Aerial photo taken on April 8, 2025 shows the site of a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. [Photo/Xinhua]
At least 27 people were killed Tuesday when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, authorities confirmed.
The collapse occurred in the early hours of the morning during a live music event. Emergency officials said 134 people were rescued with injuries and taken to local hospitals.
“We’re continuing rescue efforts and believe some people may still be alive under the rubble,” said Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE). “We won’t stop until every last person is accounted for.”
Rescue teams and volunteers reported hearing cries for help from beneath the debris, prompting ongoing efforts at the site.
Jet Set is a well-known nightclub in Santo Domingo and often hosts live performances during the week. On the night of the collapse, popular Dominican jazz and merengue artist Rubby Perez was scheduled to perform.
Dominican President Luis Abinader posted a message on social media expressing his condolences and saying he had been monitoring the situation “minute by minute.”
“All emergency agencies have responded and are working tirelessly on the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families,” he said.
A new meta-analysis challenges the long-held belief that monogamous relationships are more satisfying than non-monogamous ones.
The study used data from more than 24,000 people from around the world, including Australia. It reported no significant difference in relationship or sexual satisfaction between people in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous relationships.
This changes the way we can think about relationships.
For years, people have assumed monogamy (the exclusive romantic and sexual commitment to one person) is the gold standard.
But it turns out the secret to fulfilling relationships might not be about exclusivity at all. It seems to be more about honesty, communication and mutual agreement – regardless of how many people are involved.
A long-held assumption
The belief that monogamy leads to more satisfying relationships feels like common sense for most people.
It’s consistently reinforced by our experiences of the world, ranging from childhood fairytales to government policies – there’s no “polyamorous” box on your tax return, for example. Most movies end with one couple walking off into the sunset together to live happily ever after.
Popular culture hasn’t done much to challenge this assumption.
Non-monogamous relationships are rarely depicted on screen and when they are – like in Wanderlust or You Me & Her – they’re often shown as chaotic, emotionally fraught and destined to collapse.
These ideas create what we have called the “monogamy-superiority myth”: the assumption monogamous relationships are more satisfying, more loving and more stable than alternative forms of relationships.
So what is consensual non-monogamy?
Consensual non-monogamy comes in many forms but the key aspect is everyone involved agrees that having multiple romantic or sexual partners is okay.
The explicit awareness of all involved means these relationships are grounded in consent, communication and mutual respect.
They come in many forms, such as:
open relationships: where couples may have sex with others but maintain a strong emotional bond to each other
polyamory: where people may have multiple romantic or emotional partnerships at the same time
monogamish: where mostly monogamous couple allow some degree of sexual activity with others, usually with clear, consensual boundaries (such as when travelling)
swinging: where committed couples engage in sexual activities with other people, often in a social or party setting.
These relationships typically involve detailed conversations about values, needs and boundaries.
New research suggests non-traditional relationships can be just as satisfying as monogamous ones. NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock
What our study found
Our recent meta-analysis explored how people in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships compare on a range of relationship and sexual satisfaction dimensions. These included intimacy, passion, trust, sexual fulfilment and overall relationship happiness.
We concluded people in non-monogamous relationships are just as satisfied as those in monogamous ones.
The study also found this to be true for both heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ participants, challenging another stereotype: that non-monogamy is a “lifestyle choice” for queer people, rather than a legitimate relationship preference.
So if non-monogamous relationships aren’t less satisfying, why do people think they are?
Openness and stigmas
In many monogamous relationships, the most common cause of dissatisfaction or breakup is cheating: when exclusivity is assumed but not upheld, trust can be shattered.
Consensual non-monogamy relationships, by contrast, build openness into their structure. By agreeing on boundaries from the start, partners may avoid some of the betrayals that hurt monogamous relationships most.
People in these relationships often face stigma, discrimination and systemic barriers. They may be less likely to disclose their relationship status to doctors, therapists, or employers, fearing judgement or misunderstanding.
Their relationships are rarely recognised legally and social assumptions often paint them as unstable, overly sexual, or emotionally detached.
Yet many people in non-monogamous relationships are thriving despite the stigma – most likely because of the trust and communication these relationships require.
The secret to satisfaction
These findings are not suggesting everyone should be non-monogamous; monogamy works well for lots of people.
But this research shows us that relationship satisfaction doesn’t depend on exclusivity – it depends on whether partners feel seen, supported and aligned in their values.
Health-care providers, educators and policymakers should be aware that not all families or partnerships follow a traditional relationship structure – and that’s OK.
Recognising consensual non-manogamy relationships can help reduce stigma, improve access to support, and promote wellbeing for people in all types of partnerships.
Love and relationships simply aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation.
While reality TV may keep trying to churn out monogamous fairytales, real life is a lot more diverse and, as it turns out, just as fulfilling.
Joel Anderson receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Former YouPlus CEO Shaukat Shamim Presented False Financial and Product Information to Raise Money for his Artificial Intelligence Startup
SAN FRANCISCO – Shaukat Shamim was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison in connection with his scheme to defraud investors into investing in the technology start-up he founded and led, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. The sentence was handed down April 7 by the Hon. James Donato, U.S. District Judge.
Shamim, 53, of Santa Clara, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charges on September 16, 2024. According to agreed facts in the plea agreement, Shamim founded Silicon Valley-based YouPlus in 2013. By 2015, the focus of YouPlus was to develop artificial intelligence software tools to analyze online video content. From its inception until Shamim resigned from the company in November 2019, YouPlus raised approximately $17 million from investors, including angel investors and venture capital firms.
Shamim admitted that he made false representations to investors and potential investors about YouPlus’s product, sales, and customer adoption. For example, Shamim told investors that YouPlus had developed a search engine that used neural networks to analyze videos and predict marketing outcomes despite knowing that YouPlus had not, in fact, developed software with fully operational artificial intelligence functionalities. Instead, to perform pilot projects or marketing studies, YouPlus had employees in India manually review videos and then create PowerPoint presentations with marketing insights. Shamim also admitted to investors and prospective investors about YouPlus’s revenue and customers. Shamim admitted that, in August and September 2018 he prepared and provided to prospective investors documents that claimed that YouPlus had customers who had signed up for continuing services and paid recurring subscription fees. In fact, no customers had signed on to pay monthly fees for the service. Shamim provided some victims a spreadsheet that showed 90 customers were paying a total of $600,000 per month. Nevertheless, in reality, every one of the purported customers were paying for YouPlus subscriptions and YouPlus had only ever earned minimal revenue—less than $200,000 total—working on small and non-recurring projects.
