In a major recruitment push, the Indian Railways has issued over 9,000 appointments in the first quarter of the financial year 2025–26 and is on track to offer more than 50,000 jobs by the end of the fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Railways.
Since November 2024, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have conducted computer-based tests (CBTs) for over 1.86 crore candidates across seven different notifications covering a total of 55,197 vacancies. The large-scale examinations are part of a broader recruitment calendar that has so far announced 1.08 lakh vacancies since 2024.
The Railways also plans to extend its recruitment efforts into the next financial year, with another 50,000 appointments expected to be made in FY 2026–27.
Conducting CBTs at such scale is a complex logistical operation. In a move to ease the process for candidates, the Railways has taken the initiative to assign exam centres closer to candidates’ places of residence. Special preference has been given to female candidates and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBDs).
To uphold transparency and fairness, the Railways has introduced Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication for candidate verification — a first for such large-scale government exams. The Ministry reported a success rate of over 95% in the implementation of this digital identity verification system.
Additionally, 100% deployment of electronic jammers has been ensured at all exam centres to prevent cheating through electronic devices.
66th WIPO General Assemblies, July 2025: UK Statement
UK Statement for the World Intellectual Property Organization General Assemblies. Delivered by Mr. Adam Williams, Chief Executive and Comptroller-General of the UK’s Intellectual Property Office.
Thank you Chair.
The UK is pleased to be part of the 66th session of the WIPO Assemblies. We thank you, Chair, Ambassador Suescum, DG Tang, and the Secretariat for preparing this session.
We commend your positive leadership, DG, over the past four years. Systems like the PCT, Hague and Madrid remain essential for all UK businesses, providing cost-effective global IP protection. We value your commitment to keeping these services central to WIPO’s work.
The UK welcomes WIPO’s responsible and prudent financial management, which is especially important in these uncertain times. This General Assembly has several challenging issues to discuss ahead, including WIPO’s program and budget. We encourage all delegations to work towards consensus.
The UK applauds the adoption of the design law and genetic resources treaties last year, clear proof that multilateralism and IP can deliver meaningful progress. We are pleased to announce our intention to sign the Design Law Treaty this week, supporting global designers and small businesses.
We strongly support efforts to build a more inclusive IP system, especially programs for women, youth, and underrepresented groups and initiatives like the Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment.
Looking ahead, with just 17% of SDG targets on track, we welcome WIPO GREEN’s expansion, and the growing recognition of IP’s role in tackling climate change. The UK was pleased to sign a MoU with WIPO Green last year and have since joined its Board to deepen collaboration.
We also value WIPO’s work on IP and frontier technologies and encourage deeper collaboration with Geneva-based partners and global initiatives like the UN Global Digital Compact and AI for Good.
Finally, we thank the Secretariat for its report on assistance for Ukraine’s innovation and creativity sector (document A/66/8). While Ukraine faces an unprecedented level of Russian attacks on its towns and cities, wreaking horrific damage on its people and its creative industries, we salute its resilience and innovation in the face of such criminality, and welcome the support provided by WIPO.
Chair, the UK remains committed to a WIPO that is efficient, inclusive and focused on delivering for global innovators and creators.
July 9, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa to discuss strengthening the longstanding economic and security partnership between Canada and Japan.
Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to be a strategic partner with Japan and to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, through the Canada-Japan Action Plan, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Japan and Canada will cooperate on critical minerals and natural resources and expand regional trade generally. Minister Anand thanked the Chief Cabinet Secretary for his work to further Canada-Japan relations over the years.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
WASHINGTON — Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit this week to the United States Capitol, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the re-establishment of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group.
“This is an important time to bring together a bipartisan delegation of American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss mutual concerns and how to continue strengthening the alliance between our two nations,” Speaker Johnson said. “The House-Knesset Friendship group will be instrumental in building a broad understanding among elected representatives as we pursue together peace in Israel and lasting solutions for the Middle East.”
“The special relationship between the United States and Israel is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests,” Leader Jeffries said. “Congress is committed in a bipartisan way to the safety and security of Israel and its right to exist as a Jewish, Democratic state. The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a critical forum to strengthen our partnership and provides the opportunity for bilateral dialogue at the legislative level during these challenging times.”
