ATLANTA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an unlawfully present Guatemalan national convicted of driving under the influence when officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta’s Mobile Criminal Alien Team arrested Miguel Andres-Mateo, 20, Jan. 21 in Cornelia, Georgia.
Mateo illegally entered the United States at an unknown time and place and an immigration judge ordered him removed on Oct. 7, 2014. Mateo then failed to appear for his voluntary departure.
The Habersham County, Police Department in Georgia arrested Mateoa May 1, 2023, and charged him with driving under the influence. The Habersham County Court convicted him on May 22, 2023, and sentenced him to 12-months of probation.
ICE officers issued Mateo a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge following his arrest, and he remains in ERO 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 Georgia on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROAtlanta.
BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an undocumented Guatemalan alien with criminal charges. Gener Pop-Cuz, 20, was arrested Feb. 1, after the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer.
The corrections department released Pop into the lobby, instead of safely handing him over to the ICE deportation officer who was waiting for the exchange, and he resisted arrest during the initial encounter. However, Pop was eventually subdued and placed in handcuffs as corrections officers failed to intervene.
“Nobody wins when jurisdictions fail to transfer custody of violent offenders,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “Cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE is critical to ensuring the safety of our officers, the public, and even the criminal aliens in custody. I strongly encourage our local jurisdictions to evaluate their policies and look forward to the day when we can put aside politics and do what’s best for the people of Maryland.”
The U.S. Border Patrol encountered Pop near Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Nov. 13, 2017, and served him a notice to appear, transferring him to ICE custody on the same date. ICE released Pop on an order of recognizance Nov. 15, 2017.
A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Pop removed to Guatemala Nov. 16, 2022, after he failed to show for his immigration hearing.
The Laurel Police Department arrested and charged Pop on Feb. 1 with possession of a loaded handgun, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm, and trespassing on private property. He was released on bond by the Prince George’s County Commissioner’s Office the same date. ICE then lodged an immigration detainer on Pop with the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro.
Pop will remain in the custody of ICE pending removal.
ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is a separate entity from DHS and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.
Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, the removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Since detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.
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 Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.
Funding is allotted to help with expenses related to the RIBridges data breach
PROVIDENCE, RI— At the request of Governor Dan McKee, Deloitte provided Rhode Island with $5 million to help pay for expenses related to the RIBridges data breach.
Separately, Deloitte is covering the cost of the data breach call center, credit monitoring, and identity protection for impacted customers.
Expenses supported by the $5 million payment include but are not limited to the costs associated with the approximately 2,000 HealthSource RI customers who were enrolled directly in coverage for the months of January and February.
HealthSource RI worked with insurance providers to offer customers who needed active coverage starting the 1st of the year to enroll directly with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
“Deloitte has recognized that the state has immediate and unexpected expenses related to the breach, and we appreciate their willingness to lend financial support,” saidGovernor Dan McKee.
The RIBridges system is undergoing a phased relaunch. At this writing, customers can access the HealthyRhode portal, submit applications, and interact with their accounts as needed.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after multiple actions by the Trump Administration to give DOGE officials access to the federal payment system, dismantle USAID, and freeze federal funding:
“Last week the Trump Administration tried to illegally freeze federal funding that would go to our rural hospitals, local public schools, and law enforcement agencies in Colorado. This week, they’re threatening to shut down entire agencies without transparency or congressional approval and allowing access to Americans’ sensitive data.
“Our founders put checks and balances in place for a reason. We’re all for making government more efficient, but violating our laws is not the way to do it. We’ll fight these attempts in the courts, on the Senate floor, and anywhere else we can to defend Colorado and the Constitution.
“Enough with the chaos and headline chasing. We should be working to solve problems, not create more.”
Meza-Flores, also known as “Chapo Isidro,” is the alleged leader of the Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization, which is based in Sinaloa, Mexico. The organization is allegedly responsible for the possession, distribution, and importation of large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the U.S.
“For decades, the public has shared information with the FBI that has helped us capture dangerous criminals,” Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan said. “Today, we ask you to help us find Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores so we can bring him to justice and curb the flow of illegal drugs into our country.”
Meza-Flores was originally indicted on May 2, 2012, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. On November 26, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Meza-Flores with drug trafficking violations and possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Meza-Flores allegedly conspired to manufacture and distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the U.S. from 2005 to 2019.
As the alleged leader of the Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization, Meza-Flores leads a group of heavily armed gunmen who use violence to maintain control of areas in Mexico used for the production and transportation of narcotics destined for the U.S.
Meza-Flores is 42 years old. He has brown eyes and dark brown hair. He is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He likely resides in Mexico.
The U.S. State Department’s Narcotics Rewards Program is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to Meza-Flores’ arrest and/or conviction.
If you have information about Meza-Flores, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip via tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact the FBI via WhatsApp at 571-379-3951. WhatsApp is neither a government-operated nor a government-controlled platform.
Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Distribute Five Kilograms or More of Cocaine, Distribute One Kilogram or More of Heroin, and Distribute One Thousand Kilograms or More of Marijuana for Importation into the United States; Use and Possession of a Firearm
NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business, (NASDAQ: WTW), today announced the appointment of Mike Giacobbe as Client Strategy Leader for Corporate Risk & Broking, North America. Giacobbe will report to Adam Garrard, Chairman, Global Risk & Broking.
In this new role, Giacobbe will drive an integrated value proposition that brings consistent service across client segments, ensuring every client gets the right, relevant service and expertise for their specific needs. Giacobbe will also focus on maximizing the use of Willis consulting capabilities and analytics tools, working closely with the Risk and Analytics team, tailoring them for clients across North America, whatever their size, industry, location and purchasing patterns.
Giacobbe joins Willis from Marsh, where he was most recently U.S. and Canada Leader of Marsh Advisory, focused on the company’s consulting, analytics and claims advisory capabilities. He was previously Global Head of Data, Analytics & Consulting at JLT, before JLT’s acquisition by Marsh. Before that, Giacobbe was at Aon, where he was latterly Managing Director, Broking, at Aon Risk Solutions after holding leadership positions in Aon’s consulting group.
Located in Chicago, Giacobbe holds a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois. He will join Willis in Q2 2025.
Adam Garrard, Chairman, Global Risk & Broking, commented:
“We are delighted to have Mike join Willis in this important new role. Ensuring consistency of client service and tailoring our consulting capabilities and analytics tools to the needs of every client, regardless of size, industry, location or purchasing patterns, will distinguish Willis in the North America marketplace.”
About WTW
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith is in Europe on a mission with Nova Scotian and other Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to develop markets in Italy, France and the United Kingdom.
“It has never been more important to showcase our premium quality seafood on the world stage,” said Minister Smith. “With the continued uncertainty from the United States, it’s more important than ever that we ramp up our efforts to help Nova Scotian companies expand into new markets.”
The focus of the mission is on diversifying markets by introducing Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to new European buyers.
The delegation includes six Nova Scotian companies and eight others from across Atlantic Canada. Along with meeting with potential new buyers, the Minister and his team will meet with Canadian embassy officials, Canadian trade commissioners, local government representatives and trade associations in the countries they visit.
Quick Facts:
the Nova Scotia seafood export market is valued at $2.5 billon annually
participating Atlantic Canadian companies include: Lobster Hub Inc., Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd., Victoria Co-Operative Fisheries Ltd., Tribune Seafood Inc., Gidney Fisheries Ltd., Clearwater Seafoods Ltd., Ocean Blue Fisheries Ltd., DCAM Holdings Inc., One Tuna Inc., PEI Mussel King (1994) Inc; Labrador Gem Seafood Inc., Ocean Choice International, Whitecap Int. Seafood Exporters Inc., and True North Seafood Inc.
Members of the Ghana Armed Forces and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) personnel pose for a group photo outside the Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, on Jan. 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations.(Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
Back to
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
ACCRA, Ghana – The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), strengthened their partnership through a strategic communication and information warfare exchange at Burma Camp, Ghana, Jan. 28-31.
The military exchange, part of a broader initiative to promote peace through strength, aimed to enhance both forces’ ability to navigate modern warfare, where information plays a critical role in operational success.
“Working alongside the GAF this week is a unique and rewarding experience, as it fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Ong, SETAF-AF.
“It’s not just about sharing tactics or best practices; it’s about learning from each other’s strengths and building lasting partnerships that transcend borders.”
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Ong, left, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), sits with Ghana Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Eric Aggrey-Quashie, director general at the Department of Public Relations, and U.S. Army Maj. Tyler Claus, SETAF-AF, during the opening ceremony at Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, Jan 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations. (Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
The exchange featured workshops and seminars on information operations, psychological operations and public affairs in both conflict and peacetime. Participants discussed techniques for countering misinformation, engaging with local communities and ensuring transparency to maintain public trust.
The exchange also focused on capacity building, equipping forces with the skills needed to operate effectively in information warfare scenarios.