In February 2019, Shamim told investors that Youplus had earned $4.6 million in revenue in the year 2018, when in fact its revenue was less than $100,000 that year. In May 2019, Shamim falsely claimed that YouPlus had earned $3.5 million in revenue in only the first four months of 2019 when, in reality, YouPlus ultimately earned less than $280,000 in revenue for all of 2019.
By September 2019, YouPlus was running short on cash and Shamim was seeking to raise money for YouPlus in a Series A financing from venture capital investors. During the same time period, Shamin, also sought bridge loans from existing investors to cover YouPlus’s costs. In connection with these efforts to raise funds, investors and potential investors requested that Shamim provide more detailed financial information about YouPlus and populate a data room with bank statements, customer contracts, and other materials that would back up the revenue Shamim claimed YouPlus was earning. Shamim admitted that, in response to these requests and to conceal the fact that he had previously provided false information about YouPlus revenue, Shamim altered bank statements for YouPlus’s bank accounts in India and the United States. The false documents reflected revenue Shamim knew did not exist. For example, Shamim altered a statement for an account YouPlus held at a U.S. bank so that it showed totaling over $600,000 from 35 different companies, including Coca-Cola, Kraft, and Netflix. The deposits did not actually exist. The true bank statement for that month reflected only one $65,000 customer deposit. Shamim also admitted to forging or altering contracts purporting to show subscription agreements between YouPlus and purported customers.
Shamim admitted that, from August 2018 through October 2019, he used these false statements about revenue and customers to obtain about $6.4 million from investors.
On June 14, 2022, a federal grand jury handed down an indictment that charged Shamim with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and 78ff and 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Shamim pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud and the court dismissed the remaining counts during the sentencing hearing.
In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Donato ordered Shamim to pay a $50,000 fine and to serve three years of supervised release, which will begin after he leaves prison. Shamim is currently released on bond, and Judge Donato ordered that Shamim report to begin serving his sentence on April 28, 2025. In addition, Judge Donato scheduled a hearing for June 23, 2025, to determine issues regarding restitution.
The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lloyd Farnham and Noah Stern are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slatterly, and Claudia Hyslop. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI thank the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An SEC civil enforcement action is currently pending against Shamim in the Northern District of California.
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Tuesday that the United States is likely heading into a recession, with the possibility of 2 million Americans losing their jobs, as a result of the ongoing tariff increases.
“It’s more likely than not that we’re going to have a recession – and in the context of a recession, we’ll see an extra 2 million people be unemployed,” Summers said on Bloomberg Television’s Wall Street Week.
“We’ll see losses in household income” of 5,000 dollars per family or more, said Summers, who is Harvard University professor and paid contributor to Bloomberg TV.
Summers argued that the tariff plans by the Trump administration exceed even those of 1930 that “made the depression great,” noting that it would be wise to be “backing off the policies that have been announced.”
Despite warnings from Summers and other economists, the White House indicated on Tuesday that the policies will go into effect as previously planned.
“The president was asked and answered this yesterday. He said he’s not considering an extension or delay. I spoke to him before this briefing. That was not his mindset. He expects that these tariffs are going to go into effect,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press briefing.
On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order regarding the so-called “reciprocal tariffs,” announcing that the United States will impose a 10 percent “baseline tariff” on trade partners and higher tariffs on certain partners, with some facing tariffs exceeding 30 percent, and even 40 percent.
The 10 percent “baseline tariff” went into effect on April 5, and the higher tariffs on certain trading partners are set to go into effect on Wednesday, April 9.
Although Trump has repeatedly claimed that the tariff increases will help generate revenue for the U.S. government, reduce the trade deficit, and revitalize American manufacturing, economists and business leaders warn that these tariff measures will drive up prices, harm American consumers and businesses, disrupt global trade, and be detrimental to global economic growth.
Several U.S. trade partners have already announced countermeasures.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Wednesday 9th April 2025 – Parentland, a revolutionary new app offering tailored, evidence-based parenting advice launches this week.
The brainchild of renowned New Zealand clinical psychologist Nigel Latta, Parentland is like having an experienced psychologist in your pocket, offering personalised, science-backed solutions when parents need them the most.
Unlike other parenting apps, Parentland delivers advice that is specific to the age, temperament, and individual needs of each child. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent 5-year-old or an easy-going 11-year-old, the app adapts its guidance to ensure it’s the right fit for your child. This level of individualisation, backed by current scientific research, sets Parentland apart from the competition.
Nigel has long recognised the challenges that modern parents face; he is the author of 7 parenting books which have now been published in 19 countries and 10 languages and has presented numerous TV shows on the subject. He is regarded as the trusted authority on the topic for New Zealanders.
“In 2025, parents face unprecedented pressures, from navigating the digital age to dealing with issues like sleep, eating, and behaviour. Many parents are struggling with not having access to immediate, reliable, and evidence-based advice.
“The internet is full of mostly well-meaning people offering advice that can often be ineffective or even harmful, and unfortunately the cost of seeing a clinical psychologist can be prohibitive for many.
Nigel added, “We wanted to create an app that doesn’t just deliver generic advice but offers something tailored to the unique temperament and developmental stage of each child. Whether you’re trying to help a toddler sleep through the night or work through a picky eater, Parentland gives you clear, actionable steps that actually work.”
Addressing Common Parenting Struggles – Picky Eating
Latta has observed that while New Zealand parents are generally doing well, many struggle with foundational issues such as sleep, behaviour, and eating: “Parents need evidence-based advice from experienced professionals.”
