Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vita Pilkington, Research Fellow, PhD Candidate in men’s experiences of sexual trauma, The University of Melbourne
In Australia, it’s estimated almost one in five boys (18.8%) experience child sexual abuse. And at least one in 16 men (6.1%) experience sexual violence after age 15.
However, many boys and men don’t tell others about these experiences. Studies show men are less likely to disclose sexual abuse and assaults than women.
It also takes boys and men longer to first disclose sexual abuse or assaults. On average, men wait 21 years before telling anyone about being abused.
We wanted to understand what prevents boys and men from telling others about sexual abuse and assaults (or “sexual trauma”). So we conducted a systematic review, where we pooled together evidence from a range of studies on the topic.
We found 69 relevant studies, which included more than 10,500 boys and men who had experienced sexual trauma from around the world. Studies were published in 23 countries across six continents, with most studies from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Two studies were published in Australia.
Our new findings offer clues as to how we can break down the barriers preventing men and boys from discussing sexual trauma.
Many boys and men don’t tell anyone if they’ve been victim to sexual violence. gpointstudio/Shutterstock
Upending masculine identities
We found across countries and cultures, boys’ and men’s sexual trauma affected their masculine identities. This included feeling as though they are not “real men”, or that they’re weak for having been targeted and assaulted.
Sexual abuse to a man is an abuse against his manhood as well.
Almost universally, boys and men suffered intense feelings of shame and guilt about being victimised, and many blamed themselves for years to decades.
Many boys and men said they were worried others would think they were gay if they disclosed being abused or assaulted. This harmful stereotype reflects widespread homophobic attitudes as well as mistaken beliefs about survivors of abuse and assaults.
Sexual abuse against boys and men has been long been overlooked, dismissed and misunderstood. The taboo nature of the issue was felt by participants. As a therapist who supported male survivors of abuse said in one study:
We don’t have a cultural place for men as victims.
LGBTQIA+ men face additional barriers to disclosure. Some experienced distress surrounding concerns abuse or assaults somehow cause, or contribute to, their sexualities. Many also reported receiving unsupportive and homophobic responses when they disclosed abuse and assaults to others. This includes their stories being minimised and dismissed, or suggestions they must have consented given their attraction to other men.
Others were discouraged from speaking out about their experiences again. In some countries, people tell boys and men not to talk about being abused or assaulted because this is seen as bringing shame on themselves and their families.
Boys and men who were assaulted by women were often told their experiences can’t be classified as abuse or assaults, or aren’t bad enough to warrant support.
Understanding why men don’t talk
Many of these barriers to disclosure are linked to harmful myths about sexual abuse and assaults among boys and men. These include mistaken beliefs that men are not abused or assaulted, and that only gay men are abused or assaulted.
What’s more, many people believe experiencing sexual abuse or assaults is at odds with socially-held ideas about how men “should” behave: for example, constantly demonstrating physical strength, dominance, self-reliance and toughness.
Receiving unsupportive and stigmatising responses when they try to seek help only makes these issues worse, and adds to cycles of silence and shame.
We must break down barriers that stop boys and men disclosing these traumatic experiences. Doing so could save lives.
Helping boys and men disclose sexual trauma isn’t just about encouraging them to come forward. We need to make sure other people are prepared to respond safely when they choose to speak up.
There are many ways to raise awareness of the fact sexual abuse and assault happens to boys and men. For example, television shows such as Baby Reindeer helped put this issue at the forefront of conversation. Public health campaigns that explicitly bring boys and men into discussions about sexual trauma can also be helpful.
We also need to do more to make sure boys and men who experience sexual trauma have suitable places to go for support. Australia has some services doing vital work in this space, such as the Survivors & Mates Support Network. However, more funding and support is crucial so men across the country have safe spaces to discuss and recover from their experiences.
The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Vita Pilkington led this project and receives funding from the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Margaret Cohan Research Scholarship, both awarded by the University of Melbourne.
Sarah Bendall has been awarded a NHMRC Investigator Grant to support research surrounding understanding and treating trauma in young people with mental health difficulties. She has previously held a NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and a McCusker Philanthropic Foundation Fellowship. She advises government on trauma and youth mental health policy, including Victoria’s statewide trauma service (Transforming Trauma Victoria).
Zac Seidler receives funding from an NHMRC Investigator Grant. He is also the Global Director of Research with the Movember Institute of Men’s Health.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Ellerton, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Education; Curriculum Director, UQ Critical Thinking Project, The University of Queensland
Transgender female runner who beat 14,000 women at London Marathon offers to give medal back
Read about the event elsewhere and it turns out the athlete was also beaten by thousands of people and it was a participation medal. While the Fox News headline is true, it is framed to potentially elicit a negative reaction.
Misinformation is on the rise. We’re told we need to think critically when we read things online, but how can we recognise such situations? And what does it mean to think critically anyway?
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is based on the idea that if all ideas are equal, then all ideas are worthless. Without this assumption, there can be nothing to be critical of.
When we think critically, we focus on the quality of our reasoning and the factors that can influence it. In other words, thinking critically primarily means being critical of your own thinking.
Importantly, critical thinking is not strongly correlated with intelligence. While some believe intelligence is basically fixed (though there is debate around this), we can learn to think critically.
Other factors being equal, there’s also no evidence thinking critically is an innate ability. In fact, we have evidence critical thinking can be improved as a skill in itself, and it is transferrable to other contexts.
The tools of argumentation
Many factors can affect the quality of your thinking. They include things like cognitive biases (systemic thinking errors), prior beliefs, prejudices and worldviews, framing effects, and how much you know about the subject.
To understand the quality of our reasoning, we can use the concepts and language of argumentation.
People often think “arguments” are about conflicting views. A better way to understand argumentation is to view it as a way of making our thinking visible and accessible to each other.
Arguments contain premises, those things we think are true about the world, and conclusions, which is where we end up in our thinking. Moving from premises to conclusions is called inferring, and it is the quality of these inferences that is the concern of critical thinking.
For example, if I offer the premises
P1: All Gronks are green
P2: Fred is a Gronk
Then you have already inferred the conclusion
C: Fred is green
You don’t even need to know what a Gronk is to make that inference.
All our rational judgements and decisions are made up of chains of inferences. Constructing, evaluating and identifying types of arguments is the core business of critical thinking.
Argumentation is not about conflicting views – it’s making your thinking accessible. John Diez/Pexels
How can we improve our critical thinking skills?
To help us get better at it, we can understand critical thinking in three main ways.
First, we can see critical thinking as a subject we can learn. In this subject, we study how arguments work and how our reasoning can be influenced or improved. We also learn what makes for good thinking by using ideas like accuracy, clarity, relevance, depth and more. These are what we value in good thinking. By learning this, we start to think about how we think, not just what we think about.
Second, we improve our critical thinking by using what we’ve learned in real situations. This helps us build important thinking skills like analysing, justifying, evaluating and explaining.
Third, we can also think of critical thinking as a habit or attitude – something we choose to practice in our everyday lives. This means being curious, open-minded and willing to question things instead of just accepting them. It also means being aware of our own biases and trying to be fair and honest in how we think.
When we put all three of these together, we become better thinkers – not just in educational contexts, but in life.
Practical steps to improving critical thinking
Since critical thinking centres on the giving and taking of reasons, practising this is a step towards improvement. There are some useful ways to do this.
1. Make reasoning – rather than conclusions – the basis of your discussions with others.
When asking for someone’s opinion, inquire as to why they think that. And offer your thinking to others. Making our thinking visible leads to deep and meaningful conversations in which we can test each other’s thinking and develop the virtues of open-mindedness and curiosity.
2. Always assess the credibility of information based on its source and with a reflection on your own biases.
The processes of our thinking can shape information as we receive it, just as much as the source can in providing it. This develops the virtues of carefulness and humility.
3. Keep the fundamental question of critical inquiry in mind.
The most important question in critical thinking is: “how do we know?”. Continually testing the quality of your inquiry – and therefore thinking – is key. Focusing on this question gives us practice in applying the values of inquiry and develops virtues such as persistence and resilience.
You are not alone!
Reasoning is best understood as a social competence: we reason with and towards each other. Indeed, to be called reasonable is a social compliment.
It’s only when we have to think with others that we really test the quality of our thinking. It’s easy to convince yourself about something, but when you play in the arena of public reasoning, the bar is much higher.
So, be the reasonable person in the room.
That doesn’t mean everyone has to come around to your way of thinking. But it does mean everyone will get closer to the truth because of you.
Use online resources
There are many accessible tools for developing critical thinking. Kialo (Esperanto for “reason”), brings together people from around the world on a user-friendly (and free) platform to help test our reasoning in a well-moderated and respectful environment. It is an excellent place to practice the giving and taking of reasons and to understand alternative positions.
The School of Thought, developed to curate free critical thinking resources, includes many that are often used in educational contexts.
There’s also a plethora of online courses that can guide development in critical thinking, from Australian and international universities.
Peter Ellerton is affiliated with the Rationalist Society of Australia.
“qʷɫaʔəléutxʷ (Camas House) represents a new chapter for the Songhees Nation, one of growth, community and home. This long-awaited housing project is a vital step in ensuring some of our members have a place to live, thrive and stay connected to our land, our community and culture.”
Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care –
“Creating new child care spaces when we build new homes for working families just makes sense. We are increasing access to child care and also helping parents with the cost of child care. These child care spaces will be part of the fee-reduction program, which is another way that our government is helping lift working people up, especially women, and building stronger local economies.”
Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake –
“These new homes are a vital addition to our community, providing people more affordable housing options that meet their diverse needs. I am grateful to all partners involved who made it possible to open the doors of the new homes and provide safe places for families, seniors and others needing extra support to secure stable housing.”
Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood –
“Families, seniors and individuals are starting to move into the 137 new, affordable homes in Esquimalt. These new homes will serve as a great foundation for people looking to establish or maintain roots in the community. It would not have been possible without the generous contributions of partners who demonstrated what can be done when we work together for the community.”
Carolina Ibarra, CEO, Pacifica Housing –
“We are proud to be part of this significant step toward addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in our region. The Ferns, with its 88 units, represents more than just a place to live; it’s a community built to support families, individuals and children. We are grateful to the Province for their ongoing commitment to affordable housing and for supporting the delivery of over 500 affordable homes across Greater Victoria.”
Elin Bjarnason, CEO, Victoria Cool Aid Society –
“We are extraordinarily proud that Crosstown brings together, under one roof, so many of the services and supports people need to heal. Supportive and affordable housing, health care and a path to recovery, and nutritious meals: all available and without the barriers that prevent people from seeking and accessing care.”
Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society –
“M’akola Housing Society is honoured to partner with the Songhees Nation in bringing qʷɫaʔəléutxʷ (Camas House) to life. This project represents more than just housing, it is a beacon of hope, resilience and cultural connection for the community. As the property manager, we are committed to ensuring that qʷɫaʔəléutxʷ becomes a place where individuals and families can build a strong foundation for their futures, rooted in their traditions and identity.”
Peter Parker, board chair, Dawson Heights Housing Society –
“Partnered with BC Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and drawing on 60 years of successful affordable housing experience, Dawson Heights Housing Society is thrilled to be opening the third and final phase of our redevelopment project. The Woodlands at Dawson Heights offers 85 much-needed affordable homes for seniors.”
