Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $32.6 million has been awarded to improve seven locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program, administered by Empire State Development. First announced by the Governor in February 2022, FAST NY is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to further New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. To date, FAST NY has awarded nearly $233 million to 32 sites, with locations in every region across Upstate New York, and Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $100 million for this proven program in her 2026 Executive Budget.
“FAST NY is a valuable tool that attracts strategic industries that invest in our communities and bring good paying jobs to New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “We have experienced first hand that shovel ready sites are an important factor when businesses are looking to expand and companies like Micron, Wolfspeed, Edwards Vacuum, and fairlife have chosen New York State because of our investments in site readiness. FAST NY is helping New York be a competitor on a global stage for the world’s best companies.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “FAST NY is a forward-thinking initiative that enhances the state’s appeal to major employers in high-growth industries by helping communities prepare and develop sites to accelerate New York’s shovel-readiness. Each site selected for a FAST NY investment has tremendous potential to ignite projects that generate jobs and stimulate regional economic development across New York.”
The latest awardees are:
Albany Port District Commission (Capital Region) – $18.79 million: This project at the Port of Albany’s 85-acre Beacon Island expansion site will allow for utility infrastructure work, including installation of a high-voltage substation, a sanitary wastewater treatment plant, and the intake lines and pump station package for fire protection system. Additionally, it will support the remaining earthwork at the site. This fully graded 85-acre site with access to 115Kv power lines and the navigable Hudson River presents a unique asset to manufacturers of a variety of large-scale components.
Buffalo and Erie County Land Development Corporation (Western New York) – $11.5 million: This infrastructure improvement project at the former Evans-Angola airport will support the establishment of the Erie County Agribusiness Park. The grant will support utility infrastructure work, including roadway and sewer improvements, and power and gas transmission extensions, plus a substation. The former airport has been defunct for over 25 years and the new agribusiness park will focus on attracting food and agricultural processing businesses to the region, and expanding available markets for local farms.
Town of Clifton Park (Capital Region) – $1 million: This infrastructure improvement project at the Synergy Technology Park will extend the site’s water infrastructure by providing a secondary water line. This will increase capacity to the park and support future site development and expansion for industrial, manufacturing and distribution operations.
Orange County Industrial Development Agency (Mid-Hudson) – $500,000: This pre-development project at the Roseton Development site will induce advancement of environmental studies including a Generic Environmental Impact Statement and State Environmental Quality Review, plus engineering and site design. The site provides unique assets, including direct access to existing power transmission, rail, heavy infrastructure, and existing maritime infrastructure with direct access to the Hudson River, and will focus on targeting offshore wind supply chain companies.
Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (Mohawk Valley) – $434,700: This pre-development project will induce the advancement of engineering fees and studies that will determine costs for the development of infrastructure at Johnstown Commerce Park, including roads, utilities, site analysis, and environmental investigation. This site is located directly across from the current Johnstown Industrial Park, which is currently at capacity. The site, which was previously awarded a FAST NY grant, expects to produce five major industrial development projects, resulting in the creation of approximately 200 jobs.
Hamburg Development Corporation (Western New York) – $250,000: This pre-development project will allow for shovel-ready advancement of the Crossroads site, including environmental impact and traffic studies. The site is adjacent to the former Ford stamping plant and is zoned industrial, with direct proximity to significant water, sewer, natural gas and power lines. Pre-permitting this site will expedite development and improve speed to market for advanced manufacturing projects in the region.
Wayne County Industrial Development Agency (Finger Lakes) – $100,000: This pre-development project will enable studies to evaluate water and sewer treatment and delivery infrastructure, with a focus on Lyons Industrial Park and additional industrial parks located along the Route 31 corridor spanning east to west through the southern end of the county. These parks were recently identified via a feasibility study, conducted to evaluate potential areas for future industrial development.
This year, Governor Hochul proposed $100 million for additional rounds of FAST NY in her FY26 Executive Budget. The program helps to diversify New York State’s economy while generating new investments for businesses, communities and job creation. Last year, Governor Hochul secured an additional $100 million in funding through the FY25 State Budget for the FAST NY program.
FAST NY grants are awarded for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement on behalf of the Northern Premiers:
“Northern Premiers have a unique shared responsibility in shaping Canada’s future. While each territory has its own distinct needs, we are united by common values, shared challenges and a collective vision for a strong and thriving Arctic and North.
“Northern Premiers were pleased to participate in the Council of the Federation Mission to Washington, D.C., to share that vision with our neighbours in the United States.
“During meetings with key members of Congress and the Senate, Northern Premiers delivered a clear and unified message: a strong Canada-U.S. partnership is essential to addressing shared priorities. From economic growth to energy security, critical mineral supply chains, border security and immigration, our collaboration is key to navigating these complex challenges. This commitment was further reinforced during a presentation at the Wilson Center, where Premiers highlighted the importance of Arctic Security and the opportunities for alignment and cooperation between Canada and the United States in the Arctic region.
“Northern Premiers met with officials from Denmark and Greenland to enhance cooperation on key Arctic issues, including security, climate change and potential economic partnership. The high-level discussions aimed to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties between sub-national governments across the North American Arctic while addressing shared challenges in the region.
“Premiers highlighted the critical minerals and energy potential in the territories, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in partnership with Indigenous peoples and in collaboration with their governments.
“Northern Premiers are committed to Canada’s sovereignty and will continue to prioritize security of the North, which includes Arctic energy and economic security. Northern Premiers will stand together with other Canadian First Ministers to protect and strengthen our economy and our communities – together, as Canadians.”
BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Boston apprehended an illegally present, 27-year-old Guatemalan national convicted in Massachusetts of three counts of assault and battery on a family member, intimidation, and violation of the Abuse Prevention Act. Officers with ICE Boston arrested Wilber Chinic-Villagran, Jan. 26, in Framingham, Massachusetts.
“Wilber Chinic-Villagran illegally came to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and committed some horrendous crimes,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We simply will not tolerate such a threat to the residents of our Massachusetts communities. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious alien offenders from New England.”
U.S. Border Patrol arrested Chinic, July 28, 2020, after he illegally entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. USBP voluntarily returned Chinic to Mexico.
Chinic illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.
On Feb. 7, 2023, ICE lodged an immigration detainer and a warrant for arrest against Chinic with the Middlesex County House of Corrections in Billerica, Massachusetts, following his arrest by local authorities. However, on Feb. 28, 2023, the MCHOC informed ICE that Framingham District Court released Chinic without honoring the detainer.
ICE lodged another immigration detainer against Chinic, Sept. 22, 2024, with the MCHOC following another apprehension by local authorities.
The Framingham District Court convicted Chinic, Oct. 23, 2024, for two counts of assault and battery on a family/household member, intimidation, and violation of the Abuse Prevention Act. The Court sentenced Chinic to 18 months in prison. The court suspended all but four months of that sentence.
The Framingham District Court convicted Chinic December 24, 2024, for an additional count of assault and battery on a family/household member. The court sentenced Chinic to 18 months in prison. The court suspended all but 90 days of that sentence. Later that day, the MCHOC informed ICE that Framingham District Court released Chinic without honoring their immigration detainer.
Chinic remains in ICE custody.
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: @EROBoston.
CAMDEN, N.J. – The last of four Pennsylvania men who admitted their roles in a conspiracy to burglarize approximately 55 United Parcel Service warehouses was sentenced, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, announced Feb. 13.
Aboudramane Karamoko, 21, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release in Camden federal court Feb. 13. Three other defendants, all from Philadelphia, were previously sentenced. His accomplices Sekou Fofanah, 20, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release; Shamaire Brown, 19, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release; and Quamaire Brown, 19, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release.
“Our incredible partnership with multiple agencies nationwide garnered sentencings that hold these thieves accountable for the over $1.6 million worth of merchandise they robbed from consumers,” said ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “We use every investigative tool available to safeguard the interstate and international commerce of the United States as well as our nation’s overall supply chain.”
As part of their sentences, all four defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,600,157.
According to the investigation, at least as early as January 2021 through at least as recently as April 2023, Fofanah, Brown, Brown, Karamoko, and others conspired to commit burglaries of UPS facilities throughout the United States, including warehouses in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Rhode Island, among other States. The defendants gained access to the UPS facilities by breaking the windows of the loading bay doors or prying open loading bay doors. Once inside, they sought parcels marked with “lithium-ion battery” warnings, which indicated that the packages contained high-value electronic devices, such as a cell phones.
