Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to the Founding Father and the First President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma at the Heroes Acre memorial.
Prime Minister remembered Dr. Sam Nujoma as a visionary leader who devoted his life to the struggle for Namibia’s independence. As the first President of free Namibia, Dr. Nujoma made inspiring contribution to the country’s nation making. His legacy continues to inspire people across the world.
Dr. Sam Nujoma was a great friend of India. His august presence during the establishment of the first ever-diplomatic mission of Namibia [SWAPO at that time] in 1986 in New Delhi will always be cherished and fondly remembered by the people of India.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.
H.E. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea today received H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission & his accompanying delegation that included Deputy Chairperson @DCP_Haddadi & Chief of Staff @souefmo_elamine at the State House in Malabo, ahead of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) of the AU, RECs, & RMs, scheduled for 10–13 July 2025.
The Chairperson expressed appreciation to President Obiang for the warm welcome graciously hosting the Meeting & for his continued support for the work of the Union. President Obiang reaffirmed his Government’s full readiness to host the MYCM.
Convened under the auspices of the AU Commission & the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the Meeting will bring together the AU Bureau, Heads of RECs, senior AUC officials, AU specialized bodies, and institutional partners to advance continental coordination and integration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss the Radical Democrats who are violently attacking ICE agents.
Excerpts from Sens. Tuberville and Scott’s interview can be found below or on YouTube or Rumble.
KUDLOW: “I want to get down to the point. You’ve got people shooting at ICE agents and Border Patrol agents, right? And cops in general. And according to the Daily Caller and according to Axios and some other sources now, the Democratic Party—the people at the bottom and the constituencies and so forth at the grassroots—are urging their leaders to urge this kind of violence. In fact, they’re telling their leaders to take a shot in order to show their resistance to Trump. This is insanity. In America, we don’t shoot cops, Senator Tuberville. What you have to say about this?”
TUBERVILLE: “Well, first of all, it was a disaster what the Biden administration did for four years—open borders, it was insane. Senator Scott and I went down several times. You can’t put a number on what it is number one, gonna cost the American taxpayers over the next years to get all these illegals back out of the country. But the law and order in this country—and Rick will talk about this too—is vital. You can be educated, you can have money, you can have everything you want as an American citizen—if you don’t have safe streets and neighborhoods, you don’t have anything. And so, we have to take our country back. The Democrats did this on purpose. It was all by design. They want to run over our law and order. They want social justice people running our police departments. That’s not gonna happen. I’m all for ICE. If you need to defend yourself, shoot back. Do not take this from these people. Do not take it from the Democrats. We have to take our country and neighborhoods back.”
KUDLOW: “Yeah. If you need to defend yourself, shoot back. That has to happen, Senator Scott. And you know, we had Tom Homan on just at the top of the show. A terrific man, really. A great patriot doing the job. We can’t let up. They’re crazy—they’re crazy people shooting now. They’re crazy people who illegally walked into this country. And they’re murderers. And they’re rapists, sex traffickers, drug traffickers. That battle’s not over yet, Senator Scott. We’ve got a lot of work to do. You all just put $175 billion dollars for it into the One Big Beautiful Bill. This has got to change.”
SCOTT: “But, it’s like who do these Democrats represent? They’re insane. I mean, they represent actual criminals. People that are selling drugs to our kids to kill them. People that have murdered and raped people—[the Democrats are] out trying to make sure they don’t go to jail. And then the people that are trying to put them in jail, they wanna kill them, these ICE agents and Border Patrol. These Democrats have gone crazy, but this is—as Coach Tuberville said—this is all designed by the Democrats. They wanted to change this country by opening up the border to criminals and drug traffickers and terrorists, and they’ve done it. Donald Trump has got his work cut out for him, but he’s gonna do it. We’re gonna clean up this country.”
KUDLOW: “You know, Senator Tuberville, I got a guy up here in New York. Trump calls him ‘Mamdani the Commi.’ This guy wants the city to run grocery stores. He wants to defund the police, and he’s a tremendous antisemite. Hates Jewish people. He claims he’s not gonna let ICE into his sanctuary city. I mean, he’s a Democrat. Okay? This is insanity. Utter insanity. The Democrats have been the stupid party. This makes them even stupider.”
TUBERVILLE: “Well, you know, he’s showing his stripes. And I don’t think this will fly, even with the people in New York. You never know. But at the end of the day, the guy is truly a communist. He believes in the government taking care of everybody, and that doesn’t work in the greatest country ever. You can just go to Venezuela, some of the other countries. If he does win, you can sack the bats in New York, Larry. We will take you in Alabama in a heartbeat. We’ll put you a TV studio up, and we’ll let you preach the gospel from the State of Alabama.”
KUDLOW: “You know I love the gospel, Senator. You got me there. Senator Scott, you know it too. Gentlemen, you’re both terrific. Thank you so much for coming on. Appreciate it very much.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
There has been long-standing public and clinical debate over the frequency and severity of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Some reviews have argued they are common, severe, and often mistaken for relapse.
We invited journalists to the SMC last summer to hear details of a German meta-analysis of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms which suggested that one in six people experience one or more discontinuation symptoms when coming off antidepressants.
UK researchers have also been looking into this, with more of a focus on the nature of the discontinuation symptoms. This is particularly important in helping clinicians and patients identify them and to distinguish them from relapse. This analysis, published in JAMA Psychiatry, looked at additional RCT data as well as unpublished data from 11 trials which have never been included in a systematic review on this topic. It helps provide new insight into the specific type of discontinuation symptoms experienced, whether they vary by antidepressant, and is able to unpick which symptoms are most likely to be associated with antidepressant discontinuation.
The authors were at the SMC to explain their findings, how they fit into previous work on this topic, and discuss the clinical implications.
Speakers included:
Michail Kalfas, Research Assistant, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London
Dr Sameer Jauhar, Clinical Reader in Affective Disorders and Psychosis, Division of Psychiatry Imperial College London
Professor Allan Young, Head of Division and Clinical Chair in Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London
Dr Gemma Lewis,Associate Professor in Epidemiology & Applied Clinical Research, University College London
This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at antibiotic use for UTIs during pregnancy (first trimester) and the risk of birth defects.
Dr Caroline Ovadia, Clinical Senior Lecturer & Honorary Consultant Obstetrician, University of Edinburgh,said:
“Antibiotic usage is common in pregnancy, and untreated urinary tract infections are thought to be associated with increased risks of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth. Previous smaller studies have variably suggested that the antibiotic trimethoprim used in the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of fetal development concerns, which may occur by its mechanism of action – trimethoprim can block the action of folic acid, which we know is important in early fetal development. This study reports results from a much larger group of patients, and shows that, for those given trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole as a combined antibiotic, the rate of congenital anomaly is very slightly higher – with approximately 1 out of every 145 more patients having a baby with a congenital anomaly than happens with those treated for a urinary tract infection with the penicillin group of antibiotics. This supports current practice recommendations to select alternative antibiotics in the first trimester of pregnancy (while organ development is happening for the fetus), and again the general principles of prescribing in pregnancy: to use the appropriate medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest effective time. Reassuringly for patients, the antibiotic nitrofurantion was not found to be associated with higher risks of fetal anomalies when used in the first trimester for urinary tract infection treatment, which had been previously suggested in some evidence; similarly the absolute risk of congenital anomalies with antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infection in pregnancy remains low, supporting the benefit of appropriate clinician-led treatment of urinary tract infection in pregnancy.”
‘First-Trimester Antibiotic Use for Urinary Tract Infection and Risk of Congenital Malformations’ by Osmundson et al. was published in JAMA Network Open at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 9th July.
DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.19544
Declared interests
Dr Carolina Ovadia “I have previously consulted for Mirum Pharmaceuticals and participated in research supported by Mirum Pharmaceutical funding, and been supported to attend scientific meetings by Dr Falk Pharma.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at antidepressant withdrawal symptoms.