Virginia Holden, executive director, Greater Victoria Housing Society –
“With the new Lions at Fleming building, we are responding to community needs with an eye toward the future. By replacing an outdated structure that no longer served our community, we are proud to introduce a vibrant, sustainable space that includes much-needed family units and innovative environmental features. Together, we are building for the future and contributing to thriving communities.”
Boston, MA, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finnovate Acquisition Corp. (“Finnovate”) (OTC: “FNVUF”, “FNVTF”, “FNVWF”) announced today that its upcoming extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) to approve its proposed initial business combination which was initially scheduled for January 30, 2025 and had been postponed to March 27, 2025, will be further postponed to 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time on Friday, March 28, 2025. At the Special Meeting, shareholders of Finnovate will be asked to vote on proposals to approve, among other things, its proposed initial business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Scage International Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Scage International” or the “Company”), Scage Future, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Pubco”), Hero 1, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco (“Merger Sub I”), and Hero 2, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco (“Merger Sub II”) pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement (as amended, the “Business Combination Agreement”). There is no change to the location, the record date, the purpose or any of the proposals to be acted upon at the Special Meeting.
On March 13, 2025, Scage International received approval for listing from the China Securities Regulatory Commission. CSRC approval is one of the conditions for consuming the Business Combination. Now the CSRC approval has been received, Finnovate has decided to postpone the Special Meeting to allow more time for the parties to proceed to satisfy the remaining closing conditions under the Business Combination Agreement, including obtaining approval for the listing of Pubco’s securities on Nasdaq.
As a result of this change, the Special Meeting will now be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the office of Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105 and via a live webcast at https://www.cstproxy.com/finnovateacquisition/2025. Also, as a result of this change, the deadline for holders of Finnovate’s Class A ordinary shares issued in its initial public offering to submit their shares for redemption in connection with the Business Combination is being further extended to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday March 26, 2025.
The proposed resolutions to be considered at the Special Meeting remains the same as that set out in the definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents that was been mailed to shareholders of Finnovate as of the record date of January 6, 2025. SHAREHOLDERS OF FINNOVATE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH FINNOVATE’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, a copy of which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1857855/000121390025001247/ea0226944-01.htm.
Finnovate plans to continue to solicit proxies from shareholders during the period prior to the Special Meeting. Only the holders of Finnovate’s ordinary shares as of the close of business on January 6, 2025, the record date for the Special Meeting, are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
About Finnovate Acquisition Corp.
Finnovate Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with the purpose of acquiring one and more businesses and assets, via a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, and reorganization.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this Press Release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “expect,” “continue,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity and market share; references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the proposed transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination”) and the projected future financial performance of Finnovate and the Company’s operating companies following the proposed Business Combination; changes in the market for the Company’s products and services and expansion plans and opportunities; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its expansion plans and business initiatives; ability for the Company to raise funds to support its business; the sources and uses of cash of the proposed Business Combination; the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of the combined company following the consummation of the proposed Business Combination; the projected technological developments of the Company and its competitors; ability of the Company to control costs associated with operations; the ability to manufacture efficiently at scale; anticipated investments in research and development and the effect of these investments and timing related to commercial product launches; and expectations related to the terms, approvals and timing of the proposed Business Combination. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s and Finnovate’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company and Finnovate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; the ability to obtain or maintain the listing of the Pubco’s securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market, following the Business Combination, including having the requisite number of shareholders; costs related to the Business Combination; changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; risks relating to the uncertainty of certain projected financial information with respect to the Company; the Company’s ability to successfully and timely develop, manufacture, sell and expand its technology and products, including implement its growth strategy; the Company’s ability to adequately manage any supply chain risks, including the purchase of a sufficient supply of critical components incorporated into its product offerings; risks relating to the Company’s operations and business, including information technology and cybersecurity risks, failure to adequately forecast supply and demand, loss of key customers and deterioration in relationships between the Company and its employees; the Company’s ability to successfully collaborate with business partners; demand for the Company’s current and future offerings; risks that orders that have been placed for the Company’s products are cancelled or modified; risks related to increased competition; risks relating to potential disruption in the transportation and shipping infrastructure, including trade policies and export controls; risks that the Company is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; risks of product liability or regulatory lawsuits relating to the Company products and services; risks that the post-combination company experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the uncertain effects of certain geopolitical developments; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed Business Combination, including the risk that any required shareholder or regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed Business Combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company, Finnovate, Pubco or others following announcement of the proposed Business Combination and transactions contemplated thereby; the ability of the Company to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its planned products and services and achieving sufficient production volumes at acceptable quality levels and prices; technological improvements by the Company’s peers and competitors; and those risk factors discussed in documents of Pubco and Finnovate filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Finnovate nor the Company presently know or that Finnovate and the Company currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Finnovate’s, Pubco’s and the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Finnovate, Pubco and the Company anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Finnovate’s, Pubco’s and the Company’s assessments to change. However, while Finnovate, Pubco and the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Finnovate, Pubco and the Company specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. Readers are referred to the most recent reports filed with the SEC by Finnovate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Additional Information
Pubco and the Company filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form F-4, which has been declared effective by SEC (the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement includes a definitive proxy statement of Finnovate and a prospectus in connection with the proposed Business Combination involving Finnovate, Pubco, Hero 1, Hero 2 and the Company pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents has been mailed to shareholders of Finnovate as of the record date of January 6, 2025. SHAREHOLDERS OF FINNOVATE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH FINNOVATE’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS COMBINATION BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FINNOVATE, THE COMPANY, PUBCO AND THE BUSINESS COMBINATION.
Participants in The Solicitation
Pubco, Finnovate, the Company, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Finnovate in connection with the Business Combination. Information regarding the officers and directors of Finnovate is set forth in the Registration Statement. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants are also included in the Registration Statement and other relevant documents to be filed or has been filed with the SEC.
No Offer Or Solicitation
This Press Release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Finnovate Acquisition Corp. Calvin Kung 265 Franklin Street Suite 1702 Boston, MA 02110 +1 (424) 253-0908
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver the keynote address at the opening of the second meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) Health Working Group on Wednesday.
The meeting will take place at the Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, and will last for three days.
The theme of the meeting will be “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage”.
Motsoaledi will be joined by Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.
The event will also include several side events that provide a platform for delegates to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions on various critical issues, including strengthening health systems and promoting equitable access to health services.
Key issues for discussion during the meeting and side events include financial protection for universal health coverage (UHC) and maintaining health financing amid a challenging global economy.
The meeting will also zoom into strengthening investments and advancing UHC, bridging the equity gap to accelerate action to address the burden of non-communicable diseases, and responding to the global health financing emergency.
The Department of Health has announced that a co-sponsored event focused on the elimination of cervical cancer will take place alongside this meeting.
Delegates from G20 countries, invited nations, representatives, and international organisations will be in attendance.
South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. South Africa has embraced the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” for its G20 Presidency.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).
The first virtual G20 Health Working Group meeting was held in January as part of the country’s G20 Presidency activities planned for this year. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced two bills to cut federal taxes on Social Security and military retirement benefits. The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act would begin phasing out federal taxes on Social Security benefits. The bipartisan Tax Cuts for Veterans Act,introduced with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), would eliminate the federal tax on military retirement benefits. The bills are modeled after successful efforts to eliminate state taxes on similar benefits when Ricketts was Governor of Nebraska.
“Social Security and veterans’ benefits should be completely tax-free,” said Senator Ricketts. “We need to provide relief at the federal level, just like we did in Nebraska. My bills will boost retirement income and ensure seniors and veterans keep more of their hard-earned money – just as President Trump promised.”
“Veterans in Nevada and across our nation have made huge sacrifices to keep our nation safe, and the least we can do is ensure they can retain all of their retirement pay,” said Senator Rosen of the Tax Cuts for Veterans Act. “We’re introducing this bipartisan bill to make military retirement pay tax-free, giving the heroic men and women who served in our military greater financial relief and stability.”
The bills were first covered by Punchbowl News here. Senator Ricketts will discuss the bills in his weekly press conference call with Nebraska media tomorrow.
BACKGROUND ON SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK TAX CUT ACT:
From its creation in 1935, Social Security has been the backbone of most Americans’ retirement plans. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly nine out of ten people aged 65 and older received a Social Security benefit as of June 30 of this year. From 1935 until 1983, Social Security benefits were untaxed, recognizing that workers already paid into Social Security via the payroll tax each pay period. In 1983, 50% of Social Security benefits became taxable. In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed a bill into law making 85% of benefits taxable.
As Governor in 2022, Ricketts signed LB873 into law to phase in the elimination of state taxes on Social Security benefits over a period of years. The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act would similarly phase out federal taxes on Social Security benefits, beginning with a 10% cut in year one and increasing to 20% in year two. Congress can continue phasing out the tax by 10% a year and make all Social Security income tax free by 2035. Bill text can be found here.
BACKGROUND ON TAX CUTS FOR VETERANS ACT
Around 117,000 veterans live in Nebraska. As Governor in 2021, Ricketts signed LB387 into law to eliminate state taxes on military retirement benefits. The bipartisan bill passed 47-0.
The Tax Cuts for Veterans Act would provide real financial relief for veterans and their families. The savings per veteran would vary depending on their earned retirement pay. An enlisted soldier, sailor, airman, marine, guardsman, or guardian who served for 20 years could save over $500 per month and over $6,000 per year. Bill text can be found here.
REVISED parking fees and charges are set to come into effect in Leicester’s council-run car parks and parking bays.
Leicester City Council has reviewed the cost of parking in its car parks, multi-storeys and on-street pay and display areas to help address rising running costs and ongoing challenges to council budgets.
It will be just the second time the council has increased parking fees and charges in over a decade and will bring these into line with other similar authorities and private car parking operators.
The changes also reflect recent increases in the national bus fare cap, from £2 to £3.
The changes are due to come into effect from mid-May.
The revised fee and charges mean that, in council-run city centre car parks, costs will start at £2.50 for a one-hour stay, up from the current £2. Costs for a three-hour stay will rise from £4 to £5, and from £5 to £6.30 for a four-hour stay.
Standard fees for evening parking in car parks will also be charged, with the cheaper Night Owl rates due to end.
On-street parking bays will see charges rise from £2 to £2.50 for one hour, with varying charges for longer stays depending on the location.
Free on-street parking on Sundays will stop, with standard rates being charged instead.
Car parking fees on the city’s parks will also rise, with costs starting at £2.20 for a two-hour stay, up from the current £2.
Parking charges on Victoria Park will increase by slightly more to bring it more closely in line with city centre car parks. Costs will start at £1.30 for a one-hour stay, up from £1. A two-hour stay will cost £2.50, up from the current £2.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Increasing car parking charges is not a decision we take lightly. However, running costs across our car parks and parking services have risen and, like most councils, we continue to face a severe budget crisis.
“With this in mind, we are introducing revised parking fees and charges that are proportionate and very similar to what other operators and cities are charging for car parking. We also need to ensure parking charges take into account current bus fares.
“Any additional revenue from our parking charges is always reinvested in highways and transport maintenance and improvements.