Agencies nationwide supported ICE HSI Newark in the investigation leading to the sentencings including HSI offices in Philadelphia, State College, Rhode Island. Supporting New Jersey law enforcement agencies include the New Jersey State Police and the South Brunswick Police Department. Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies who assisted include the Pennsylvania State Police, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, the State College Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Taylor Borough Police Department. New York agencies include the New York State Police, the Clarkstown Police Department and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Rhode Island’s Warwick Police Department, Michigan’s Livonia Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio’s Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and Connecticut’s Brookfield Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
As you know, along with other senior leaders, we regularly engage with the University Senate, USG, union representatives, the Deans Council, associate deans, department heads, directors of centers and institutes, and students to talk about challenges and opportunities for our university. But we can always do more to enhance our communication efforts and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
We believe that effective communication and transparency are crucial for supporting trust and sustaining positive relationships and growth at UConn and UConn Health. To that end, we would like to offer the broader UConn community more opportunities to have access to senior administrators so that faculty, students, and staff can ask questions and share their ideas on challenges and aspirational goals.
That is especially true now. Between new and sometimes rapidly changing policies and directives from the federal government to looming potential budget difficulties here at the university to the legislative session and appropriations process that is beginning at the state capitol, we are in the midst of a fraught and complicated moment on multiple levels.
First: Together, we are going to get through all of it. We are certainly no strangers to facing challenges. As events unfold, we will deal with them — meeting the moment, coming together as a community, and being responsive while always staying true to our values.
We will remain optimistic about the future despite the challenges of the present because we will persevere and adhere to our mission to educate the next generation of leaders across multiple fields; create educational access and opportunity for all; conduct innovative and impactful research; and engage Connecticut’s communities in the service of improving the world around us.
As we continue to work to navigate the issues we face, we want to make sure we share relevant information with our community but also connect with and hear from you in multiple venues, both formal and informal.
We have used the stakeholder discussions noted above as opportunities to assess our current circumstances and focus on solutions-based paths forward. Similar discussions are happening at the school, college, and department levels through the regular cadence of unit meetings as well as through smaller in-person gatherings.
Like many leaders, we’re not only talking to one another, but are in constant contact with colleagues at institutions around the nation, our contacts at funding agencies, state leaders, and members of our Congressional delegation.
The mood and tone of these discussions, beyond information sharing, is steady determination. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are in it for the long haul. Our collective goal is to support and protect higher education across the United States – making sure that we maintain the considerable strengths of this precious national resource while innovating into the future.
With respect to internal communication, in addition to written messages and web content, we will resume a practice that we first began during the Covid pandemic: Beginning soon, we and other senior leaders at UConn and UConn Health will hold bi-weekly check-ins over Teams with the campus community, where we will share information and answer questions that can be submitted in advance or during the meeting itself.
We will share the date and time of the first meeting once it has been scheduled. In the meantime, please e-mail questions to which you would like answers (to the extent there are answers) to Communications@UConn.edu with the subject line: “Questions for leadership.”
In addition, we also want to make ourselves available at the local level through smaller group discussions during academic departmental meetings. If you would like to invite us to attend a regularly scheduled meeting of your department, please e-mail President@UConn.edu with the subject line: “Invite to department meeting.”
We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge what is so abundantly clear: that many members of our community, including particularly vulnerable populations, are feeling everything from deep concern to outright worry. Please know that we and your university are here for you and support you. As we have said many times, we know what our values are and they are not going to change.
We plan to send a message similar to this to our students.
We don’t pretend to have all the answers or the perfect prescription to address each of the challenges we face, but we are going to do all we can in partnership with you to move forward.
Two Connecticut high school seniors Meera Kannan and Gabrielle Bridgewater have published their study findings on “Leveraging public AI tools to explore systems biology resources in mathematical modeling” this month in the journal NPJ Systems Biology and Applications.
They conducted their research at UConn School of Medicine in the Laboratory of Dr. Michael Blinov as part of their Health Career Opportunity Programs experience.
“NPJ Systems Biology and Applications is one of the top journals in systems biology,” shares their proud mentor and senior study author Michael Blinov, Ph.D., associate professor of Genetics and Genome Sciences at the Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling at UConn School of Medicine. “The application of AI tools in biology is a rapidly evolving and exciting field. This is a great achievement for these high school students, and they deserve it through their hard work.”
On Feb. 22 the two high school students will be presenting their scientific findings virtually at the 62ndConnecticut Junior Science and Humanities Symposium hosted by the UConn Health-based CT AHEC program in Farmington. Each year the long-running, prestigious symposium gathers the state’s talented high school students exceling across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Thank you very much Dr. Blinov for your many years of dedication hosting our Health Career Opportunity Programs High School students in your research laboratory. The fact that these two high school students are co-first authors on a manuscript from research conducted in your Lab and presenting their research at the CT Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at UConn Health is phenomenal,” shared Dr. Marja Hurley, UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and professor of medicine and orthopaedic surgery at UConn School of Medicine. Hurley is founder and associate dean of the Health Career Opportunity Programs at UConn Health.
“I’m very excited to share our findings with a larger group of people. I hope this will spur more exploration of the intersection of AI with other fields of medicine,” says Kannan.
“I am extremely excited to present our findings and share our hard work with the larger science community. I know our research is already published and out there for anyone who wants to read it, but getting to speak about it still feels so special,” says Bridgewater.
Blinov truly enjoys working with the eager to learn, dedicated, and hardworking HCOP students at UConn School of Medicine.
“Over the years, my HCOP students have played an essential role in many of my projects. My experiences with high school students have been very positive, and in this particular case, these two students were fortunate that their chosen study topic led to a quick success story,” Blinov says.
He finds it incredibly rewarding to see the gratitude and success of his past high school HCOP program students many of whom have gone on to have successful health care careers at places such as Yale, Cornell, and UConn.
“One of my most notable success stories is my 2017 HCOP student, Nathan Schaumburger. He later joined UConn and returned to work with me in 2020, which led to a 2023 publication, with another paper forthcoming. Nathan is now a graduate student at Harvard,” Blinov proudly shares.
Meet the Study Co-Authors
Lead co-author Meera Kannan, 18, is a senior at South Windsor High School. She hopes to become a future physician.
“It’s very exciting to be published. I was motivated to explore how AI could have a positive impact and make systems biology more accessible for students like me. I hope to continue working with Dr. Blinov and other professors at UConn in the future,” says Kannan.
Kannan credits HCOP for opening her mind further to both innovative medicine and research.
“I first heard about HCOP during a tour of UConn in my sophomore year. I was very interested in their mission as well as in conducting research, so I decided to apply. I think this program helped reveal the creativity behind medicine and taught me a lot about the impact of scientific innovation,” she says.
Kannan hopes to conduct more research in a variety of fields to broaden her horizons.
“I plan to pursue medicine, and this experience at UConn has been central in solidifying that commitment. The skills and perspectives I’ve learned here will definitely be invaluable as I explore the more rigorous side of medicine,” says Kannan.
Lead co-author Gabrielle Bridgewater, 17, is a senior at Tolland High School and also wants to be a future doctor.
“Being a published author and getting to conduct my own study is definitely the most exciting thing I’ve ever done and my proudest accomplishment to date,” Bridgewater exclaims. “It’s honestly also really motivating because it makes me so excited for what’s next and it really feels like the sky is the limit.”
“We chose to study AI because it’s a field that’s rapidly expanding and relevant to kids our age. When our peers have questions most of them look to AI to answer them, so we wanted to see how useful it could be for students who are interested in learning more about systems biology (like ourselves). It’s a relatively niche field which means in a lot of cases AI might be the most accessible tool to use if they want to educate themselves on the subject. We wanted to understand just how reliable of a tool it is, and its potential for studying systems biology,” she says.
Bridgewater was inspired to enter the health sciences and join the HCOP program by her father who is biochemist.
“During my junior year he was helping me look for summer opportunities where I could get hands on healthcare experience and he found the HCOP program. I truly enjoyed every moment of the program. I think it was especially unique because not only did I get research experience, but I also got to learn about the college and medical school application processes, talk to current pre-med undergraduates, and improve my public speaking skills. Without the program I would never have had access to this information and these opportunities,” she says.