GAF Brig. Gen. Eric Aggrey-Quashie, the director general at the Department of Public Relations, urged participants to take advantage of the exchange to enhance their technical and critical thinking skills in public relations and influence their awareness of managing and disseminating information to the public.
Ghana Armed Forces Brig. Gen.l Eric Aggrey-Quashie, director general at the Department of Public Relations, gives opening remarks during the opening ceremony at Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, Jan. 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations.(Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
During the exchange, participants discussed past information operations, crisis communication simulations as well as integrating these lessons into daily military practices. Both sides emphasized the need to evolve military training to address unconventional threats, aligning with the philosophy of peace through strength.
The concept of peace through strength was a key theme throughout the engagement. Leaders from both nations agreed that a strong, well-informed military presence could deter aggression while promoting stability.
“Information warfare is an evolving battlefield, and our ability to control the narrative can shape the outcome of conflicts before they even begin,” said U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Kara Obrien, a team leader assigned to 321st Tactical Psychological Company, 13th Psychological Operations Battalion, 2nd Psychological Operations Group.
“This exchange reinforces the importance of proactive communication strategies in maintaining stability and deterring misinformation.”
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kara Obrien, a team leader assigned to the U.S Army Reserve 321st Tactical Psychological Company, 13th Psychological Operations Battalion, 2nd Psychological Operations Group, discusses best practices for key leader engagements at Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, Jan. 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations. (Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
This collaboration between GAF and SETAF-AF highlights a shared commitment to enhancing military readiness while fostering stability through strategic communication and capacity building. As modern conflicts increasingly revolve around the control and dissemination of information, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security.
About SETAF-AF
SETAF-AF prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition, and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Headline: NCDHHS Livestream Spanish-language Cafecito and Tele-Town Hall: NC Crisis Services — Get Help 24/7
NCDHHS Livestream Spanish-language Cafecito and Tele-Town Hall: NC Crisis Services — Get Help 24/7 jwerner
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how people can support their mental well-being, find resources and get help for themselves or someone else experiencing a mental health crisis.
Event participants include:
Carolina Siliceo Perez, MLAS, Acting Director for Latinx/Hispanic Policy and Strategy, NCDHHS
Mary Jones, Director of Client Care and Engagement, El Futuro
Amanda Huber Lopera, MSW, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Executive Director, Sunrise-Amanecer Inc.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults in North Carolina have reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Nationally, more than 1 in 3 Hispanic adults have reported these symptoms as well. Help is available. Mental health crisis services offer non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate care to connect North Carolinians with resources and support — available at little or no cost — to get help with social or family situations, depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, substance use or if they just need someone to talk to.
The Cafecito will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 119233#. Cafecito and tele-town hall panelists will discuss:
Ways to support and improve mental well-being within the Hispanic/Latinx community
When to get help for yourself or a loved one
What NC crisis services are, how to access them and how to request support in Spanish
Where to find mental health information and resources in Spanish
NCDHHS recently launched a new Crisis Services page, available in English and Spanish, to connect people to services. The page includes a searchable map to find community crisis centers, as well as a zip code search to find a mobile crisis team. If you or someone you love feels overwhelmed, NC crisis services are here to help:
Call, text, or chat with 988 for immediate support, 24/7
Talk to someone with lived experience through the Peer Warmline: 855-PEERS-NC (currently in English only)
Have help come to you — trained mobile crisis teams will meet you in a safe place at low or no cost
Visit a community crisis center for fast, in-person help from licensed clinicians
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS) presentará un Cafecito, una conversación virtual y telefónica en vivo el jueves 6 de febrero, de 6 a 7 p.m., para hablar sobre cómo las personas pueden apoyar su bienestar mental, encontrar recursos y obtener ayuda para sí mismos o para alguien más que esté atravesando una crisis de salud mental.
Panelistas del evento incluyen:
Carolina Siliceo Perez, directora Interina de Política y Estrategia Latina e Hispana, NCDHHS
Mary Jones, directora de Atención y Compromiso al Cliente, El Futuro
Amanda Huber Lopera, MSW, LCSW, psicoterapeuta y directora ejecutiva de Sunrise-Amanecer Inc.
Casi1 de cada 4adultos en Carolina del Norte ha reportado síntomas de ansiedad o depresión. A nivel nacional, más de 1 de cada 3 adultos hispanos han reportado estos mismos síntomas. Hay ayuda disponible. Los servicios de crisis de salud mental ofrecen atención confidencial, sin juicios y con mucha compasión para conectar a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte con los recursos y el apoyo necesario, disponibles a bajo costo o sin costo, para recibir ayuda con situaciones sociales o familiares, depresión, ansiedad, pensamientos suicidas, consumo de sustancias o si solo necesitan a alguien con quien hablar.
El Cafecito se transmitirá en vivo desde las cuentas deFacebook,TwitteryYouTubedel NCDHHS, donde los espectadores podrán enviar sus preguntas. El evento incluirá una opción de telecomunicación, que invita a las personas a escuchar y enviar preguntas por teléfono.
Las personas pueden unirse al evento llamando al 855-756-7520 extensión 119233#.
Las panelistas del evento hablarán sobre los siguientes temas:
Formas de apoyar y mejorar el bienestar mental dentro de la comunidad hispana y latina
Cuando buscar ayuda para usted mismo o para un ser querido
Qué son los servicios de crisis en Carolina del Norte, cómo acceder a ellos y cómo solicitar apoyo en español
Dónde encontrar información y recursos sobre salud mental en español
El NCDHHS lanzó recientemente una nuevapágina de servicios de respuesta a crisis, disponible en inglés y español, para conectar a las personas con los servicios de apoyo. La página incluye un mapa interactivo para encontrar centros comunitarios de respuesta a crisis, así como una búsqueda por código postal para localizar un equipo móvil de respuesta a crisis. Si usted o un ser querido se siente abrumada/o, los servicios de respuesta a crisis de Carolina del Norte están aquí para apoyarlos:
Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto o chat a laLínea 988para obtener apoyo inmediato, las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana
Hable con alguien con experiencia vivida a través de la línea de apoyo entre pares: 855-PEERS-NC (actualmente solo en inglés)
Haga que la ayuda llegue hasta donde usted está: equipos móviles de respuesta a crisis entrenados le encontrarán en un lugar seguro a bajo costo o sin costo
Visite un centro comunitario de respuesta a crisis para recibir ayuda rápida y en persona de profesionales licenciados.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
WAYCROSS, GA: A newly unsealed federal indictment alleges dozens of defendants, many of them in prison, participated in an extensive drug trafficking operation spanning several south Georgia communities.
The indictment in USA v. Brinson, et al., names 37 individuals in the Coffee, Atkinson, and Bacon County area as conspirators, charging them with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charge carries a maximum penalty of up to life in prison for most defendants, along with substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“This operation makes it clear that rural communities aren’t immune from the scourge of drug trafficking,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “We applaud the diligent work of our law enforcement partners in this investigation.”
As described in the indictment, the defendants are alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to import and distribute large amounts of illegal drugs in the Douglas, Georgia, community and surrounding counties. Much of the conspiracy was directed from inside Georgia state prisons using contraband cell phones. The 60-count indictment includes the seizure of 21 illegally possessed firearms and more than $17,000.
Those named in the indictment include:
Litarus Brinson, a/k/a “Ben Brokebefore,” 26, an inmate at the Jenkins Correctional Center;
Christopher Brockington, a/k/a “Chris Brock,” 44, of Douglas;
Keevon Bussey, a/k/a “Guado Gettinguap Gomez,” 26, of Douglas;
Stacey Daniels, 32, of Douglas;
Kenneth Davis, 62, being held in the Coffee County Jail;
T’Kiya Eady, 24, of Lagrange, Georgia;
Patrick Ellis, 42, of Atlanta;
Anthony Gaskin Jr., 35, of Pearson, Georgia;
Dacia Gaskins, a/k/a “Sheree Gaskins,” 31, of Douglas, a former Georgia state corrections officer;
Ernest Goodman, 42, an inmate of the Ware County Jail;
Christopher Hawkins, a/k/a “Rayshon Hawkins,” 30, of Douglas;
Qudarious Hawkins, a/k/a “Don Esclobar,” 25, of Douglas;
Breanna Henderson, 34, of Douglas;
Corey Hill, 34, of Ambrose, Georgia;
Demarcus Holland, 32, of Douglas;
Wanda Hollinger, 57, of Douglas;
Zarionna Holloway, a/k/a “Channel Parker,” 23, of Douglas;
Roger Jenkins, 27, a/k/a “Glee Jenkins,” a/k/a “WMG Glee,” of Alma, Georgia;
Marquan Jenkins, a/k/a “Anna Brooke,” a/k/a “Mary Thompson,” 30, an inmate at Macon State Prison;
Richard Jewell, 51, of Douglas;
Aaron Kahn, 49, of Douglas;
James Lander, 35, Douglas;
Jeffrey Maxwell, a/k/a “EBK Kokaine,” 28, an inmate of Wilcox State Prison;
Darien McDaniel, 35, of Waycross, Georgia;
Antarious McTear, 30, of Douglas;
Adrian Munford, a/k/a “Jugg King,” 41, of Waycross
Reginald Powell, a/k/a “Yetti Glock,” 36, of Douglas;
Patricia Raven, a/k/a “Ms. Pat,” 65, of Valdosta, Georgia;
Marcus Reynolds, a/k/a “Marc Marc,” 44, an inmate at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison;
James Robinson, 33, an inmate at Telfair State Prison;
Sedarrien Smith, a/k/a “Slug Da Menace,” 24, of Douglas;
Billy Toombs Jr., 32, of Douglas;
Dequatte Tucker, a/k/a “Deshawn Tucker,” a/k/a “Esco,” a/k/a “Freeband Esco,” 33, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility;
Travis Tucker, 33, of Douglas;
Assyria Watts, a/k/a “Jefe Cain,” 29, of Douglas; and,
Brian Wright, 48, of Alma, Georgia.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners were able to achieve today’s arrests and seizures because all of us never stopped working together, combining our resources, and advocating for a safer place to live for everyone in this community,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “And we will not rest until we bring back to our community a sense of security and law and order that is so greatly needed.”