Dr Susannah Murphy, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, said:
“People taking antidepressants are understandably concerned about what might happen when they stop, particularly about the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. This study is an important contribution to the field, providing a comprehensive review of the current evidence on antidepressant discontinuation. Its strengths lie in the large amount of data analysed—over 50 studies representing more than 17,000 patients—and the useful comparison it makes between those stopping antidepressants and those in placebo group.
“The findings suggest that while some individuals may experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vertigo, or nervousness, the vast majority do not. This indicates it could be helpful for clinicians to inform patients about these potential effects, while also reassuring them that such symptoms are not common.
“It’s important to note that the studies included only measured discontinuation symptoms in the first two weeks after stopping medication, so we still need more research to understand how long these effects might last. The study was also not able to assess the severity of the symptoms, and this is important to consider in future studies”
Prof Katharina Domschke, Full Professor of Psychiatry and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Germany, said:
“The methodologically very robustly collected and analyzed data reported in the study by Henssler et al. (Lancet Psychiatry, 2024) is now supported by the present results published in JAMA Psychiatry, showing only small numbers of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms in some cases.
“The study is characterized by an excellent methodological quality being the most comprehensive meta-analysis on the topic to date including 50 studies, 38 of which had an observation period longer than two weeks, the critical time frame during which discontinuation symptoms are expected to occur. With over 17,000 participants, the analysis provides high statistical power. The results are stratified by different antidepressants and specific individual symptoms. Two sub-meta-analyses were conducted: one employing the Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms (DESS) scale, which is the most established standardized instrument for assessing discontinuation symptoms; the other using various outcome parameters.
“An interesting aspect is the breakdown by individual antidepressants, with angomelatine and vortioxetine—the latter unfortunately no longer reimbursed by health insurance in Germany—showing a particularly favorable profile.
“The present study is very welcome in hopefully correcting worried patients’ impression that antidepressants could cause high rates of withdrawal symptoms as stated by a recent study by Horowitz et al. published in Psychiatry Res. 2025, which, however, is methodologically much weaker than the present one with only 310 patients included in a very specific primary care setting, a very poor response rate of 18% introducing a major bias, and no standardized quantitative outcome measure.
“It is possible that certain subgroups of patients experience more pronounced discontinuation symptoms than others. Future research efforts should focus on identifying the underlying biological and psychological mechanisms—for example, whether these patients metabolize the medications differently, possess a specific genetic background, or whether comorbidities and concomitant medications might account for these reactions.
“This new study is extremely welcome in terms of helping to destigmatize antidepressants. Along these lines, in light of the present results in synopsis with the ones reported by Henssler et al in Lancet Psychiatry in 2024, it is high time to stop referring to ‘withdrawal symptoms’ and instead use the term ‘discontinuation symptoms.’ The term ‘withdrawal’ is traditionally reserved for the context of substance dependence, which, in the case of antidepressants, is simply incorrect.”
Prof Christiaan Vinkers,Psychiatrist and Professor of Stress and Resilience, Amsterdam UMC, said:
“This is an important and timely study. The topic of antidepressant withdrawal has generated much discussion and concern, although sometimes more heat than light. This new systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry brings welcome clarity by using rigorous methods and placebo-controlled comparisons. The findings show that, on average, people who stop taking antidepressants experience about one additional discontinuation symptom, most often dizziness, compared to those continuing treatment or stopping placebo. Crucially, the overall symptom burden remained below the threshold for clinically significant withdrawal syndrome. The study also found no increase in depressive symptoms shortly after discontinuation, suggesting that early mood worsening is not a common withdrawal effect but more likely signals relapse.
“Importantly, the authors include unpublished trial data and take into account the nocebo effect, which may inflate perceived symptom rates in open-label studies or uncontrolled settings. This helps temper some of the more alarming claims about universal and severe withdrawal. At the same time, the study acknowledges limitations, including short treatment durations and lack of real-world tapering strategies in most included trials. We still need more data on long-term users, individual vulnerability, and best practices for discontinuation.
“Overall, this is high-quality research that strengthens the evidence base and promotes a more balanced and science-based understanding of antidepressant discontinuation. IIt reminds us that while withdrawal symptoms do occur in a minority of cases, they are on average typically not severe and manageable, especially with proper clinical support.”
‘Incidence and Nature of Antidepressant Discontinuation Symptoms, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’ by Michail Kalfas et al. was published in JAMA Psychiatry at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 9th July.
DOI:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.1362
Declared interests
Dr Susannah Murphy: SEM has received consultancy fees from Zogenix, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, UCB Pharma and Janssen Pharmaceuticals and held grant income from Zogenix, UCB Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals and ADM.
Prof Katharina Domschke: Speaker’s fees by Janssen
Member of the Neurotorium editorial board, Lundbeck Foundation
Prof Christiaan Vinkers: I am involved in publically ZonMW-funded research on antidepressant discontinuation, including the TEMPO and HARMONIE studies. I am affiliated with the antidepressant discontinuation outpatient clinic in Amsterdam (www.afbouwpoli.nl), and I serve as a member of the Dutch multidisciplinary guideline committee on psychotropic drug discontinuation. I have received a speaker’s fee from Tiofarma, but no financial ties to pharmaceutical companies relevant to this work.
As Northern Ireland prepares for a spell of hot weather, the RNLI is urging families to enjoy themselves but to put safety first.
The RNLI is asking anyone planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following this advice:
Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flag.
Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
If you fall into the water unexpectedly, Float to Live.
In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI lifeguards will be providing a daily patrol between 10am and 6pm on beaches at Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush East and Portrush West Strands, Whiterocks and Ballycastle on the Causeway Coast and Tyrella, Cranfield and Murlough in County Down. Lifeguards are trained in casualty care and water rescue and will be on hand to offer water safety advice to the public and provide information on sea conditions that day.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said: “We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in high temperatures. Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags. Remember where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.
“If you find yourself in trouble, Float to Live. Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it, could save your life. Whether you get into difficulty in the water at the coast or on any of our inland waters, Float to Live: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”
A NEW zebra crossing is due to be put in place near a school in a residential area of Leicester.
Work is due to begin on the scheme at Avebury Avenue, to install the new zebra crossing on the route which is used by parents and pupils at nearby Alderman Richard Hallam Primary School.
The work will get underway from Monday (14 Jul) and is expected to take up to four weeks to complete. The road will remain open during the works, but temporary stop and go signs will be in place.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “This is part of an ongoing programme of work in neighbourhoods across the city, where people have raised concerns, input ideas or highlighted possible areas for improvement.
“By working with local communities in this way, we are able to invest in highways schemes that make a real difference to the daily lives of residents.”
Installation of the new crossing will cost around £16,000 and is part of a rolling programme of pedestrian crossing improvements across the city.
Works to improve the school crossing on St Barnabas Road, close to St Barnabas Primary School, are due to get under way in the coming weeks. Full details will be publicised nearer the time.
East Gwillimbury, Ontario, July 9, 2025 — East Gwillimbury will expand its active transportation network thanks to a joint investment of $7.6 million with the federal government and York Region.
The project will build 1.5 kilometres of new multi-use path along Yonge Street in the downtown core. Work will include installing wayfinding signage and beautifying the streetscape with plantings, benches and seating walls. By establishing an accessible link between the Nokiidaa Trail and the Doane Road Pedestrian Bridge, this project will provide a vibrant streetscape enhancement through the core of Holland Landing, while extending York Region’s Lake-to-Lake trail network.
Walking, cycling, rolling and other methods of active transportation are healthy, convenient, affordable and sustainable ways for residents to get around. Once complete, this project will help make getting around East Gwillimbury easier and more enjoyable. It will help encourage more people to get out of their cars and onto the trails, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 20 of Canada’s newest citizens from four countries. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge James Clover.
Calgary, July 9, 2025—The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 20 of Canada’s newest citizens from four countries. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge James Clover.
Thursday, July 10, 2025
9:45 a.m. (Mountain time)
Calgary, Alberta
Notes for media:
Media must register in advance by sharing their name, title, email address and outlet with IRCC.Info-Info.IRCC@cic.gc.ca by Wednesday, July 9, at 5 p.m., Eastern time. Please include “RSVP for July 10 citizenship ceremony” in the email subject line.
Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. (Mountain time).
Photography and video are permitted during the ceremony.
For more information (media only):
Media Relations People and Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 media@cic.gc.ca
A widespread late-June heatwave impacted much of the central and eastern U.S., and brought record-setting temperatures. More than 100 million people across 726 counties experienced record heat from June 22–25.
Map of the U.S. selected significant climate anomalies and events in June 2025
Other Highlights:
Temperature
June U.S. Mean Temperature Departures from Average Map
The average temperature for the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) in June 2025 was 71.2°F, 2.8°F above the 20th-century average, and ranked seventh warmest in the 131-year record. Temperatures were above average across most of the Lower 48, with much-above-average warmth affecting large areas of the western third of the country, along with parts of the Florida Peninsula, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Great Lakes regions. Rhode Island saw its second-warmest June on record and its warmest for nighttime minimum temperatures, which were 5.8°F above average.
Alaska’s average temperature for June was 50.8°F, 1.6°F above the long-term average and ranking in the warmest third of the 101-year record. While parts of the southeast Panhandle were slightly cooler than average, the North Slope was notably warm at more than 3 degrees above average.
The average temperature for the CONUS during the first half of 2025 (January–June) was 49.6°F, 2.1°F above the 20th-century average, ranking in the warmest third of the 131-year record. All states recorded temperatures above their long-term averages for the six-month period, with much-above-average warmth observed across parts of the West, Southwest and portions of the East Coast. Alaska’s year-to-date average temperature was 26.8°F, 5.5°F above its long-term average, tying as the fourth-warmest January–June in the 101-year record.
Precipitation
June 2025 U.S. Total Precipitation Percentiles
The average precipitation for the contiguous U.S. in June was 3.22 inches, 0.30 inch above the long-term average, ranking in the wettest third of the 131-year record. Much of the Southwest, the southern and central Plains, the middle and upper Mississippi Valley, parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region and areas of the Deep South recorded above-average rainfall. In contrast, drier-than-average conditions prevailed from the central West Coast through the Northwest and into the Rockies. The Northwest region experienced its third-driest June on record—and driest since 2003—with Washington and Oregon each receiving less than half an inch of rain for the month. Parts of north-central California and south-central Washington recorded no measurable rainfall for the entire month.
For the January–June period, the CONUS averaged 15.70 inches of precipitation, 0.40 inch above the long-term average, ranking in the middle third of the 131-year record. Most of the western half of the country, along with a narrow band from the central Plains through the mid-Mississippi Valley and parts of the Southeast, were drier than average. Above-average precipitation was recorded from the southern Plains through the lower Mississippi and Ohio Valleys into the Northeast, as well as in parts of the northern Plains and upper Mississippi Valley.
Alaska received 2.32 inches of precipitation in June, which was near the long-term average. Conditions were drier than average across the eastern interior and North Slope but wetter than normal in the western and southwestern parts of the state. For the first half of the year, Alaska recorded 16.58 inches of precipitation, 2.96 inches above average, marking its fifth-wettest start to the year on record.
Drought
According to the July 1 U.S. Drought Monitor report, about 32.4% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, an increase of approximately 2.8% since the beginning of the month. Drought developed or intensified across much of the Northwest through the Rocky Mountains and in small areas of the Alaskan interior. Conversely, drought contracted or was reduced in intensity across parts of the Southwest and southern Texas, the central and northern Plains, the upper Mississippi Valley and parts of Florida.
Monthly Outlook
July temperatures are expected to be above normal across the entire contiguous U.S., with the highest likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions in the Mountain West, southern Texas and throughout much of the Great Lakes and the Northeast. For rainfall, parts of the Northwest and the southern and central Plains are expected to be drier than normal, while the interior East is favored to have a wetter-than-average July. Drought is likely to persist across much of the western U.S. in July, with some further development in the Northwest, while improvement is expected across southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico and far West Texas, where above-average rainfall is favored.
Visit the Climate Prediction Center’s Official 30-Day Forecasts and U.S. Monthly Drought Outlook website for more details.
Significant wildland fire potential is above normal for July across the Northwest, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For additional information on wildland fire potential, visit the National Interagency Fire Center’s One-Month Wildland Fire Outlook.
For more detailed climate information, check out our comprehensive June 2025 U.S. Climate Report scheduled for release on July 14, 2025. For additional information on the statistics provided here, visit the Climate at a Glance and National Maps webpages.
Sanctuary politicians, like Governor Walz, defend these heinous criminals over American citizens
ICE arrested Pao Angelo Vang, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 2nd degree sexual assault of a child, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Thong Lao, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 2nd degree sexual assault of a child, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Tou Pao Lee, a Thai criminal illegal alien convicted of soliciting a minor, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Va Vang, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 1st degree sexual assault, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Xiong Pao Vang, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Yee Shae, a Thai criminal illegal alien convicted of 1st degree sexual abuse of a minor, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Yia Xiong, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, on June 6, 2025.
ICE arrested Pok Vue, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct, on June 10, 2025.
ICE arrested Hue Nai Cheng, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, on June 11, 2025.
ICE arrested Vang Neng Lao, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct, on June 11, 2025.
ICE arrested Dao Moua, a Laotian criminal illegal alien convicted of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, on June 6, 2025.
“These pedophiles and sex offenders are the sickos our brave ICE law enforcement are putting their lives on the line to arrest and remove from American communities,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.“Governor Walz and his fellow sanctuary politicians are fighting to keep these sex offenders and other criminal illegal aliens in our country. Instead of comparing ICE to the Nazi-Gestapo, Governor Walz should be thanking our law enforcement for removing these pedophiles from Minnesota.”
70% of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges. Additionally, many illegal aliens categorized as “non-criminals” are actually terrorists, human rights abusers, gang members and more—they just don’t have a rap sheet in the U.S. This deceptive “non-criminal” categorization is devoid of reality and misleads the American public.
Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst—including gang members, murderers, and rapists. President Trump is putting the American people first by removing illegal aliens who pose a threat to our communities.
Who said that an organization’s main resource and true competitive advantage lies in its employees, their talent or their motivation? After all, maybe your real goal is to empty out your offices, permanently discourage your staff and methodically sabotage your human capital.
If that’s the case, research in performance management offers everything you need.
Originally rooted in early 20th-century rationalization methods, performance management has become a cornerstone of modern management. It has evolved to adapt to contemporary HR needs, focusing more on employee development, engagement and strategic alignment. In theory, it should help guide team efforts, clarify expectations and support individual development. But if poorly implemented, it can become a powerful tool to demotivate, exhaust and push out your most valuable employees.
Here’s how to scare off your best talent. Although the following guidelines are meant to be taken tongue-in-cheek, they remain active in the daily work of some managers.
Management by ‘vague’ objectives
Start by setting vague, unrealistic or contradictory goals. Above all, avoid giving goals meaning, linking them to a clear strategy or backing them with appropriate resources. In short, embrace the “real” SMART goals: stressful, arbitrary, ambiguous, repetitive, and totally disconnected from the field!
According to research in organizational psychology, this approach guarantees anxiety, confusion and disengagement among your teams, significantly increasing their intention to leave the company.
Silence Is Golden
Avoid all forms of dialogue and communication. Never give feedback. And if you absolutely must, do it rarely and irregularly, make sure it’s disconnected from actual work, and preferably in the form of personal criticism. The absence of regular, task-focused and actionable feedback leaves employees in uncertainty, catches them off-guard during evaluations and gradually undermines their engagement.
How your employees interpret your intentions and feedback matters most. Be careful though: if feedback is perceived as constructive, it may actually boost motivation and learning engagement. But if the same feedback is seen as driven by a manager’s personal agenda (or, ego-based attribution), it backfires, leading to demotivation, withdrawal and exit.
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Performance evaluation ‘trials’
Hold annual performance review meetings in which you focus solely on mistakes and completely ignore successes or invisible efforts. Be rigid, critical and concentrate only on weaknesses. Make sure to take full credit when the team succeeds; after all, without you, nothing would have been possible. On the other hand, when results fall short, don’t hesitate to highlight errors, assign individual blame and remind them that “you did warn them!”