“My experience with HCOP definitely solidified my passion for pursuing a career as a physician. It also sparked my interest in possibly going down the MD/PhD route which is a path I wasn’t previously aware of. I know I want to continue conducting research, gaining exposure to the health sciences, and exploring the intersection of AI and systems biology,” concludes Bridgewater.
Headline: NCDHHS Investment to Strengthen the Direct Support Professionals Workforce
NCDHHS Investment to Strengthen the Direct Support Professionals Workforce jwerner
As part of its Direct Support Professional Workforce Plan, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is announcing $3 million to recruit and retain direct support professionals. This workforce is critical in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in communities of their choice. They provide a wide range of supports from daily tasks like bathing, eating and taking medications to connecting people with community resources and opportunities.
“Every person in North Carolina should have the support they need to thrive in their communities,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We must prioritize and invest in the workforce that is charged with caring for people. Not only to ensure individuals and families have the right care when and where they need it, but also for the long-term well being of our state.”
As part of the investment, the department awarded more than 140 provider agencies and employers of record with grants to recruit, support, train and retain direct support professionals (DSP). The grants will be distributed this year and directly improve the working lives of DSPs through programs such as hiring and retention bonuses, on-the-job training and child care assistance.
“Direct support professionals are essential in helping people with I/DD live and work in the communities of their choosing,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “These efforts are one part of a multi-faceted plan to create a workforce pipeline and give employers the tools they need to recruit and retain a strong, well-qualified DSP workforce to help as many people with I/DD as possible.”
In addition to the provider grants, NCDHHS is funding several pilot programs that are launching later this year. The projects include the development of a wage protection program for full-time direct support professionals and career advancement opportunities, a DSP recruitment multi-media campaign, and implementing an HR onboarding system to streamline employment for DSPs. There are also two DSP mentoring programs that are launching this year, one focusing on peer-to-peer mentoring and the other program focusing on leadership-to-DSP mentoring.
A second round of DSP incentives that focus on recruitment, retention and training will be made available in spring of 2025. Applicants that submitted proposals previously will be eligible to apply again as long as the proposals fall under the recruitment, retention or training program type. The NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services will announce the opening of the second round of DSP incentives soon.
These efforts are part of the DSP Workforce Plan that aligns with NCDHHS’ Inclusion Connects, which is dedicated to connecting people with I/DD to more choices and more access to services and supports. The department is committed to creating a more accessible and supportive North Carolina, enabling people with I/DD to live more independently and participate fully in the community of their choice.
Como parte de suPlan de Personal Profesional de Apoyo Directo, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) anuncia los $3 millones para reclutar y retener profesionales de apoyo directo. Esta fuerza laboral es fundamental para ayudar a las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y de desarrollo integrarse, trabajar y prosperar en las comunidades de su elección. Ellos proporcionan una amplia gama de apoyos, desde tareas diarias como bañarse, comer y tomar medicamentos hasta conectar a las personas con los recursos y oportunidades de la comunidad.
“Cada persona en Carolina del Norte debe tener el apoyo que necesita para prosperar en sus comunidades”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Debemos priorizar e invertir en la fuerza laboral que se encarga de cuidar a las personas. No solo para garantizar que las personas y las familias tengan la atención adecuada cuando y donde la necesiten, sino también para el bienestar a largo plazo de nuestro estado”.
Como parte de la inversión, el departamento otorgó a más de 140 agencias proveedoras y empleadores inscritos con subvenciones para reclutar, apoyar, capacitar y retener profesionales de apoyo directo (DSP, por sus siglas en inglés). Las subvenciones se distribuirán este año y mejorarán directamente la vida laboral de los DSP a través de programas como bonos de contratación y retención, capacitación en el trabajo y asistencia de cuidado infantil.
“Los profesionales de apoyo directo son esenciales para ayudar a las personas con I/DD a vivir y trabajar en las comunidades de su elección”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias de NCDHHS. “Estos esfuerzos son parte de un plan multifacético para crear un flujo de fuerza laboral y brindar a los empleadores las herramientas que necesitan para reclutar y retener una fuerza laboral de DSP sólida y bien calificada para ayudar a tantas personas con discapacidades intelectuales y/o del desarrollo (I/DD, por sus siglas en inglés) como sea posible”.
Además de las subvenciones para proveedores, NCDHHS está financiando varios programas piloto que se lanzarán a fines de este año. Los proyectos incluyen el desarrollo de un programa de protección salarial para profesionales de apoyo directo a tiempo completo y para oportunidades de promoción profesional, una campaña multimedia para reclutamiento de profesionales de apoyo directo (DSP), e implementación de un sistema de incorporación de recursos humanos para agilizar el empleo de DSP. También hay dos programas de tutoría de DSP que se lanzarán este año, uno centrado en la tutoría entre colegas y el otro programa centrado en la tutoría de liderazgo a DSP.
Una segunda ronda de incentivos para DSP que se centran en el reclutamiento, la retención y la capacitación estará disponible en la primavera de 2025. Los solicitantes que presentaron propuestas anteriormente serán elegibles para postularse nuevamente siempre que las propuestas correspondan con el tipo de programa de reclutamiento, retención o capacitación. La División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias de NCDHHS anunciará pronto la apertura de la segunda ronda de incentivos para DSP.
Estos esfuerzos son parte del Plan de fuerza laboral de DSP que se alinea conInclusion Connectsde NCDHHS, que se dedica a conectar a las personas con I/DD con más opciones y más acceso a servicios y apoyos. El departamento se compromete a crear una Carolina del Norte más accesible y solidaria, que permita a las personas con I/DD vivir de manera más independiente y participar plenamente en la comunidad de su elección.
2024 was the first full year as the new NNIT – an industry focused specialized IT consultancy focusing on Life Sciences internationally and the public and private sectors in Denmark. The Group continued to grow revenue organically and deliver a profit margin in line with the updated outlook for the year.
2024 key highlights
Revenue grew by 7.1% (organic growth of 6.0%) to DKK 1,851 million. Despite facing challenges in various regions, especially in the third quarter, we ultimately achieved growth that surpassed the market overall. A strong fourth quarter, and significant wins in US and Denmark towards the end of the year hold promise of good momentum carried into 2025.
NNIT delivered operating result before special items of DKK 117 million in line with the DKK 116 million in 2023 and resulting in a slightly lower operating profit margin before special items of 6.3% for the year which is 0.4% down as a result of lower utilization.
Special items amounted to DKK 69 million against DKK 69 million in 2023 and is mainly related to earn-out payments and restructuring cost.
2025 outlook
During 2025, NNIT expects organic growth to gradually improve alongside profitability.
The Group expects to generate organic revenue growth of 7-10% through expansion of existing engagements, and partly from the onboarding of new customers.
The operating profit margin before special items is expected to increase to 7-9% driven by several factors such as optimization of utilization and billability, recovery of the data migration business, full-year impact of the initiatives carried out during 2024 and continuously exploring further cost optimization opportunities.
The outlook is based on assumptions where the macroeconomic environment and geopolitical uncertainty is expected to remain at the same level as in 2024. Exchange rates are expected to remain stable.
In 2025, special items are expected to consist of earn-out payments of around DKK 20m with 2025 being the last year of such payments. Restructuring costs will also be a part of special items in 2025, however, the amount is expected to be significantly below the level of 2024.
Pär Fors, CEO of NNIT, comments: “2024 was an eventful year where we reached several strategic milestones in becoming a pure-play IT consultancy company. Despite macroeconomic uncertainty and a moderate market slowdown in Life Sciences towards the second half of the year, we continued to grow our business organically through existing and new customers. Furthermore, we continued to strengthen our position in the Public sector in Denmark, where we won important strategic contracts. As a result, we delivered according to our latest financial outlook.”
Conference call February 19, 2025, at 9:30 AM CET:
Media Relations Sofie Mand Steffens Senior Communications Consultant Tel: +45 3077 8337 smst@nnit.com
ABOUT NNIT
NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.
We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.
We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.
We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.
NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) called on Tuesday for urgent action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, warning that progress on all fronts remains slow and uneven.
“Last year brought both successes and disappointments in global efforts to tackle the triple planetary crisis,” saidUNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, introducing the agency’s latest Annual Report.
She also pointed to ongoing geopolitical tensions that are hindering environmental cooperation.
“Environmental multilateralism is sometimes messy and arduous. But even in complex geopolitical times, collaboration across borders and across our differences is the only option to protect the foundation of humanity’s existence – Planet Earth.”