“This is a historic milestone in U.S.-Israel relations, with legislative bodies leading the advancement of the partnership and exploring new opportunities,” said Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana. “Since the war began, the U.S. House of Representatives has risen to the occasion, supporting Israel through statements and legislation that have bolstered its security and diplomatic efforts against the ayatollah regime in Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle East. I wish to thank my friend, Speaker Mike Johnson, a true friend of Israel, who today officially launched the House-Knesset Friendship Group. Together, we will continue to strengthen the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.”
The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group brings together selected American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Israeli legislative bodies.
The bipartisan members of the group are as follows:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced a $5 million funding opportunity for up to 14 grants to attract and retain more American workers in Registered Apprenticeship programs and high-growth industries like manufacturing, construction, and cybersecurity.
Administered jointly by the department’s Women’s Bureauand Employment and Training Administration, the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupationsgrant program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain more women in Registered Apprenticeships and high demand occupations. This announcement follows a thorough evaluation and realignment of the program, which will ensure WANTO grants help the department achieve President Trump’s goal of reaching onemillion new active apprentices.
“Under President Trump’s leadership and our shared commitment to transparency, the department has been reviewing all taxpayer-funded grants to ensure they fulfill their intended purpose and help this Administration achieve our workforce goals. That’s why these WANTO grants are specifically tailored to bolstering the number of women in our Registered Apprenticeship programs, which will help fill the thousands of jobs being created under the President’s America First policies,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said.
The WANTO grants will help address the shortage of American workers across in-demand, highly skilled industries like construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, more than 145,000 new apprentices have registered across the nation. Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs and help employers recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce.
Read more about past WANTO grant recipients.
Learn more about how to apply for the 2025 WANTO grants.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 1, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean as well as counties of Bucks and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) in Douglas County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 13-20. Beginning Monday, July 14, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Myrtle Creek and Drain to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
The centers’ hours of operation are as follows:
DOUGLAS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Myrtle Creek Community Center 425 NW Second Ave. Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 Opens at 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 14 Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15
DOUGLAS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Drain Civic Center Meeting Room 205 West A Ave. Drain, OR 97435 Opens at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16 Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17
The following DLOC locations are open on the days and times as shown below:
COOS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Myrtle Point City Hall Conference Room 424 Fifth St. Myrtle Point, OR 97458 Opens at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10 Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Permanently closes at 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 11
DOUGLAS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Roseburg Public Safety Center Third Floor – Salmon Conference Room 303 700 SE Douglas Ave. Roseburg, OR 97470 Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 24, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
MIAMI – A Boca Raton resident pled guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to securities fraud based on an insider trading scheme that netted over $420,000.
According to court documents, during a July 4th gathering in 2020, Charles Lawrence Baugh, Sr. (“Baugh”), 60, learned of a pending partnership between Google LLC and ADT Inc. (“ADT”). Baugh also learned that Google LLC would be making a substantial investment in ADT. At the time, ADT’s shares were publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
A close family member who occupied a senior role at ADT revealed the pending partnership and investment to Baugh. Baugh knew that the news was material, non-public information and that he had a duty to keep the information confidential. Nonetheless, in violation of that duty, Baugh proceeded to purchase in trading accounts he controlled approximately 1,000 ADT call options and 800 ADT shares. Baugh began purchasing the securities on July 6, 2020—the first trading day after the July 4th holiday.
In addition to trading in his own accounts, Baugh traded in ADT securities in the accounts of at least two other family members and convinced two additional family members to buy ADT securities, all while news of the partnership and investment was non-public.
On August 3, 2020, news of the partnership and investment became public. ADT’s share price increased over 50%. Baugh sold all 1,000 call options, netting over $314,000.
As part of his guilty plea, Baugh agreed to forfeit $316,044, all the proceeds from the scheme he personally received.
Baugh’s sentencing will take place before Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, who previously sued and settled with Baugh.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
This is the fifth insider trading conviction in 2025 secured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI Miami Field Office. Convictions were previously obtained in United States v. Federico Nannini et al., 24-20398-CR, and United States v. Stephen George, 25-60011-CR.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80089.