This kind of performance evaluation, better described as a punitive trial, ensures deep demotivation and accelerates team turnover.
Internal competition, maxed out
Promote a culture of rivalry among colleagues: circulate internal rankings regularly, reward only the top performers, systematically eliminate the lowest ranked without even thinking of helping them improve, devalue the importance of cooperation and let internal competition do the rest. After all, these are the core features of the “famous” method popularized by the late Jack Welch at General Electric.
If you notice a short-term boost of motivation, don’t worry. The long-term effects of Welch’s “vitality curve” will be far more harmful than beneficial. Fierce internal competition is a great tool for destroying trust among teammates and creating a persistently toxic atmosphere, leading to an increase in the number of voluntary departures.
Ignore wellbeing and do not listen, no matter what
We’ve already established that feedback and dialogue should be avoided. But if, by misfortune, they do occur, make sure not to listen to complaints or warning signs related to stress or exhaustion. Offer no support or assistance, and of course, completely ignore the right to disconnect.
In addition, always favour highly variable and poorly designed performance bonuses: this will heighten income instability and kill off whatever engagement remains.
Want to take your talent-repelling skills even further? Draw inspiration from what research identifies as practices and experiences belonging to the three major forms of workplace violence. These include micromanagement, constant pressure, lack of recognition, social isolation and others that generate long-term suffering. Though often invisible, their reoccurence gradually wears employees down mentally, then physically, until they finally break.
Obviously, these tips are meant to be taken ironically.
Yet, unfortunately, these toxic practices are all too real in the daily routines of certain managers. If the goal is truly to retain talent and ensure lasting business success, it is essential to centre performance management practices around meaning, fairness and the genuine development of human potential.
George Kassar ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.
Who said that an organization’s main resource and true competitive advantage lies in its employees, their talent or their motivation? After all, maybe your real goal is to empty out your offices, permanently discourage your staff and methodically sabotage your human capital.
If that’s the case, research in performance management offers everything you need.
Originally rooted in early 20th-century rationalization methods, performance management has become a cornerstone of modern management. It has evolved to adapt to contemporary HR needs, focusing more on employee development, engagement and strategic alignment. In theory, it should help guide team efforts, clarify expectations and support individual development. But if poorly implemented, it can become a powerful tool to demotivate, exhaust and push out your most valuable employees.
Here’s how to scare off your best talent. Although the following guidelines are meant to be taken tongue-in-cheek, they remain active in the daily work of some managers.
Management by ‘vague’ objectives
Start by setting vague, unrealistic or contradictory goals. Above all, avoid giving goals meaning, linking them to a clear strategy or backing them with appropriate resources. In short, embrace the “real” SMART goals: stressful, arbitrary, ambiguous, repetitive, and totally disconnected from the field!
According to research in organizational psychology, this approach guarantees anxiety, confusion and disengagement among your teams, significantly increasing their intention to leave the company.
Silence Is Golden
Avoid all forms of dialogue and communication. Never give feedback. And if you absolutely must, do it rarely and irregularly, make sure it’s disconnected from actual work, and preferably in the form of personal criticism. The absence of regular, task-focused and actionable feedback leaves employees in uncertainty, catches them off-guard during evaluations and gradually undermines their engagement.
How your employees interpret your intentions and feedback matters most. Be careful though: if feedback is perceived as constructive, it may actually boost motivation and learning engagement. But if the same feedback is seen as driven by a manager’s personal agenda (or, ego-based attribution), it backfires, leading to demotivation, withdrawal and exit.
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Performance evaluation ‘trials’
Hold annual performance review meetings in which you focus solely on mistakes and completely ignore successes or invisible efforts. Be rigid, critical and concentrate only on weaknesses. Make sure to take full credit when the team succeeds; after all, without you, nothing would have been possible. On the other hand, when results fall short, don’t hesitate to highlight errors, assign individual blame and remind them that “you did warn them!”
This kind of performance evaluation, better described as a punitive trial, ensures deep demotivation and accelerates team turnover.
Internal competition, maxed out
Promote a culture of rivalry among colleagues: circulate internal rankings regularly, reward only the top performers, systematically eliminate the lowest ranked without even thinking of helping them improve, devalue the importance of cooperation and let internal competition do the rest. After all, these are the core features of the “famous” method popularized by the late Jack Welch at General Electric.
If you notice a short-term boost of motivation, don’t worry. The long-term effects of Welch’s “vitality curve” will be far more harmful than beneficial. Fierce internal competition is a great tool for destroying trust among teammates and creating a persistently toxic atmosphere, leading to an increase in the number of voluntary departures.
Ignore wellbeing and do not listen, no matter what
We’ve already established that feedback and dialogue should be avoided. But if, by misfortune, they do occur, make sure not to listen to complaints or warning signs related to stress or exhaustion. Offer no support or assistance, and of course, completely ignore the right to disconnect.
In addition, always favour highly variable and poorly designed performance bonuses: this will heighten income instability and kill off whatever engagement remains.
Want to take your talent-repelling skills even further? Draw inspiration from what research identifies as practices and experiences belonging to the three major forms of workplace violence. These include micromanagement, constant pressure, lack of recognition, social isolation and others that generate long-term suffering. Though often invisible, their reoccurence gradually wears employees down mentally, then physically, until they finally break.
Obviously, these tips are meant to be taken ironically.
Yet, unfortunately, these toxic practices are all too real in the daily routines of certain managers. If the goal is truly to retain talent and ensure lasting business success, it is essential to centre performance management practices around meaning, fairness and the genuine development of human potential.
George Kassar ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Houser, Professor in Department of Earth and Environmental Science, and Dean of Science, University of Waterloo
Between 2010 and 2017, there were approximately 50 drowning fatalities each year associated with rough surf and strong currents in the Great Lakes.
Rip currents — commonly referred to as rips or colloquially as rip tides — are driven by the breaking of waves. These currents extend away from the shoreline and can flow at speeds easily capable of carrying swimmers far from the beach.
Structural rips are common throughout the Great Lakes (Grand Haven on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, for example) and develop when groynes, jetties and rock structures deflect the alongshore current offshore, beyond the breaking waves. Depending on the waves and the structure, a shadow rip can also develop on the other side of the groyne or jetty.
Rips can also develop anywhere that variations in the bathymetry (the topography of the sand underwater) — such as nearshore bars — causes wave-breaking to vary along the beach, which makes the water thrown landward by the breaking waves return offshore as a concentrated flow at the water’s surface. These are known as channel or bathymetric rips and are they can form along sand beaches in the Great Lakes.
While it can be difficult to spot a channel rip, they can be identified by an area of relatively calm water between breaking waves, a patch of darker water or the offshore flow of water, sediment and debris.
A person caught in a rip is transported away from shore into deeper water, but they are not pulled under the water. If they are a weak swimmer or try to fight the current, they may panic and fail to find a way out of the rip and back to shore before submerging.
Rip current hazards
Most rip fatalities occur on unsupervised beaches or on supervised beaches when and where lifeguards are not present. While many popular beaches near large urban centres have lifeguards, many beaches don’t. Along just the east coast of Lake Huron, there are more than 40 public beaches, including Goderich, Bayfield, Southampton and Sauble Beach, but only two have lifeguard programs (Sarnia and Grand Bend).
Recent findings from a popular beach on Lake Huron suggest that those with less experience at the beach tend to make decisions of convenience rather than based on beach safety. Residents with greater knowledge of the local hazards tend to avoid swimming near where the rip can develop.
But even when people are aware of rip currents and other beach hazards, they may not make the right decisions. Despite the presence of warnings, people’s actions are greatly influenced by the behaviour of others, peer pressure and group-think. The social cost of not entering the water with the group may appear to outweigh the risk posed by entering the water.
Rip channel and current on Lake Huron. (Chris Houser)
The behaviour of beach users is affected by confirmation bias, a cognitive shortcut where a person selectively pays attention to evidence confirming their pre-existing beliefs and ignores evidence to the contrary. When someone enters the water and does not encounter strong waves or currents, they’re more likely to engage in risky behaviour on their next visit to that beach or a similar beach.