“In recent years, we have made significant investment in improvements to our car parks in the city centre and are proud to have been awarded a national Park Mark award in recognition of the high standards of safe and secure parking provided.”
It is estimated the changes will bring in an additional £1.1million in parking revenue. Around half of this will cover rising costs in the management, operation and enforcement of parking facilities, with the remaining £600,000 due to be ringfenced to offset budget pressures in highways and transport services.
The increased charges will absorb the 10p convenience fee charged when people use Pay by Phone.
Full details of the revised parking fees and charges can be found on the city council’s website here
Home » Latest News » Large parts of iconic gardens set to close so they can be rejuvenated
Artist impression of what the Dane John Gardens could look like when complete
Work to transform the Dane John Gardens will get underway in earnest on Monday (31 March).
Contractors will begin to close off all the lawned areas of the Canterbury city centre park which will remain out of bounds until December.
The path around the edge of the gardens, which runs close to people’s homes, will stay open so people can get from one end to the other along with the public toilets.
The children’s play area will remain accessible via the mound from the city wall.
The work comes after the council was awarded £19.9m by the Government for its bid, Connected Canterbury: Unlocking the Tales of England.
The money is being used to transform a whole host of Canterbury’s public spaces and heritage to a standard that reflects its status as an international visitor destination and World Heritage Site.
Head of Digital, Data and Improvement Caroline Marlow, who is leading the project, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience the work will cause but we’re convinced it really will be worth it.
“The full closure is needed for a couple of reasons. We are working as quickly as possible, so the contractor needs the ability to use the space as and when needed.
“Plus, if you dig anywhere in Canterbury, you are bound to find important historical artefacts which means the contractor may need to move its workforce at short notice.
“We hope reopening in December is a worst-case scenario and if we can make things happen faster, we will.”
The council is in discussions with the owner of the Don Juan cafe to find ways to help the business during the disruption.
The current cafe, which is outdated and coming to the end of its life, will be demolished as part of the scheme and will be replaced with a new building in a similar style to the current one.
The work in the Dane John will include:
resurfacing all the pathways and creating a flexible surface strip either side of the main avenue to enable the tree roots to move and grow
replacing lost trees in the avenue
reducing the shrubs and vegetation to reveal the mound and the views across the garden
returning the flower beds to reflect the original shape in the Victorian garden and planting with perennial shrubs
adding more picnic tables by the monument
refurbishing the mound to improve views and installing a set of steps to the monument to reduce erosion of the Scheduled Monument
refurbishing, and replacing where necessary, historic streetlights through the garden and on the city wall
adding lighting to highlight heritage features
installing interpretation panels to tell the story of the garden
putting in new seating around the Second World War shelters with steps up to the city wall
planting perennial wildflower meadows on the slope up to the city wall and on the verge between the city wall and the ring road
resurfacing the city wall and adding planting beds to the area above the bus station
refurbishing or replacing railings, gates, benches and other street furniture
For more information on the projects being paid for by the government, visit canterbury.gov.uk/luf.
SAN DIEGO, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of cutting-edge casino management solutions, is thrilled to announce that Delaware Park has selected the QCI Enterprise Platform to elevate its data-driven operations. The strategic decision to transition from VizExplorer to QCI’s innovative platform highlights Delaware Park’s commitment to providing an enhanced guest experience through superior analytics and real-time operational insights.
Delaware Park, a prominent gaming destination in Delaware, is well-known for offering its guests exceptional service. By adopting the QCI Enterprise Platform, Delaware Park will now leverage advanced marketing and data analytics to optimize their performance and guest satisfaction.
Terry Glebocki, President & General Manager of Delaware Park, shared her thoughts on the transition: Delaware Park Casino is excited to partner with QCI. “The real-time insights and innovative analytics provided by QCI will enable us to make data-driven decisions that will enhance the overall experience for our customers and improve our internal processes.”
Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, expressed his excitement about the partnership:
“We are honored to welcome Delaware Park to the expanding network of gaming properties utilizing the QCI Enterprise Platform. By choosing QCI, Delaware Park demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation, and we look forward to supporting their efforts to streamline operations and drive revenue.”
Melissa Chiaurro, President of VizExplorer, also commented on the collaboration:
“The Viz team is excited to begin transitioning our clients to the QCI Platform. This move will not only enhance their analytical capabilities but also offer a more user-friendly experience and deeper insights into player behaviors. We are committed to making the migration process as smooth as possible and are eager to see the innovative opportunities that QCI will unlock for our partners.”
ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.
ABOUT Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.
COFACE SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 17, 2025 to March 21, 2025
Paris, 25 March 2025 – 17.45
Pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of 16 April 2014 on market abuse1
The main features of the 2024-2025 Share Buyback Program have been published on the Company’s website (http://www.coface.com/Investors/Disclosure-requirements, under “Own share transactions”) and are also described in the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
Q1-2025 results: 5 May 2025 (after market close) Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025 H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close) 9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)
FINANCIAL INFORMATION This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors
For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2023 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).
Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity on the websitewww.wiztrust.com.
COFACE: FOR TRADE As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment. Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets. with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring. Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets. In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.
COFACE SA is listed in Compartment A of Euronext Paris ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA
1 Also in pursuant to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (and updates); Article L.225-209 and seq. of the French Commercial Code; Article L.221-3, Article L.241-1 and seq. of the General Regulation of the French Market Authority (AMF); AMF Recommendation DOC-2017-04 Guide for issuers on their own shares transactions and for stabilization measures.
Medicine and dentistry students stood beside their posters, brightly catching the eye of anyone who seemed interested in their work, as faculty and fellow students browsed the buzzing hall.
“Each year, we are thoroughly impressed by the quality and rigor of the scholarly work that is presented by our students and, if you have looked at the program booklet and have read the abstracts, this year’s presentations will be no different,” School of Dental Medicine Dean Steven Lepowsky promised that morning, as he welcomed attendees to the 2025 Medical and Dental Research Day.
The energy was infectious. This is the second year the research day has been back in person, after taking a hiatus during the pandemic, and students, faculty, and staff happily mingled while viewing posters on a wildly diverse range of topics, from sexually transmitted disease treatment to maxillofacial surgery.
“Year after year our students make us so UConn-proud with their novel research investigations and professional presentations about them. They surely are poised to become the next generation of physician-scientists,” said Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of UConn School of Medicine.
After the poster sessions, Wenyuan Shi, the chief executive officer of the ADA Forsyth Institute, addressed the students with a keynote on how to combine a satisfying career in the health fields with opportunities for technological innovation and business development.
“Research and innovation have everything to do with being a good doctor,” Shi said.
Wenyuan Shi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at the ADA Forsyth Institute, gives a lecture as the keynote speaker at the Medical and Dental Student Research Day at UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, on FEbruary 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)
The dental and medical students presented 102 projects, enough to fill the hallways and lobby near the rotunda as well as the landing on the way to the library. Every poster contained original research done by second-year students. It was impossible for a single individual to speak with every presenter, but below is a sampling of the work presented by the students.
Root to Crown
Longer roots make for stabler smiles: teeth with longer roots compared to the visible crown of the tooth are more likely to stay put. Especially in orthodontics, the length of the root of the tooth is a good predictor of how successful the treatment will be.
“It’s important to have that good anchor,” dental student Stephanie Salcines said. Salcines’s research looked at whether ethnicity correlated with root length in Asian and Hispanic populations. The answer she found was no, aside from the maxillary lateral incisor—but gender did seem to make a difference, particularly among Hispanics.
Fewer X-rays, Same Imagery
A new 3D x-ray technique that uses just half the radiation can identify problems in the sinuses as well as the standard method, reported Erica Mallon. The second-year dental student showed that cone beam computed tomography scans taken only from behind, rotating around the head from one ear to the other, can allow clear diagnosis of blockages, deformations, and other sinus troubles. The 180-degree behind the head technique fully shows the teeth and the sinuses, while avoiding radiation to the sensitive eyes and thyroid gland, Mallon found. Previous research showed this reduces the total radiation dose by 40% to 60%.
“This is a sweet spot between a reasonably low and balanced radiation exposure and the resolution needed for diagnosis and clinical treatment planning,” said Aditya Tadinada, associate dean for graduate research and one of the principal investigators on the project.
Troughs of Tears
The thin skin under the eye often sags with age, particularly the area around the tear trough. It’s a common location for cosmetic surgeries, but there are nerves, major blood vessels and veins that must be avoided. Second-year dental student John Fregene surveyed outcomes of tear trough cosmetic procedures and found that surgeons who followed specific guidelines caused little swelling, no artery damage, no nerve damage, and improved the appearance of the tear trough area.
“There should be a standard protocol to follow in tear trough augmentation,” Fregene said.
Exon of Action in Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition in which the parathyroid glands become overactive, causing jaw tumors, renal and uterine issues. There’s a specific gene that commonly causes the condition, called CDC73. Second-year dental student Lorens Carrasquillo found most of the mutations associated with hyperparathyroidism affected Exon 1, a specific location in CDC73.
Objectively Painful
Pain is notoriously subjective—but maybe not, according to work done by Victoria Abalyan, a second-year medical student. She used microfilments to apply precise amounts of pressure on a patient’s forearm and asked them to rate their perceived level of pain. There was definitely a correlation between level of pressure and level of reported pain, indicating women were reliably reporting their pain levels. All the patients in the study were women within 48 hours of having given birth.
“We want to take data further out, at six weeks, or 24 weeks. We might be able to screen for women who are at higher risk of pain in the postpartum period,” Abalyan said.
Medical and dental students present their research at the UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine research day on February 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)
Ultrasound in the Emergency Room
Long waits in the emergency room are common and frustrating for patients. Three student researchers looked at whether ultrasounds done right in the emergency room could speed appropriate treatment for patients with three common issues: joint pain, suspected urinary tract infections, and emergency surgery.
Second-year medical student Michael Kosover looked into whether ultrasound could help triage joint pain. And it could—not a single joint pain patient with a normal ultrasound required surgery or admission to the hospital.
“It was 100% sensitivity,” Kosover said. “And the advantage of ultrasound is it’s quicker, no radiation, and portable.”
Delaney Kehoe looked into whether ultrasounds could diagnose urinary tract infections in the emergency room.
“We expected to see if there was a different in the inner wall of the bladder—a thicker layer, because of inflammation, or just different,” Kehoe said. In this case, the answer seemed to be no—but the study didn’t recruit enough patients, so they may continue it to get a larger sample size and clearer results.
Aspiration (inhaling stomach contents) can be a risk during lifesaving intubations in the emergency room. The risk of aspiration is why patients are advised to fast before surgery—but people who need emergency surgery obviously can’t plan ahead. Nicolette Meka evaluated whether ultrasound can reliably determine stomach size, and if so, which angle of the patient’s torso gives the best ultrasound view of their stomach.
“We found coronal—looking at the stomach from the patient’s side—gave 94.6% specificity,” in whether they had significant food in their stomach, Meka said.
Hives on Social Media
Getting hives – those red, itchy raised welts on the skin – happens to a portion of the population all the time, for no apparent reason. Yee Won Kim had them all the time when she was young, and information on how to treat or prevent them was scarce. Now, people are likely to look for advice on social media, the second-year medical student reports in her research.
