downward pressure on the cost of Australian elections will be successful.
Sabra Lane: Minister, thanks for joining us this morning.
Minister for Trade: Nice talking with you, Sabra.
Sabra Lane: That’s Don Farrell, the Minister for Trade and Tourism and the Special Minister of State.