In the United States, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration runs programs designed to educate beach users about surf and rip hazards. But Canada hasn’t implemented a national beach safety strategy.
Education about rips and dangerous surf falls on the shoulders of advocates, many of whom have been impacted by a drowning in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project has been tracking and educating school and community groups about rip currents and rough surf in the Great Lakes since 2010.
Several new advocacy groups have started in recent years, including Kincardine Beach Safety on Lake Huron and the Rip Current Information Project on Lake Erie. Given that there is limited public interest in surf-related drownings and limited media coverage, these advocacy groups are helping to increase awareness of rip currents and rough surf across the Great Lakes.
To ensure a safe trip to the beach, beachgoers should seek out more information about rip currents and other surf hazards in the Great Lakes.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Houser, Professor in Department of Earth and Environmental Science, and Dean of Science, University of Waterloo
Between 2010 and 2017, there were approximately 50 drowning fatalities each year associated with rough surf and strong currents in the Great Lakes.
Rip currents — commonly referred to as rips or colloquially as rip tides — are driven by the breaking of waves. These currents extend away from the shoreline and can flow at speeds easily capable of carrying swimmers far from the beach.
Structural rips are common throughout the Great Lakes (Grand Haven on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, for example) and develop when groynes, jetties and rock structures deflect the alongshore current offshore, beyond the breaking waves. Depending on the waves and the structure, a shadow rip can also develop on the other side of the groyne or jetty.
Rips can also develop anywhere that variations in the bathymetry (the topography of the sand underwater) — such as nearshore bars — causes wave-breaking to vary along the beach, which makes the water thrown landward by the breaking waves return offshore as a concentrated flow at the water’s surface. These are known as channel or bathymetric rips and are they can form along sand beaches in the Great Lakes.
While it can be difficult to spot a channel rip, they can be identified by an area of relatively calm water between breaking waves, a patch of darker water or the offshore flow of water, sediment and debris.
A person caught in a rip is transported away from shore into deeper water, but they are not pulled under the water. If they are a weak swimmer or try to fight the current, they may panic and fail to find a way out of the rip and back to shore before submerging.
Rip current hazards
Most rip fatalities occur on unsupervised beaches or on supervised beaches when and where lifeguards are not present. While many popular beaches near large urban centres have lifeguards, many beaches don’t. Along just the east coast of Lake Huron, there are more than 40 public beaches, including Goderich, Bayfield, Southampton and Sauble Beach, but only two have lifeguard programs (Sarnia and Grand Bend).
Recent findings from a popular beach on Lake Huron suggest that those with less experience at the beach tend to make decisions of convenience rather than based on beach safety. Residents with greater knowledge of the local hazards tend to avoid swimming near where the rip can develop.
But even when people are aware of rip currents and other beach hazards, they may not make the right decisions. Despite the presence of warnings, people’s actions are greatly influenced by the behaviour of others, peer pressure and group-think. The social cost of not entering the water with the group may appear to outweigh the risk posed by entering the water.
Rip channel and current on Lake Huron. (Chris Houser)
The behaviour of beach users is affected by confirmation bias, a cognitive shortcut where a person selectively pays attention to evidence confirming their pre-existing beliefs and ignores evidence to the contrary. When someone enters the water and does not encounter strong waves or currents, they’re more likely to engage in risky behaviour on their next visit to that beach or a similar beach.
In the United States, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration runs programs designed to educate beach users about surf and rip hazards. But Canada hasn’t implemented a national beach safety strategy.
Education about rips and dangerous surf falls on the shoulders of advocates, many of whom have been impacted by a drowning in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project has been tracking and educating school and community groups about rip currents and rough surf in the Great Lakes since 2010.
Several new advocacy groups have started in recent years, including Kincardine Beach Safety on Lake Huron and the Rip Current Information Project on Lake Erie. Given that there is limited public interest in surf-related drownings and limited media coverage, these advocacy groups are helping to increase awareness of rip currents and rough surf across the Great Lakes.
To ensure a safe trip to the beach, beachgoers should seek out more information about rip currents and other surf hazards in the Great Lakes.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today filed suit to enforce Title IX and protect California female student athletes from unfair competition and reckless endangerment by male participation on female high-school sports teams.
According to the complaint, the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) have engaged in illegal sex discrimination against female student athletes by allowing males to compete against them, depriving these girls of the equal education and athletic opportunities afforded to them by federal civil rights law. Thus, the suit seeks declaratory, injunctive, and damages relief for violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.
As alleged in the complaint, the U.S. Department of Education’s “current allocation of funds to CDE for fiscal year 2025 totals approximately $44.3 billion, of which approximately $3.8 billion remains available for drawdown by CDE, including both discretionary grants and formula grants.”
“The Governor of California has previously admitted that it is ‘deeply unfair’ to force women and girls to compete with men and boys in competitive sports,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “But not only is it ‘deeply unfair,’ it is also illegal under federal law. This Department of Justice will continue its fight to protect equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.”
“Title IX was enacted over half a century ago to protect women and girls from discrimination. The Justice Department will not stand for policies that deprive girls of their hard-earned athletic trophies and ignore their safety on the field and in private spaces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “Young women should not have to sacrifice their rights to compete for scholarships, opportunities, and awards on the altar of woke gender ideology.”
“California is on the wrong side of the law and the wrong side of history,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “Women deserve dignity, respect, and an equal opportunity to compete on their own sports teams. The time for talk is over. California must comply with Title IX and end its civil rights violations against women. No person, no state, is above the law.”
CDE has authority over CIF and local school districts’ interscholastic athletic policies, and CIF oversees 1.8 million students and over 750,000 student-athletes in grades 9 through 12. The complaint is available here.
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Suez University Hosts Series of Online Projects
In addition to a rich program of in-person networking, team building, and technical events, the IADC Suez University Student Chapter has also organized a variety of online educational forums and competitions for its students over the past 6+ months.
Online Technical Camp |OCT-DEC 2024
The Online Technical Camp was a global virtual learning initiative designed to equip students with essential technical knowledge and introduce them to the core disciplines of petroleum engineering. With over 50 attendees from around the world, the camp marked a major step in building a strong foundation for aspiring engineers in the oil and gas industry. This camp was designed to enhance technical skills and serve as a launchpad for students’ professional journeys.
It was divided into 3 main tracks:
Drilling: Included workshops on Well Control & Well Completion
Reservoir: Covered Reservoir Management & Water Flooding
Production (sponsored by ALS): Focused on Artificial Lift systems
Well Servicing Online Event |13-15 MAR 2025
This three-day technical program brought together students and industry professionals to delve into the fundamentals and advancements in well intervention. An engaging and educational experience, this event offered participants deep insights into essential wellservicing operations, promoting knowledge exchange and fostering technical and professional growth.
Each day focused on a specific well servicing topic:
Day 1 – Wireline Operations: Tools, techniques, and applications
Day 2 – Coiled Tubing: Role in intervention and operational efficiency
Day 3 – Well Integrity: Ensuring long-term safety and performance
Well Testing Online Bootcamp |25-26 MAR 2025
The Well Testing Online Bootcamp was a focused 2-day online event that united students and industry professionals as they explored essential well testing concepts and operations. This immersive bootcamp offered valuable insights into both the technical and environmental aspects of well testing, supporting participants’ knowledge growth and career development.
The interactive program covered:
Day 1:Introduction to Well Testing – Covered fundamentals, well test design, and data acquisition & interpretation
Day 2:Well Testing Operations & Environmental Impact– Discussed operational procedures alongside the environmental considerations and sustainability practices in well testing
DrillMaster Competition |05-20 MAY 2025
Held under the theme “From Surface to Stream,” the DrillMaster Challenge 2025 was a strategic and hands-on competition that brought together junior petroleum engineering students to simulate a real world drilling operation — from the initial surface assessment to a fully tested and production-ready well.