“This operation was only successful because of the collaborative effort of the various agencies,” said Coffee County Sheriff Fred T. Cole. “As the sheriff, it is my mission to eliminate the spread of illegal drugs in our community. This operation highlights the importance of community safety and the lasting effects it has on our community.”
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer.
The case also was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Agencies conducting the investigation include the FBI, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeast Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Douglas Police Department, the Bacon County Sheriff’s Office, the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Waycross Police Department, the Marion County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville (Florida) County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Joshua K. Davis.
Headline: Contemplating the U.S. tariffs and how Canada can weather the storm
Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of CanREA, weighed in on the matter. “The situation is fluid. We are working with our members, the federal and provincial governments and our industry colleagues to understand the full impact of these tariffs on the renewable energy and energy storage sectors,” said Bellissimo. Read more.
The post Contemplating the U.S. tariffs and how Canada can weather the storm appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda’s executive staff, which will advise the Acting Chairman on matters before the Commission and work closely with SEC staff.
Gabriel Eckstein, Chief of Staff
Steven Levine, Deputy Chief of Staff
Holly Hunter-Ceci, Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman
Charles Lee, Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman
Jaime Marinaro, Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman
Kelsey Pristach, Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman
Peter Gimbrere, Managing Executive
Andrew Vollmer, Counselor to the Acting Chairman
Graham Conlan, Counsel to the Acting Chairman
David Marcinkus, Counsel to the Acting Chairman
Richard Gabbert, Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman and Chief of Staff for the Crypto Task Force
Taylor Asher, Senior Policy Advisor to the Acting Chairman and Chief Policy Advisor for the Crypto Task Force
Landon Zinda, Counsel to the Acting Chairman and Senior Advisor to the Crypto Task Force
Letia Butler, Confidential Assistant
Sharon Freeman, Program Support Specialist
Malika Sullivan, Receptionist
In addition, Acting Chairman Uyeda announced these additional senior officer appointments:
Antonia Apps, Acting Deputy Director for the Division of Enforcement
Sebastian Gomez Abero, Acting Deputy Director (Legal and Regulatory Policy) for the Division of Corporation Finance
TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: NPS, NPS.PR.A) – Canadian Large Cap Leaders Split Corp. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced private placement of its preferred shares for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million (the “Private Placement”). Pursuant to the Private Placement, 235,000 preferred shares were offered to investors at a price of $10.65 per preferred share.
The Company’s previously announced split of its Class A shares (the “Share Split”) will be effected at the close of business today. Following the Share Split, there will be approximately 1,795,547 Class A shares and 1,796,353 preferred shares outstanding. DBRS has confirmed that the rating of the preferred shares will continue to be Pfd-3 (high) following the completion of the Share Split.
The Company invests, on an approximately equally-weighted basis, in a portfolio comprised primarily of equity securities of Canadian Dividend Growth Companies (as defined below), selected by the portfolio manager, that at the time of investment and immediately following each periodic reconstitution and rebalancing: (i) are listed on a Canadian exchange; (ii) pay a dividend; (iii) generally have a market capitalization of at least $10 billion; (iv) have options in respect of its equity securities that, in the opinion of the portfolio manager, are sufficiently liquid to permit the portfolio manager to write options in respect of such securities; and (v) have a history of dividend growth or, in the portfolio manager’s view have high potential for future dividend growth (“Canadian Dividend Growth Companies”).
AboutNinepoint Partners LP
Ninepoint Partners LP is the Manager, Portfolio Manager and Promoter of the Company and provides all administrative services required by the Company. Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.
For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or please contact us at 416.362.7172 or 1.888.362.7172 or invest@ninepoint.com.
You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of investment funds on the TSX or another alternative Canadian tradingsystem(an “exchange”). If sharesarepurchasedorsoldon an exchange,investorsmay pay morethan the current net assetvalue whenbuying sharesof theinvestment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them.
There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund.An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents thatcontain key information about the fund.You can find more detailed information about the Company in the public filings available atwww.sedarplus.ca.Investmentfunds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-lookinginformation may relate to mattersdisclosed in this document and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Company, to the future outlook of theCompany and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Company. In some cases, forward-lookinginformation can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”,“potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-lookinginformation.Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereofand we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
The securities have notbeen registered underthe U.S. SecuritiesAct of 1933, asamended, and may notbe offered orsold inthe UnitedStatesabsentregistration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of anoffer to buy securities nor will there be any sale of such securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Headline: Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together
February 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together for life’s special moments
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIAApple today introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists. Starting today, users can download Apple Invites from the App Store, or access it on the web through icloud.com/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations, and anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.
“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”
Beautiful Invitations That Create and Capture Shared Moments
To get started with Apple Invites, users can choose an image from their photo library or from the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.
Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. And collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.
Apple Intelligence Makes Invites Even More Fun
With Apple Intelligence, creating unique event invitations is easy. Users can tap in to the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. And when composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help find just the right turn of phrase to meet the moment.1
Simple Ways to Manage and Join Events
Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address. Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.
Additional iCloud+ Premium Features
In addition to event creation in Apple Invites, iCloud+ subscribers have access to many more premium features:
Expanded storage allows users to keep large libraries of original, high-resolution photos, videos, and files safe in iCloud, and easily accessible across all of their devices and the web.
Private Relay keeps browsing in Safari entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
HomeKit Secure Video allows users to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
Custom email domains enable users to personalize their iCloud email address.
Family Sharing allows users to share their iCloud+ subscription with up to five people at no extra cost.
Users can learn more about subscribing to iCloud+ at apple.com/icloud, with plans starting at just $0.99.
Availability
Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later, and can be accessed on the web at icloud.com/invites. Some features are not available in all regions or in all languages. For more information, visit apple.com/ios/feature-availability.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.2 and later, and can be accessed in most regions around the world when the device and Siri language are set to localized English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., or the U.S.
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
February 03, 2025
HARTFORD—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03), Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04), and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn-05), on Monday wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging the immediate reversal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) suspension of $8.6 million in federal funding for the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG).
“We are deeply concerned about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) illegal efforts to withhold congressionally appropriated funding from our constituents, in response to the swath of Executive Orders you have issued since being sworn in,” the lawmakers wrote.
“In Connecticut, we have heard from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments that their access to an open Fiscal Year 2022 Revolving Loan Fund grant was suspended by EPA. As of the afternoon of Wednesday, January 29, they were unable to access already promised funds through the federal portal – an $8.66 million balance. This grant provides vital funding to remediate brownfield sites, helping local communities conduct environmental clean-up. Cleaning up brownfields is one of the best investments the federal government can make in a community,” they continued. “We demand that you immediately rescind this order.”
Last week, NVCOG’s access to their Fiscal Year 2022 Revolving Loan Fund grant was suspended with no notice. The grant provides vital funding to remediate brownfield sites, helping local communities conduct environmental clean-up that lead to vital private real estate development deals, housing initiatives, and regional economic revitalization efforts. With its suspension, municipalities and developers alike are left facing stalled projects, financial uncertainty, and scrambling to find alternative funding sources. This suspension will impact 13 projects across Naugatuck Valley.
Last week, the Trump Administration announced a decision to freeze all federal grants, including those already approved by Congress and signed into law, through a memo from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB memo was later rescinded, but the Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding persist while organizations across Connecticut report difficulty accessing federal funding. The President’s Executive Order on “Unleashing American Energy” directs all agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Dear President Trump,
We are deeply concerned about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) illegal efforts to withhold congressionally appropriated funding from our constituents, in response to the swath of Executive Orders you have issued since being sworn in. These executive orders to freeze funding, including “Unleashing American Energy,” are clearly unconstitutional and should be rescinded immediately.