MIAMI – A Boca Raton resident pled guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to securities fraud based on an insider trading scheme that netted over $420,000.
According to court documents, during a July 4th gathering in 2020, Charles Lawrence Baugh, Sr. (“Baugh”), 60, learned of a pending partnership between Google LLC and ADT Inc. (“ADT”). Baugh also learned that Google LLC would be making a substantial investment in ADT. At the time, ADT’s shares were publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
A close family member who occupied a senior role at ADT revealed the pending partnership and investment to Baugh. Baugh knew that the news was material, non-public information and that he had a duty to keep the information confidential. Nonetheless, in violation of that duty, Baugh proceeded to purchase in trading accounts he controlled approximately 1,000 ADT call options and 800 ADT shares. Baugh began purchasing the securities on July 6, 2020—the first trading day after the July 4th holiday.
In addition to trading in his own accounts, Baugh traded in ADT securities in the accounts of at least two other family members and convinced two additional family members to buy ADT securities, all while news of the partnership and investment was non-public.
On August 3, 2020, news of the partnership and investment became public. ADT’s share price increased over 50%. Baugh sold all 1,000 call options, netting over $314,000.
As part of his guilty plea, Baugh agreed to forfeit $316,044, all the proceeds from the scheme he personally received.
Baugh’s sentencing will take place before Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, who previously sued and settled with Baugh.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
This is the fifth insider trading conviction in 2025 secured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI Miami Field Office. Convictions were previously obtained in United States v. Federico Nannini et al., 24-20398-CR, and United States v. Stephen George, 25-60011-CR.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80089.
FBI Seeks to Identify Additional Potential Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged LEE GRANT CLARK, 78, of Stillwater, with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 1, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a five-count Indictment against Clark, charging him with the crimes listed above. According to public record, in October 2024, FBI agents began investigating a computer user requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a file-sharing website. An investigation into the IP address of the user led authorities to Clark’s home in Stillwater. FBI agents spoke with officers with the Stillwater Police Department, who alerted the agents of a report involving Clark’s alleged sexual abuse of two minors around 2004. The Indictment further alleges that Clark produced CSAM on at least two occasions and sexually abused minors under the age of 12.
The FBI is seeking to identify potential additional victims. Anyone with additional information to report can contact the FBI at LGC-Victims@fbi.gov.
If found guilty, Clark faces up to life in federal prison. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Clark is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Stillwater Resident Agency) and the Stillwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
FBI Seeks to Identify Additional Potential Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged LEE GRANT CLARK, 78, of Stillwater, with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 1, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a five-count Indictment against Clark, charging him with the crimes listed above. According to public record, in October 2024, FBI agents began investigating a computer user requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a file-sharing website. An investigation into the IP address of the user led authorities to Clark’s home in Stillwater. FBI agents spoke with officers with the Stillwater Police Department, who alerted the agents of a report involving Clark’s alleged sexual abuse of two minors around 2004. The Indictment further alleges that Clark produced CSAM on at least two occasions and sexually abused minors under the age of 12.
The FBI is seeking to identify potential additional victims. Anyone with additional information to report can contact the FBI at LGC-Victims@fbi.gov.
If found guilty, Clark faces up to life in federal prison. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Clark is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Stillwater Resident Agency) and the Stillwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $81 Million to Upgrade California Airport Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure. The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings.
“Californians and the millions of people who visit our state each year deserve a safe and easy airport travel experience,” said Senator Padilla. “That starts with modernizing and rehabilitating outdated airport infrastructure. These critical investments will not just make travel smoother for passengers, but will reduce noise pollution in neighboring communities.”
“These grants will allow us to make critical investments in our airport infrastructure that will enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors and travelers, improve safety, create more jobs, and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff.
California airports receiving funding include:
Los Angeles International Airport — $22.80 million: This project acquires and installs full noise mitigation measures for 400 residences affected by airport noise exposure.
Van Nuys Airport — $19.45 million: This project reconstructs 3,138 feet of existing paved Taxiway connectors C, D, E, F, H, M, N, P, and Q pavement that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant is associated with an Airports Infrastructure Grant which funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of the final phase, which consists of reconstruction of 1,788 feet.