One of the app’s standout features is its Food Range Diary, which helps parents address the growing issue of picky eating—a challenge that has escalated to millions of parents both in New Zealand and globally. Curated by Dr Natalie Flynn, who is a clinical psychologist specialising in eating disorders, parents can track their child’s eating habits, identify areas of concern, and receive personalised guidance on when to seek help.
“We’re seeing more and more picky eaters today, and it’s important that we address this early on,” says Dr Flynn. “If left unchecked, picky eating can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, and it’s often rooted in behavioural patterns that can be changed with the right tools. Parentland will guide parents through those tricky moments, offering advice that’s based on solid clinical evidence,” she says.
In addition, the app’s innovative tools such as the Farty Monkey, the Star Chart, and the Ladder help families break out of unhelpful patterns of behaviour. By focusing on positive reinforcement and research-backed strategies, Parentland empowers parents to create healthier routines and stronger relationships with their children.
The Future of Parenting: Evidence-Based, Personalised, and Convenient
The app’s features include:
A tool to determine your child’s temperament (TQ)
Customised advice for behaviour, sleep, and eating, specific to each child’s age and TQ
A range of fun, interactive reward tools like the Farty Monkey and Star Chart
The ability to share features and information with another caregiver
A Good-parent-o-meter to highlight your positive parenting skills
Daily parenting tips that fit your specific needs
The Ladder, a tool to encourage desirable behaviours
A Food Range Diary to track and expand your child’s food preferences
Nigel Latta’s Health Journey: A Personal Commitment to Helping Parents
Nigel underwent a major health battle last year when diagnosed with cancer, but recent medical breakthroughs and treatment have made his condition no longer terminal.
“Going through my own health battle this past year made me even more committed to helping families. I know how important it is to get reliable, science-based support when things feel out of control—that’s why I’m so passionate about Parentland.”
About Parentland
Parentland is the parenting app that provides trustworthy, science-backed advice designed for the unique needs of your family. Developed by clinical psychologists with over fifty years of combined experience, Parentland offers parents real, actionable tools to navigate the everyday challenges of raising children. With Parentland, every parent can feel empowered to make informed decisions and take the right steps to create positive changes in their home.
The Parentland app was created by Cactuslab, an independent web, app design and development studio based in Auckland. Successful apps they’ve created include Letterboxed (the social network for film lovers) and Cloudcheck (an electronic identification verification (EV) tool).
PORTLAND, Ore.— A Gladstone, Oregon man was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison today for abducting and sexually abusing a Canadian child he met through a music creation social media platform.
Noah Madrano, 43, was sentenced to 600 months in federal prison, a $5,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release. The sum of restitution he must pay to his victim will be determined at a later date.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the FBI special agents and Oregon City police officers who rescued the victim in Oregon and brought the defendant to justice,” said William M. Narus, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This sentence is a result of the extraordinary efforts of the victim, the victim’s family, their community, and law enforcement here and in Canada.”
“The persistence with which Madrano pursued his heinous crimes – traveling internationally on multiple occasions to victimize a child he met online, and ultimately smuggling that victim across an international border, speaks to how predatory his actions genuinely were,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Olson. “Madrano will be in his mid-nineties when he is eligible for supervised release. His removal from our communities benefits everyone.”
According to court documents, Madrano met a child online whom he sexually exploited for more than a year. In May 2022, he traveled to Canada to meet the child in person, took the child to a hotel room, sexually abused the victim, and recorded his abuse. A few weeks later, on June 24, 2022, Madrano returned to Canada, where he abducted the child from outside a school and took the victim to another hotel room. At the hotel, Madrano sexually abused the child for several days and recorded videos of his abuse. On July 1, 2022, Madrano hid the child in the trunk of his vehicle and drove back to the United States. Once in Oregon, Madrano brought the victim to a hotel room, where he continued to sexually abuse the child.
In the early morning of July 2, 2022, FBI special agents and Oregon City police officers entered Madrano’s hotel room and found him inside with the victim. Madrano was arrested and the child was taken into protective custody, reunited with her parents, and returned to Canada.
On September 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Madrano with sexually exploiting a child, traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transporting a child with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and possessing child pornography.
On January 13, 2025, Madrano pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child and transporting a child with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
This case was investigated by FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) with assistance from the Oregon City Police Department, the Gladstone Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Edmonton Police Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The National Emergency Medal recognises service in a nationally significant emergency.
CFA staff have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their contribution to the 2019–2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service in a nationally significant emergency.
At a ceremony on Sunday 6 April, 58 medals were presented to a mix of former and current CFA personnel. They join more than 5,500 CFA recipients who have received the honour for their service during the 2019–2020 fire season.
CFA Board Chairperson Jo Plummer presented the medals alongside CFA Chief Executive Officer Greg Leach AFSM and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan.
Jason paid tribute to the recipients and reflected on the magnitude of their contribution.
“The 2019–2020 bushfires had a profound impact on communities across Victoria and beyond,” Jason said.
“In the face of extreme conditions, CFA members and staff stood tall, supporting each other and protecting communities with unwavering commitment.”
Among the recipients was CFA Manager of Incident Management Systems Luke Heagerty, who described receiving the medal as a humbling experience.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised for the work that people at the State Control Centre (SCC) and other headquarters-based staff did during such a long and testing summer,” Luke said.
Throughout the 2019–2020 fire season, Luke served as a key spokesperson for the SCC, appearing on both national and international TV and radio.
“I remember crossing live to BBC Breakfast on the morning Mallacoota was impacted. Standing there, waiting to speak to the UK about what was unfolding in Australia, that was surreal.”
Luke estimates he took part in more than 300 interviews during the height of the fires between December and January.
“I was a regular voice on ABC Gippsland, particularly in the aftermath of the fire reaching Mallacoota. It was a time of real concern for that community, and I think being a familiar voice on air helped provide some reassurance,” Luke said.
Reflecting on the ceremony, Luke said it was especially meaningful to share the moment with loved ones.
“It meant a lot that they were both invited and acknowledged as part of the ceremony.”
Former CFA staff member Kate Conway, who worked in a support role during the 2019-2020 fire season, was also among those recognised.