“Many people are just asking what helped other people—there are a lot of good conversations happening,” Kim says. She collected information on the people and questions surrounding “chronic spontaneous urticaria,” as hives are known, on social media channels including X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Following the poster day, the judging committee, composed of medical and dental faculty, decided on the winners of the competition.
The winners of the 2025 Student Research Day are below.
Medical and dental students present their research at the UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine research day on February 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)
School of Medicine
CONNECTICUT ACADEMY OF FAMILY PRACTICE: One medical student will receive this $200 monetary gift for excellence in Primary Care Research.
Poster 57 | Survey Connecticut Providers on the Process of Making Patient Referrals to Community-Based Organizations
Paul Jude Isaac
CONNECTICUT HOLISTIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION: Awarded by Dr. Michael Basso, this annual award was established to recognize excellence in research in Integrative/ Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A medical student and a dental student will each receive an award of $100. Special thanks go to Dr. Michael Basso of the Connecticut Holistic Health Association.
Poster 51 | Financial Strain as a Contributor to Cognitive Impairment in Late Life Depression
Brian Fox
Madison Witt
DEAN’S AWARD: In recognition of two outstanding medical student researchers and their faculty mentors. Awards of $250 each will be presented to the four awardees. The awards to faculty mentors will be used for travel to a scientific meeting.
Poster 31 | Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Pediatric Health Care for Patient Education
Veronica Sofia Arroyo Rodriguez & Dr. Thomas Agresta
Poster 77 | Gastric Distention on Ultrasound: Coronal versus Sagittal Approach
Nicolette Mary Meka & Dr. Meghan Herbst
MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY GROSS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENT: Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gross established this award. Dr. Jeffrey Gross is Professor Emeritus at UCHC. Awards of $250 each will be given to two medical student researchers who presented excellent studies. One award will go to an oral presentation and one award will go to a poster presentation.
Poster 47 | In vivo modeling of a novel TEK:GAB2 fusion oncogene reveals targetable oncogenic signaling pathways in angiosarcoma
Flora Isabella Dievenich Braes
Poster 52 | Visit characteristics from emergency departments caring for persons living with dementia: a nationally representative sample
James Christopher Galske
JOHN SHANLEY MEMORIAL GLOBAL HEALTH AWARD: The award is to honor the memory of John D. Shanley, MD, MPH, former Chief of Infectious Disease at the University of Connecticut, and Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health and Associate Dean of International Health at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. This award is sponsored by FNE International and will be given in recognition of a project that best exemplifies collaboration towards sustainable services with an international partner. The student will receive a monetary award of $250.
Poster 68 | Assessing Dengue Vaccine Acceptance in Pediatric Caregivers in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Caitlin Alexandra Lawrence
LAWRENCE G. RAISZ AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSCULOSKELETAL RESEARCH:
In honor and memory of Lawrence G. Raisz, M.D., this award of $250 will be given to a medical student researcher who presented outstanding work in the field musculoskeletal research.
Poster 54 | Effect of 4-Aminopyridine and Smoothened Agonist on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Christopher Jesse Garcia
PEER RECOGNITION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH:
This award of $200 will be given to a medical student researcher in recognition of an exemplary poster presentation, as determined by peer review.
Poster 76 | Reassessing Maxillary Sinusitis: Recognizing Odontogenic Origins in the ENT Clinic
Uma Sandeep Mehta
WILLIAM M. WADLEIGH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR CROSS-CULTURAL ANDINTERNATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH: The award is in honor the memory of William M. Wadleigh, PhD, anthropologist and Associate Director of the Center for International Community Health Studies in the Department of Community Medicine and Health Care. This $250 award is given annually to a medical student whose research exemplifies international and cross-cultural understanding of health issues.
Poster 75 | Assessing the Impact of Pediatric Dengue Hospitalization on Caregiver Stress and Functioning
Meghan Martin
School of Dental Medicine
DEAN’S AWARD: Student: Sadhana Sankar Mentor: Dr. Caroline Dealy Awarded in recognition of an outstanding presentation demonstrating clinical application and technique relating to dentistry. This award consists of an expense-paid trip as the School of Dental Medicine’s representative to the Hinman Student Research Symposium held in Memphis, Tennessee in October 2025.
ASSOCIATE DEAN’S AWARD: Student: Daniel Kotait Mentor: Dr. I-Ping Chen Awarded in recognition of an outstanding presentation in basic, clinical, educational, or behavioral science. The award consists of a complimentary meeting registration and travel assistance to present at the AADOCR General Session & Exhibition in 2026.
DENTSPLY-SIRONA STUDENT CLINICIAN AWARD: Student: Claire Ann Mentor: Dr. Frank Nichols Awarded in recognition of an outstanding presentation. Includes travel assistance to the 2026 AADOCR General Session & Exhibition/Dentsply-Sirona SCADA Program as the School’s representative; allowance for lodging, food and other expenses and a Dentsply-Sirona crystal.
CONNECTICUT HOLISTIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION: Student: Madison Witt Mentor: Dr. Gary Schulman Presented by Dr. Michael Basso, this annual award was established to recognize excellence in research in Integrative/ Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Basso of the Connecticut Holistic Health Association.
HORACE WELLS AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN DENTISTRY: Student: Erica Mallon Mentors: Dr. Pooja Bysani and Dr. Aditya Tadinada Student: Donny You Mentor: Dr. David Shafer Two awards will be given to dental students in recognition of outstanding research with a focus on innovation in dentistry.This award is supported by the Horace Wells Trust.
JAMES AND ELLA BURR MCMANUS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DENTAL RESEARCH: Student: Bradley Rosenberg Mentor: Dr. Alix Deymier Student: Haven Montefalco Mentor: Dr. Frank Nichols Two awards will be given to dental students presenting at the student research day to recognize excellence in research. This award is supported by the James and Ella Burr McManus Trust.
DENTAL STUDENT RESEARCH SOCIETY AWARD: Student: Marcus Costa Mentor: Dr. Flavio Uribe Presented for excellence in a science presentation by dental students at the Student Research Day. Special thanks to Dr. Arthur Hand for supporting this award.
GUSTAVE PERL MEMORIAL AWARD: Student: Henry Shaffer Mentor: Dr. Dong Zhou A scholarship award presented for outstanding original research.
OMICRON KAPPA UPSILON-PHI CHI CHAPTER AWARDS: Two awards given in recognition of outstanding research; the first award is given for basic science research and the second award given for clinical science research.
OKU-Basic Science Research Category Student: Bryson Christian Mentor: Dr. Eliane Dutra
OKU-Clinical Science Research Category Student: Alfredo Rendon Mentor: Dr. Prazwala Chirravur
We would like to acknowledge generous donations from our many sponsors in support and recognition of the hard work of our dental research students. Special thanks to our judges and research committees for their review of the abstracts, posters and judging this event. And lastly, congratulations to all of our dental student researchers and their faculty mentors for making this day possible.
The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia for a regularly scheduled port call, March 25. Darwin is the 17th port call of Emory S. Land’s current deployment, which began May 17, 2024.
GREENVILLE, S.C. — True Heaven Heflin, 25, of Greenville, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for trafficking a 15-year-old Greenville student.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the minor victim went to a party over Christmas break in 2022 where she met Heflin. Heflin then took the minor victim to her residence and forced the victim to engage in sexual acts for money. Heflin held the minor victim for over a week before the teen was able to escape.
“If you abuse and exploit children for money, we will find you, we will charge you, and we will ensure you go to prison. Human trafficking inflicts profound and lasting damage on its victims and our community,” declared Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, will continue to tirelessly investigate and prosecute these despicable acts until our children and communities are safe.”
“The successful prosecution and sentencing of True Heflin exemplifies what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies collaborate to tackle the horrific crime of human trafficking. This case serves as a reminder of our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and holding traffickers accountable,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “Human trafficking has been — and will continue to be — a top priority for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. We will persist in defending and advocating for those who cannot defend themselves, ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are brought to justice.”
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Heflin to 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Heflin was also ordered to pay the victim $5,000 in restitution. Heflin pleaded guilty to human trafficking conspiracy in November 2024.
If anyone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For more information on reporting and to learn the signs of human trafficking, visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/report-human-trafficking
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard is prosecuting the case.
Following a successful debut in Perth last year, organisers The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) is bringing the championships back to the South Inch on Saturday, August 9.
The event is one of the biggest piping competitions in the world.
More than 100 pipe band from across the world will be taking part in the competition, with musicians from as far afield as Canada and Australia taking part along with dozens of bands from across Scotland.
Tickets for the European Pipe Band Championships will go on sale on April 1 through Perthshire Box Office and will also be available on the gate.
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade said: “We’re looking forward to returning to Perth in August for the European Pipe Band Championships.
“Last year’s event was a fantastic success and I am sure 2025’s will be even bigger and better.
“This is one of the most important competitions in the piping calendar and is an amazing showcase of Scottish culture that the whole family can enjoy.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “This will be another fantastic showcase for Perth and I am sure it will be another unforgettable competition.
“I look forward to welcoming pipe bands from across the world back to Perth in August.”
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chief Executive Colin Mulhern, said: “Last year’s spectacular European Pipe Band Championships attracted a fantastic attendance from bands from across the globe, as well as spectators from near and far. This demonstrated just how much this iconic event means to the international piping community, and how much interest there is in the music of Scotland’s national instrument.
“This year’s Europeans promises another superb showcase of piping, drumming and drum majors, and – judging from the number and very strong contingent of bands already signed up – we can look forward to an incredible, hard-fought contest. We’re expecting a tremendous turn-out at the South Inch in Perth on Saturday 9 August, so are urging everyone planning to attend not to delay in booking their tickets so they don’t miss out on a truly unforgettable experience
Alison Duthie, RSPBA Director for Dundee, Perth and Angus said: “”It’s fantastic to have the European Pipe Band Championships return to the Fair City of Perth. We have bands from all over the world joining us for another spectacular day of Piping, Drumming and Drum Majors.
“It would be great to have the South Inch filled with spectators to boost the bands and give them support. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the South Inch for what looks to be a wonderful showcase of Scottish Tradition alive and kicking.”
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On the Day of Culture Workers Sergei Sobyanin According to tradition, he presented awards to the capital’s artists for their great contribution to the development of culture and for many years of fruitful work for the benefit of the city and Muscovites.
The Moscow mayor emphasized that there are a large number of cultural institutions operating in the capital, including theaters, cinemas, libraries, and palaces of culture. They are becoming increasingly popular among Muscovites and tourists. Last year, cultural organizations were visited by a record number of people — almost a quarter of a billion.
“The Moscow government is implementing a huge program to support the development of the capital’s culture: it is reconstructing and building theaters, restoring old movie theaters, cultural centers, libraries, and investing large resources in education, including music, for the younger generation. And of course, we will continue this work actively together with you,” said Sergei Sobyanin.
He noted that city residents highly value the work of cultural workers. Their position and support are especially important today. The Moscow mayor expressed gratitude to the artists for holding about a thousand visiting events for the special military operation fighters.
“Thank you, dear friends, for your high professionalism, enthusiasm and selfless service to art. I wish you health, prosperity, inspiration and new successes,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote in his
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin
Awards
The following were awarded the Badge of Distinction “For Impeccable Service to the City of Moscow” (40 years):
— Viktor Moskvin, director of the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russian Abroad;
— Ivan Sigorskikh, deputy director of the Moscow theater “Near Stanislavsky’s House.”