Organized by the IADC Suez University Student Chapter and sponsored by BoraisPetroleum Investment Company, the competition offered participants a platform to transform classroom knowledge into a fully integrated, field-ready project. Most notably, Boraisgenerously offered three exclusive internship opportunities to the winning team, making this challenge a significant step toward real-world industry engagement.
The challenge welcomed teams of three students, acting as their own drilling andcompletion services company, to create and submit a full well delivery plan. Their technical report covered every critical phase of a drilling operation, including:
Project and company profile
Geological assumptions and formation analysis
Pre-drilling logistics and safety planning
Drilling and casing program
Mud design and BHA configuration
Logging and formation evaluation strategy
Well testing design and data interpretation
Completion planning and production readiness
Budget and timeline estimation
Innovation, safety, and sustainability highlights
Unconventional Drilling | 19-20 MAY 2025
The Unconventional Drillingonline technical event was held over two days and aimed at advancing student knowledge in specialized drilling technologies. This event brought together industry professionals and students to explore innovative techniques shaping the future of drilling operations.
Day 1 –Casing While Drilling (CWD)
Focused on the integration of casing and drilling into a single step, this session covered tools, advantages, operational challenges, and real-world applications aimed at reducing non-productive time and enhancing wellbore stability.
Day 2 –Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD)
Participants explored how MPD technology enables precise pressure control in complex drilling environments, improving safety and operational efficiency. Experts discussed practical implementations and field results.
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Registration Open for 3rd Annual DrillersPAC 3-Gun Competition
IADC’s 3nd Annual DrillersPAC 3-Gun Competition will take place on 17 October 2025.
Registration is currently open and sponsorships are available. You don’t want to miss out on a day of fun and friendly competition as we support IADC’s advocacy efforts and raise money for veterans at Camp Hope. Come take part in marksmanship with a mission!
PM Flight check-in & lunch for all participants at 11:30 am
AM & PM Flights
PM Flight starts at 1:00 pm
The DrillersPAC 3-Gun Competition helps generate awareness and raise funds for DrillersPAC, IADC’s political action committee. DrillersPAC helps maximize the impact of IADC’s advocacy efforts by raising money to support political candidates aligned with IADC and Members’ policy goals.
In addition, a portion of the funds raised will be allocated to Camp Hope, a Houston-based interim housing facility operated by the PTSD Foundation of America. The mission of the PTSD Foundation of America is to bring hope and healing to Combat Veterans and their families suffering from the effects of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress.
The 3-Gun Competition will be held at Renaissance Shooting Club in Todd Mission, Texas, located at 22633 FM 1744 Todd Mission, TX 77363.
Please contact Thad Dunham if you have any questions.
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: IADC Meets with Suriname Officials, Participates in SEOGS Event
In June 2025, IADC representatives traveled to Suriname to meet with officials and participate in an industry conference. These representatives included Jim Rocco, Sr Director – Government & Industry Affairs – Offshore, Gerardo Barrera, Asst Director – Accreditation Programs, and Ricardo Carvalho, Latin America Chapter Regional Representative.
On 16 June, the team met with four officials from Suriname’s offshore regulatory agency, Staatsolie Hydrocarbon Institute (SHI). The team discussed how IADC training programs could benefit SHI staff and university students in Suriname, and how IADC’s commitment to advocacy could support the region’s flourishing sector through increased understanding of industry standards and best practices.
From 17-20 June, the IADC team attended the 2025 Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition (SEOGS). This 5th edition of the event was hosted by Staatsolie in Paramaribo, Suriname under the theme “A New Dawn.” The event provided an excellent forum for our team to network and participate. Jim moderated a 90-minute drilling and completions session, which consisted of presentations followed by a panel discussion.
Among the session topics were:
Machine learning affects to optimizing cementing operations
Risk reduction via advanced geology assessment
Subsea relief well techniques
Offshore waste management (spent mud treatment)
Low ECD drilling fluids for drilling ahead
As a session moderator, Jim was invited to provide a 5-minute video interview addressing high-level questions regarding the implications of burgeoning offshore activities on the country’s outlook. He covered topics such as local content, advantages of low production carbon footprint, and technologies to benefit Suriname’s offshore industry.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Flood protection for more people in West Kent one step closer
Another major milestone has been reached at the Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA) after new central gate is installed as part of works to increase its capacity.
Leigh Flood Storage Area centre gate being installed (Environment Agency)
Second flood gate installed at Leigh Flood Storage Area as part of major upgrade.
Once completed approximately 25% more floodwater can be stored – bringing the total storage capacity up to the equivalent of 2,800 Olympic swimming pools.
Over 1,800 homes and 575 non-residential properties better protected from flooding.
Another major milestone has been reached at the Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA) after the new central gate, the second of three new gates, has been installed as part of works to increase its capacity.
The Leigh Flood Storage Area, the largest Environment Agency-owned and operated flood storage reservoir in Kent, currently reduces the risk of flooding from the River Medway to 1,200 homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.
The scheme works by storing additional water in a storage area, similar to a large lake, and is operated during periods of heavy rain to reduce the volume of water travelling downstream to protect vulnerable homes and businesses.
Over the last year, the Environment Agency has been working tirelessly to reduce the flood risk to a further 600 homes and 575 businesses by replacing the 44-year-old original gates and raising sections of the embankment. Replacing the gates has extended the life of the structure to at least 2060.
Ian Nunn, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Operations Manager, Environment Agency, said:
The installation of the new centre gate is a huge achievement and another great step forward in the project to reduce the flood risk to over 1,800 homes and 575 non-residential properties in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.
People can be assured that the flood storage area will remain operational throughout the project, to continue to protect people, homes and businesses.
Thank you to local residents for their continued patience while the work is ongoing.
The Environment Agency are currently delivering the government’s long-term funding programme of flood defences, investing £2.65 billion over 2024/5 and 2025/6 to scale up national resilience through building new and improving existing flood defences. The improvement works at the Leigh Flood Storage Area are part of this programme. The Environment Agency prioritises maintenance work on assets to provide the greatest flood risk reduction for people, homes, and businesses.
Leigh Flood Storage Area centre gate being lifted by crane (Environment Agency)
The new central gate, lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane, is the second of the three new gates that will be installed during construction. The third and final gate is expected to be installed in late summer. The new gates were delivered in pieces and welded together on site. Each gate weighs around 12.5 tonnes – equivalent to the weight of a single-decker bus!
By replacing the gates and raising the clay core in sections of the embankment, the flood storage area will be able to store approximately 25% more water than it does now.
Increasing the current capacity of 5.58 million cubic metres to over 7 million cubic metres of flood water, the equivalent of 2,800 Olympic size swimming pools, will help to better protect more than 600 additional homes from flooding, as well as 575 non-residential properties.
Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said:
It’s fantastic to see the construction of this vital project progressing so well. The scale of the engineering involved is truly impressive, not least the installation of the enormous gates which will provide reassurance for thousands of homes and businesses in our borough who will see their properties far better protected from the devastating impact that flooding can have.
I’d like to thank the Environment Agency and all involved for their work so far and very much look forward to successful completion of the scheme in the coming months.
Liz Gibney, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) Chair said:
While we are going through a dry spell currently, we ought not to forget the devastating effect that flooding can have on local businesses, residents, and communities. KMEP prioritised this project for investment to provide peace of mind to business leaders, knowing their premises and livelihoods are better protected.
The second new gate at Leigh marks a significant milestone in this important project, and is a vital step towards a safer, more resilient future for everyone. We thank the Environment Agency and partners for their hard work.
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) at: @EnvAgencySE
Notes to Editors
There are around 90,000 Environment Agency maintained assets, worth £26 billion, that reduce the risk of flooding to 2.3 million properties. These assets benefit the economy by reducing the annual average flood damages of £2.8 billion.
The Environment Agency is working to deliver the scheme in partnership with:
Kent County Council
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Kent and Medway Economic Partnership
Funding is through the government’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA), with contributions from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (now the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership).
Scheme progress
It is expected that the scheme will be completed by the end of winter 2025/26.