San Diego International Airport — $15 million: This project acquires and installs full noise mitigation measures for 250 residences affected by airport noise exposure.
San Luis Obispo County RegionalAirport — $8.71 million: This project rehabilitates 6,101 feet of existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. This grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of the total project.
Hollywood-Burbank/Bob Hope Airport — $7.92 million: This project constructs a new 105,816 square yard Terminal Apron to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction of 74,071 square yards.
March Air Reserve Base — $3.27 million: This project reconstructs 13,950 square yards of the existing Golf Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of phase 2, which consists of construction.
Chino Airport — $1.05 million: This project rehabilitates 500 feet of existing paved Taxiway G to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life. It also extends existing Taxiways H and L an additional 1,800 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, while constructing new 1,800-foot Taxiways K, S, and T to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.
A complete list of AIP awards for California airports is available here. Last year, Senator Padilla announced $219.5 million in grant funding from the FAA through the AIP to upgrade aviation infrastructure. He also announced $89.3 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Padilla and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein previously announced a combined $528 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for airport upgrades and modernizations across California.
The 2025 President’s Circle Reception was part of the annual meeting and hosted by AIMBE President, Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D. The event brought together AIMBE Fellows and supporters to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in advancing AIMBE’s mission of advocacy for medical and biological engineering.
Each year, a leader from AIMBE, or the broader medical and biological engineering community, is invited to serve as the designated honored guest. Dr. Cato T. Laurencin of UConn was invited because of his exceptional leadership in biomedical engineering, and his pioneering work in regenerative engineering. His presence highlighted the importance of continued advocacy and engagement at the highest levels of science and policy.
AIMBE is the authoritative voice and advocate for the value of medical and biological engineering to society.
Laurencin is the University Professor at UConn and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the CEO of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute created and named in his honor at UConn.
Laurencin is a fellow of AIMBE and previously served on its board of directors. He served as chair of the College of Fellows for AIMBE. He received the Pierre Galletti Award, the highest honor of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. More recently, Laurencin received the Professional Impact Award for Leadership from AIMBE recognizing his work as the founder of the field of Regenerative Engineering.
In 2025, he has received the Paul Terasaki Innovation Award from the Paul Terasaki Foundation, and the Bioactive Materials Lifetime Achievement Award. He will receive the Dickson Prize in Medicine this year. Many of the Dickson Prize awardees have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize.
Laurencin was bestowed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, under the auspices of King Charles III of England by the Governor General of Saint Lucia. He is recognized as the leading international figure in polymeric biomaterials chemistry and engineering who has made extraordinary scientific contributions and with profound contributions to improving human health.
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Sean-Michael Smith (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials. Smith faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Smith is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in federal court in 2014 of distributing videos and photos of children being sexually abused. Smith was arrested on December 18, 2024, and remains in federal custody pending his sentencing hearing scheduled for September 29, 2025.
According to court records, after serving his federal prison sentence and while on supervised release, Smith admitted to his probation officer that he had drawn sketches depicting nude children and had also accessed the internet several times. On December 10, 2024, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a search of Smith’s residence for contraband evidence. During an interview, Smith admitted that he had accessed child sexual abuse materials online during August, September, and December 2024. He advised that he used a particular device to access these materials. Probation Officers seized this device and turned it over to the FBI for further investigation.
On February 18, 2025, an FBI agent extracted the contents of the device’s computer chip and found approximately 35 photos depicting young children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police marine units rescued six kite surfers who were beset by weather off Ocean Park Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday evening. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector San Juan’s Command Center received report at 5:17 p.m., Tuesday, of a group of kite surfers who were left adrift, between one to two miles offshore, after their kites reportedly failed due to a sudden drop of wind throughout the area. No injuries or medical concerns were reported in this case.
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The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.
The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.
But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.
Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP. (Instagram)
There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.
This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.
There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.
In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.
In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.
Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.
The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.
But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.
Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’
This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.
Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”
These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.
The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.
All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.
Countering the threat
To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.
To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.
It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.
But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.
We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.