At the award ceremony, Viktor Moskvin noted that over the 40 years of his work in the city, much has changed for the better.
“Russians, French, Americans, Englishmen, Germans come to our House of Russian Abroad now. And they admire Moscow. They say that it is the best city, the best capital in the world. And they say that Moscow is not only the capital of Russia, but also the capital of the multi-million Russian world. In Russia, as well as in more than 100 countries of the world, there are people who speak and think in Russian. Of course, we are immensely grateful to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, to you, dear Sergey Semenovich, for creating the House of Russian Abroad, a museum that has become a bridge connecting our Fatherland and the Russian diaspora, a place where historical memory is preserved,” said Viktor Moskvin.
The badge of distinction “For impeccable service to the city of Moscow” (30 years) was awarded to Oleg Gushchin, drama actor and leading stage master of the Moscow Drama Theater named after N.V. Gogol.
The honorary title “Honorary Artist of the City of Moscow” was awarded to:
— Alena Babenko, drama actress and leading stage master of the Sovremennik Theatre;
— Mikhail Barashkov, concertmaster of the bassoon group of the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra;
— Victoria Isakova, drama actress, leading stage master of the Moscow Drama Theatre named after A.S. Pushkin;
— Andrei Kondakov, drama actor, leading stage master of the Moscow Et Cetera Theatre under the direction of Alexander Kalyagin;
— Yanina Melekhova-Goryacheva, artist-vocalist (soloist) of the Children’s Musical Theatre of the Young Actor;
— Inessa Orlova-Glazunova, director of the Moscow State Art Gallery of the People’s Artist of the USSR Ilya Glazunov;
— Andrey Potrokhov, artist-vocalist (soloist) — leading master of the stage of the vocal ensemble under the direction of Valery Rybin “Male Chamber Choir”;
— Stanislav Sukharev, drama actor and leading stage master of the Moscow Hermitage Theatre;
— Dmitry Tolmasov, ballet dancer and leading stage master of the Moscow State Academic Dance Theatre “Gzhel”;
— Dmitry Filippov, drama actor of the Moscow Drama Theatre “Chelovek”;
— Yanina Khachaturova, drama actress and leading stage master of the Moscow Jewish Theatre “Shalom”;
— Milena Tskhovrebova, drama actress of the Moscow Drama Theatre “Chelovek”.
Alena Babenko thanked the Mayor of Moscow for inspiration, the desire to continue to delight viewers and invest efforts in the development of the cultural life of the capital.
“Today is a happy moment for me personally to say to you, Sergey Semenovich, a big thank you not only for the incredible, fantastically beautiful Moscow, but also for the fact that now it has all the opportunities for any person to show their talent. This is incredibly important,” she emphasized.
Actress Victoria Isakova expressed gratitude for the transformation of the Moscow Drama Theatre named after A.S. Pushkin after the renovation. She also added that the city is becoming more beautiful every day.
The honorary title “Honored Worker of Culture of the City of Moscow” was awarded to:
— Olga Vernikovskaya, Deputy Artistic Director of the Moscow Et Cetera Theatre under the direction of Alexander Kalyagin;
— Irina Volosovtseva, teacher of the children’s music choir school “Vesna” named after A.S. Ponomarev;
— Zinaida Gromozdina, artist-vocalist (soloist) — leading stage master of the Moscow Children’s Musical and Drama Theater;
— Olga Guryeva, teacher at Children’s Music School No. 4;
— Galina Dvornikova, teacher at the I.F. Stravinsky Children’s Art School;
— Vladimir Zhukov, director of the Moscow Drama Theatre named after A.S. Pushkin;
— Vera Zaitseva, teacher at the A.S. Arensky Children’s Music School;
— Yuri Kabanov, Deputy Director for General Affairs of the N.N. Kalinin Children’s Music School;
— Marina Kieläväinen, Head of the Library Collection Development Department of the I.S. Turgenev Library and Reading Room;
— Svetlana Kornoukhova, teacher at the I.F. Stravinsky Children’s Art School;
— Ksenia Kokhanchikova, teacher at the Rodnik Children’s Art School;
— Galina Kulygina, teacher at Children’s Art School No. 11;
— Dmitry Lyudkov, teacher at Children’s Music School No. 62 named after N.A. Petrov;
— Olga Makarova, teacher at the A.S. Arensky Children’s Music School;
— Dmitry Olshansky, Head of the Multimedia Technologies Department of the State Darwin Museum;
— Galina Panteleeva, head of the first category club formation of the State Museum – Cultural Center “Integration” named after N.A. Ostrovsky;
— Ekaterina Ptetsova, teacher at the S. T. Richter Children’s Art School;
— Svetlana Repetiy, Deputy Director for Educational Work at the Children’s Art School “Center”;
— Elena Rybakova, teacher at the A.N. Alexandrov Children’s Music School.
The following were awarded the gratitude of the Mayor of Moscow:
— Liliya Ipatova, Head of the Museum Pedagogy Department of the A.S. Pushkin State Museum;
— Carne Marie Hamado, artist-vocalist (soloist) — leading stage master of the artistic staff of the association of creative groups of Mosconcert;
– Evgeny Kozlov, drama actor of the Theatre on Trubnaya;
– Alexey Maklakov, drama actor of the Moscow State Theatre “Lenkom Mark Zakharov”;
— Serafima Nizovskaya, drama actress of the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre.
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.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
The government handed down the 2025-26 Budget on 25 March 2025, with several changes to tax and superannuation laws (see budget.gov.auExternal Link).
Budget changes to tax and superannuation laws
Measure name
Proposed start date
Developments
Amendments to Existing Measures: Extending the clean building managed investment trust withholding tax concession
1 October 2025 or the ‘first day of the 1st quarter after Royal Assent’, whichever is the later
TBC
Amendments to Existing Measures: Foreign resident capital gains tax changes
1 October 2025 or the ‘first day of the 1st quarter after Royal Assent’, whichever is the later
TBC
Amendments to Existing Measures: Managed Investment Trusts
13 March 2025
TBC
Personal Income Tax – new tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer
1 July 2026
TBC
Illicit Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement Package – direct and targeted enforcement to counter profits from illicit tobacco
1 July 2025
N/A
Personal Income Tax – increasing the Medicare levy low-income thresholds
1 July 2025
TBC
Restricting Foreign Ownership of Housing
1 April 2025
N/A
Strengthening Tax Integrity: Extension and expansion to the Personal Income Tax Compliance Program
1 July 2025
N/A
Strengthening Tax Integrity: Extension and expansion to the Shadow Economy Compliance Program
1 July 2025
N/A
Strengthening Tax Integrity: Extension and expansion to the Tax Avoidance Taskforce
1 July 2025
N/A
Strengthening Tax Integrity: Extension to the Tax Integrity Program
1 July 2026
N/A
Supporting Philanthropy
Various
TBC
Supporting the Hospitality Sector and Alcohol Producers
Various
TBC
MYEFO 2024-25
The government handed down the 2024–25 MYEFO on 18 December 2024, with several changes to tax and superannuation laws (see budget.gov.auExternal Link).
On 16 February 2025, the Government announced that it will impose a temporary ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings for at least 2 years and crack down on land banking.
From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, foreign persons, including temporary residents and foreign-owned companies, cannot apply to buy an established dwelling in Australia unless an exception applies. These limited exceptions will include investments that significantly increase housing supply or support the availability of housing supply, and for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Other existing exceptions remain in place, such as for purchases by:
permanent residents
New Zealand citizens
spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents or New Zealand citizens (when purchased as joint tenants).
A review will be undertaken to determine if the ban should be extended beyond 31 March 2027.
We will enforce the ban through enhanced screening of foreign investment proposals relating to residential properties.
We will carry out a full audit of current foreign investment approvals for vacant residential land development.
We will also take a tougher stance on compliance of foreign investment approvals for vacant residential land development. This will help ensure that foreign investors who have bought or want to buy vacant residential land meet development conditions.
As part of the 2025-26 Federal Budget, the Government announced from 1 July 2026 they will deliver new tax cuts to every Australian taxpayer. The new tax cuts aim to provide more cost-of-living relief and return bracket creep. This measure is not yet law.
Under the Government’s new tax cuts:
• From 1 July 2026, the 16 per cent rate will be reduced to 15 per cent.
• From 1 July 2027, the 15 per cent rate will be reduced further to 14 per cent.
PERTH, Australia, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Po Valley Energy Ltd (OTCQB:PVLEF, ASX:PVE), based in Perth, Australia, involved in the production and sale of gas from the Po Valley region of Northern Italy, today announced that Kevin Bailey (Chairman) and Micheal Gentile (Non-Executive Director), will present live at the Oil & Gas Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 27th, 2025.
DATE: March 27th TIME: 9:00 AM ET LINK:Register here Available for 1×1 meetings: March 27
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Approval of 3D Seismic Campaign for the Selva Malvezzi Production Concession
Quarterly Activities and Cash flow report for December quarter 2024
Po Valley Energy Limited (PVE) is involved in the production and sale of gas from the Podere Maiar 1 well, exploration for gas and condensate in the Po Valley region of Northern Italy and the appraisal and development of gas and oil fields. PVE was the first E&P company to bring new production to the Po Valley region, since the liberalisation of the Italian gas market in 1998, with the company focused on a become a meaningful domestic supplier of energy in Italy.
About Virtual Investor Conferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
More funding to combat rural and wildlife crime
Funding boost for specialist rural and wildlife crime units.
Rural communities will be better protected from the scourge of crimes such as equipment theft, livestock theft and hare coursing which can devastate countryside communities, farming and wildlife, through a funding boost to dedicated police units.
The National Rural Crime Unit and National Wildlife Crime Unit will receive over £800,000 to continue their work tackling rural and wildlife crime, which can pose unique challenges for policing given the scale and isolation of rural areas.
Funding to the National Rural Crime Unit will enable the unit to continue to increase collaboration across police forces, harnessing the latest technology and data to target the serious organised crime groups involved in crimes like equipment theft from farms.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit will strengthen its ability to disrupt criminal networks exploiting endangered species both in the UK and internationally. Enhanced data analysis and financial investigation will help the unit track illegal wildlife profits and ensure offenders face justice.
The funding comes as the government works with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to deliver the new Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy, to ensure the entire weight of government is put behind tackling rural crime.
Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said:
When you report a crime, it should be properly investigated, with victims having faith that justice will be delivered and criminals punished.
But too often victims of crime in rural communities have been left feeling undervalued and isolated, whether it be famers having equipment or livestock stolen, or villages targeted by car thieves and county lines gangs.
This new funding, alongside the forthcoming Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy and our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will help deliver the change rural communities deserve, ensuring no matter where you live your streets are safe and police responsive to your local needs as we continue to deliver on our Plan for Change.
The government is determined to ensure its Safer Streets Mission applies to all communities no matter where they live with rural communities set to benefit from more visible local policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
This will deliver 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers by the end of the Parliament as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said:
For too long, rural crime has gone unpunished. Organised crime, fly-tipping and farm theft blight our countryside.