On January 27, 2025, your administration made the unconstitutional and unilateral decision to freeze all federal funding through a memorandum issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As a result, chaos and confusion halted payments to everything from veterans’ programs to Head Start to Medicaid. While the sweeping OMB memo has since been rescinded – after a federal court stepped in – many critical programs remain unable to access federal funding.
In Connecticut, we have heard from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments that their access to an open Fiscal Year 2022 Revolving Loan Fund grant was suspended by EPA. As of the afternoon of Wednesday, January 29, they were unable to access already promised funds through the federal portal – an $8.66 million balance. This grant provides vital funding to remediate brownfield sites, helping local communities conduct environmental clean-up.
Cleaning up brownfields is one of the best investments the federal government can make in a community. It is an investment that creates jobs and helps transform polluted land into economically viable and environmentally safe parcels that communities will use for years to come. Federal brownfield funding protects people’s health, incentivizes economic growth and development, and improves quality of life for all.
We understand this funding is being withheld in accordance with Section 7 of the Executive Order on “Unleashing American Energy.” This section, titled “Terminating the Green New Deal,” directs all agencies to “immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).”
We demand that you immediately rescind this order.
Sincerely,
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
RELEASE: Mullin, Whitehouse Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Mentoring Month
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing January 2025 as “National Mentoring Month” to celebrate the positive influence mentors can have on children and young adults. Sens. Mullin and Whitehouse are joined by 24 bipartisan cosponsors.
“It’s my honor to join this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Mentoring Month,” said Sen. Mullin. “Having a mentor can be a wonderful source of professional guidance and moral support, especially for children and young adults as they set goals for the future. I’m glad to celebrate the important role mentors are having in Oklahoma and across the nation.”
“Mentors can make all the difference in the life of a young person,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan resolution celebrates the stability and guidance mentors provide to the next generation.”
The resolution recognizes the benefits of mentoring, including fostering life skills in young adults. According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, young people with a mentor are:
52 percent less likely to skip a day of school;
55 percent more likely to be enrolled in college;
92 percent more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities; and
75 percent more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team.
Sens. Mullin and Whitehouse are joined on this legislation by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), James Lankford (R-OK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
On February 4-5, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) organized an Infrastructure Trade Mission aimed at increasing UK’s private sector participation in Guatemalan projects.
Seven UK infrastructure companies are participating in this two-day event which will allow them to meet with government, municipal and private sector representatives; with a focus on multiple areas, which are critical to improving Guatemala’s infrastructure delivery and sustainable development.
The visit aims to better understand the Guatemalan authorities’ plans for infrastructure projects delivery at national and municipal levels, including mobility, water sanitation, hospitals and private sector led construction. It also seeks to create business opportunities between local and the UK companies participating, these are:
Andrade Gutierrez (engineering and construction)
Arup (design, planning and engineering)
Biwater (water treatment and solutions)
Gleeds (construction consultancy)
JCB (construction machinery)
QGMI UK (engineering)
Steer (infrastructure consultancy)
Whilst in Guatemala, the delegation wants to explore opportunities presented by the country’s plans to improve its critical infrastructure, including updated legislation, the use of Private Public Partnerships and the desire to continue building the UK-Guatemala economic relationship. This highlights the British government’s commitment to opening new overseas markets for UK firms, driving up prosperity and deliver national renewal.
The UK is committed to supporting viable green enterprises which help to promote green recoveries in urban transport, renewable energy and water and sanitation to help countries across the world pursue green and sustainable growth and economic development.
To mark the visit, the British Ambassador to Guatemala, Juliana Correa, said:
I am delighted to welcome the visit of some of the leading UK infrastructure companies that will explore the great potential of Guatemala. President Arevalo has put infrastructure delivery as a priority for his administration, and the UK is a global leader in this sector. This is a great opportunity to provide a platform to develop key partnerships that are useful to create cities that lead economic and social development.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News
I’m Brian Driscoll, and it’s my honor to be representing the men and women of the FBI as acting director.
I want to take a few minutes to share with you some of the important work those men and women have been doing across the country and around the world—every day—to keep the American people safe.
I’ll start with our Top Ten list.
The Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list has been helping the FBI apprehend dangerous criminals for 75 years. In that time, we’ve located or arrested nearly 500 fugitives on the list, including two in just the past week:
Donald Eugene Fields II, who was arrested in Florida on charges of child sex trafficking and child rape; and Arnoldo Jiminez, who was taken into custody in Mexico on murder charges.
I’m grateful to both of these case teams for their work and to our partners for their support in bringing these violent criminals to justice.
You’ve heard the FBI always gets its man, but our work is never done.
Today, we’re announcing the addition of Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Known as El Chapo Isidro, he’s accused of spending the last 20 years flooding the U.S. with fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other deadly drugs, first as an independent drug trafficker and later as the head of the Meza-Flores cartel.
In addition to the scourge of illicit drugs Meza-Flores and his organization have unleashed into the United States from across our southern border, they’re also accused of heinous crimes ranging from kidnapping and extortion to torture and murder.
The U.S. government is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and conviction, and we encourage anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the FBI and help us add Meza-Flores to the list of dangerous fugitives we’ve brought to justice together.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the exceptional work the FBI’s been doing lately.
Every day, our men and women are working hard to be there for our partners and keep our communities safe.
That includes all the work we’ve been doing to support the Department of Homeland Security in its immigration enforcement efforts. We’ve got special agents, intelligence analysts, and more supporting DHS teams across the country, from New York and Chicago to El Paso, Newark, and Denver. So far, this work has led to the arrest of dangerous criminals and terrorists all across the country, and we’ve taken illegal firearms off the streets and out of our communities.
At the same time, our people are hard at work with our local, state, and federal partners in the run-up to this Sunday’s Super Bowl. In addition to our team in New Orleans, we’ve deployed scores of FBI employees to surge in support of this effort—from bomb techs to SWAT operators to intelligence analysts—and each one of them is focused on keeping the event safe for everyone.
Our teams have also been working around the clock to respond to the tragic plane crashes in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., in support of recovery efforts.
All of that work is critically important to our partners and to the American people, but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of the work the men and women of the FBI are doing every single day, across the country and around the world, to keep people safe.
We will never take our eyes off of our mission: protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.
Because at the Bureau, we’re focused on the work, the people we do the work with—our partners—and the people we do the work for—the American people.
The Basel Committee’s oversight body endorses the Committee’s work programme and strategic priorities for 2025-26.
The programme prioritises work on Basel III implementation, emerging risks and vulnerabilities, digitalisation, and liquidity.
GHOS members unanimously reaffirm their expectation to implement Basel III in full and consistently.
The Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS), the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, met on 4 February to endorse the Committee’s work programme and strategic priorities for 2025-26.
The key themes of the Committee’s 2025-26 work programme include the following:
(i) Basel III implementation;
(ii) Risk assessment and safeguarding resilience, including the ongoing follow-up work in response to the lessons learnt from the March 2023 banking turmoil;
(iii) Digitalisation of finance; and
(iv) Liquidity.
The GHOS also agreed to take stock of the Committee’s work on climate-related financial risks later this year.
In undertaking its work, the Committee will continue to collaborate and cooperate with a wide range of stakeholders. This includes ongoing collaboration with other standard-setting bodies and international fora on cross-sectoral financial initiatives. The Committee will also continue to pursue its long-established approach of seeking the views and inputs of a wide range of external stakeholders.
All GHOS members unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to implement Basel III in full and consistently to ensure a global level playing field and to promote the resilience of the global banking system.
Tiff Macklem, Chair of the GHOS and Governor of the Bank of Canada
By promoting global cooperation and pursuing a forward-looking approach to mitigating emerging risks and vulnerabilities affecting the global banking system, the Committee’s 2025-26 work programme seeks to further strengthen the regulation, supervision and practices of banks worldwide, promote global financial stability and support long-term economic growth.
Erik Thedéen, Chair of the Basel Committee and Governor of Sveriges Riksbank
Note to editors:
The Basel Committee is the primary global standard setter for the prudential regulation of banks and provides a forum for cooperation on banking supervisory matters. Its mandate is to strengthen the regulation, supervision and practices of banks worldwide with the purpose of enhancing financial stability. The Committee reports to the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision and seeks its endorsement for major decisions. The Committee has no formal supranational authority, and its decisions have no legal force. Rather, the Committee relies on its members’ commitments to achieve its mandate. The Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision is chaired by Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada. The Basel Committee is chaired by Erik Thedéen, Governor of Sveriges Riksbank.
More information about the Basel Committee is availablehere.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On February 4, 2024, an agreement was signed between the State University of Management and the Russian International Academy of Tourism.