It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.
I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.
Dialogue and education are paramount.
Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.
Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Millions of households to be given income boost as Bill progresses through Parliament
Nearly 4 million households will see an annual income boost estimated to be worth £725 cash as a Bill to overhaul the welfare system completes the next stage of its passage through Parliament.
Bill to introduce biggest permanent boost to out-of-work support since 1980 progresses through Parliament.
Legislation will remove perverse disincentives to work that exist in the welfare system while protecting 200,000 of those with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are not expected to ever be able to work.
Alongside the Bill, disabled people and those with health conditions will have legal protections to try work without fear of reassessment.
Reforms to the welfare system aimed at improving living standards across the country and breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Nearly 4 million households will see an annual income boost estimated to be worth £725 cash as a Bill to overhaul the welfare system completes the next stage of its passage through Parliament.
For the first time ever, the Universal Credit standard allowance will permanently rise above inflation, amounting to £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over.
This is the highest permanent real terms increase to the main rate of out-of-work support since 1980, according to the IFS.
Reforms set out in the Universal Credit Bill will look to rebalance the core payment and health top up in Universal Credit (UC). This will address the fundamental imbalance in the system which creates perverse incentives that drive people into dependency.
The Bill, which will legislate to make these changes, today successfully cleared the House of Commons. It will now be introduced into the House of Lords to continue its passage through Parliament towards Royal Assent.
Alongside these changes, we have published significant new measures, giving people receiving health and disability benefits the right to try work without fear of reassessment.
The new Right to Try Guarantee enshrines this in law for the first time and includes disabled people and people with health conditions – such as those recovering from illness – who want to return to work now their health has improved.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:
Our reforms are built on the principle of fairness, fixing a system that for too long has left people trapped in a cycle of dependence.
We are giving extra support to millions of households across the country, while offering disabled people the chance to work without fear of the repercussions if things don’t work out.
These reforms will change the lives of people across the country, so they have a real chance for a better future.
As part of our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and severely disabled, 200,000 in the Severe Conditions Criteria group – individuals with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are unlikely to recover – will not be called for a UC reassessment.
All existing recipients of the UC health element and new customers with 12 months or less to live or who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will also see their standard allowance combined with their UC health element rise at least in line with inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30.This means they can live with dignity and security, knowing the reforms to the welfare system mean it will always be there to support them.
We are also putting disabled people at the heart of a ministerial review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms and co-produced with disabled people, along with the organisations that represent them, experts, MPs and other stakeholders – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.
We will be engaging widely over the summer to design the process for the review and consider how it can best be co-produced to ensure that expertise from a range of different perspectives is drawn upon.
These reforms are underpinned by a major investment in employment support for sick and disabled people – worth £3.8 billion over the Parliament. Funding will be brought forward for tailored employment, health and skills support to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into work as part of our Pathways to Work guarantee.
This investment will accelerate the pace of new investments in employment support programmes, building on and learning from successes such as the Connect to Work programme, which are already rolling out to provide disabled people and people with health conditions with one-to-one support at the point when they feel ready to work.
The reforms build on the Get Britain Working White Paper that will overhaul Jobcentres, empower Mayors and local leaders to tackle inactivity, and deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, as part of the Government’s ambition to deliver an 80% employment rate.
Further information
The Universal Credit standard allowance is set to be around £250 higher than an inflation only increases.
The UC Bill legislates for:
Rebalancing of UC health and standard elements to address the fundamental imbalance in the system which creates perverse incentives that drive people into dependency through:
Increasing the UC standard allowance above inflation for the next four years – worth an estimated £725 by 2029/30 for a single adult aged 25 or over.
Reducing the health top-up for new claims to £50 per week from April 2026.
Ensuring that all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria and/or that has their claims considered under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) – will receive the higher UC health payment after April 2026.
Exemptions from reassessment for those with the most severe, lifelong conditions.
More women and their children leaving violence now have safe, secure place to stay as 44 new shelter and transitional housing spaces have opened in Kelowna.
“Making sure women and children escaping violence can live safely, comfortably and affordably is essential to helping them recover and move forward,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Adding new shelter beds and transitional homes in Kelowna is offering hope, stability and the opportunity to live free from abuse.”