This is a complex programme and timings could change depending on external factors, such as the weather. Regular scheme updates are provided to residents and stakeholders via newsletters and on GOV.UK.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
The UK strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
I’d like to make three points.
First, the UK, like our briefers, strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
They have led to the tragic loss of life of innocent mariners.
They undermine maritime security and global trade, and pose a significant risk to the environment.
The UK remains committed to countering the threat posed by the Houthis and restoring freedom of navigation.
We will continue to work with partners and support the Special Envoy in a coordinated international approach to achieve these goals.
Moreover, the Houthis’ continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen is a clear violation of the arms embargo, as implemented by resolution 2216.
The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism is critical to ensure compliance with the arms embargo and prevent smuggling of illicit arms.
So the UK calls on the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance with the arms embargo, disrupt the illegal weapons flow and support the critical role of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, in this regard.
Second, as USG Fletcher reminded us and Ms Nasser too, Yemen is experiencing a significant deterioration in food security.
The FAO’s Integration Food Security Phase Classification for Yemen notes, as USG Fletcher said, that the number of Yemenis experiencing food insecurity is predicted to rise by over a million to 18.1 million by February next year.
This year, the UK’s Food Security Safety Nets programme will provide $79 million of assistance to help feed at least 864,000 Yemenis, and to support the Government of Yemen’s economic reforms to design a more coherent and coordinated response.
As others have said, the Houthis’ continued arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers are undermining efforts to meet the needs of Yemenis.
The UK condemns these unjustified detentions.
And I reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.
Finally, President, Yemenis have suffered for far too long a toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions.
Now is the time to redouble our efforts towards an inclusive and sustainable peace.
The UK remains committed to supporting the UN Special Envoy’s work to deliver this.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Robots and Autonomous Systems are increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare. Will we one day also have Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) to assist less able, isolated or elderly people in private or care homes? Is there a role for these robots in lifting people between beds and chairs, delivering food/parcels, answering the door, accessing the upstairs, analysing boxes of pills to regulate medication, providing intimate care, or even just having conversations? And what kind of regulation, policy and ethical issues will all that throw up?
A new report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers considers the current regulations for RAS in established settings and makes recommendations for how these guidelines must be adapted to healthcare and home settings to look after vulnerable people while ensuring safety and privacy.
This SMC briefing brought together three authors on the report to talk about how a world of socially-assistive robots needs to be regulated, how they might help in future, what they might look like and what they could do. They were also happy to answer any questions on the ethics and risks.
Speakers included:
Prof Helen Meese,PhD, CEng MIMechE, CEO, The Care Machine ltd & Immediate Past Chair, Biomedical Engineering Division, IMechE
Prof. Alessandro Di Nuovo PhD,Professor of Machine Intelligence, Leader of Technological and Digital Innovations, Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University
Dr Daniele Magistro PhD,Associate Professor in Physical Activity and Health, Department of Sport Science, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University
Spokane, Washington – On July 7, 2025, Richard R. Barker stepped down as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. Barker will be returning to private practice in Spokane after a distinguished career in public service.
Acting United States Attorney Barker has over a decade of experience as a career prosecutor, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014. During his career, Barker has held the positions of First Assistant United States Attorney, Tribal Liaison, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Coordinator, Digital Asset Coordinator, and Public Affairs Officer. From 2014 – 2019, Barker served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the nation’s capital, where he served as a dedicated homicide prosecutor. In early 2019, Barker joined the Eastern District of Washington, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) in the Spokane office.
Acting United States Attorney Barker has dedicated his career to serving victims of violent crime, while handling numerous homicide and violent crime cases. Late last year, Barker was lead counsel with AUSA Michael J. Ellis in the trial of Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for the double murder of two Tribal members and the attempted murder of a federal officer on the Colville Indian Reservation. In 2023, Barker successfully prosecuted Ronald Craig Ilg, who attempted to hire hitmen on the dark web to harm his wife and a former work colleague. Earlier this year, Barker was lead counsel with AUSA Nowles Heinrich and Echo Fatsis in the successful trial of Luis Esquival Balonos, who was convicted on multiple drug trafficking charges stemming from more than one hundred pounds of illegal drugs being distributed on and around the Colville Indian Reservation and into Montana. Barker, who carried an active caseload while leading the office, was the first Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney in nearly two decades to try a case to a verdict while serving in the U.S. Attorney role.
Throughout his career, Acting United States Attorney Barker also handled several significant drug trafficking prosecutions. In 2023, Barker, with co-counsel AUSA Stephanie Van Marter, prosecuted the “Fetty Bros” Drug Trafficking Organization, which was distributing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and other drugs into Eastern Washington and using extreme violence to insulate their organization. In his efforts to further address the fentanyl crisis, Barker worked with now former U.S. Attorney Waldref and the City of Spokane to create a Special U.S. Assistant Attorney position focused on prosecuting those responsible for illegal narcotics impacting the Spokane area.
As First Assistant United States Attorney, Barker supervised the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s litigating units, which include the Criminal, Civil, and Appellate Divisions. As the Chief Deputy to the U.S. Attorney, Barker helped establish the District’s dedicated Appellate Division and worked closely with the Office’s administrative team to obtain additional DOJ resources for increasing public safety throughout Eastern Washington.
Throughout his service, Former Acting U.S. Attorney Barker built strong relationships with Washington’s Native American communities and worked tirelessly to honor federal treaty rights with Tribal Nations in Eastern Washington and address the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous people. In early 2024, Barker played a key role in hiring the district’s first MMIP AUSA, who is fully dedicated to prosecuting cases of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. For Barker’s dedication to working with Native American communities and improving public safety, he received a Department of Justice Director’s Award in 2024.
“Serving as a federal prosecutor has been the highlight of my career,” said Barker. “It has been an honor to represent the United States and seek justice for victims and their families. Spokane has truly become home for me and my family, and I look forward to remaining active in the legal community as I return to private practice right here in Eastern Washington.”
Former U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Acting U.S. Attorney Barker is an exceptional leader, a talented trial attorney, and a fearless advocate for justice. His service to the Department of Justice and dedication to protecting the communities of Eastern Washington is second to none. He led the District with distinction, focusing every day on doing the right thing for victims and the community and maintaining an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
Outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barker will continue to serve as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law, where he has taught courses in Trial Advocacy and Conflicts of Law. Barker also serves as a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Stephanie Van Marter will be assuming the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “I’m honored to pass the torch to Acting U.S. Attorney Van Marter,” said Barker. “Steph has dedicated her career to the Department of Justice, and she will lead this office with the same honor, integrity, and commitment to justice as those who have served before her.” A formal announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding Ms. Van Marter’s new role will be issued in the coming days.
The defendant is one of over 60 charged in large-scale drug trafficking ring targeting Alaska.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Fairbanks man was sentenced today to 22 years in prison and, upon release, will serve five years on supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of a local man in 2022.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2022 and continuing to July 2022, Edward Ginnis, 39, agreed with co-conspirators to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area. Specifically, Ginnis distributed controlled substances to a co-conspirator, who then sold the substances to others. Ginnis’ actions were a small part of a larger drug trafficking enterprise allegedly being directed by an inmate in a California prison.
On June 7, 2022, Ginnis sent an overnight package containing money to a co-conspirator in California, paying in advance for a shipment of drugs intended for a co-conspirator in Fairbanks. On June 11, a package arrived for the co-conspirator in Fairbanks. Ginnis and the alleged leader of the enterprise had orchestrated this shipment. Drug ledgers found in the alleged leader’s prison cell indicate that the shipment contained “chocolate,” which was a term that members of the enterprise used for heroin. The alleged leader also arranged to have additional packages containing heroin sent to Alaska, and Ginnis received more packages on June 16 and 21, 2022.
Later in the day on June 11, 2022, Ginnis sent text messages to several distributors asking if they had potential purchasers. One of the distributors, the co-defendant in this case, allegedly offered to help sell drugs. On June 25, Adam Sakkinen, 32, an individual who struggled with heroin usage, messaged the co-defendant asking to purchase drugs. Around noon, the co-defendant allegedly agreed to sell drugs to Sakkinen and he sent the co-defendant $50.00 before messaging that he was on his way.