At the time, Kate was a junior member of the CFA workforce, providing real-time social media intelligence to support field operations both at the Wodonga Incident Control Centre and in the SCC.
“Being able to go up to Wodonga and be one of the people deployed was humbling, I was quite proud to do it,” Kate said.
“Driving up past the impacts and spot fires into Wodonga, that’s when it hit. You were right in it.”
Kate said the recognition came as a surprise, but one she’s deeply grateful for.
“To put it plainly, I was quite chuffed when I got the email. I didn’t think I did anything remarkable, but I’m proud they considered what I did helpful enough to be nominated.”
“You don’t do it for the awards, but being recognised all these years later gave me time to reflect and realise, ‘that was pretty big.’”
Kate has since gone on to become a paramedic, but she is still connected to CFA.
“I loved being part of CFA so much that when I left to become a paramedic, I joined my local brigade as a volunteer.”
Police investigating the death of a man in Northland, Wellington, have charged a 23-year-old man with murder.
The victim, 65-year-old Simon Bird, was found deceased at his Albemarle Road property on Tuesday, 1 April. Mr Bird had not been heard from for several days, prompting a concerned friend to carry out a welfare check – leading to the discovery of his body.
Police charged the suspect this morning and he is due to appear in the Wellington District Court today. At this time, we are unable to elaborate on the accused’s relationship with Mr Bird.
This is a positive development for his family and friends, but there are still many unanswered questions that we are working hard to answer.
A scene examination is ongoing at Mr Bird’s Albemarle Road home, and we are still want to hear from anyone who might be able to help.
Mr Bird was last seen alive on Thursday 27 March, and we need to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the vicinity of Albemarle Road that day.
We also want to speak to anybody who knew Mr Bird, as well as those who saw him, or his vehicle in the last week. This includes any CCTV or dashcam footage you may have of him or his silver Honda Odyssey.
If you have any information that could assist Police, please update us online or call 105. Please use the reference number 250401/4530 or referencing Operation North.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
DENVER – Earlier today, Governor Polis signed HB25-1005 – Tax Incentive for Film Festivals – sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Brianna Titone, and Senators Judy Amabile and Mark Baisley. This legislation supports Colorado’s thriving film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival which recently announced it would be moving to Boulder beginning in 2027.
“We are incredibly grateful to the State of Colorado for this support, not only for the Sundance Film Festival, but also for the many film festivals that have spent decades building and nurturing a rich cultural landscape in Colorado. This investment highlights the invaluable role the state plays in cultivating creative industries that both enrich our culture and drive the economy,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair, and Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute Acting CEO. “We are also deeply honored as a nonprofit to be welcomed into Colorado’s thriving film festival and arts ecosystem. We look forward to the future, inviting our audiences and artists to join us in Boulder in 2027, and are excited to contribute to the vibrant arts community here in Colorado.”
“ACT is celebrating ten years of elevating human rights stories and inspiring audiences,” said Act Human Rights Film Festival Managing Director Beth Seymour. “At ACT we celebrate how far we have come in advancing human rights in all corners of the globe, and we also share stories that help guide us to learn more about the work that remains.”
“We believe film festivals are a place for audiences to be entertained, to learn and to be inspired. Through our popular youth programs, senior programs, and our signature Call2Action program, BIFF has united the community and ignited positive change. This is part of the magnificent richness of film festivals, and what has made them into an unforgettable experience,” said Robin Beeck, Boulder International Film Festival Executive Director and Kathy Beeck, BIFF Director. “BIFF has attracted audiences and filmmakers from around the state and around the world, and brings in much needed dollars to local businesses at an otherwise down time of year. We’re excited about the tax incentive bill, and Sundance Film Festival’s potential cultural and economic impact for Boulder and the State of Colorado. The bill’s support for Colorado film festivals will strengthen our ability to be epicenters of community involvement, creativity, innovation and change.”
“Film festivals are an integral part of Colorado’s film industry and art scene. They offer vital community forums, uplift differing perspectives, and provide entertainment you can’t beat anywhere else! The Breckenridge Film Festival is thrilled to be a part of a state that uplifts these vital cultural celebrations and we look forward to watching the Colorado film industry flourish under these new tax incentives!” said Cait McCluskie, Head of Programming and Director of Operations, Breckendridge Film Festival.
“As one of the first 10 film festivals in the country, Denver Film Festival has been embraced and celebrated by film lovers across our state for nearly a half century,” said Denver Film CEO Kevin Smith. “As champions of independent film and the people that bring these films to life, film festivals serve as the culmination of that discovery delivering a chance for our audiences to break out and see, experience, learn and talk through something new, something challenging, bold, entertaining or thought provoking. We proudly provide that place of discovery, and we’re excited to see that spotlight shine a little brighter on our industry and the state of Colorado with the addition of the Sundance Film Festival and the thoughtful and strategic investment and support of the arts by our business and elected leaders. Working collaboratively, we will elevate our collective body of work and strengthen Colorado’s position on the global film stage.”
“So happy that the new Colorado Film Festival Tax Incentive is in place. Small festivals like Durango Independent Film Festival will benefit greatly from this bill, alongside larger entities like the Sundance Film Festival. There is a pool of $5 million (paid out over 10 years) that will help rural festivals like ours support both the economics of our community and the creativity of independent filmmakers. It’s exciting,” said Carol Fleisher, Executive Director, Durango Independent Film Festival.
“Film festivals are a wonderful opportunity to showcase local culture as well as bring in films and ideas from across the country and around the world. Being able to come together in a theater and experience movies together as a community is more important than ever. The Junktown Film Festival makes an impact on the community of Grand Junction. Students at Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech are able to not only have their work show (and win awards) but also help as jury for the submitted films and in promoting the festival,” said Jeff Gustafson, The Junktown Film Festival Director.