The Province, through BC Housing, provided more than $5 million to the new Alexandra Gardner Women and Children Safe Centre (AG House) through a shovel-ready housing grant. A redevelopment of a former 20-space shelter, the newly built five-storey building features 20 shelter spaces for women and an additional 24 transitional studio homes for women and their children leaving violence.
“Our government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing need and homelessness,” said Stephen Fuhr, federal Secretary of State and MP for Kelowna. “This is why the Government of Canada has invested in AG House here in Kelowna. These new shelter beds and homes mean that women and their families will have a place to turn to where they will have the support they need to rebuild their lives, heal and gain independence. It’s another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”
NOW Canada will operate the new AG House, which includes two separate entrances for the women’s shelter and transition homes. The building has a full commercial kitchen, dining area and lounge, as well as laundry facilities. NOW Canada staff will be available on site to provide 24/7 support to clients.
“NOW Canada is proud to partner with all levels of government to redevelop our shelter and add 24 transitional housing suites for women and children in Kelowna,” said Liz Talbott, executive director, NOW Canada. “This is a vital step toward addressing the shortage of shelter beds, affordable housing and essential services for vulnerable women in our community.”
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the province has more than 93,250 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 2,200 homes in Kelowna.
In addition, through Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund, the Province is working in partnership to deliver and operate 3,000 new transition, second-stage and long-term affordable housing spaces for women and children in the province. To date, more than 1,200 units are complete or underway throughout the province.
Quotes:
Jennifer Blatherwick, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for gender equity –
“Every person has the right to feel safe, valued and empowered in their home and community. However, too many people face a risk of violence, which is why more safe housing in Kelowna will provide a foundation for healing, refuge and care.”
Tom Dyas, mayor of Kelowna –
“Everyone deserves to be safe and have access to the supports they need. This new centre provides women and children in crisis with a secure, caring environment to begin rebuilding their lives. Thank you to all the partners who came together to make this possible.”
Quick Facts:
As with all projects for women and children leaving violence, the project address has not been disclosed for safety reasons.
Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence action plan was released in December 2023.
The action plan reports on vital work underway across government to address gender-based violence.
Initiatives were developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners, and with advice from community service providers and advocates.
Learn More:
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
For provincial supports available for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual assault or domestic violence, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/domestic-violence
To learn more about Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-based Violence Action Plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gender-equity/ending-gender-based-violence
For the most-requested Government of Canada housing information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/manage/housing.html
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, Waikato Field Crime Manager:
Police have charged a 20-year-old man with murder following an incident at a house on Bellmont Avenue in Chartwell, Hamilton last night.
Police were called to the property at 6.40pm and located a 31-year-old man deceased.
The alleged offender, who was known to the victim, had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
A search for the alleged offender immediately commenced, including the deployment of Eagle helicopter to Waikato District to assist.
At around 12.20am, the alleged offender stole a car from a motorist at gunpoint. The motorist had stopped to pick up the man, who was hitchhiking on Gordonton Road. Fortunately the motorist was not injured but they were understandably shaken by the incident.
At around 12.40am a police dog unit spotted the stolen car and pursued it north to Ngāruawāhia, where road spikes were deployed. The car came to a stop in Ngāruāwahia and the alleged offender was arrested.
The 20-year-old man has been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and failing to stop for police.
He is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Sporting icon Robert de Castella presents cyclist Jay Vine with the 2024 Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport Award
In brief:
Winners of the CBR Sport Awards 2024 have been announced.
Awards are given to the ACT’s top athletes, teams and special contributors.
This article lists the winners and Hall of Fame inductees.
Canberra’s top athletes, sporting teams and special contributors have been acknowledged at the 2024 CBR Sport Awards.
The city’s sporting community came together to celebrate their outstanding achievements, both in the past year and over time.
CBR Sport Awards 2024 winners
Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport Jay Vine – Cycling
Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport Jade Melbourne – Basketball
Athlete of the Year – Para Sport James Turner – Athletics
Team of the Year Canberra Brave – Ice Hockey
Rising Star Cameron Myers – Athletics
The Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Awards, which form part of the CBR Sport Awards were also awarded.