On behalf of GUU, the agreement was signed by Rector Vladimir Stroyev, on behalf of RIAT – by Rector Evgeny Trofimov. Also present at the meeting were Vice-Rector of our university Maria Karelina, Director of the Institute of Personnel Management, Social and Business Communications of GUU Alexey Chudnovsky, Vice-Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Management of RIAT Elena Aliluyko, Vice-Rector for Development of Master’s and Postgraduate Programs of the Academy of Tourism Tatyana Rassokhina and Director of the Center for International Educational Programs, Projects and Public Relations of RIAT Alexey Ryabov.
Welcoming the guests, Vladimir Stroyev noted that the Russian International Academy of Tourism has always been one of the leaders in its specialized sector. Now the state pays special attention to this area. Despite the fact that the key area for the State University of Management is industry management, tourism disciplines in the Institute of Management and Budgetary Culture are also in demand, so it makes sense to strengthen work in this area. Speaking about the international activities of the State University of Management, the rector reported that our university has a secretariat of the Eurasian Network University, which has recently been joined by educational institutions in Transnistria and Cuba, and Iran is showing increasing interest.
“In addition to love and friendship, ESU also has material contours: 345 places for additional professional education, a budgetary master’s program, the Eurasian Olympiad,” Vladimir Vitalyevich shared. The rector also spoke about the university’s work within the BRICS Business School and the foreign internships organized by the State University of Management for graduates of the Presidential Program for the Training of Management Personnel for the Organization of the National Economy of the Russian Federation – “also entrepreneurial tourism.”
Rector of the Russian Academic Materiel Union Evgeny Trofimov briefly spoke about the 55-year history of the academy, complained about the objective difficulties in developing international cooperation related to the geopolitical situation in the world, but at the same time noted the successes in maintaining business ties with the largest European universities and international tourism organizations, which warmly congratulated the Russian Academic Materiel Union on its anniversary in May. Some joint programs were successfully defended and will continue to operate. In addition, new agreements were signed with universities in India and the Philippines. Evgeny Nikolaevich reported that during the crisis in relations, the academy added new programs to its portfolio of educational services: customs, law, logistics, design and architecture. In total, the Russian Academic Materiel Union currently trains students in 28 areas. The academy has six branches: in Yerevan, Kazan, Pskov, two in the Moscow region and one in Moscow, at the Izmailovo hotel complex. Secondary vocational education is growing rapidly; the number of graduates has recently increased from 60 to 750 people per year.
Vladimir Stroyev specifically focused on the development of network educational programs at the State University of Management: “We clearly understood that no university, even a large and state-owned one, can advance its agenda alone. Universities now face so many important tasks that it is very difficult to cope with them on their own. Only together are we strong.”
Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina told the guests that Vladimir Stroyev and Alexey Chudnovsky were awarded the state prize in the field of education for organizing and conducting the “University Shifts” program, which is also related to tourism.
Alexey Chudnovsky thanked his colleagues for the visit and noted their long-term joint work on international programs. It is natural that our universities came to sign a cooperation agreement. First of all, the emphasis will be on combining efforts to develop international educational programs.
“They are of interest to your and our students, so we are taking the first step towards network agreements that will expand coverage and provide an opportunity to use each other’s network programs. Tourism is a messenger of peace, it must be taken seriously. We have something to offer each other, we are opening a second wind to international relations in the field of education and will work on additional agreements to give more opportunities to our common students,” Alexey Danilovich summed up the meeting.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/04/2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that applications are now open for selected arts and culture grant programs to organizations, arts educators, artists, folk and traditional artists, and arts and health projects. The deadline to submit a grant application is April 1 at 11:59 p.m.
RISCA staff members spent last summer and early fall holding public meetings with R.I.’s arts and culture community to update the state agency’s applications and evaluation criteria. The purpose of the meetings was to ensure that applications are simpler and easier to use.
“After seeking much input from the community during in-person and online meetings, we proudly open our grant programs newly streamlined and simplified. We listened, answered questions, and heard your suggestions,” said Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA. “Because of your feedback, applying for a grant from RISCA is less time-consuming and easier to navigate. Rest assured our core values, which are to provide all Rhode Island residents with access to arts and culture programming, have stayed the same.”
Grants are being offered in the following categories:
� Project Grants for Organizations offer support to arts and culture projects that are relevant and meaningful to our communities.
� Project Grants in Education support schools, nonprofit organizations, arts educators and teaching artists. Recipients engage students in rich and meaningful artistic experiences in dedicated learning environments.
� Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are designed to foster artistic skills between a mentor and an apprentice. The program creates an opportunity specifically for individuals who share a common cultural heritage.
� Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships support individual artists who demonstrate the highest level of skill and accomplishments in their craft.
� Arts and Health Grants fund both non-clinical arts engagements that promote and facilitate individual health and public arts activities that provide a public health benefit in Rhode Island communities.
� A Community Engaged Project Grant is funding for artists or groups of artists to create arts and culture projects that are directly and actively engaged residents.
� Make Art Grant provides grants to artists or groups of artists to create or continue specific artwork in any discipline.
To learn more about RISCA’s grants, click here.
To help with the application process, the staff will host three information sessions, one online and two in-person. Additionally, the grants staff will offer application walk-throughs and drop-in office hours throughout February and March.
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. Visit www.arts.ri.gov for more information. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to launch 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian exports in a month’s time after weeks of persistently provoking both Canadian leaders and citizens with his repeated calls to make Canada the 51st state.
Such calls have led to significant outrage, prompting Canadian leaders that include Justin Trudeau, Chrystia Freeland and Doug Ford to respond that Canada is not for sale and that Canada is a country by choice.
Opposed to joining the U.S.
If there was any suggestion that being a “post-national” state would lead to an openness to join the U.S., recent polls show the opposite: 90 per cent of Canadians reject that scenario.
Two thirds of Canadians polled in 2021 felt that Canada is faring better than the U.S. on most counts, including quality of life, protection of rights, standards of living and opportunities to get ahead.
This percentage had significantly grown compared to the 1980s or 1990s.
So how does a feeling of being an inclusive, post-national state reconcile with a firm sentiment of patriotism that is growing stronger by the day? And what are the contradictory currents in Canadian identity today?
Contemporary Canadian identity
I have been studying nationalism for 30 years, with a special focus on how immigration, migration and national identity interact. My work suggests there are a few elements that buttress and support Canada’s identity today.
National identity is not a closed container of cultural elements. It develops interactively. As we’re seeing today, amid uncertainty, geopolitical competition as well as close socio-economic interdependence, national identity can emerge with a renewed force.
This nationalism is plural not because it acknowledges diversity as a fact, but because it makes a commitment to engage with diversity.
But dealing with new challenges and increasing diversity may also lead to rejecting “the other.” I use the term tribal to emphasize that this type of nationalism, regardless of whether the in-group is defined in territorial-civic or blood-and-belonging terms, is predicated on an organic, homogenous conception of the nation.
In this situation, the nation is represented as a compact unit that does not allow for variation or change. The only way to deal with challenges of mobility and diversity is to close rank, resist and reject it.
Neo-tribal nationalism is not static. It is dynamic and interactive too — although its reaction to new challenges and to diversity, from within or from outside, involves closure and rejection.
It is neo-tribal because it develops and thrives in a world that is ever more interconnected. Social media platforms play an important role here as their algorithms create neo-tribal digital ecochambers where everyone is closed within their digital bubble of like-minded people.
COVID-19 experiences
Challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, Canada faced important dilemmas. For instance, should temporary residents be encouraged to return home or or stay when the pandemic broke out and borders closed around the world? Canada opted for the latter.
Unlike Australia — where temporary workers and international students were encouraged to go home — the Canadian government stated that temporary migrants whose “effective residence” was in the country would be supported to stay.
The term “effective residence” defined membership on the basis of habitual residence; where people lived, worked, sent their kids to school and paid taxes. Living together formed a sense of common fate, reinforcing an expansive and inclusive view of who is a Canadian.
In addition, recognizing the essential work performed by many temporary residents, such as asylum-seekers employed in senior care homes, Canada introduced special measures to facilitate their transition to permanent status.
Mendicino emphasized that the behaviour of these workers qualified them as Canadians; their important contribution in “caring for the other” was defined as a very special element in the national identity.
National unity bolstered by diversity
The Canadian patriotism that is emerging today in the face of Trump’s actions — and in the words of almost all Liberal, Conservative and NDP leaders — builds on solid ground.
Canadian nationalism has not just been about being polite, but rather builds on decades of positive confrontation with challenges.
National unity is strengthened by internal diversity. The looming trade war and threats of annexation by Trump may be having a beneficial impact in reminding Canadians of the values that unite them and that Canada is indeed “a country by choice.”
Anna Triandafyllidou receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Tri-Agency Council of Canada.
While often considered harmless or fun, memory features on smartphones can have the opposite effect.(Shutterstock)
In contemporary digital society, remembering is automated. Social media platforms and smartphones often offer features like iPhone’s and Facebook’s “Memories” that resurface users’ past posts and photographs.