This government will crackdown on these criminals and bring them to justice with specialist rural policing units to protect farmers and our rural communities.
The new funding follows the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which gives police and local authorities new powers to tackle crime, including crimes that do real damage to rural communities.
This includes new statutory guidance for local authorities to support them to make full and proper use of their fly-tipping enforcement powers.
New warrantless powers of entry for police to enter premises identified by electronic mapping will give officers a valuable tool to tackle equipment and machinery stolen from farms and agricultural businesses.
The government is committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 which will make it harder for criminals to sell stolen agricultural equipment. Secondary legislation is due to be introduced later this year.
Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, Head of National Rural Crime Unit said:
This funding is critical and will enable information sharing and joint operations to continue across the UK facilitated by the National Rural Crime Co-Ordinator.
The contribution to the replacement of the operational team vehicles is equally important as it will allow the continued support of forces on the ground and recovery of stolen equipment which since the inception of the team in 2023 stands at over £22 million.
Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, Head of UK Wildlife Crime said:
This funding is a significant step forward in the fight against wildlife crime. By enhancing our intelligence capabilities and strengthening enforcement, we will be better equipped to protect endangered species and disrupt the criminals who exploit them.
The UK is seen as a centre of excellence in tackling this global issue, working closely with international partners to ensure a safer future for our planet’s wildlife.
The funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit will reinforce the UK’s leadership in global wildlife crime prevention, through the unit’s work with INTERPOL and global enforcement agencies to combat the illegal wildlife trade on a worldwide scale.
Wildlife crime not only threatens biodiversity but also fuels organised crime and corruption.
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said:
Rural crime blights the countryside, so we welcome the news of more funding as well as the upcoming launch of the new national strategy.
Farmers and communities – many already struggling with isolation – have had enough of criminals and violent organised gangs targeting them. They deserve to feel safe and protected.
As recent CLA analysis found, some police forces lack dedicated rural officers and basic kit. This new funding is a step in the right direction in the fight against rural crime, and must be used to equip more officers as well as improve training for call handlers.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected a woman as its president for the first time ever. Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry is also the youngest ever IOC president and the first from an African country, becoming a symbol of the IOC’s drive to diversify its leadership and image.
Sports management scholar Davies Banda was part of a global research team that compiled an IOC-commissioned report on the roles of women in the organisation. He traces Coventry’s journey as a swimming star, politician and sports administrator.
Who is Kirsty Coventry?
She is Africa’s most decorated Olympian of all time. She won seven medals across the 2004 Athens Games and the 2008 Beijing Games.
Born in Harare, she is not only Zimbabwe’s best known sports star but also the politically troubled country’s sports minister. The IOC presidency makes her one of the most powerful figures in world sports.
Coventry is driven. She set her sights on the Olympics at the age of nine. She achieved her dream through hard work and a profound understanding of what a results-oriented athletic career looks like. She believes true success lies in sharing knowledge and skills, extending her impact beyond athletics into social activism and a political career in Zimbabwe.
Her Olympic journey began at the 2000 Sydney Games, where she competed in two swimming events but failed to qualify for the finals. Her breakthrough happened at the 2004 Athens Games, where she won the first of her two gold medals in the 200-metre backstroke. She successfully defended this title at the 2008 Beijing Games.
She retired from swimming competitively after her final Olympic appearance at the 2016 Rio Games, holding the joint record for the most individual women’s swimming medals in Olympic history. By then her sports administration dreams had begun to pay off.
In 2012 she was elected to the IOC’s powerful Athletes’ Commission. Thanks to her extensive experience of being an Olympic athlete, she became a significant voice within the body. She was elected chair of the commission in 2018 and held the post until 2023, when she was elected to the IOC’s executive committee under Thomas Bach, also a former athlete and the outgoing IOC president.
At the same time, Coventry transitioned into government service as an independent member of parliament in Zimbabwe. She was first appointed as the country’s Minister of Sport, Art and Recreation in 2018, and re-appointed in 2023.
She’s a member of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, previously serving as its vice president. She’s also a member of the Athletes’ Commission of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.
Why has it taken so long to have a female president?
In 1997 the IOC set targets for National Olympic Committees to achieve at least 10% female representation in executive decision-making positions by the end of 2000. This was followed by a goal of at least 20% by 2005 and 30% by 2020.
The IOC reported that female representation on its commissions doubled between 2013 and 2023, reaching 50% by the latter year.
These deliberate measures can be seen as foundational to Coventry’s election. Globally, National Olympic Committees have seen a rise in female executive board members and leaders, increasing the pool of qualified candidates. An IOC report highlighted co-mentoring of female members on a governance leadership development initiative.
Policies promoting the recognition of women’s leadership in sport and communities have nurtured leaders capable of competing for the highest IOC roles.
However, considering that women were first allowed to participate in the 1900 Paris Games, it’s taken 124 years to see the election of a female IOC president.
Despite the extended time frame, the IOC’s progressive initiatives, particularly its gender equality targets, have yielded tangible results.
Some observers believe that Bach’s legacy, particularly in promoting gender equality, will be continued by Coventry, given their shared values and aspirations for the Olympic movement.
What would a female president bring to Olympic sports?
There is a drive for gender equality in Olympic sport. Coventry’s extensive experience as an athlete representative and her continued involvement with the Athletes’ Commission provide her with a deep understanding of athletes’ concerns. These include gender eligibility, a threat to the integrity of the Games due to doping, climate change, and athlete advocacy.
Her relatively young age, 41, further strengthens her connection with athletes, the Olympic Games’ most valuable stakeholders, who are much younger than the administrators. This unique perspective allows her to engage with athletes in ways that previous IOC leaders could not. Her predecessors were close to or past their 60th birthdays when elected.
So she is also likely to connect with younger generations more effectively than her predecessors, through modern technologies.
Coventry is poised to lead the Olympic movement’s focus on sport for social change, given her experience of life in the global south, where she has been a social activist for underprivileged youth.
The substantial growth of sport-for-change initiatives in the global south and beyond fuels the hope among scholars, including myself, that sport and athlete advocacy can achieve greater visibility. It can make an impact on global challenges, moving them from the sidelines to the heart of major sporting events.
Coventry’s political career, conducted in Zimbabwe’s challenging economic climate, suggests a potential for using sport as a catalyst for positive social transformation.
That said, while she may champion athlete advocacy on certain issues, her stated commitment to neutrality, particularly regarding the games, indicates a potential reluctance to engage with politically charged issues. The IOC’s status quo, the apolitical stance of the games, is likely to continue to limit the potential impact of athlete activism.
What will be closely watched will be her approach to the contentious issue of transgender athletes in women’s events. Her current position advocates for their exclusion from female categories. She’s emphasised the protection of women’s sport and the enforcement of gender eligibility standards.
It remains to be seen how closely her policies will align with, or diverge from, those of her predecessor. But for the IOC she no doubt represents a more diverse, gender equal movement.
Davies Banda is affiliated with University of Edinburgh in Scotland and University of Lusaka in Zambia as a Senior Visiting Scholar
Hundreds of animals, from tiny ants to mighty hippos, are shaping the Earth’s surface as powerfully as floods and storms. These animals effectively act as landscape engineers, reorganising soils and sediments. Yet their combined global impact has never been explored, until now.
Research that my colleagues and I conducted shows that animal engineers are much more diverse, widespread and globally significant than previously recognised. We estimated that the combined energy they devote to landscape-shaping processes is equivalent to the energy of hundreds of thousands of river floods.
Animals act as landscape architects as they feed, create shelter, reproduce and simply move around. Beavers build dams that form wetlands and change river channels. Spawning salmon move huge amounts of river sediments too, similar to the amounts moved by floods. Yet, beyond such charismatic and iconic examples, animal landscape engineers can be viewed as curiosities – interesting but uncommon, with healthy scepticism about their role in landscape change.
Most studies focus on a single species, so we collected evidence from hundreds of studies to understand the global significance of these animals. We focused on animals living on land or in rivers, lakes, wetlands and other inland water bodies. Oceans host important engineers too, but they were not included in our study.
Tiny ants can leave their mark on a landscape. Gemma Harvey, CC BY-NC-ND
My team was astounded by the diversity of landscape engineers we uncovered. The list we compiled included 500 wild animal species including insects, mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and crustaceans. More than a quarter of those 500 species are threatened or vulnerable in some way. This means their landscape-shaping effects – mixing, eroding or stabilising soils and sediments, building landforms – could disappear before they are fully understood.
Animal architects include some of the smallest creatures on Earth, such as ants, termites and aquatic insect larvae, as well as the largest, such as elephants, hippos and bison. As a group, they are globally widespread across land and in water, in all major ecosystem types. We showed that despite covering only 2.4% of the planet’s land surface, freshwater habitats host over a third of these fascinating animals.
Tamworth pigs roam free at Knepp estate, a rewilding project in the UK. Tony Skerl/Shutterstock
We searched thousands of published articles for mentions of animal engineers to compile a comprehensive list of species. We explored their global distributions using free online biodiversity data. We used recent estimates of the total biomass of ants, mammals and all living things to estimate the combined biomass of animal engineers. Then, we converted this information to calorie content and estimated how much of that energy is used to shape landforms and landscapes.
We inevitably missed some studied species in our searches. For instance, we know that the tropics and subtropics are biodiversity hotspots, but fewer animal agents of landscape change were reported there. This is because research and resources have been concentrated in places like Europe, the US and Australia. Countless more species remain unreported or even undiscovered, especially smaller, less visible animals such as insects.
Another consideration is that our energy estimates for livestock substantially exceeded wild animals due to their large body size and high abundance. Yet how livestock shapes the landscape depends on how the animals are farmed. Intensive farming of large livestock breeds can increase soil erosion and flood risk, while low-density regenerative farming can improve soil health.
Nature loss is intrinsically linked with the climate crisis. Natural habitats such as forests and wetlands capture and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. They also help us to adapt to the impacts of climate change, by altering how quickly water moves through landscapes for example, which reduces the severity of floods and droughts.
In rewilding projects around the world, free-roaming pigs, deer, ponies and cattle introduced as landscape engineers increase carbon storage by changing vegetation and soils and helping reduce flood risk downstream. Beavers create “emerald refuges” in wildfire-scorched landscapes by damming streams to create ponds and wetlands. Hippo trails lead to the creation of new river channels that direct water flow to different areas.
Finding ways to harness the enormous energy potential of landscape-shaping animals could help simultaneously mitigate and adapt to climate change and boost biodiversity.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Gemma Harvey receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust (Leverhulme Research Fellowship Grant number RF-2022-
2844) and UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NE/W007460/1 and NE/Y005163/1) and Defra/ Environment Agency (NEIRF2059)
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Davies Banda, Lecturer in Sport Policy and Management, University of Edinburgh
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected a woman as its president for the first time ever. Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry is also the youngest ever IOC president and the first from an African country, becoming a symbol of the IOC’s drive to diversify its leadership and image.
Sports management scholar Davies Banda was part of a global research team that compiled an IOC-commissioned report on the roles of women in the organisation. He traces Coventry’s journey as a swimming star, politician and sports administrator.
Who is Kirsty Coventry?
She is Africa’s most decorated Olympian of all time. She won seven medals across the 2004 Athens Games and the 2008 Beijing Games.