Ambitious climate targets vital
UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024 warned that countries must cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2030 to keep global warming within the 1.5°C target agreed in the landmark Paris Agreement.
Without drastic action, temperatures could rise between 2.6°C and 3.1°C this century, climate models warn, with catastrophic consequences.
UNEP is actively working with over 60 low and middle-income countries to accelerate their transition to electric vehicles, part of a larger push to cut emissions from the transport sector.
UN scientists highlight the kind of national projects making a difference, including Antigua and Barbuda procuring fleets of electric buses, and Kenya introducing legislation for major investments in electric motorcycles and public transit.
Ending plastic pollution
Plastic pollution, one of the most pressing global environmental threats, is another major focus, as international efforts continue to negotiate a legally binding ban.
In Busan last year, 29 out of 32 articles of a new global plastic treaty were agreed. However, negotiations are continuing on a final text.
UNEP is calling on countries to bridge their differences before the next round of negotiations.
“Nations must work towards agreeing on a strong instrument to end plastic pollution before the seventhUN Environment Assembly(UNEA-7) in December,” Ms. Andersen said.
A call for greater action
The UNEP head called for bolder commitments, particularly as countries prepare to submit their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit global warming later in February.
“Humanity is not out of the woods,” Ms. Andersen warned.
“Temperatures are rising, ecosystems are disappearing, and pollution remains a deadly threat. These are global problems that require global solutions. The world must pull together to build a fairer, more sustainable planet.”
IAM Mobile Spaces offers more features and functions to read and share information about our union and the important issues we face as working families. This app combines all of the IAM’s popular online functions such as the IAM Journal, the Machinists News Network on demand video service, the IAM webpage GOiam.org, iMail, an IAM Photo Gallery, the IAM Facebook Page, and lots more — all in one easy-to-access App for tablets and smartphones.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that thefiscal year 2026/2027 biennial budget proposalhe presented to the Connecticut General Assembly earlier this month includes a recommendation that the state’s property tax credit, which provides a credit to income tax filers for property tax payments made on eligible property, be increased to $350. Additionally, the governor is proposing to expand eligibility for the credit to include more income tax filers.
In total, this change would benefit approximately 800,000 filers and result in $85 million in tax relief. Approximately $60.8 million of that amount (or 71.6%) will benefit filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $100,000 per year, and all the relief will benefit filers with an AGI of $160,000 or less.
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Lamont has enactedmore than $840 million in permanent tax cuts. This includes $500 million in income tax cuts for middle-class filers that was enacted in 2023 and becamethe largest income tax cut made in Connecticut history; increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit that have essentially eliminated income taxes for low-income filers; the elimination of taxes on pensions and Social Security for most seniors; and the creation of a cap on motor vehicle property taxes.
“During the last five years, our administration has consistently worked in bipartisan cooperation with the legislature to enact a series of permanent tax cuts to benefit taxpayers in Connecticut, and this year I am asking them to again work with us on additional tax relief measures,” Governor Lamont said. “Before I became governor, the property tax credit was limited only to seniors and those with dependents, and we changed that law a couple of years ago to remove those restrictions and expand the credit to all adults. This year I am asking the legislature to revisit the property tax credit another time so that we can expand its eligibility again and increase the available credits even further.”
Under the governor’s proposal, single filers earning up to $70,000 and joint filers earning up to $100,000 would qualify for the full $350 credit, with a phase out-schedule for higher incomes.
The following chart lists the current property tax credit and phase-out schedules compared to Governor Lamont’s proposed enhancements:
Proposed Changes to Property Tax Phase-Out Schedule
Married Filing Jointly
Current AGI Up To
Current Maximum Credit
Proposed AGI Up To
Proposed Maximum Credit
$70,500
$300
$100,000
$350
$80,500
$255
$110,000
$298
$90,500
$210
$120,000
$245
$100,500
$165
$130,000
$193
$110,500
$120
$140,000
$140
$120,500
$75
$150,000
$88
$130,500
$30
$160,000
$35
Singles
Current AGI Up To
Current Maximum Credit
Proposed AGI Up To
Proposed Maximum Credit
$49,500
$300
$70,000
$350
$59,500
$255
$80,000
$298
$69,500
$210
$90,000
$245
$79,500
$165
$100,000
$193
$89,500
$120
$110,000
$140
$99,500
$75
$120,000
$88
$109,500
$30
$130,000
$35
The fiscal year 2023 biennial budget that Governor Lamont signed in 2022 (Public Act 22-118) increased the property tax credit from its then amount of $200 to the current amount of $300. Additionally, it removed the restriction that limited availability of the tax credit only to individuals over the age of 65 or who claim dependents on their federal tax returns.
Governor Lamont’s fiscal year 2026/2027 biennial budget proposal is currently under consideration by the legislature’s Appropriations Committee and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.,
**Download: Town-by-town breakdown of total personal income tax savings under Governor Lamont’s proposal
PLANO, Texas – A former Guatemalan congressman has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in an international drug trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. of the Eastern District of Texas.
Jose Armando Ubico Aguilar, 45, a former senior Republic of Guatemala official, pleaded guilty to being involved in an international drug trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on February 11, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Ubico Aguilar served as an elected member of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala from 2016 to 2024. He also served as an elected Deputy and was the President of the National Defense Committee of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala from 2018 to 2023.
“The sentencing of this corrupt Guatemalan official who brokered and facilitated cocaine shipments into the United States while betraying his country through his partnerships with known drug traffickers and other corrupt officials shows the commitment of the Eastern District of Texas United States Attorney’s Office to identify, disrupt, and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure that Ubico Aguilar will no longer be allowed to hide behind his position of power.”
“The sentencing of this corrupt official who brokered and facilitated cocaine shipments into the United States sends a message to Transnational Criminal Organizations across the world that they will be held responsible for the poison they distribute into the United States,” said Dallas DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. “This sentence reflects our continued resolve to partner with our international law-enforcement counterparts to fight greed, violence, and public corruption.”
On March 3, 2021, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas indicted Ubico Aguilar charging him with federal drug trafficking violations. In May 2024, Ubico Aguilar arrived in the United States and pleaded guilty. During his plea hearing, Ubico Aguilar admitted his role in the conspiracy, including relaying drug-related information and U.S. currency to another Guatemalan official on behalf of an international drug trafficker. These actions resulted in the safe passage of at least 450 kilograms of cocaine through Guatemala for distribution in the United States.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the North Texas Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) Strike Force Group Two; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Division; the DEA’s Guatemala City Country Office and the DEA’s San Jose (Costa Rica) Country Office; the FBI’s Dallas Field Office; the Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas and Guatemala Field Offices; the U.S. Marshals Service’s Dallas Field Office; and Customs and Border Protection’s San Diego Field Office. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also provided significant assistance in securing the surrender of Ubico Aguilar.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Eason.
An estimated 2,000 miners had been trapped underground after police blocked food and water from families and supporters in an attempt to force them into surrendering for arrest. In total, 87 died, many from starvation or dehydration, according to civic groups. Some survivors reportedly resorted to eating cockroaches or the flesh of their deceased colleagues to survive.
Illegal miners, known as “zama zamas” in South Africa, are people who enter mining sites without authorization to extract leftover gold and other minerals, often under dangerous and exploitative conditions.
This incident highlights the current failures in security governance at abandoned mining sites. Rather than ensuring safety and protecting lives, the police response contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
To prevent similar tragedies, security governance at abandoned or closed mining sites must be improved, and inclusive policies that address employment needs must be implemented.
A dangerous occupation
As more mining sites in South Africa and across the world reach the end of their life cycles, the number of mine closures will increase, along with the need for more effective security governance.
The value of remaining minerals, combined with the dearth of alternatives to sustain livelihoods, has led some people to engage in illegal artisanal mining, despite the significant risks involved.
Current enforcement efforts are doing little to address the decades of poor post-mine closure management. South Africa’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Development Act requires mining companies to rehabilitate sites after closure, although compliance is sporadic, leaving communities and ecosystems at risk.
The Buffelsfontein incident is a grim reminder that security governance cannot rely solely on policing tactics. Addressing the worsening socioeconomic cycle of miners trapped in abandoned and uncontrolled mines will require governments, companies and local communities to build stronger relationships before crises arise.