“At Pueblo Film Fest, our mission is to ignite an international passion for storytelling through the art of cinema as we build the next generation of filmmakers. We celebrate the diverse voices of filmmakers from around the world, from budding talents to seasoned auteurs. Our festival serves as a vibrant platform, connecting artists with audiences and fostering a sense of community. Through thought-provoking narratives, captivating documentaries, and innovative experimental works, we aim to inspire, entertain, and provoke meaningful conversations. Pueblo Film Fest is committed to nurturing the cinematic arts, promoting cultural exchange, and shining a spotlight on how to have conversations across lines of difference. The festival makes a powerful economic impact and serves to provide both representation and inspiration to Southern Colorado and beyond!” said Andee Naglich, Executive Producer of the Pueblo Film Fest.
“Our 11-year old festival began to really flourish when we partnered with COFTM, and we have grown by leaps and bounds in the years since. We have been impressed by the ease of accessibility to opportunities and funding. Colorado is a great place to make a home for our festival, where people are truly engaged with our programming, and the beautiful land itself plays a featured role in our festival. RIFF is looking forward to new opportunities and growth in Colorado in the coming years,” said Arielle Bielak, Ridgway Independent Film Festival Director.
“The Tax Incentive for Film Festivals Bill will strengthen Colorado’s creative economy by supporting statewide nonprofit arts organizations, generating jobs, and attracting tourism. By investing in film festivals, this legislation will drive economic growth and establish Colorado as a leading destination for independent film and television. SeriesFest is proud to exist in a state that recognizes the power of community building through storytelling,” said SeriesFest Co-Founder & CEO, Randi Kleiner
“Colorado stands at a unique crossroads of culture and commerce, with two of the most influential film festivals in the world—Telluride and Sundance Film Festival—showcasing the brilliance of cinema. Together, we amplify Colorado’s role as a cultural leader, offering a comprehensive survey of the film industry today. For 52 years, Telluride has brought world-class cinema to the far western corner of the state, and now, with the opening of our new year-round home and state-of-the-art theater, we’re investing in the future of cinema—nurturing artistic innovation with filmmaker residencies, and the creation of a collaborative hub for the theatrical experience of film. This is an exciting moment for Colorado, as the magic of cinema set against Colorado’s exquisite natural beauty—seemingly crafted by cinematic masters—creates an experience that can’t be matched,” said Julie Huntsinger, Director of the Telluride Film Festival.
Police are investigating an isolated incident on Finlay Street, Bridgewater around 8pm last night where a firearm was discharged into a residence. Two people were home at the time but were not injured as a result of the incident. If you were in the area around the time and witnessed suspicious activity or have dash cam or CCTV footage, please phone 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR771722.
Police are investigating a break-in at a McLaren Vale business in the early hours of Tuesday 1 April.
Just before 5.30am on Tuesday 1 April, a shed on Main Road, McLaren Vale was broken into and a number of surfboards, 20 wetsuits, and power tools, including a Makita sander, lawnmower and whipper snipper were stolen.
CCTV captured a small blue hatchback towing a caged trailer travelling east along Main Road, McLaren Vale before turning onto Tatachilla Road and entering the rear of the property via a laneway.
Anyone who recognises the vehicle or has any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Multi-billion-pound investment secured as Universal theme park and resort set to be built in Bedford, bringing thousands of jobs
A multi-billion-pound investment in a major new Universal theme park and resort in Bedford has been agreed between Universal, the government and the local council, in a move that represents a major vote of confidence in the UK economy and the future of partnerships between the UK and the US.
The Prime Minister has today closed the deal on a new Universal theme park in Bedfordshire
Plans will bring an estimated £50bn boost for the economy and create around 28,000 jobs in total across creative, hospitality and construction industries
Set to open in 2031, the theme park will form part of a new planned entertainment resort, due to include immersive storytelling, rides, attractions and hospitality
Deal firmly puts the UK on the global investment stage, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, which will create growth and opportunities across the country
A multi-billion-pound investment in a major new Universal theme park and resort in Bedford has been agreed between Universal, the government and the local council, in a move that represents a major vote of confidence in the UK economy and the future of partnerships between the UK and the US.
The theme park, which is set to be one of the largest and most advanced in Europe, will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
Supporting the government’s Plan for Change to create economic growth and opportunities by getting people into well-paid, decent jobs across the creative, technology, tourism and hospitality sectors, Universal has committed to working with local colleges and universities to train the next generation of its hospitality workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships.
As well as generating significant opportunities, the new theme park and resort will bring significant local benefits – with approximately 80% of employees at the theme park expected to come from local areas – and support a stream of ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge corridor through growth, infrastructure revitalisation and further job opportunities.
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK. This will support the government to deliver its growth mission – creating higher living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.
This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.
It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.
The development, working with Bedford Borough Council, will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex.
Proposed plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment, all utilising sophisticated and advanced technology. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, said:
We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe. We appreciate the leadership and support of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and their teams, as we work together to create and deliver a fantastic new landmark destination.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
At a time of global change, this investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business. Universal’s investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said:
Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe. We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.
As part of the Plan for Change, the government will commit to a major investment in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure it is well connected and easily accessible. It comes just days after the government signed-off the expansion of Luton Airport, showcasing how the government’s pro-growth agenda is delivering real-life benefits for working people.
The deal supports the UK’s world leading creative industries, a growth-driving sector identified in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which will be published this spring. The Strategy will drive investment into high growth sectors, unlocking jobs and growth right across the country.
Universal Destinations & Experiences has a proven track record of building and operating major theme parks and resorts across the globe. A Universal development in the UK will join the company’s existing portfolio of destinations across the United States and Asia-Pacific.
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Additional details on the project:
Please contact Universal Destinations & Experiences for artist impression and drone footage of the site: uprcorpcomm@uniparks.com
Further details on Government plans for infrastructure investment around the site will be set out in due course.
The theme park resort will be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks. More information on the project can be found at universalukproject.co.uk.
The theme park and resort is subject to planning permission, which will be considered at a later date.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Intelligence SubcommitteeChairman Cory Millsdelivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “Deficient, Enfeebled, and Ineffective: The Consequences of the Biden Administration’s Far-Left Priorities on U.S. Foreign Policy.”