These seek to recognise some of the great activities happening in ACT sporting clubs and organisations.
Ministers Award for Event Excellence Softball ACT – 2024 Gilley’s Shield
Ministers Award for Innovation Bowls ACT – Graded Reserve Open Gender Championships
Hall of Fame inductees
Four new inductees were welcomed into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame this year.
The ACT Sport Hall of Fame is located at the Sporting Commons at the University of Canberra.
It began in 1995 and recognises both athletes (Full Member) and non-athletes – including coaches, officials, sport scientists, journalists and administrators (Associate Member) from the region.
This year the ACT Sport Hall of Fame welcomed:
Katrina Fanning – Full Member – Rugby League
Brad Haddin – Full Member – Cricket
Carrie Graf – Associate Member – Basketball
Ron Harvey – Associate Member – Basketball
Sport in Canberra
Sport unites the Canberra community, building pride in the city and breaking down barriers of culture, class and gender.
The ACT has a proud sporting culture, boasting the highest sporting participation rates in the country.
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
Defendant used violence & drug withdrawals to sex traffic women, caused overdose death
COLUMBUS, Ohio – David Price, 56, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life plus a consecutive 65 years in prison for his role in a narcotics distribution ring involving bulk amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and other narcotics. The defendant purposefully provided a narcotics mix to cause the overdose death of an adult female because she was talking to the police about his drug trafficking. Price also sex-trafficked victims through drug withdrawals and violence.
A federal jury found Price guilty on all counts following a trial in January and February before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
As part of this case, which charged 25 total defendants, the government seized more than $1.7 million, 50 firearms and nine vehicles, including a motorcycle.
A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.
A superseding indictment returned in October 2022 charged additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.
Price, who is also known as “DP,” was charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024 with 11 drug, firearm and sex trafficking crimes.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Price was part of a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as marijuana, oxycodone and alprazolam. The drug trafficking organization operated from January 2008 until it was dismantled by law enforcement in 2022.
Drug offenses took place at residences on Burgess and Harris avenues, which are within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.
In July 2021, Price distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine that resulted in the overdose death of an adult female. The testimony at trial indicated he purposefully killed her because she was talking to the police about his drug business.
The government also proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Price conspired to commit sex trafficking. From 2016 until 2022, Price and other members of the conspiracy would force and/or coerce adult female drug addicts into performing commercial sex acts by providing, withholding, or threatening to withhold controlled substances and lodging. Investigation showed that various women would be allowed to stay at a drug residence associated with Price, receive a front of drugs so they were not in active withdrawal, go to Sullivant Avenue and have sex for money, pay the debt from the front drugs, and then be allowed to remain at the house.
Price was also found guilty of three counts of sex trafficking related to his violence and coercion of three adult females. The testimony at trial indicated that he would lock the females inside his residence for days or weeks at a time and refuse to let them leave, forcing them to engage in sex acts. One victim was locked in a dog cage, shot and stabbed by Price. Another was restrained. A third was beaten and choked and left with a black eye. Price would refuse to provide them drugs unless or until they engaged in the sex acts, forcing them into withdrawal if they did not comply.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which is now part of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TEVIN BORNES (“BORNES”), age 31, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana,pled guilty on July 2, 2025, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
According to court documents, in response to a complaint, law enforcement searched BORNES’ apartment on July 31, 2023 and seized 12.5 grams of marijuana, 47.74 grams of pure crystal methamphetamine, 9.75 grams of cocaine base, 137.22 grams of methamphetamine, 14.5 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 4 firearms, including: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, equipped with a machinegun conversion device, a Pioneer Arms Model Sporter, 7.62 millimeter caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Del-Ton DTI-15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
BORNES pled guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of the indictment. Count 1 of the indictment charged BORNES with possession, with intent to distribute, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 2 charged BORNES with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i). For this offense, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised release.
Count 3 charged BORNES with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
Count 4 charged BORNES with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). For this offense, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each of the charged counts, BORNES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kenner Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for New Delhi after wrapping up his five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X: “A highly productive and successful five-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia concludes. PM @narendramodi has departed for New Delhi.”