Later, at 12:58 p.m. that same day, local fire and emergency medical services responded to a single car accident on the side of a road in Badger. First responders found Sakkinen unconscious behind the wheel of a car with drug paraphernalia in his hands and near him. Law enforcement officials tested the paraphernalia, and it tested positive for fentanyl.
First responders administered six doses of Narcan to Sakkinen and he regained a pulse. Sakkinen was transported to two hospitals and was put on life support at a hospital in Anchorage. Sakkinen spent 11 days in the intensive care unit before he passed away. A sample of Sakkinen’s blood was sent for testing and lab results found that he had 20 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl in his bloodstream at the time of his death. Reports show that the average lethal level of fentanyl in the bloodstream is eight nanograms per milliliter.
On July 14, 2022, Ginnis was arrested in Fairbanks based on a violation of his state probation. He was in possession of fentanyl that he intended to distribute to others in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. He also possessed over $13,000 in cash.
On Jan. 18, 2025, Ginnis and a co-defendant were indicted on federal drug trafficking charges. On April 3, 2025, Ginnis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substance resulting in death. His co-defendant is awaiting trial.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the law enforcement agencies that came together to investigate this crime and help bring justice to the family of the victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus for the District of Oregon.
“Fentanyl traffickers choose profit over people when they sell drugs that lead to addiction and death,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence holds Mr. Ginnis accountable for this choice and sends a clear message that the DEA and our partners will bring to justice those who seek to poison and destroy our communities.”
“The Alaska State Troopers are committed to working with our federal and local partners to bring dangerous drug traffickers to justice,” said Colonel Maurice Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Drug dealers have no place in our great state. This sentencing sends a clear message: if you traffic dangerous drugs in Alaska, law enforcement will find you, and you will face serious consequences for your actions.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, Alaska State Troopers, North Slope Borough Police Department, North Pole Police Department and Fairbanks Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins, Chris Schroeder and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
The defendant is one of over 60 charged in large-scale drug trafficking ring targeting Alaska.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Fairbanks man was sentenced today to 22 years in prison and, upon release, will serve five years on supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of a local man in 2022.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2022 and continuing to July 2022, Edward Ginnis, 39, agreed with co-conspirators to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area. Specifically, Ginnis distributed controlled substances to a co-conspirator, who then sold the substances to others. Ginnis’ actions were a small part of a larger drug trafficking enterprise allegedly being directed by an inmate in a California prison.
On June 7, 2022, Ginnis sent an overnight package containing money to a co-conspirator in California, paying in advance for a shipment of drugs intended for a co-conspirator in Fairbanks. On June 11, a package arrived for the co-conspirator in Fairbanks. Ginnis and the alleged leader of the enterprise had orchestrated this shipment. Drug ledgers found in the alleged leader’s prison cell indicate that the shipment contained “chocolate,” which was a term that members of the enterprise used for heroin. The alleged leader also arranged to have additional packages containing heroin sent to Alaska, and Ginnis received more packages on June 16 and 21, 2022.
Later in the day on June 11, 2022, Ginnis sent text messages to several distributors asking if they had potential purchasers. One of the distributors, the co-defendant in this case, allegedly offered to help sell drugs. On June 25, Adam Sakkinen, 32, an individual who struggled with heroin usage, messaged the co-defendant asking to purchase drugs. Around noon, the co-defendant allegedly agreed to sell drugs to Sakkinen and he sent the co-defendant $50.00 before messaging that he was on his way.
Later, at 12:58 p.m. that same day, local fire and emergency medical services responded to a single car accident on the side of a road in Badger. First responders found Sakkinen unconscious behind the wheel of a car with drug paraphernalia in his hands and near him. Law enforcement officials tested the paraphernalia, and it tested positive for fentanyl.
First responders administered six doses of Narcan to Sakkinen and he regained a pulse. Sakkinen was transported to two hospitals and was put on life support at a hospital in Anchorage. Sakkinen spent 11 days in the intensive care unit before he passed away. A sample of Sakkinen’s blood was sent for testing and lab results found that he had 20 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl in his bloodstream at the time of his death. Reports show that the average lethal level of fentanyl in the bloodstream is eight nanograms per milliliter.
On July 14, 2022, Ginnis was arrested in Fairbanks based on a violation of his state probation. He was in possession of fentanyl that he intended to distribute to others in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. He also possessed over $13,000 in cash.
On Jan. 18, 2025, Ginnis and a co-defendant were indicted on federal drug trafficking charges. On April 3, 2025, Ginnis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substance resulting in death. His co-defendant is awaiting trial.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the law enforcement agencies that came together to investigate this crime and help bring justice to the family of the victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus for the District of Oregon.
“Fentanyl traffickers choose profit over people when they sell drugs that lead to addiction and death,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence holds Mr. Ginnis accountable for this choice and sends a clear message that the DEA and our partners will bring to justice those who seek to poison and destroy our communities.”
“The Alaska State Troopers are committed to working with our federal and local partners to bring dangerous drug traffickers to justice,” said Colonel Maurice Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Drug dealers have no place in our great state. This sentencing sends a clear message: if you traffic dangerous drugs in Alaska, law enforcement will find you, and you will face serious consequences for your actions.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, Alaska State Troopers, North Slope Borough Police Department, North Pole Police Department and Fairbanks Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins, Chris Schroeder and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Two members of a Sacramento-based drug trafficking organization were sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd for fentanyl trafficking and related crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
Jose Guadalupe Lopez-Zamora, 30, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Joaquin Alberto Sotelo Valdez, 28, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, Lopez-Zamora was the leader of the organization that was responsible for importing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone “M-30” pills from Mexico and distributing them in northern California and elsewhere between May 2019 and January 2021. The group also distributed cocaine and methamphetamine.
Fourteen other co-defendants have pleaded guilty, and eight have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 19 months to over 10 years. Rosario Zamora Rojo and Jose Aguilar Saucedo are scheduled to be sentenced in July 2025. Luis Lopez Zamora, Leonardo Flores Beltran, Erika Gabriela Zamora Rojo, and Sandro Escobedo are scheduled to be sentenced in August 2025.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Task Force (NET 5), the California Highway Patrol, the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF), the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Roseville Police Department, the Manteca Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, and the West Sacramento Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Mexican authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Luis Lopez Zamora to the United States from Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Two members of a Sacramento-based drug trafficking organization were sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd for fentanyl trafficking and related crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
Jose Guadalupe Lopez-Zamora, 30, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Joaquin Alberto Sotelo Valdez, 28, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, Lopez-Zamora was the leader of the organization that was responsible for importing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone “M-30” pills from Mexico and distributing them in northern California and elsewhere between May 2019 and January 2021. The group also distributed cocaine and methamphetamine.
Fourteen other co-defendants have pleaded guilty, and eight have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 19 months to over 10 years. Rosario Zamora Rojo and Jose Aguilar Saucedo are scheduled to be sentenced in July 2025. Luis Lopez Zamora, Leonardo Flores Beltran, Erika Gabriela Zamora Rojo, and Sandro Escobedo are scheduled to be sentenced in August 2025.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Task Force (NET 5), the California Highway Patrol, the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF), the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Roseville Police Department, the Manteca Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, and the West Sacramento Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Mexican authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Luis Lopez Zamora to the United States from Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Solamon Flores-Garcia, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today for carjacking and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Rhett Bolen of the Monroe Police Department, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, on October 24, 2023, Flores-Garcia, a previously deported alien that was residing illegally in Monroe, N.C., went to a neighbor’s home. When the neighbor answered the door, Flores-Garcia pointed a red handgun at the neighbor and demanded her wallet and car keys. Flores-Garcia then drove the victim’s car to La Chiquita Mexican store, where he robbed that establishment. During the robbery, Flores-Garcia pointed a red firearm at the head of the clerk before taking money from the store and fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle. Flores-Garcia was arrested shortly thereafter.
Flores-Garcia remains in custody pending transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The FBI and CMPD investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.