The Petroleum and Mineral Resources Development Act should be amended so mining permits are only granted when firms provide a mine closure security plan. This plan must include physical barriers like fencing and sealed shafts, with local communities involved in security enforcement. Funding would come from an independent relinquishment fund via annual contributions over the active lifespan of the mine to an interest-earning annuity held by a local financial institution and monitored by government and civil society.
Security efforts should combine private security firms with community-based approaches, including hiring local residents in monitoring roles. This approach will foster trust, create jobs, improve security governance and enhance environment, social and governance (ESG) investment ratings.
Drawing from successful models in other countries like Chile, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence monitoring methods can help monitor and secure high-risk areas. When used ethically, such technologies can reduce unauthorized mining activities.
With unemployment in South African mining regions exceeding 40 per cent, governments and the private sector must focus on renewable energy, agriculture and entrepreneurship as economic alternatives for mining communities. Germany’s Emscher Park Project, for instance, has transformed coal mining regions into renewable energy hubs that create jobs and revitalize local economies. South Africa can also repurpose abandoned mining sites for such initiatives.
The Buffelsfontein tragedy should serve as a wake-up call: security governance must evolve from punitive enforcement to proactive protection. Providing alternative livelihoods to illegal mining weakens criminal networks, removes dangerous working conditions, reduces environmental harms and saves lives.
Though Canada is considered a mining superpower, it could learn valuable lessons from South Africa’s experience. Adopting our suggested solutions could help Canada address its own abandoned mine risks and ensure a more sustainable future for its mining communities.
Andrew Grant has received grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Benjamin Ofosu-Atuahene has received funding in the form of an Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Olusola Ogunnubi has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Video of the speech is available HERE.
Santa Fe, N.M. – On Presidents’ Day, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) delivered remarks to a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature at the New Mexico State Capitol.
“It’s always an honor to be back at the Roundhouse. As a proud son of New Mexico, I grew up witnessing the dedication and hard work of those who serve in the State Legislature. Through my dad and his colleagues, I learned the importance of working together, standing up for what’s right, and serving our fellow New Mexicans. I’ll always be a strong voice for our state, and I’m grateful for the partnership of the legislature.
“My job is to serve the people of New Mexico. Just last year, through constituent services, we saved New Mexicans millions of dollars—helping families, veterans, and small businesses navigate federal agencies. My team is committed to going above and beyond for our communities.
“I had the privilege of welcoming several guests for my address. One of them was Mariah Solano from Santa Fe. She had been denied life-saving cancer treatment by her insurance, but my office intervened. Thanks to the quick efforts of everyone involved, I’m happy to share that she is now receiving the care she needs. Another guest, Leo Maes, a beloved New Mexico musician, faced a life-altering medical emergency while traveling abroad, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. My office worked closely with the State Department to coordinate his treatment and bring him home. Today, thanks to the grace of God and the incredible care of New Mexico’s medical professionals, he is not only recovering but walking again.
“No matter our political differences, our shared values and traditions as New Mexicans unite us. In challenging times, like those we face today, we must stand together, speak up, and look out for one another.”
Source: The White House
Illegal immigration at the southern border “plummeted” in January amid President Donald J. Trump’s return to office and immediate crackdown.
Call it the Trump Effect.
According to newly released data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), just 61,465 illegal aliens were apprehended at the southern border during the entire month of January — a 36% decline from the previous month. That number includes 29,116 apprehended along the border — the lowest since May 2020 — and 32,349 at ports of entry.
After President Trump took office, apprehensions declined even more rapidly: “From Jan. 21 through Jan. 31, the number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border dropped 85% from the same period in 2024, according to data obtained by ABC News. In the 11 days after Jan. 20, migrants apprehended at ports of entry declined by 93%.”
During the previous administration, the average number of illegal aliens encountered at the southern border in January was 141,710 — the result of dangerous policies that ferried illegal aliens directly into our communities, where they were allowed to stay indefinitely.
Now, under President Trump, illegal border crossings are at record lows as illegal aliens are promptly arrested and sent home.
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eddie Damian-Guillen, age 38, of Guatemala, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, to 23 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for illegal reentry into the United States by an illegal alien.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Damian-Guillen was encountered in the United States at Pike County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania, having been arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Damian-Guillen was previously removed from the United States in 2003, 2004, and 2020. His removal in 2020 followed his conviction and sentence for assault in the first degree in Connecticut, in which he ran over a victim with his car following a bar fight.
Damian-Guillen will be removed from the United States following service of his sentence.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.
BILLINGS — The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana today announced the departure of U. S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, effective yesterday.
Mr. Laslovich has served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of Montana since being sworn into office on June 2, 2022. President Joe Biden nominated Mr. Laslovich for the position on Jan. 31, 2022, and the U.S. Senate confirmed him on May 17, 2022.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Laslovich oversaw all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the U.S. government. The district has offices in Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, Butte, and Billings.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as the United States Attorney for the state that raised me. I am profoundly grateful to the talented and hard-working people in this office, as well as our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners who strive every day to uphold the rule of law, keep people safe, and steadfastly defend the interests of the United States of America. I have never been prouder to have served with them, and I will always be rooting hard for their continued safety and success,” Mr. Laslovich said.
During Mr. Laslovich’s tenure, the U.S. Attorney’s Office focused on prosecuting drug trafficking and violent and sexual abuse crimes occurring on Montana’s six Indian Reservations that are within federal jurisdiction for major crimes; building strong partnerships with other federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies; addressing violent and firearms crimes in communities across the state through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF); and protecting civil rights for all Montanans. The office continued its work to protect children from online and in person sexual predators, abusers, and traffickers, and to catch fraudsters, especially those who prey on elderly and vulnerable persons.
Mr. Laslovich also emphasized the importance of strong working relationships with numerous law enforcement agencies at the local, state, tribal and federal levels. Mr. Laslovich and office representatives met regularly with tribal leadership to discuss various issues. The office also worked closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and organizations to strengthen trust, communications, and cooperation in working toward the shared goal of keeping people safe and holding offenders accountable.
In Indian Country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with tribal and federal law enforcement partners to shut down trafficking rings attempting to set up bases on Montana reservations and enlist residents to distribute drugs transported from outside Montana. One of those cases involved dismantling a large, multi-state drug trafficking organization that was based on Crow Indian Reservation property known as Spear Siding and distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to three other Montana Indian reservations and communities from suppliers in Washington and a Mexican cartel. The case resulted in federal convictions in Montana of 27 persons and was one of the largest federal drug trafficking investigations in Montana.
Additionally, a recent six-month-long enforcement initiative led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, in cooperation with Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Reservation, led to indictments of multiple individuals on drug crimes. The enforcement action was aimed at identifying hot spots and devoting law enforcement resources to communities facing rising rates of drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths.
During the last three years, federal prosecutors remained committed to making communities across Montana safer by identifying and prosecuting the most dangerous offenders through initiatives like PSN and OCDETF. In Great Falls, a multi-agency investigation into a large fentanyl trafficking ring led to a coordinated take down of suspects and convictions of 10 individuals.
During Mr. Laslovich’s tenure, prosecutions of individuals on federal firearms crimes increased significantly. The average number of defendants charged with illegal possession of a firearm averaged 111 cases a year from 2022 through 2024, compared with an average of 83 cases per year from 2014 to 2021. And the number of defendants charged with carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking also increased to an average of 56 cases a year from 2022 to 2024 from an average of 40 cases per year from 2014 to 2021.
Additionally, Mr. Laslovich oversaw the launch in Montana of United Against Hate, a Justice Department initiative focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents by building relationships at the local level. Laslovich and the office’s civil rights coordinator and prosecutor held a series of community meetings across the state with law enforcement partners, community and faith organizations, tribal communities, and citizens to discuss identifying and reporting hate crimes and to learn about available resources. Further, the office successfully prosecuted a Basin man on federal hate and firearms crimes after he fired an AK-style assault rifle at the residence of a woman, who identified as lesbian, and was home at the time. The defendant was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
The office’s civil team continued its work defending the United States in litigation, collecting debts owed to the federal government, and investigating fraud. As part of that work, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reached a civil settlement agreement in 2024 between the federal government and St. Peter’s Health, in Helena, in which St. Peter’s agreed to pay $10,844,201 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payments to federal health care programs for services performed by an oncology doctor.
Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Mr. Laslovich served as regional vice president for SCL Health Montana-Wyoming since 2017. From 2009 to 2016, Mr. Laslovich was chief legal counsel in the office of the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, where he prosecuted securities fraud cases. During 2011 and 2012, Laslovich also served as a special assistant U.S. attorney on securities cases in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. He previously worked in the Montana Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Laslovich began his legal career at Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, P.C. in Missoula and taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana School of Law for two semesters.
As one of the youngest Montanans ever elected to the Montana Legislature, Mr. Laslovich first served in the House of Representatives from 2001 through 2004 and then in the Senate from 2005 to 2010, representing Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Granite, and Powell counties.
Mr. Laslovich received his J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law in 2006 and his B.A., with high honors, from the University of Montana in 2003.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 15 of her Senate colleagues, led by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), in sending a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course and restart the hiring of seasonal firefighters. Recent reports indicate that the Trump Administration’s hiring freeze is preventing the hiring and onboarding of seasonal firefighters, a workforce that already struggles with recruitment and retention. Seasonal firefighters are critical to forest protection and wildfire management, including those that are called on to respond from New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.
The Senators wrote, in part: “We write today following reports that hiring and onboarding for federal seasonal firefighters has stopped due to the Trump Administration’s federal hiring freeze. We are extremely concerned to hear that this is happening across the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service ahead of what’s expected to be another devastating wildfire year.”
They continued: “Although there is an urgent need to hire more federal firefighters, the Trump Administration’s hiring freeze does the opposite and is pausing hiring at a critical time for this already understaffed workforce. We urge you to put the safety of families and communities across the country first and allow the federal seasonal firefighter hiring process to continue without delay.”
The full letter can be foundhere.
As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen has consistently secured resources to support New Hampshire’s firefighters. During the ongoing Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, Shaheen has pushed to increase funding to $385 million for both the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, an increase of $122 million over FY 2024. Shaheen also recently helped introduce the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act to expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Last year, Shaheen celebrated the announcement of more than $2.9 million in federal funding to support Granite State firefighters.
From July 1 to December 31, 2024, officers from Saskatchewan’s municipal Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs) and Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) seized 67 firearms, more than 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl from Saskatchewan communities. Officers also charged 89 people with a total of 475 criminal charges.
“These numbers highlight the tireless efforts of our specialized policing teams in Saskatchewan and the positive impact they are having on our neighbourhoods and communities,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. “We are proud to continue supporting provincial law enforcement initiatives, and we are grateful for the work that is done by our municipal police services every day in support of community safety and wellbeing.”
There are currently three municipal CRT and STRT teams operating out of Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. CRTs are dedicated to targeting street gangs and prolific offenders while responding to urban and rural crime surges when needed. STRT investigates illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking cases.
“Crime is more complex than ever, and we need to be able to respond to the changing needs of our community,” Regina Police Service Chief Farooq Sheikh said. “Collaborating with government and community partners allows us to respond more effectively. This ongoing funding is a great example of how working together we can keep our communities safe.”
Between July and December 2024, municipal STRTs opened 19 human trafficking files and initiated 21 human trafficking interventions.
On November 27, 2024, members of the Saskatoon Police CRT investigated a case of suspected drug trafficking, resulting in the seizure of:
$69,000 CAD;
approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine;
470 grams of powdered cocaine;
175 grams of carfentanyl;
4 litres of gamma-hydroxybutyrate;
16 grams of fentanyl; and
assorted paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
As a result of this investigation, 15 charges were laid related to the possession of controlled substances and the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
“The Saskatoon Police Service is appreciative of provincial funding and support that allows us to enhance our policing efforts, invest in critical resources, and ensure our officers have the tools they need to keep our neighbourhoods safe,” Saskatoon Police Service Chief Cameron McBride said. “It is not just an investment in law enforcement – it is an investment in the safety and wellbeing of all of our communities.”
On October 24, 2024, during the execution of two search warrants, the Prince Albert Police Service CRT charged two individuals and seized over 1,200 grams of cocaine, more than $39,000 cash, over 1,300 grams of cutting agent, two firearms and other evidence related to drug trafficking.
“The provincially funded CRTs and STRTs continue to play a critical role in enhancing public safety across the province, including Prince Albert,” Prince Albert Police Service Chief Patrick Nogier said. “These specialized units provide the resources and flexibility needed for officers to focus on 21st century policing initiatives. In Prince Albert, their ongoing efforts have substantially contributed to reducing drug trafficking, removing illegal firearms and disrupting organized crime. This sustained impact reflects the dedication of the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety in supporting proactive policing initiatives that protect our communities and promote long-term public safety.”
Provincially funded RCMP Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERTs) continue to deliver significant results in preventing and addressing crime in Saskatchewan. From July to December 2024, RCMP SERT executed 385 arrest warrants, seized over 11.4 kilograms of illicit drugs, 144 firearms and more than $286,000 in cash from Saskatchewan communities.
“Our partnership with the RCMP plays an important role in reducing crime across Saskatchewan and promoting community safety,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. “These teams tackle a wide range of critical issues and we are proud of their accomplishments. The province will continue to work collaboratively with our policing partners to ensure the continued safety and security of Saskatchewan residents.”
SERT includes the Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs), Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST), and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT), each tackling critical areas of enforcement across the province.
“These investigational successes demonstrate how SERT and local RCMP detachments work together as the provincial police force to enhance community safety across Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said. “As a highly skilled and specialized unit, SERT’s intelligence-led, enforcement-based policing initiatives continue to combat dangerous crime and violent gang activity in the province. We will continue to help make Saskatchewan a safer place for all those who call it home.”
RCMP STRT is a specialized, intelligence-led enforcement team that investigates weapons, drug and human trafficking cases. From July through December 2024, the STRT opened 17 human trafficking files, executed 37 search warrants and made 31 arrests, seizing over 651,000 packs of tobacco and more than 900 grams of cocaine and laying 81 charges.
In July 2024, a Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) Officer conducted an inspection of a semi and trailer near Swift Current and determined the semi’s documentation was inconsistent. As a result of the investigation, the officer located approximately 30 pallets of unstamped tobacco in the trailer. Working collaboratively, RCMP STRT took carriage of the investigation with assistance of the Swift Current Rural RCMP detachment. STRT determined the truck was carrying about 8.75 million unstamped cigarettes, which SHP indicated was one of the largest tobacco seizures in their history.
RCMP CRT responds to crime surges in rural areas, targeting prolific offenders and street gangs in Saskatchewan. From July through December 2024, the CRT executed 288 arrest warrants, laid over 400 charges, seized more than 8.6 kg of illicit drugs and made 352 arrests.
In October 2024, North Battleford RCMP CRT- Gang Task Force executed search warrants at two residences as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. At the residences, officers located and seized a loaded handgun, a rifle, approximately 81 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 58 grams of crack cocaine, ammunition, a sum of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Continued investigation led officers to arrest three individuals and charge two with possession for the purpose of trafficking, among other charges.
RCMP WEST targets high-profile offenders who are a significant threat to public safety, such as gang members and violent offenders with outstanding warrants. The RCMP operates one WEST team out of Saskatoon and Meadow Lake and another out of Prince Albert. From July through December 2024, WEST executed 97 arrest warrants and made 82 arrests.
OTTAWA – On Friday, February 21, 2025, Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, will speak before the Mississauga Board of Trade-Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
Topic
Trade friction, structural change and monetary policy
Time
12:45 (Eastern Time)
Place
Hilton Meadowvale 6750 Mississauga Road Mississauga, ON L5N 2L3
Lock-Up
At 11:00 (ET), journalists are invited to review copies of the speech, under embargo, at the Bank’s head office in Ottawa. Please use the Bank of Canada Museum entrance, located at 30 Bank Street (corner of Bank and Wellington), and bring photo ID.
For security reasons, journalists wishing to attend must confirm their presence by contacting Media Relations before noon (ET) on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Those who have not registered will not be admitted to the lock-up.
The embargo will be lifted at 12:30 (ET).
Distribution
The Governor’s text will be available on the Bank’s website at 12:30 (ET).
Media Availability
At approximately 14:10 (ET), the Governor will hold a press conference in Hazel McCallion D.
Accredited journalists who wish to participate remotely must contact Media Relations for connection information before noon (ET) on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Audience Q&A
There will be an audience Q&A period.