Watch Here
-Remarks-
Good afternoon and welcome to the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Intelligence in the 119th Congress.
As we start the new Congress, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to deliver real results for the American people by advancing President Trump’s America first foreign policy agenda.
Over the next few months, through our State Department reauthorization deliberations, this Subcommittee will work to identify areas of the Secretary’s Office, or the “S Bureau,” that must be reformed and reprogrammed to reorient the United States as a leader on the world stage while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are effectively used to bolster U.S. national security efforts.
For far too long, the State Department prioritized radical liberal political ideologies and woke policies over advancing diplomatic objectives that serve American interests and protect the American people from our adversaries.
While the Biden administration was trying to figure out what pronouns to use, our adversaries grew stronger and more emboldened.
China aggressively enforced unlawful territorial claims in the South China Sea and has undermined the United States and our allies at every turn. Russia invaded Ukraine. North Korea ramped up its military provocations. Iran advanced its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, empowering its proxies to cause chaos throughout the Middle East. Israel was attacked and global shipping routes in the Red Sea were blocked.
Over the last four years, among others, the American people watched these foreign policy failures unfold and voted for real change and action on November 4th. The American people gave President Trump and the Republican-led Congress a mandate to reverse the damage and restore common sense to the federal government.
Today, this Subcommittee will take its first step to deliver on this mandate by examining the State Department’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion detrimentally influenced operations across the Department by: making DEI a “core precept” for promotion consideration within the ranks of the Foreign Service; granting passport applicants the ability to select “X” as a gender; and using taxpayer dollars to fund numerous woke projects, including “commemorating black consciousness month with an event in which employees learned about the inclusion of Afro-Brazilian culture through music and LGBTQI+ culture through Vogue dance” in Brazil. That was a mouthful.
These policies corrupted the core mission of the State Department and we must restore unity and fundamental American principles to the Department, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure that President Trump’s Executive Orders are fully implemented, not subverted by rebranding DEI-driven programs. It is our duty to ensure that America becomes safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
I want to thank our witnesses for appearing before the Subcommittee today.
I look forward to a productive discussion on how we can enhance America’s security through common sense policies and responsible leadership.
Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and James Risch (R-ID) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by increasing the transparency and ensuring the accountability of its funding program. Since 1991, the Recreational Trails Program has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and 4-wheel driving.
“Minnesota snowmobilers, hikers, ATV users, cyclists, and countless others who enjoy the outdoors rely on the Recreational Trails Program to explore our state’s natural wonders and support our local businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure states receive the resources they deserve to protect and improve these trails for generations to come.”
“The Recreational Trails Program provides Idahoans and visitors to our state with access to our public lands,” said Risch. “This legislation ensures trail maintenance projects can continue and future generations can enjoy Idaho’s great outdoors for years to come.”
“From Vermont’s green mountains to Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks, America is home to unmatched natural beauty. The Recreational Trails Program plays a vital role in helping build and maintain hiking trails across the country so folks can enjoy and explore our great outdoors,” said Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will support this crucial program to ensure that future generations can experience the joy of hiking our nation’s scenic trails for many years to come.”
“From Murphy to Manteo, North Carolina’s network of recreational trails not only attracts tourism to our state, but also allows North Carolinians to enjoy the natural beauty our state has to offer. I am proud to join Senator Klobuchar in introducing this bipartisan legislation to help maintain, improve, and expand upon the natural infrastructure of our public lands,” said Budd.
The RTP Full Funding Act—which is supported by recreational groups from snowmobilers to cyclists and hikers to off-highway power sport vehicle users—will ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. The bill signals strong support for bringing the Recreational Trail Program funding in line with the revenue collected from the federal gas tax already paid by off-road recreational vehicle users without impacting funding for other federal transportation programs. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Curtis (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
The RTP Full Funding Act will increase the accuracy and transparency of RTP funding by:
Requiring a study to determine the total amount of funds collected;
Improving reporting on expenditures from the RTP to improve accountability and oversight; and
Streamlining RTP funding distribution to the states by reducing unnecessary paperwork.
The bill is supported by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), Motorcycle Industry Council, Safe & Responsible Use at the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, American Trails, International Mountain Bicycling Association, The Corps Network, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, American Horse Council & American Horse Council Foundation, American Hiking Society, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), PeopleForBikes, Back Country Horsemen of America, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association, and Rails to Trails Conservancy.
“The Recreational Trails Program has produced tens of thousands of successes across the nation, benefiting the health, safety and enjoyment of millions of hikers and bicyclists and ATVers and snowmobilers and equestrians and more. It has forged national and regional partnerships among those who use trails – overcoming potential competition with plans that deliver great opportunities for all. RTP projects benefit from the sharing of best practices and from widespread volunteerism and Public-Private-Partnerships. Because RTP offers flexibility in uses including maintenance and education, the program can improve other trail projects. Best of all, RTP unifies the nation across our diversity – north and south, urban and rural, young and old, Red and Blue and more, and connects more Americans to their shared legacy of public lands and waters. We thank our wonderful Congressional Champions for making this possible!” said Marianne Fowler and Derrick Crandall, Co-Chairs of the Coalition for Recreational Trails.
“The RTP is vitally important to trail users everywhere. The program funds trail construction, maintenance, safety, interpretation, and other important projects. The funding for this program has remained flat for too long. We would like to thank the bill sponsors for taking action to ensure that these important priorities will be fully funded,” said Duane Taylor, Director of Safe & Responsible Use, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.
“The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the American Council of Snowmobile Associations applaud the continued leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Risch and the active support of Senators Welch, Budd, Tillis, Merkley and Curtis to return to outdoor recreation the resources required to build and maintain our recreational trail infrastructure. Their persistence in pushing for this funding partially addresses the greatest inequity contained in our federal aid highway program.
“In the past decade almost $3 billion in revenue generated by motorized trail enthusiasts has been deposited in the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Unfortunately, the vast majority of that revenue has been diverted to infrastructure inaccessible to motorized recreational products. While the Recreational Trail Program makes a portion of that funding available for motorized trail infrastructure, it is woefully deficient.