Born in Harare, she is not only Zimbabwe’s best known sports star but also the politically troubled country’s sports minister. The IOC presidency makes her one of the most powerful figures in world sports.
Coventry is driven. She set her sights on the Olympics at the age of nine. She achieved her dream through hard work and a profound understanding of what a results-oriented athletic career looks like. She believes true success lies in sharing knowledge and skills, extending her impact beyond athletics into social activism and a political career in Zimbabwe.
Her Olympic journey began at the 2000 Sydney Games, where she competed in two swimming events but failed to qualify for the finals. Her breakthrough happened at the 2004 Athens Games, where she won the first of her two gold medals in the 200-metre backstroke. She successfully defended this title at the 2008 Beijing Games.
President Robert Mugabe shows off Coventry’s Olympic medals in 2004.STR/AFP/Getty Images
She retired from swimming competitively after her final Olympic appearance at the 2016 Rio Games, holding the joint record for the most individual women’s swimming medals in Olympic history. By then her sports administration dreams had begun to pay off.
In 2012 she was elected to the IOC’s powerful Athletes’ Commission. Thanks to her extensive experience of being an Olympic athlete, she became a significant voice within the body. She was elected chair of the commission in 2018 and held the post until 2023, when she was elected to the IOC’s executive committee under Thomas Bach, also a former athlete and the outgoing IOC president.
At the same time, Coventry transitioned into government service as an independent member of parliament in Zimbabwe. She was first appointed as the country’s Minister of Sport, Art and Recreation in 2018, and re-appointed in 2023.
She’s a member of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, previously serving as its vice president. She’s also a member of the Athletes’ Commission of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.
Why has it taken so long to have a female president?
In 1997 the IOC set targets for National Olympic Committees to achieve at least 10% female representation in executive decision-making positions by the end of 2000. This was followed by a goal of at least 20% by 2005 and 30% by 2020.
The IOC reported that female representation on its commissions doubled between 2013 and 2023, reaching 50% by the latter year.
These deliberate measures can be seen as foundational to Coventry’s election. Globally, National Olympic Committees have seen a rise in female executive board members and leaders, increasing the pool of qualified candidates. An IOC report highlighted co-mentoring of female members on a governance leadership development initiative.
Policies promoting the recognition of women’s leadership in sport and communities have nurtured leaders capable of competing for the highest IOC roles.
However, considering that women were first allowed to participate in the 1900 Paris Games, it’s taken 124 years to see the election of a female IOC president.
Despite the extended time frame, the IOC’s progressive initiatives, particularly its gender equality targets, have yielded tangible results.
Some observers believe that Bach’s legacy, particularly in promoting gender equality, will be continued by Coventry, given their shared values and aspirations for the Olympic movement.
What would a female president bring to Olympic sports?
There is a drive for gender equality in Olympic sport. Coventry’s extensive experience as an athlete representative and her continued involvement with the Athletes’ Commission provide her with a deep understanding of athletes’ concerns. These include gender eligibility, a threat to the integrity of the Games due to doping, climate change, and athlete advocacy.
Her relatively young age, 41, further strengthens her connection with athletes, the Olympic Games’ most valuable stakeholders, who are much younger than the administrators. This unique perspective allows her to engage with athletes in ways that previous IOC leaders could not. Her predecessors were close to or past their 60th birthdays when elected.
So she is also likely to connect with younger generations more effectively than her predecessors, through modern technologies.
Coventry is poised to lead the Olympic movement’s focus on sport for social change, given her experience of life in the global south, where she has been a social activist for underprivileged youth.
The substantial growth of sport-for-change initiatives in the global south and beyond fuels the hope among scholars, including myself, that sport and athlete advocacy can achieve greater visibility. It can make an impact on global challenges, moving them from the sidelines to the heart of major sporting events.
Coventry’s political career, conducted in Zimbabwe’s challenging economic climate, suggests a potential for using sport as a catalyst for positive social transformation.
That said, while she may champion athlete advocacy on certain issues, her stated commitment to neutrality, particularly regarding the games, indicates a potential reluctance to engage with politically charged issues. The IOC’s status quo, the apolitical stance of the games, is likely to continue to limit the potential impact of athlete activism.
What will be closely watched will be her approach to the contentious issue of transgender athletes in women’s events. Her current position advocates for their exclusion from female categories. She’s emphasised the protection of women’s sport and the enforcement of gender eligibility standards.
It remains to be seen how closely her policies will align with, or diverge from, those of her predecessor. But for the IOC she no doubt represents a more diverse, gender equal movement.
– Who is Kirsty Coventry and how did she become the most powerful person in world sports? – https://theconversation.com/who-is-kirsty-coventry-and-how-did-she-become-the-most-powerful-person-in-world-sports-252938
Source: The Conversation – USA – By James T. Stroud, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolution, Georgia Institute of Technology
After gathering data on the captured anole, the team releases it back to the wild.Neil Losin/Day’s Edge Prods.
Every morning in Miami, our fieldwork begins the same way. Fresh Cuban coffee and pastelitos – delicious Latin American pastries – fuel our team for another day of evolutionary detective work. Here we’re tracking evolution in real time, measuring natural selection as it happens in a community of Caribbean lizards.
As an assistant professor of ecology and evolution at Georgia Tech, my journey with these remarkable reptiles has taken me far from my London roots. The warm, humid air of Miami feels natural now, a far cry from the gray, drizzly and lizard-free streets of my British upbringing.
Our research takes place on a South Florida island roughly the size of an American football field – assuming we’re successful in sidestepping the American crocodiles that bask in the surrounding lake. We call it Lizard Island, and it’s a special place.
Here, since 2015, we’ve been conducting evolutionary research on five species of remarkable lizards called anoles. By studying the anoles, our team is working to understand one of biology’s most fundamental questions: How does natural selection drive evolution in real time?
Each May, coinciding with the start of the breeding season, we visit Lizard Island to capture, study and release all adult anoles – a population that fluctuates between 600 to 1,000. For the entire summer, female anoles lay a single egg every seven to 10 days. By October, a whole new generation has emerged.
The anoles of Lizard Island, clockwise from top left: Cuban knight anole, Hispaniolan bark anole, American green anole, Cuban brown anole, Puerto Rican crested anole. Neil Losin/Day’s Edge Prods.
The secret lives of lizards
Anoles aren’t early risers, so we don’t expect much activity until the Sun strengthens around 9:30 a.m.; this gives us time to prepare our equipment. Our team catches anoles with telescopic fishing poles fitted with little lassos, which we use to gently pluck the lizards off branches and tree trunks. Ask any lizard biologist about their preferred lasso material and you’ll spark the age-old debate: fishing line or dental floss? For what it’s worth, we recently converted – we’re now on Team Fishing Line.
Picture yourself as an anole on Lizard Island. Your life is short – typically just one year – and filled with daily challenges. You need to warm up in the Sun, find enough food to survive, search for a mate, guard your favorite branch from other lizards and avoid being eaten by a predator.
Like human beings, each lizard is unique. Some have longer legs, others stronger jaws, and all behave slightly differently. These differences could determine who survives and who doesn’t; who has the most babies and who doesn’t.
These outcomes drive evolution by natural selection, the process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more. These advantageous traits are then passed on to future generations, gradually changing the species over time. However, scientists still have an incomplete understanding of exactly how each of these features predicts life’s winners and losers in the wild.
To understand how species evolve, researchers need to crack open this black box of evolution and investigate natural selection in wild populations. My colleagues and I are doing this by studying the anoles in exquisite detail. Last year was especially exciting: We ran what we called the Lizard Olympics.
Catching an anole with a lizard lasso. Look closely – the anole blends in quite well with the tree. Neil Losin/Day’s Edge Prods.
Tiny fishing poles
As the morning heat builds, we spot our first lizards: Cuban brown anoles near to the ground, and the mottled scales of Hispaniolan bark anoles just above them. Further up, in the leafy tree canopies, are American green anoles, and the largest species, the Cuban knight anole, about the size of a newborn kitten.
In 2018, a new challenger entered the arena – the Puerto Rican crested anole, a species already present in Miami but one that hadn’t yet made it to Lizard Island. Its arrival provided us with an unexpected opportunity to study how species may evolve in real time in response to a new neighbor.
Catching these agile athletes requires patience and precision. With our modified fishing poles, we carefully loop the dental floss over their heads. Each capture site is marked with bright pink tape and a unique ID number; all lizards are then transported to our field laboratory just a short walk away.
Here, the real Olympic trials begin. Every athlete goes through a comprehensive evaluation. Our portable X-ray machine reveals their skeletal structure, and high-resolution scans capture the intricate details of their feet. This is particularly critical: Like their gecko cousins, anoles possess remarkable sticky toes that allow them to cling to smooth surfaces such as leaves and maybe even survive hurricanes.
We also measure the shape and sharpness of their claws, as both features are crucial for these tree climbers. DNA samples provide a genetic fingerprint for each individual, allowing us to map family relationships across the island and see which is the most reproductively successful.
A portable X-ray machine takes detailed measurements of a lizard’s skeleton. James Stroud
The performance trials are where things get interesting. Imagine a tiny track meet for lizards. Using high-speed video cameras, we precisely test how fast each lizard runs, and using specialist equipment we measure how hard it bites and how strong it grips rough branches and smooth leaves.
These aren’t arbitrary measurements – each represents a potential evolutionary advantage. Fast lizards might better escape predators. Strong bites might determine winners in territorial disputes. Excellent grip is crucial for tree canopy acrobatics.
Each measurement helps us answer fundamental questions about evolution: Do faster lizards live longer? Do stronger biters produce more offspring? These are the essential metrics of evolution by natural selection.
As afternoon approaches, the team relocates each piece of bright pink tape and returns the corresponding lizard to the exact branch it was caught on. The anoles now sport two tiny 3-millimeter tags with a unique code that lets us identify it when we recapture it in future research trips, along with a small dot of white nail polish so we know not to catch it immediately after we let it go.
At 8:30 p.m., with the Lizard Olympics done for the day, we return to the island donning headlamps. Night brings a different perspective. Some of the most wily lizards are difficult to catch when fully charged by the midday Sun, so our nocturnal jaunts allow us to find them while they sleep. However, it’s often a race against time. Hungry lizard-eating corn snakes are also out hunting, trying to find the anoles before we do. As we wrap up another 16-hour day around 11:30 p.m., the team shares stories of the night.
Should a snake climb along a branch where a baby anole sleeps, the lizard will wake up and drop to the ground to escape. James Stroud
Evolution on the island
Now spanning 10 years, 10 generations and five species, our Lizard Island dataset represents one of the longest-running active studies of its kind in evolutionary biology. By tracking which individuals survive and reproduce, and linking their success to specific physical traits and performance abilities, we’re documenting natural selection with unprecedented detail.
So far we have uncovered two fascinating patterns. Initially, it didn’t pay to be different on Lizard Island. Anoles with very average shapes and sizes lived longer compared with those that are slightly different. But when the crested anoles arrived, everything changed: Suddenly, brown anoles with longer legs had a survival advantage.