For many people, these reminders of the past are a source of joyful reminiscence. For others — like survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) — they can be harmful.
These nostalgia-driven Memories features enact what I call “platform violence:” unintended but harmful consequences, caused by automated features, designed to profit tech companies without adequately considering users’ well-being.
Algorithmic recall
Algorithms select and retrieve images from users’ digital archives, with the supposed goal of reminding users of happy moments. Introduced in 2018, Memories was promoted by Facebook’s product manager, Oren Hod, as a tool for improving mood and connection with others.
Yet these algorithms can get it wrong by bringing up painful, or even traumatic, memories instead. Writing about the feature in Forbes Magazine, Amit Chowdhry acknowledges that “memories … are not all positive.”
While Facebook’s algorithm attempts to filter out negative memories using keywords and feedback from users’ reactions, these safeguards are often inadequate. As my research has found, resurfaced photos of abusers can trigger emotional, psychological and even physiological distress for survivors of GBV.
When iPhone Memories draws images from a user’s Photos cache to create slideshows, smartphone users can be similarly triggered. The fact that these slideshows are set to cheerful music is something survivors find particularly “creepy,” as images of abusive exes scroll by.
Unexpectedly being presented with photographs from a phone archive can re-traumatize survivors. (Shutterstock)
Particularly relevant to my research, in at least 80 per cent of cases, the perpetrator is someone the survivor knows, such as a partner, friend or family member. This makes it likely that survivors once shared social media connections or posted images with their abuser, increasing the risk these photos will resurface as a memory.
For survivors, encountering a photo of their abuser can be as traumatic as seeing them in person. In interviews with 15 survivors, all reported intense emotional reactions including panic, upset and physical symptoms like nausea and a racing heart. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were particularly vulnerable to being triggered.
For instance, one participant, Nyla (names have been changed), described experiencing “full panic mode” and emotional shutdown for days after seeing a photo of her abusive ex-partner. Kelly, another participant, felt her “heart race” and avoided her smartphone and social media altogether. Other participants’ responses included feelings of social disconnection, fearfulness when out in public and mistrust of their own judgment of others. This presented barriers to forming new, healthy relationships.
Nancy, a survivor of an abusive relationship, recalled photos from the period when she was planning her escape.
“I look into my eyes in those photos and know I was secretly planning on leaving my partner,” she said. The resurfaced images were a “surreal” reminder of the facade she maintained during the final years of her marriage.
Mobile phones and social media are essential to daily life, and limiting their use can have a negative impact. (Angelo Moleele/Unsplash), CC BY
Inclusive, safe design
Survivors often lack the familiarity with platforms’ settings to pre-emptively block or delete potentially triggering content. Even when settings exist, they are often buried in menus, hard to navigate or require survivors to manually confront and delete painful memories or photographs.
Once the survivor has been triggered, they often no longer have the emotional capacity to take the steps needed to delete or remove the upsetting memory at the time.
Recommendations like telling survivors to leave their device at home or deactivate their social media accounts place responsibility for addressing abuse on survivors, rather than perpetrators. Mobile phones and social media are essential to daily life, including for work, social interaction and access to safety-related services. Advising survivors to simply log off or avoid their devices shifts responsibility onto survivors and distracts from the underlying issues: society’s high rates of GBV and the need for safer, more inclusive design.
And inclusive design is needed: nostalgia-producing algorithms, as they currently function, disproportionately harm communities exposed to higher rates of violence, including women and LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals.
Opt-in rather than out
Interview subjects suggested that platforms require users to opt in if they wish to have their past resurfaced, rather than being forced to opt out, often after being triggered.
Tech developers, often from privileged backgrounds, fail to account for marginalized users’ experiences when designing features.
By recognizing the unintended consequences of algorithmically driven nostalgia, tech companies can take steps toward creating platforms that empower all users.
Nicolette Little receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
From the aroma of freshly ground spices to the rhythmic sounds of a mortar and pestle, food evokes strong sensory memories, making it a powerful tool in dementia care.(Shutterstock)
As dementia rates rise globally, families and care partners are seeking ways to maintain meaningful connections with loved ones experiencing memory loss. In many cultures, food is central to cultural identity and family life.
In South Asian cultures, food is deeply intertwined with identity, memory and relationships. From the aroma of freshly ground spices to the rhythmic sounds of a mortar and pestle, food evokes strong sensory memories, making it a powerful tool in dementia care.
When it comes to supporting people with dementia, food and cooking can be culturally relevant ways to enhance well-being, strengthen inter-generational bonds and preserve identity — making them an increasingly important tools in dementia care.
My research focuses on understanding the experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners in South Asian communities, and the importance of culturally inclusive care for dementia.
Food and memory
The connection between food and memory is well-documented. For individuals living with dementia who often experience memory loss and disorientation, familiar foods can trigger memories of specific events, places or people. For example, the scent of ghee-laden parathas or the sight of turmeric-coloured curries may evoke memories of childhood kitchens, family celebrations or community gatherings.
In South Asian communities, food is a cornerstone of cultural identity. Dishes are often tied to regional traditions, religious practices, and family legacies. For individuals living with dementia, preparing or consuming familiar foods can provide a sense of stability and continuity.
A person with dementia may find comfort in the ritual of making chai, even if they forget other aspects of their daily routine. Similarly, they might find joy in tasting the traditional foods of their region.
Dementia care often involves strategies that engage the senses to improve quality of life. Food offers a multi-sensory experience — taste, smell, touch, sight and even sound. For South Asian older adults, the act of rolling dough for rotis, smelling fragrant basmati rice or hearing the crackle of mustard seeds in hot oil can stimulate the senses and provide therapeutic benefits.
Engaging individuals in food preparation can also help maintain fine motor skills and foster a sense of purpose. Even simple tasks like peeling garlic, mixing spices or stirring a pot can provide opportunities for engagement and connection. Importantly, these activities do not need to be perfect — the process itself is valuable.
In cultures around the world, meals are rarely solitary. Food is inherently social, often prepared and shared among family members. For individuals living with dementia, mealtime can be an opportunity to strengthen familial bonds and reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing a meal allows care partners and family members to engage in meaningful interactions, even if verbal communication is limited.
Inter-generational cooking can be particularly engaging. Grandparents living with dementia can pass on recipes to their grandchildren, creating moments of joy and preserving cultural heritage. These interactions help younger generations understand dementia while fostering empathy and appreciation for their elders.
Adapting for dementia care
While traditional South Asian dishes can be comforting, they may need to be adapted for individuals living with dementia. For example, finger foods like pakoras or stuffed parathas can be easier to handle than dishes requiring utensils. Similarly, simplifying recipes with fewer ingredients or steps can make the cooking process more manageable for individuals living with dementia.
Nutritional considerations are also crucial. Many South Asian dishes are rich in fats, carbohydrates and spices, which may not align with the dietary needs of older adults. Modifying recipes to include more vegetables, lean proteins and lower salt levels can ensure that meals are both nutritious and culturally familiar.
Despite its benefits, using food as a tool for dementia care is not without challenges. Care partners often face time constraints, lack of resources or their own emotional burdens, which may limit their ability to engage in food-based activities. Additionally, some families may struggle to adapt traditional recipes, especially if they lack culinary skills or are unfamiliar with healthy substitutions.
Community support organizations can play a pivotal role in overcoming these barriers. Cooking workshops, memory cafés with food themes or culturally tailored resources can empower families to incorporate food into dementia care. For instance, community centres can organize events where older adults and care partners come together to prepare traditional meals, share recipes and build support networks.
Inter-generational cooking can be particularly engaging. Grandparents living with dementia can pass on recipes to their grandchildren, creating moments of joy and preserving cultural heritage. (Shutterstock)
Culturally tailored dementia care
Integrating food into dementia care underscores the importance of culturally tailored approaches. Incorporating cultural elements like food acknowledges the holistic needs of individuals and their families. Health-care providers and community organizations must prioritize cultural humility, recognizing the unique role that food plays in the lives of South Asian families living with dementia.
In the journey of dementia care, food is more than a tool for nourishment. For South Asian communities, it is a source of connection, identity and healing. By integrating food into care practices, families and care partners can unlock its potential to evoke memories, strengthen relationships and improve the well-being of individuals living with dementia.
With culturally sensitive support and resources, food can become a powerful ally in navigating the complexities of dementia care, one bite, one memory and one story at a time.
Navjot Gill-Chawla does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 03, 2025
Durbin’s floor speech comes after the Trump Administration forced out dozens of DOJ and FBI officials this weekend and is now threatening additional action against thousands of employees across the country who worked on investigations related to January 6 and President Trump
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, outlined his concerns about Pam Bondi, President Trump’s Attorney General nominee. In his remarks, he cited concerns over her ability to act as an independent Attorney General, refusal to acknowledge President Biden won the 2020 election, and echoing President Trump’s calls for prosecuting his political opponents.