“The public should know that 100% of the RTP funding released by the Klobuchar/ Risch legislation is generated by motorized recreation with the federal gas taxes paid every time our recreation vehicles are filled up. Only a portion of those funds are returned to the trails, with 30% guaranteed for motorized trails, 30% for non-motorized trails and 40% for multiuse trails.
“This legislation is a step in the right direction for the continued support of the trails system – and the rural communities across the United States! Thank you for your support and leadership!” said Jaret Smith, President of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, and Christine Jourdain, Executive Director of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.
“The Recreational Trails Program is vital for building and maintaining trails for cyclists across the country. At PeopleForBikes, we strongly support more funding for all bicycle infrastructure programs and applaud the bipartisan leadership of this legislation for their support of recreational trails,” said Jenn Dice, CEO of PeopleForBikes.
“American Hiking Society and the 59 million strong hiking community praises the bipartisan leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Risch in support of the Recreational Trails Program! The RTP Full Funding Act of 2024 will ensure that the over three decades long impact of RTP can continue to provide the tens of millions of non-motorized and motorized trail users in urban and rural areas the benefits of trails including health and wellness, connectivity, and economic growth. Hikers and trail users across the country thank Senators Klobuchar, Risch, Budd, Welch, Tillis, Curtis, and Merkley for their support of our nation’s trails!” said Tyler Ray, Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy, American Hiking Society.
CALGARY, Alberta, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
2025 Annual Meeting of TransAlta Corporation Shareholders
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, TransAlta Corporation (“TransAlta”) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) will hold its annual meeting of shareholders at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time (1:30 p.m. Eastern Time) in a virtual-only meeting format via live audio webcast (https://meetings.400.lumiconnect.com/r/participant/live-meeting/400-164-661-424). The management proxy circular (available at https://transalta.com/investors/results-reporting/) provides detailed information about the business of the meeting and the voting process. TransAlta will only conduct the formal business of the meeting and there will not be a management presentation.
First Quarter 2025 Conference Call
TransAlta will release its first quarter 2025 results before markets open on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for investors, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties the same day beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time).
To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI49f11ff999b449caa13c201afbb053aa. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of thermal generation and hydro-electric power. For over 113 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its website attransalta.com.
Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla Leads Push to Stop Sharing of Sensitive Data on Unaccompanied Children for Immigration Enforcement
Senators: “We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, led seven Senators in sounding the alarm on troubling reports that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has unlawfully granted expanded access to sensitive data on unaccompanied children and their sponsors to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Senators raised serious concerns that ICE could misuse this confidential information to enact mass deportations and detain immigrant families and demanded DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. immediately cease this misguided practice.
Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), ORR maintains sensitive information about unaccompanied children and their sponsors, including the immigration status of household members, but this information is not meant to be shared for immigration enforcement purposes.
“Sharing of this information is subject to strict limits under several federal and state laws, regulations, and ORR policies in recognition of the severe harms to children and families that may follow from unauthorized use and disclosure,” wrote the Senators. “Reports that additional ICE personnel may now access ORR’s database raise serious questions about the authority and purpose for such use.”
“We are deeply concerned that broad and unlawful information sharing practices may be renewed, with dire consequences for children’s safety, rights, and the fair administration of justice,” continued the Senators. “Therefore, we request that you provide detailed information regarding the purpose, nature, and authority for any expanded information sharing between ORR and ICE. We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.”
Specifically, ORR’s confidential database contains information such as counseling notes, mental health information, and medical records, as well as private records of children’s trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and other harms they have experienced. The files also have detailed data about sponsors and other household members, which can include information about immigration status.
Under the previous Trump Administration, ORR and ICE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement giving ICE similar data access, which ICE used to conduct immigration enforcement against sponsors. This harmful ICE arrangement resulted in many children being forced into prolonged stays in ORR custody due to fear among sponsors to come forward.
In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric. Padilla blasted the Trump Administration’s stop work order to organizations that provide legal services for unaccompanied children and demanded they protect Congressionally mandated legal representation for these children in the immigration system. He also recently cosponsored Senator Hirono’s Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, which would provide unaccompanied children with legal representation when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Noem:
We write in response to alarming reports that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has authorized expanded access by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to an ORR database containing information about unaccompanied children and their sponsors.
In the exercise of its responsibilities under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) to provide for unaccompanied children’s care and placement, ORR maintains significant and often deeply sensitive information about children and their sponsors. Sharing of this information is subject to strict limits under several federal and state laws, regulations, and ORR policies in recognition of the severe harms to children and families that may follow from unauthorized use and disclosure. Reports that additional ICE personnel may now access ORR’s database raise serious questions about the authority and purpose for such use.
ORR’s confidential case files include information ranging from counseling notes, mental health information, medical records, to information about incidents that may occur in care. Children’s files may include sensitive details about trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and other harm that a child has experienced in their country of origin, during their journey, or even while in government custody. ORR also maintains information and documentation about sponsors and other household members as part of the Family Reunification Application completed by potential sponsors. This may include information about immigration status.
With limited exceptions, this information must be kept confidential and released by ORR only to individuals or entities providing appropriate authorization and documentation. Although ORR shares information with relevant ICE personnel in limited circumstances, like in the case of a child who is absent from or has been transferred out of a facility and in certain other instances relating to child safety, it generally requires the Department of Homeland Security, like other investigative agencies, to make a formal case file request detailing the scope of any relevant investigation and/or providing a warrant, court order, or subpoena to seek case file information. Further, consistent with prior congressional directives and outlined in ORR’s Policy Guide and the ORR Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, ORR “shall not share any immigration status information relating to potential sponsors with any law enforcement or immigration enforcement related entity at any time.”
It is unclear what information ICE personnel will now be able to view and how broadly such information may be being shared. The potential for ICE personnel to maintain access to the full database at any time is particularly troubling, and it is especially disconcerting in light of recent reports that ICE will be implementing a multi-phased enforcement initiative against unaccompanied children and their families in the coming weeks that could potentially result in the placement of hundreds of thousands of children into removal proceedings and/or in family detention. Past information sharing during the prior Trump Administration resulted in harmful impacts for children and their families. With the recent issuance of an Interim Final Rule aimed at revoking the Foundational Rule’s provisions limiting information sharing, we are especially concerned about a repeat of harmful impacts for children and their families.