Webcast
Audio and video webcasts of the speech and press conference will be available.
This report provides the first economic analysis of geological mapping conducted across the United States from 1994 to 2019. Globally, this is the largest and most comprehensive jurisdictional economic assessment for geological mapping ever conducted. The study utilized multiple approaches for the assessment, all of which demonstrated large returns on investment and significant societal benefits.
In our last Congress.gov post, Emily announced that Statute Compilations are now available on Congress.gov. Today, we are excited to announce enhancements to the Congressional Globe on Congress.gov that continue the process of migrating the Globe from our legacy Century of Lawmaking site.
The Globe is a predecessor to the Congressional Record and it covers the years 1833-1873, which means that it includes debates on many significant events in American history, including the Civil War and a portion of Reconstruction. You can locate the Congressional Globe by clicking on the browse page at the top of the screen, selecting a Congress between the 23rd – 42nd Congresses, and then taking a look under the heading “Debates of Congress.”
The Globe is legacy data that is not yet full-text searchable, so it is a good idea to use the indexes for the volumes to locate what you are interested in. If you have a particular date in mind, you can also select“Browse by Date.” For instance, you could find congressional reactions to a significant Civil War battle by browsing any debates that took place shortly after the battle. I used the browse-by-date feature to locate a reaction to the first Battle of Bull Run by Rep. Wright.
Map of the Battles of Bull Run Near Manassas. Solomon Bamberger. (1861). World Digital Library, https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.wdl/wdl.2743
Though the Globe is not yet full-text searchable, it is possible to search the page headings of the Globe by selecting “Congressional Record” in the dropdown menu on the Congress.gov homepage, typing in your search terms, and then at the bottom left-hand side of the results screen, clicking on the “Debates of Congress Edition” filter, and selecting “Congressional Globe.” Here is an example of search results concerning debates on the Civil War that have the page heading “Defense of the Union.”
When you select a page you would like to read, you will see a page-turner that has controls at the top that allow you to jump to a certain page using a dropdown menu, turn the page using the arrow buttons, zoom in on the page using the + or – buttons, or download the page. Continuing with the Civil War and Reconstruction theme, this example demonstrates the page-turner with a speech beginning at the bottom, right-hand side of the page by Hiram Revels, the first African American senator who served as a senator from Mississippi from 1870 to 1871.
Hiram R. Revels of Miss. 1870. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cwpbh.00554The page-turner display for the Congressional Globe on Congress.gov.
Do you have ideas on how to continue to improve the presentation of the Congressional Globe on Congress.gov? Send us your feedback.
Enhancements
Enhancement – Congressional Globe
Congress.gov Tip
Congress.gov has several two-minute tip videos available on topics ranging from how to set up email alerts, how to locate a bill, how to use search terms and filters, and how to locate appropriations resources on Congress.gov.
Most-Viewed Bills
The most-viewed bills for the week of February 9, 2025 are below.
1.
H.R.899 [119th]
To terminate the Department of Education.
2.
H.R.86 [119th]
NOSHA Act
3.
H.R.722 [119th]
To implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.
4.
H.R.55 [119th]
To repeal the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
5.
H.R.8281 [118th]
SAVE Act
6.
S.5 [119th]
Laken Riley Act
7.
H.R.25 [119th]
FairTax Act of 2025
8.
H.Res.59 [119th]
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism and condemning its distorted message.
A public inquest into the death of Brendan Vermette will be held Tuesday, March 18 to 21, 2025, at the Coronet Hotel, 3551 2nd Avenue West, in Prince Albert.
The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.
Vermette, 31, was found unconscious in his cell at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert on March 9, 2022. EMS was called and staff began life-saving efforts. EMS arrived and took over his care. He was pronounced deceased at 01:22 hours on March 9, 2022.
Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner shall hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate at a jail or a correctional facility, unless the coroner is satisfied that the person’s death was due entirely to natural causes and was not preventable.
The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.
Coroner Blaine Beaven will preside at the inquest.
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 28 hosted a summit at his office for visiting Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on raising bilateral cooperation and analyzing regional and international situations.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors such as bio and pharmaceuticals, national security and the defense industry.
Korea-Malaysia summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 25 hosted summit talks in Seoul with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was on an official visit to Korea, and adopted a joint statement on their newly formed strategic partnership.
Both leaders welcomed the resumption of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement this year and agreed to accelerate efforts to conclude the deal next year. They also pledged to raise cooperation in infrastructure and supply chains for core minerals.
Korea-Peru summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Nov. 16 held a bilateral summit at the Presidential Palace in Lima, Peru, and agreed to bolster cooperation in the defense sector and infrastructure. The two countries concluded memorandums of understanding on joint production of KF-21 fighter jet parts, development of naval ships (submarines) and cooperation in army ground equipment.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visits to Peru, Brazil for APEC, G20
Korea-ASEAN summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 attended the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, where he and ASEAN leaders agreed to form a comprehensive strategic partnership and launch joint projects in a range of sectors.
They also agreed to stimulate trade and investment through a bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while creating a “conducive and favourable environment” for ASEAN and Korean business such as the ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Business Council.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Japan summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at a hotel in Vientiane, Laos, their first talks since the prime minister assumed office on Sept. 1.
Both leaders agreed on the growing need to raise bilateral cooperation in regional and global issues and expand the horizons for such collaboration on the global stage.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Philippines summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol, on a state visit to the Philippines, on Oct. 7 agreed with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to form a bilateral strategic partnership at their summit held at the presidential Malacanang Palace in Manila.
Both leaders also adopted a joint declaration on higher cooperation in all sectors including national security and economy like nuclear power plants.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Czechia summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sept. 19 discussed with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague cooperation in strategic sectors including nuclear power plants. Both leaders also shared opinions on developing their bilateral strategic partnership.
Korea-New Zealand summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Sept. 4 at their bilateral summit adopted a joint statement on stronger bilateral relations in trade, economy, science, human exchange, national security and international cooperation.
Both leaders also agreed to elevate their Partnership for the 21st Century concluded in 2006 to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Korea-Germany summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said he hopes to work more closely with Germany on global issues such as support for Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and the climate crisis. He also hailed Germany’s application to join the United Nations Command.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
Korea-Japan summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said, “The recent signing by Russia and North Korea of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and their accelerated closeness in military and economic ties are raising serious concern over global security as well as that of East Asia.”
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 28 hosted a summit at his office for visiting Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on raising bilateral cooperation and analyzing regional and international situations.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors such as bio and pharmaceuticals, national security and the defense industry.
Korea-Malaysia summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 25 hosted summit talks in Seoul with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was on an official visit to Korea, and adopted a joint statement on their newly formed strategic partnership.
Both leaders welcomed the resumption of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement this year and agreed to accelerate efforts to conclude the deal next year. They also pledged to raise cooperation in infrastructure and supply chains for core minerals.
Korea-Peru summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Nov. 16 held a bilateral summit at the Presidential Palace in Lima, Peru, and agreed to bolster cooperation in the defense sector and infrastructure. The two countries concluded memorandums of understanding on joint production of KF-21 fighter jet parts, development of naval ships (submarines) and cooperation in army ground equipment.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visits to Peru, Brazil for APEC, G20
Korea-ASEAN summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 attended the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, where he and ASEAN leaders agreed to form a comprehensive strategic partnership and launch joint projects in a range of sectors.
They also agreed to stimulate trade and investment through a bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while creating a “conducive and favourable environment” for ASEAN and Korean business such as the ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Business Council.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Japan summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at a hotel in Vientiane, Laos, their first talks since the prime minister assumed office on Sept. 1.
Both leaders agreed on the growing need to raise bilateral cooperation in regional and global issues and expand the horizons for such collaboration on the global stage.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Philippines summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol, on a state visit to the Philippines, on Oct. 7 agreed with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to form a bilateral strategic partnership at their summit held at the presidential Malacanang Palace in Manila.
Both leaders also adopted a joint declaration on higher cooperation in all sectors including national security and economy like nuclear power plants.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Czechia summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sept. 19 discussed with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague cooperation in strategic sectors including nuclear power plants. Both leaders also shared opinions on developing their bilateral strategic partnership.
Korea-New Zealand summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Sept. 4 at their bilateral summit adopted a joint statement on stronger bilateral relations in trade, economy, science, human exchange, national security and international cooperation.