Durbin’s remarks also highlighted the Trump Administration’s purge of dozens of senior career civil servants at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—including longtime nonpartisan leaders of the government’s counterterrorism and counterespionage efforts—further exemplifying the need for an independent DOJ.
“This week, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Pam Bondi to serve as Attorney General. Given the Trump Administration’s ongoing purge of Justice Department officials, I urge my colleagues to look very carefully and closely at Ms. Bondi’s nomination,” Durbin said.
“President Trump has repeatedly made it clear that he values loyalty above all else in an Attorney General. Don’t take my word for it. Just look at what happened in his first term. He fired his first Attorney General and forced out his second for insufficient loyalty. And President Trump has said time and again that he expects the Justice Department to seek ‘retribution’ on his behalf. With Ms. Bondi, I’m afraid, the President has finally found someone who passes his loyalty test,” Durbin continued.
Durbin then highlighted his concerns with Ms. Bondi’s nomination.
“It seems that she [Ms. Bondi] is ready to break with bipartisan tradition when it comes to a nonpartisan Department of Justice —one that upholds the rule of law and is free of undue political influence from the White House. I am unconvinced that she [Ms. Bondi] is dedicated to these ideals. She was a leader in the effort to overturn the 2020 election and to this day, she still clings to the basic loyalty oath. She refuses to acknowledge that Joe Biden won the presidential election in 2020. And she has echoed the President-elect’s calls for prosecuting his political opponents—including a pledge that ‘the prosecutors will be prosecuted, the investigators will be investigated.’”
Durbin spoke about the Trump Administration forcing out dozens of DOJ and FBI officials this weekend. The Administration is now threatening additional action against thousands of employees across the country who worked on investigations related to the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and President Trump. These career civil servants are responsible for coordinating the Justice Department’s fight against international terrorists and foreign spies that would do us harm. The removals substantially diminish the United States’ ability to respond to national security threats.
“The Trump Administration’s purge of these officials is a naked political move. In firing a dozen career prosecutors, the Acting Attorney General issued a memo stating, ‘Given your significant role in prosecuting the President, I do not believe the leadership of the Department can trust you.’ Line attorneys and agents are similarly being bullied out simply because they were assigned tasks linked to criminal investigations of the President or the January 6 riots,” Durbin said.
“Do we expect the Justice Department to do nothing about the hundreds of people who stormed into the Capitol? We saw it on videotape. Nobody is making this up. They were prosecuted for crimes they committed and many of them were sentenced, many of them pled guilty when they saw the videotapes of what they did on that day. Many of them ended up in jail—some of them with serious sentences for their serious misconduct. Now comes the new President, Donald Trump, and absolves them from criminal guilt. Tells them they’re free to go,” Durbin continued.
Durbin concluded, “The American people deserve an Attorney General who will protect their fundamental rights of this country, demonstrate independence and integrity, and remain faithful to the Constitution, the country, and the rule of law. Ms. Bondi, during the course of her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, was also asked about Kash Patel—the President’s nominee to [lead] the FBI. She made it clear she supports him. I do not… I fear that Ms. Bondi will only protect and remain faithful to one person throughout this whole experience—and that’s the President who has given her this opportunity. I urge my colleagues to look carefully at her record and the record of Kash Patel. They are a team in this effort, and they should be held accountable for what they’ve said and written and positions they’ve taken in support of the President, even when his positions are not consistent, in my mind, with the equal and free administration of justice.”
Video of Durbin’sremarks on the floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
CHALK RIVER, Ontario, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce it has expanded the scope of its SMR siting invitation program to help organizations pursue commercial opportunities and seize a leadership position in the development and deployment of other new and innovative clean energy technologies.
Given the continued development of other novel technologies, and CNL’s growing capabilities and expertise across other clean energy categories, the program is being expanded beyond fission based SMRs and other advanced reactor designs. Now known as CNL’s Clean Energy Siting Program, the new program will also invite vendors and technology developers interested in building prototype solutions that include fusion-based technologies, hydrogen production, battery storage and clean fuel production facilities, among others. Overall, the intent is to support the Government of Canada achieve its net-zero objectives, help Canadians businesses develop new and innovative technologies, and make CNL’s resources available to the private sector.
“Through CNL’s ongoing engagements with clean energy leaders in Canada and around the world, it was clear there was an opportunity for us to expand and grow our SMR siting program, in order to support prototype construction and testing for other clean energy technologies,” commented Jack Craig, CNL’s President and CEO. “More importantly, Canada has set ambitious domestic targets in clean energy, and if we are to meet them, we must recognize that there is no one solution that will address a challenge of this scale and significance. To fight climate change and realize energy security, it will take all these promising technologies working in tandem with one another. That is at the heart of our renewed program, and it is our belief that we can help to accelerate the deployment of these promising technologies and maximize their full potential.”
As a federal Crown corporation, AECL owns and oversee the sites under management by CNL. “AECL is pleased to see the expansion of the siting program to include even more approaches to clean energy production, use, and storage,” said Fred Dermarkar, AECL’s President and CEO. “This is another example of the value of Canada’s investment in its national nuclear laboratories. Our model allows us to connect commercial and academic partners with Canada’s unique nuclear science assets. This new, expanded program could not be possible without the innovative collaboration between the federal government and the private sector. AECL is proud to facilitate this new invitation process,” added Dermarkar.
“CNL will continue to work closely with SMR vendors who are already navigating our siting program, and it is our hope that we will see an SMR sited at one of the sites we manage on behalf of AECL in the very near future,” added Dr. Stephen Bushby, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology. “But given all the advances that have been realized in recent years across a number of different clean energy categories, it only makes sense that we expand our siting program to support the development of these technologies and do everything we can to bring them to the market.”
Under the renewed program, applicants pursuing a clean energy demonstration project must still proceed through four individual stages, though these phases have been updated to align with the more collaborative approach of the renewed program. Depending on the interest and suitability of the applications, these projects could be located at the Chalk River Laboratories or the Whiteshell Laboratories site. Both sites are located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples; meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples will be a key component of any successful project.
While the invitation process does not include access to CNL’s research facilities or other ancillary programs, CNL is very much open to discussion with proponents regarding collaborative approaches to help advance their individual projects.
To learn more about CNL, including its new Clean Energy Siting Program please visit www.cnl.ca.
About CNL
As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.
By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector, and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.
Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) – In a world where secularization is advancing more and more, “the only antidote to this is encounter and dialogue marked by friendship and respect between persons of different religious traditions”. This “can help us to overcome a further suspicious attitude which sadly we see increasingly in highly secularized societies, namely the suspicion or even hostility directed not only towards particular religious traditions, but toward the religious dimension as such”, said Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization – Section for the First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches – in his speech in Abu Dhabi at the inauguration of the ceremony for the award of the “Zayed Award for Human Fraternity”. The Award was created in 2019, following the signing of the Document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, signed on 4 February of that year in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb.Six years after this historic signature, in the “Abrahamic Family House”, a structure also born following the publication of the document, Cardinal Tagle, as representative of the Holy See, assured those present that the Catholic Church recognizes and upholds the “value of promoting friendship and respect among men and women of different religious traditions ” and, at the same time, how important these elements are today, “since, on the one hand, in a certain sense the world has become “smaller” than ever before, and, on the other, because the phenomenon of migration has increased contact between persons and communities from various traditions, cultures and religions”.”In various parts of the world”, said the Pro-Prefect of the Missionary Dicastery, “there are situations in the world where coexistence is difficult, to say the least, where political or economic motives exploit cultural or religious differences, playing upon past misunderstandings or mistakes, and resulting in a climate of suspicion and fear”. Hence the invitation to reflect on dialogue as “the only antidote to this”.”Indeed, whenever we take that route, the path outlined by the Document on Human Fraternity, we become ever more authentically human”, emphasized the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, recalling that in secularized societies, where “religion is looked upon as something useless or even dangerous, and it is frequently thought that coexistence is only possible if people relegate their own religious affiliation to the purely private sphere or meet in “neutral” spaces, devoid of any reference to the transcendent” dialogue is in fact the only viable solution.“It is impossible to think of fraternity as being “born in a laboratory”. Naturally, it is necessary that everyone respect the sincere convictions of others, including unbelievers, but we must have the courage and patience to do so by holding true to who we are and what we believe,” concluded the cardinal, stressing how “the recognition and proclamation of the fundamental right of religious freedom in all its dimensions is essential for world peace and living together ”.Since its inception (2019), the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, has so far been awarded to 16 recipients, including 11 individuals and 5 organizations. Moreover, 66 countries have been involved in the nomination process. This year’s winner was the World Central Kitchen, a humanitarian organization that provides food to communities affected by crises and conflicts. The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, was also honored for her commitment to the fight against climate change. Another award went to the Ethiopian-American inventor Heman Bekele, who, at the age of just fifteen, developed a low-cost soap that prevents and cures early-stage skin cancer. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 4/2/2025)
Share:
Through end-June 2024, Grenada’s economy was experiencing sustained strong growth supported by buoyant tourism, moderating inflation, and a narrowing current account deficit. A surge in Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) revenue supported a strong improvement in budget balances, a build-up of government deposits, and a reduction in public debt. On July 1, Hurricane Beryl caused damage in excess of 16 percent of GDP on the Grenadian islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as in the northern parishes of the main island, affecting around 15 percent of the population. In response, the authorities triggered the suspension of fiscal rules to permit temporary deficit spending in support of the recovery and reconstruction.