Anoles communicate with their dewlap, an expandable throat fan that signals other lizards. Jon Suh
The Lizard Olympics is helping us understand why. The larger, more aggressive crested anoles are forcing brown anoles to spend more time on the ground, where those with longer legs might run faster to escape predators – allowing them to better survive and pass on their long-leg genes, while shorter-legged anoles might be eaten before they can reproduce.
By watching natural selection unfold in response to environmental changes, rather than inferring it from fossil records, we’re providing cutting-edge evidence for evolutionary processes that Charles Darwin could only theorize about.
These long days of observation are slowly revealing one of biology’s most fundamental processes. Every lizard we catch, every measurement we take adds another piece to our understanding of how species adapt and evolve in an ever-changing world.
James T. Stroud does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
CHICAGO, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VelocityEHS, the global leader in EHS & ESG software solutions, is excited to unveil an advanced AI-powered feature designed to streamline contractor safety management. This new capability automates contractor verification processes, reduces compliance risks, and significantly improves operational efficiency for organizations that manage contractors onsite.
As part of its Contractor Safety Solution, Velocity deploys AI to generate guided workflows, flag risks, and make intelligent recommendations, making it easier for non- or less-experienced EHS managers to verify contractor credentials like Certificates of Insurance and OSHA Logs to facilitate compliance.
Contractor workers face significantly higher risks on the job, with injury and illness rates 36% to 72% higher than those of full-time employees. Additionally, 37% of all temporary workers are employed in high-risk industrial sectors, underscoring the critical need for more effective safety and compliance solutions.
“Our mission is to help create safer workplaces,” said Matt Airhart, CEO of VelocityEHS. “We are dedicated to developing AI-driven innovation that enables our customers to reach better outcomes faster. Even before this new feature, our Contractor Safety & Permit to Work solution helped organizations achieve 70%-time savings compared to traditional third-party management processes. Now their operational efficiency will reach new heights.”
As regulatory demands and safety concerns continue to escalate, organizations need reliable, scalable, and intelligent solutions to ensure contractor compliance—particularly in safety-critical industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food & beverage, where staying on top of complex requirements is a daily challenge.
Key Benefits of the AI-Powered Contractor Safety Feature
Faster, More Accurate Compliance Assessments: AI-driven automation accelerates document reviews, eliminating manual errors and ensuring precise contractor verification.
Reduced Compliance Risks: Quicker and easier access to crucial data to make informed decisions, ensuring contractors meet safety standards.
Lower Administrative Burden: Saves time by streamlining manual contractor verification processes, giving workers time to focus on higher-value safety initiatives rather than repetitive compliance tasks.
“Many businesses face challenges with manual compliance workflows, resulting in costly delays in contractor verification and increased exposure to risks,” said Dr Julia Penfield, VP of Research & Machine Learning.
“Over time, this leads to reactive risk management, human error, productivity losses and potential fines for non-compliance. Our new AI-powered Contractor Safety Solution is changing the game, transforming the process with an intuitive, automated solution that simplifies compliance and drives better overall safety outcomes,” she added.
For more information about VelocityEHS, visit www.EHS.com
About VelocityEHS Relied on by more than 10 million users worldwide to drive operational excellence and achieve outstanding outcomes, VelocityEHS is the global leader in true SaaS enterprise EHS & ESG technology. The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform is the definitive gold standard, delivering best-in-class software solutions for managing Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk. In addition, Velocity offers world-class applications for Contractor Safety & Permit to Work, Environmental Compliance, and ESG.
The VelocityEHS team includes unparalleled industry expertise, with more certified experts in health, safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability, the environment, AI, and machine learning than any other EHS software provider. Recognized by the EHS industry’s top independent analysts as a Leader in the Verdantix 2025 Green Quadrant Analysis, VelocityEHS is committed to industry thought leadership and to accelerating the pace of innovation through its software solutions and vision. Its privacy and security protocols, which include SOC2 Type II attestation, are among the most stringent in the industry.
VelocityEHS is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Tampa, Florida; Oakville, Ontario; London, England; Perth, Western Australia; and Cork, Ireland. For more information, visit www.EHS.com.
Media Contact Jennifer Sinkwitts jsinkwitts@ehs.com
Over 130 influential family office principals and family members from the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East gathered at a principal dinner organised by the Government this evening to set the stage for the third edition of the annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit to be held tomorrow.
In his welcome remarks, Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong is a ”super connector” bringing together people and ideas, as well as a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, and a dynamic hub where offices and families can flourish.
Best-selling author and public speaker Maye Musk and University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Prof Irene Tracey joined a fireside chat, sharing their insights on women’s influence in leadership and legacy-building with a focus on the critical role of female leadership in shaping the future of business, innovation, and societal progress.
The event also included a captivating lion ballet performance against the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour.
The summit will take place tomorrow afternoon with over 300 participants, allowing principals and family members to discuss the future of wealth management in the region and experience the city’s dynamic offerings through its vibrant neighbourhoods, dynamic arts scene and strong community spirit.
NEW YORK, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OMV (VIE:OMV), based in Vienna, focused on oil, gas, and chemicals, today announced that Oana Goje, Deputy Head of Investor Relations, will present live at the Oil & Gas Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 27th, 2025.
DATE: March 27th TIME: 10:00 AM ET LINK:https://bit.ly/4c9SfRW Available for 1×1 meetings: March 27th
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
It is our purpose to re-invent essentials for sustainable living. OMV is transitioning to become an integrated sustainable chemicals, fuels and energy company with a focus on circular economy solutions. By gradually switching over to the low carbon business, OMV is striving to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest. In 2024, the company generated revenues of 34 billion euros with a diverse and talented workforce of around 23,600 employees worldwide. OMV shares are traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange (OMV) and in the US as American Depository Receipts (OMVKY). For more information, please visit www.omv.com.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Desert Mountain Energy Corp. DMEHF/DME based in Vancouver, BC focused on natural gas and helium production today announced that Don Mosher President/Director will present live at the Oil & Gas Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 27th, 2025.
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Received a favorable ruling in a Arizona court case
Looking forward to legislative changes in favor of helium production in AZ
Licensed the Company’s plant design to an international partner
Desert Mountain Energy Corp
Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (TSX.V – DME) is a forward-looking resource company actively engaged in the exploration, development and production of Helium and Natural Gas properties in the U.S. Southwest, with its executive offices in Vancouver, Canada. Most recently, the company has acquired the West Pecos Slope Abo Gas field which boasts 188 wells and more than 50 miles of surface collection lines across approximately 120 square miles of continuous mineral claims.
In addition, DME owns +100,000 acres of mineral leases in Arizona. To date, DME has drilled eight wells and discovered four high-grade helium fields in nitrogen environments.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it will host its rescheduled conference call on March 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT) to report its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.
After registering, participants will be provided with a dial-in number and pin.
To listen to the conference call (audio only), please register through the following event weblink: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/h9wkbjf5
A webcast replay will be available two hours after the conference call ends on March 27, 2025. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo’s website at www.gevo.com.
About Gevo
Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BOAO, China, March 25 — Political and business leaders worldwide are gathering in Boao, a coastal town in southern China’s Hainan Province, for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 running from March 25 to 28.
Amid rising global economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, the forum, themed “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future,” serves as a critical platform for fostering regional cooperation, driving global economic growth and strengthening the region’s role in global governance.
As Asia plays a bigger role in global growth, discussions are centering on how the region can help navigate challenges and drive sustainable development, with participants recognizing Asia as the world’s growth engine and highlighting regional coordination, economic inclusivity and technological advancements as key drivers in addressing economic uncertainties and building up momentum for growth.
GROWING INTEGRATION
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Hainan, the forum has long been a platform for regional dialogue, but its role is evolving as Asian economies become more integrated. “Fast-growing South-South trade and investment is making the Boao Forum for Asia relevant beyond the boundaries of Asia,” said Denis Depoux, global managing director at Roland Berger, a Germany-based consultancy.
Often referred to as the “Asian Davos,” the forum brings together political and business leaders to discuss trade, investment and technology, with growing participation from Global South countries in recent years.
“The forum highlights the power of partnership through its ability to create space for exchanging ideas, building relationships and collectively shaping the future of Asia,” said Dino Otranto, CEO of Australia’s mining giant Fortescue Metals.
In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, Asia remains a key growth engine for the world economy. According to a report released by the forum, real GDP growth in Asia is projected to rise from 4.4 percent in 2024 to 4.5 percent in 2025, while the region’s share of global GDP is expected to increase from 48.1 percent to 48.6 percent at purchasing power parity in the same period.
The growth not only highlights Asia’s economic dynamism but also its role as a stabilizing force in a world where traditional economic powerhouses face mounting challenges.
Given complex geopolitical and economic dynamics, multilateralism, governance and development have become hot topics of discussions at the forum. “These terms are critical in shaping a more stable and prosperous regional landscape amid evolving global challenges,” said Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, a think tank in Manila.
ASIA’S POTENTIAL
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), comprising 15 Asia-Pacific countries, has emerged as a powerful force in bolstering regional economic integration. The International Monetary Fund has projected that from 2023 to 2029, the RCEP region’s GDP will grow by 10.9 trillion U.S. dollars, contributing over 40 percent to global economic growth.
The integration of Asian supply chains has accelerated, driven by the need for greater competitiveness and resilience, Depoux said.
“Asia’s future in the shifting global landscape is incredibly exciting and full of promise,” Otranto said. “It’s not just about economic growth, but also about Asia leading the way in areas like innovation, technology and sustainability.”
As global trade and supply chains evolve, Asia’s role in driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), green energy and digital transformation will undoubtedly be critical, he added.
Take DeepSeek, a representative Chinese startup in the AI sector that attests to Asia’s growing innovation capacity. Its latest R1 model outperforms many of the world’s top AI developers across a variety of benchmarks, drawing significant attention from Silicon Valley. This breakthrough showcases Asia’s growing technological prowess in advanced fields, notably AI.
Technological innovation has become a key driver of Asia’s sustainable transformation. From solar panels stretching across China’s western Gobi Desert to smart city networks leveraging digital twin technology in ASEAN countries, Asia is reshaping its development model with cutting-edge technologies, said Wu Xiaochen, vice president of the Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.
Meanwhile, experts at the forum stressed the importance of attuning technological progress to environmental responsibility. They called for stronger policies to ensure that businesses align their innovations with sustainable growth objectives.
CHINA’S ROLE
Asia, particularly China, is seen as a key driver of global growth. The world’s second-largest economy is restructuring by prioritizing high-end manufacturing, digital development and green industries, bringing new opportunities for Asia and beyond.
As a key pillar of Asia’s development, China is pivotal to rebalancing globalization, inclusive growth and regional economic integration, said Zhang Jun, secretary general of the Boao Forum for Asia.
“China’s rapid advancements in digitization, green transition and AI have positioned it as a key driver of global sustainable development,” said Malindog-Uy. “Through cutting-edge research, large-scale industrial transformation and international collaboration, China’s innovation-driven approach benefits global cooperation and economic progress.”
By fostering global partnerships in green energy, digital infrastructure and smart industries, China plays a crucial role in shaping a more resilient and interconnected global economy, she added.
Through multilateral cooperation, China is injecting “Asian momentum” into global growth, translating regional experiences into viable ways for global governance, said Chi Fulin, head of the China Institute for Reform and Development.