Both leaders also agreed to elevate their Partnership for the 21st Century concluded in 2006 to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Korea-Germany summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said he hopes to work more closely with Germany on global issues such as support for Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and the climate crisis. He also hailed Germany’s application to join the United Nations Command.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
Korea-Japan summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said, “The recent signing by Russia and North Korea of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and their accelerated closeness in military and economic ties are raising serious concern over global security as well as that of East Asia.”
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
UConn’s Cato Laurencin has a strong legacy of innovation, leadership, and a dedication to translating research into practical, life-saving medical solutions.
Dr. Laurencin, the University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, is the recipient of the Paul Terasaki Innovation Award, created in memory of renowned organ transplant innovator Dr. Paul Terasaki.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of biomedical innovation through research, education, industry, translation, or clinical practice. Recipients also demonstrate exemplary efforts to transform their inventions to real-world solutions.
Dr. Laurencin is recognized for his pioneering work in regenerative engineering, polymer science, and musculoskeletal repair and regeneration. Dr. Laurencin invented the Laurencin-Cooper ligament (LC ligament) for regenerating the anterior cruciate ligament and engineered grafts for shoulder rotator cuff tendon repair and regeneration.
“The field of regenerative engineering has already led to the development of groundbreaking technologies that have positively impacted patients,” says Laurencin, who also serves the College of Engineering as professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, professor of materials science and engineering, and professor of biomedical engineering. “Our continued work in complex tissue regeneration promises even more transformative breakthroughs in the future.”
Dr. Laurencin and Dr. Jun Chen of UCLA will receive Terasaki awards during the 3rd Annual Terasaki Innovation Summit in March.
Laurencin’s work in regenerative engineering laid the foundation for several start-up companies, including Healing Orthopaedic Technologies, Soft Tissue Regeneration, and Healing Orthopaedic Technologies Bone. Through these companies and collaborations with industry, Dr. Laurencin has successfully brought soft tissue implants to the market. Additionally, his research has led to the development of products for bone regeneration and interference screw technologies. His contributions to science include over 500 scientific articles, and numerous patents and patent applications. He has written or edited 17 books.
“Dr. Laurencin’s extraordinary work in regenerative engineering and his dedication to advancing human health exemplify the spirit of the Paul Terasaki Distinguished Scientist Innovation Award. We are honored to recognize a visionary leader whose achievements have transformed science and improved countless lives,” says Professor Ali Khademhosseini, director and CEO of the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation. in the award announcement.
Dr. Laurencin serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regeneration, an Institute at UConn created in his honor.
He has received the highest awards of the Biomedical Engineering Society, the Materials Research Society, and the American Chemical Society, which awarded him the Priestley Medal.
In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Dr. Laurencin with the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation, is the highest honor for technological achievement in the United States.
Dr. Laurencin also is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine, and is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He is the first surgeon in history elected to all four of these academies.
Dr. Laurencin earned a BS in chemical engineering from Princeton University, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, Magna Cum Laude, and a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering/biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Laurencin will receive the award during the 3rd Annual Terasaki Innovation Summit, to be held March 5-7, at the Terasaki Institute Research Headquarters in Woodland Hills, California.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
February 18, 2025
Senator Warren’s Statement on Passing of Brady Williamson
Washington, D.C. – In response to the passing of Brady Williamson, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren released the following statement:
“My dear friend Brady Williamson died Sunday. He was a superb lawyer, a go-to advance guy, and a quietly remarkable person. I experienced a lot of life with Brady, from fighting to preserve bankruptcy protection for struggling families to shopping for my first apartment in Washington. For three decades – my entire time in advocacy and government – Brady was there with his always-calm counsel. He was a generous mentor to my staff. He always did his homework, and he was clear-eyed in our goal of rescuing families that were hanging onto the middle class by their fingernails. Brady understood that even if we changed only one person’s life, the fight would be worth it. I will miss his gentle reminders.”
Multan (Agenzia Fides) – Among the Catholic population of southern Punjab, in the diocese of Multan, the hope that is nurtured in the Jubilee Year is to have concrete educational opportunities, says Father Jamshed Gill (OP), for many years director of the Pastoral Institute of Multan and now General Councilor for the Asia-Pacific Region of the Dominican Order, to Fides. In one of the largest cities in Pakistan, with more than 1.2 million inhabitants, about half of the more than 80,000 Catholics are destitute and live in the countryside or are among the “poor” who live in the slums on the outskirts of the city. In January, the Catholic community celebrated the solemn inauguration of the Holy Year in the Cathedral of Multan: “It is a Jubilee Year of personal renewal and faith,” said Bishop Yousef Sohan. The presence of many young people and students from the diocese’s schools at the celebration drew particular attention to education. “To restore hope to people and thus opportunities for development and growth, the first step is to work in the field of education,” explained Father Gill, recalling that “the diocese is doing its best to support Catholic schools in the city and in rural villages, but the lack of resources limits the possibilities,” he noted. The Dominicans run a school and a boarding school in Bahawalpur, which is part of the diocese. “But many families cannot afford the fees, even though they are low, so the children are not sent to school,” he reports. There are also boarding schools that charge higher fees, which is why in this case “only middle-class families, almost exclusively Muslims, benefit from these schools.” The disadvantaged are therefore “precisely the poorest Christian families, unable to break out of the vicious circle of economic and also educational poverty,” the religious observes. The pastoral plan of the diocese, launched by the new bishop, states that he will give priority to the education of Catholics. Bishop Sohan, who took office two years ago, wants to strengthen the school sector by opening more schools and supporting and improving existing ones. The diocese directly runs 27 schools that provide education to thousands of children and young people in urban and rural areas. “In the Jubilee Year, special attention will be paid to this commitment: to make hope a reality in people’s lives, the whole community can try to do more in this area and the faithful, the poorest and most marginalized, will welcome it and recognize it as a gift from the Lord,” he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/2/2024)
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The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that construction on the new La Ronge Long-Term Care Home has reached 50 per cent completion.
Construction activities currently underway include completion of building envelope including glazing, interior partition walls, masonry brick installation, electrical and mechanical rough-ins, roof insulation and membrane and interior steel wall layout.
“It is wonderful to see the progress being made on the new long-term care home in La Ronge,” Minister Responsible for Seniors Lori Carr said. “When complete, the new space will ensure seniors and other residents of the north can receive long-term care that meets their needs closer to home and their families.”
The new three-story facility will consist of 80 private rooms with bathrooms, increasing capacity by 64 beds from the current space in the health centre. The home will also feature shared living areas, family rooms, a commercial kitchen and cafeteria, a serenity room and traditional healing space.
“We are very pleased to announce this project reaching 50 per cent completion,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This progress further highlights our commitment to create critical infrastructure that supports the needs of families in northern Saskatchewan. Together, we are building stronger communities that will serve generations to come.”
The new long-term care home will be owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“We are thrilled to see the continued momentum of this new long-term care home project,” said Andrew McLetchie, Vice President, Integrated Northern Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority. “The SHA is committed to safe, quality care as close to home as possible. With significantly more capacity and amenities than the current facility, this new home will deliver on that commitment to residents of the La Ronge area.”
The Government has committed approximately $100 million to the project. The La Ronge and Area Long-Term Care Funding Committee is working to raise funds to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment.
“The La Ronge and Area Long-Term Care Fundraising Committee is proud to partner with the SHA to ensure the new facility is fully equipped to meet residents’ needs,” Fundraising Coordinator Jacob Page said. “Through community support, we are raising funds for the furniture, fixtures, and equipment that will make this space welcoming, functional, and culturally inclusive for those who will call it home.”
Ledcor Construction Limited (Ledcor) began construction on the facility in July 2023 and it is expected to be substantially completed by early 2027.
“Ledcor is proud to be working on the new La Ronge Long Term Care facility,” Regional Manager Laird Ritchie said. “This project is an opportunity to enhance the community by creating an inspiring and functional space that will benefit future generations. We are thrilled to have reached the 50 per cent completion milestone and look forward to continuing to apply our expertise to ensure the project’s successful completion and lasting impact. The project team has actively engaged with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), the local band, and the town during the recruitment process. Our commitment to using local trades and suppliers has been warmly welcomed.”
Once residents can be moved into the new home, the current LTC space in the health centre will be renovated to improve program areas including therapies and add an adult day program and new hemodialysis unit.