Washington, DC: On January 24, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Grenada.
Through end-June 2024, Grenada’s economy was experiencing sustained strong growth supported by buoyant tourism, moderating inflation, and a narrowing current account deficit. A surge in Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) revenue supported a strong improvement in the fiscal position and reduction in public debt. The financial system remained stable. On July 1, Hurricane Beryl caused damage in excess of 16 percent of GDP on the Grenadian islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as in the northern parishes of the main island. The authorities responded swiftly with a package of fiscal measures, including suspension of fiscal rules to permit temporary deficit spending in support of the recovery and reconstruction.
Grenada’s near-term economic growth is projected to remain resilient at 3.9 percent in 2025, buoyed by limited hurricane damages to tourism infrastructure and the authorities’ large recovery and reconstruction spending. Sizable government savings and triggering of disaster-contingent instruments create fiscal space for these spending needs. Assuming a subsequent timely return to the fiscal rules, public debt is projected to continue falling and reach the debt target of 60 percent of GDP by 2030.
Over the medium-term GDP growth is projected to slow given the tourism sector operates near its peak-season capacity. Key downside risks include the threat of further natural disasters, potential shocks to tourism demand, and the uncertain scale of future CBI inflows, while the domestic non-bank financial system faces rising vulnerabilities from the continued rapid expansion of credit unions and the rising costs of property insurance. Prospective hotel developments and public investment projects represent upside risks to the medium-term growth outlook.
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Grenada’s robust economic performance in 2023 and the first half of 2024, buoyed by strong tourism. Directors also commended the authorities’ swift and prudently tailored response to Hurricane Beryl, which supported disaster-relief and helped mitigate the impact on economic growth. Noting that the medium-term outlook remains subject to risks from natural disasters, uncertain Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) flows, and other external shocks, they encouraged the authorities to exercise continued fiscal prudence and to pursue structural reforms to boost long-term growth and enhance resilience, while leveraging Fund technical assistance.
Directors welcomed Grenada’s commitment to fiscal prudence and debt sustainability and emphasized the importance of a timely return to the suspended fiscal rules. In that context, they noted the need for continued expenditure prioritization and revenue mobilization to create fiscal space for future investment needs, including for climate resilience. Further strengthening public investment management and budget planning processes would also be important. Directors also saw merit in developing a more uniform framework for managing all CBI resources and encouraged continued progress in resolving outstanding official arrears.
Directors welcomed the banking system’s resilience despite repeated shocks. They emphasized the need for vigilance and strengthened oversight in the rapidly expanding credit union sector. Directors encouraged strengthening data collection and regional collaboration in the property insurance sector, given rising premiums. They also agreed that further enhancements in the AML/CFT frameworks are essential, including to safeguard correspondent banking relationships.
Directors commended the authorities’ implementation of Grenada’s Disaster Resilience Strategy including investments in a risk-layering framework of disaster-contingency insurance and financing instruments. Moving forward and noting the risk of future natural disasters, they emphasized the importance of further advancing the energy transition and investment in disaster resilient infrastructure, with support from private financing.
Directors also encouraged sustained structural reform efforts to foster long-term growth, including investing in active labor market policies and continuing efforts to support off-season and niche tourism. Addressing data gaps is also important.
It is expected that the next Article IV Consultation with Grenada will be held on the standard 12-month consultation cycle.
Table 1. Grenada: Selected Social and Economic Indicators, 2019–29
Rank in UNDP Human Development Index
73
Infant mortality rate per ‘000 births (2021)
14.4
out of 189 countries (2021)
Adult illiteracy rate in percent (2014)
1
Life expectancy at birth in years (2021)
75
Poverty rate in percent of population (2019)
25
GDP per capita in US$ (2021)
10,449
Population in millions (2021)
0.13
Unemployment rate (2021 Q2)
11.1
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
Est.
Proj.
National income and prices
GDP at constant prices
0.7
-13.8
4.7
7.3
4.7
3.6
3.9
3.3
2.7
2.7
2.7
GDP deflator
3.3
-0.3
2.8
2.2
2.7
1.4
1.4
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Consumer prices, end of period
0.1
-0.8
1.9
2.9
2.2
1.2
1.9
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Money and credit, end of period
Credit to private sector
1.4
3.1
3.8
2.1
3.8
3.8
4.2
4.4
4.6
4.5
4.5
Broad money (M2)
2.9
9.1
8.5
9.9
1.4
3.7
5.2
5.4
4.8
4.8
4.8
Central government balances (accrual)
Revenue and grants
26.6
28.1
31.5
32.7
36.9
44.1
30.5
29.3
29.2
28.9
28.8
Expenditure
21.6
32.7
31.2
31.8
28.9
39.5
39.4
33.1
29.6
29.2
28.9
o.w. Capital expenditure
2.6
9.6
8.6
10.2
9.3
11.7
12.2
8.7
6.2
5.8
5.6
Primary balance
6.8
-2.6
2.1
2.6
9.5
8.0
-5.1
-1.2
1.5
1.5
1.5
Overall balance
5.0
-4.5
0.3
1.0
8.0
4.7
-8.9
-3.8
-0.4
-0.3
-0.1
Central government debt (incl. guaranteed) 1/
58.5
71.4
70.0
62.8
60.5
59.3
58.1
53.9
53.2
51.4
49.6
Domestic
14.6
16.2
15.3
12.8
11.3
11.1
9.7
7.8
7.1
6.9
7.0
External
44.0
55.2
54.7
50.0
49.2
48.2
48.5
46.1
46.0
44.5
42.6
Public debt (incl. debt of SOEs and SBs)
62.7
89.5
86.6
78.8
75.2
73.3
71.4
66.5
65.2
62.9
60.6
Savings-Investment balance
-10.4
-16.1
-14.5
-11.0
-9.1
-13.1
-13.8
-10.6
-9.9
-9.1
-9.1
Savings
14.6
16.3
15.6
18.0
30.8
28.3
18.1
17.8
15.8
15.3
14.9
Investment
24.9
32.4
30.1
29.1
39.9
41.5
31.9
28.4
25.7
24.5
24.0
External Sector
Gross international reserves (millions of dollars)
234.1
290.9
324.2
352.6
389.1
435.1
364.5
364.8
390.3
405.6
424.6
(in months of imports)
5.2
5.6
4.9
5.0
4.8
5.2
4.3
4.2
4.3
4.3
4.3
Current account balance, o/w:
-10.4
-16.1
-14.5
-11.0
-9.1
-13.1
-13.8
-10.6
-9.9
-9.1
-9.1
Exports of goods and services
54.6
41.1
47.9
57.8
62.8
63.8
62.5
62.8
63.0
62.6
62.3
Imports of goods and services
55.8
52.2
55.4
64.3
63.7
69.9
68.5
65.6
65.0
63.8
63.4
External debt (gross)
64.7
92.5
94.8
90.0
86.9
85.4
85.4
82.6
82.3
80.5
78.4
Sources: Ministry of Finance; Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; United Nations, Human Development Report; World Bank WDI; and IMF staff estimates and projections.
1/ Includes the impact of the debt restructuring agreement for the 2025 bonds.
[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
[2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
CFTC Staff Issues No-Action Letter to Korea Exchange Concerning the Offer or Sale of KOSPI and Mini KOSPI 200 Futures Contracts | CFTC
/PressRoom/PressReleases/9043-25 Skip to main content
February 04, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Division of Market Oversight today issued a no-action letter stating it will not recommend the CFTC take enforcement action against Korea Exchange (KRX) for the offer or sale of Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) 200 Futures Contracts and Mini KOSPI 200 Futures Contracts to persons located within the United State while the Commission’s review of KRX’s forthcoming request for certification of the contracts under CFTC Regulation 30.13 is pending. DMO issued similar letters when the KOSPI 200 became a broad-based security index in 2021 and 2022. [See CFTC Press Release Nos. 8464-21 and 8610-22] The KOSPI 200 became a narrow-based security index in February 2024. Futures contracts on narrow-based security indexes are subject to joint CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission jurisdiction. Futures contracts on non-narrow-based (also known as broad-based) security indexes are subject to exclusive CFTC jurisdiction. The KOSPI 200 is set to become a broad-based security index on February 6, 2025, and the no-action position in DMO’s letter will be effective on that date.