PM Modi began his five-nation tour on July 2 and concluded it on July 9. Namibia was the final stop on his itinerary.
As Hubble marks three and a half decades of scientific breakthroughs and technical resilience, the “Hubble at 35 Years” symposium offers a platform to reflect on the mission’s historical, operational, and scientific legacy. Hubble’s trajectory—from early challenges to becoming a symbol of American scientific ingenuity—presents valuable lessons in innovation, collaboration, and crisis response. Bringing together scientists, engineers, and historians at NASA Headquarters ensures that this legacy informs current and future mission planning, including operations for the James Webb Space Telescope, Roman Space Telescope, and other next-generation observatories. The symposium not only honors Hubble’s transformative contributions but also reinforces NASA’s commitment to learning from the past to shape a more effective and ambitious future for space science.
Lessons Learned in Scientific Discovery and NASA Flagship Mission Operations October 16–17, 2025James Webb Auditorium, NASA HQ, Washington, D.C.
The story of the Hubble Space Telescope confirms its place as the most transformative and significant astronomical observatory in history. Once called “the eighth wonder of the world” by a former NASA administrator, Hubble’s development since its genesis in the early 1970s and its launch, repair, and ultimate impact since 1990 provide ample opportunity to apply insights from its legacy. Scientists and engineers associated with groundbreaking discoveries have always operated within contexts shaped by forces including the government, private industry, the military, and the public at large. The purpose of this symposium is to explore the insights from Hubble’s past and draw connections that can inform the development of mission work today and for the future.
Listen to this audio excerpt from Joe Pavicic, Artemis operations project engineer
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Joe Pavicic will never forget when he told the Artemis launch director teams were NO-GO for launch. Before Artemis I lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in November 2022, the launch team made multiple launch attempts the months prior. “During a previous Artemis I launch attempt, there was an issue with engine three,” said Pavicic, operations project engineer who worked on the engines console during Artemis I. “One sensor was showing that it wasn’t seeing liquid hydrogen through it. It was showing that it was at ambient temperature.”
Joe pavicic Operations Project Engineer
Prior to engine ignition, launch team controllers must first chill the engines before the cryogenic liquid propellant fuels and lifts the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft into the heavens and onward to the Moon. Chilling the engines ensures the hardware doesn’t get damaged when exposed to the super-cooled liquid hydrogen at -423 degrees Fahrenheit.
“We tried everything we could think of,” Pavicic recalls. “Any procedure we could try, we tried it, and we just never saw those rates that we should have.” Thus, Pavicic, who is originally from West Palm Beach and studied aerospace engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, went back to the drawing board with the rest of his team, working days and nights rewriting procedures and learning new lessons about the engines and sensors until they were finally able to get to a successful launch.
joe pavicic Operations Project Engineer
NASA successfully launched and flew the Artemis I mission and now, Pavicic is working as one of the operations project engineers, continuing to help the launch team develop new launch commit criteria and procedures within the launch countdown ahead of Artemis II, the first crewed Artemis mission, which will send four astronauts around the Moon and back in 10 days next year.
Citizen science projects result in an overwhelmingly positive impact on the polar tourism experience. That’s according to a new paper analyzing participant experiences in the first two years of FjordPhyto, a NASA Citizen Science project.. The FjordPhyto citizen science project invites travelers onboard expedition cruise vessels to gather data and samples during the polar summer season, helping researchers understand changes in microalgae communities in response to melting glaciers. Travelers in Antarctica from November to March help collect phytoplankton and ocean data from polar regions facilitated by trained expedition guides. The new research found that ninety-seven percent of respondents reported that participating in citizen science enriched their travel experience. The paper provides a first understanding of the impact of citizen science projects on the tourism experience. “I was worried that I would feel guilty being a tourist in a place as remote and untouched as Antarctica,” said one anonymous FjordPhyto participant. “But being able to learn and be a part of citizen science, whilst constantly being reminded of our environmental responsibilities, made me feel less like just a visitor and more a part of keeping the science culture that Antarctica is known for alive and well.” For more information and to sign up, visit the FjordPhyto website.