In April 2018, ORR and DHS signed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for continuous information sharing about unaccompanied children from the time they arrived through release. Based on this information, ICE undertook enforcement actions against sponsors of unaccompanied children, which resulted in many children being left without potential sponsors, who had either been apprehended by ICE or declined to come forward to sponsor children in ORR custody out of fear of interacting with the federal government. Children spent longer periods in ORR custody, leading many to experience distress, compounding their previous trauma. Information sharing also resulted in new government inefficiencies and costs, as the number of children in care steadily increased and releases were stymied.
The use of ORR’s child welfare functions to promote immigration enforcement were not only unlawful, but put children at greater risk of trafficking and exploitation. In response, Congress enacted critical directives to prevent ORR’s sharing of non-essential case information and children’s mental health records for immigration enforcement, and the 2018 Memorandum of Agreement was ultimately terminated.
We are deeply concerned that broad and unlawful information sharing practices may be renewed, with dire consequences for children’s safety, rights, and the fair administration of justice. Therefore, we request that you provide detailed information regarding the purpose, nature, and authority for any expanded information sharing between ORR and ICE. We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.
We look forward to your immediate response.
Sincerely,
CHARLOTTE, N.C – In April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). This year’s observance takes place April 6-12, 2025.
NCVRW began in 1981 to honor crime victims, promote victims’ rights, and recognize those who work with and advocate on behalf of victims of crime. It also serves to promote policies and programs that help victims of crime. This year’s NCVRW theme, “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing,” recognizes that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime.
To commemorate NCVRW, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina hosted a ceremony in Raleigh, to promote community engagement, raise awareness, and support and honor crime victims. The ceremony featured music by “The 100 Men in Black Ensemble” and remarks by victim advocates and survivors. The program also included a remembrance ceremony for crime victims and an award ceremony to recognize individuals for their superior service and work with victims and survivors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Randall Galyon (MDNC), U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson (WDNC), and Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar (EDNC) attended today’s NCVRW Ceremony in Raleigh
“We wish there were no victims of crime, and eliminating crime is our goal and motivation. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm our commitment to that goal, and to crime victims, survivors, and their families,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “My Office will continue to work closely with our community partners, advocates, and law enforcement to uphold victims’ rights, and to ensure that victims’ voices are heard not just this week, but every day of the year.”
“Each year during National Crime Victims’ Week, we recognize people whose physical, financial, and emotional well-being has been shattered by crime, and those who work to support them. By reflecting upon and honoring victims, victim advocates, and law enforcement professionals, we renew our commitment to seeking justice and giving hope to victims and their families,” said Randall Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “Throughout the coming year, we will continue to bring our very best efforts to this work, protecting the fundamental human rights to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’”
“Today we honor the victims of crimes and celebrate those who work to restore hope in the face of loss and tragedy,” said Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “We greatly appreciate the sacrifices that our law enforcement partners and victim advocates make to serve, creating the community necessary to build the healing victims deserve.”
For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program can be found here.
NEW YORK, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in high-resolution Earth observation data, has been awarded a multi-year contract valued at $30 million to provide near-daily and ultra-low latency analytics from its groundbreaking, AI-first constellation to a strategic defense and security customer. This innovative approach generates analytics directly onboard each satellite, enabling insights to be downlinked within minutes, significantly enhancing operational responsiveness and decision-making capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Satellogic will deliver multiband optical imagery captured by the satellite constellation. The constellation is uniquely designed to run AI algorithms in real time, enabling advanced defense and security surveillance applications including rapid change monitoring, detection of defense targets (e.g. aircraft and other vehicles), pattern of life assessment and monitoring of other sensitive defense sites.
“This award demonstrates Satellogic’s capabilities in providing rapid innovation that develops new space capabilities tailored to the evolving and demanding mission requirements of allied security customers,” said Emiliano Kargieman, Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to support our international defense customers with data-driven insights designed to enhance strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.”
The constellation’s combination of global, frequent revisit rates, high-quality multispectral imagery and rapid on-orbit processing of analytics, enable defense and intelligence analysts to quickly detect changes in infrastructure, military asset positioning, and activity patterns as they happen at critical locations worldwide. The solution is configured to deliver global coverage on a very rapid cadence to meet demanding AI-enabled defense analytics missions.
Satellogic remains dedicated to providing innovative satellite solutions and advanced analytics tailored to the evolving requirements of the global defense and security sector.
Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.
Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high-resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.
With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third parties for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, (xv) competition for EO services, (xvi) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xvii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xviii) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xix) substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch and (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
Media Contacts
Satellogic, Inc. Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development pr@satellogic.com
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Tran, Academic Tutor at Swinburne University of Technology, Swinburne University of Technology
Since Iron Man hit the big screen in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has made more than US$30 billion, from films to series, to merchandise and comics. As scholars and the press have noted, key to its success is the use of a highly gripping and elaborate “shared universe”.
You might be surprised to hear they’ve actually been around for a very long time – but most of them fail to really get off the ground.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s roaring success has set a high bar for other projects. IMDB
What is a shared universe?
The definition of a “shared universe” is a bit tricky to pin down, as it overlaps heavily with related concepts such as spin-offs, crossovers and franchises.
At its simplest, you can think of a shared universe as a narrative world made up of at least two texts (such as film, television, video games or books) that are distinct, but with overlapping narrative elements.
The texts may have different main characters, different stories, or even different settings – but there will be, at the minimum, some evidence they take place within the same broader world.
Early shared universes
Shared universes have been a staple in storytelling since the dawn of mass media – and not just in cinema.
One of the first shared universes was The Human Comedy (La Comédie humaine) series (1829–48) by French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac.
Honoré de Balzac’s (1799-1850) novel sequence La Comédie humaine presents a panorama of post-Napoleonic French life. Wiki
Set against the French Restoration, following the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, Balzac’s sprawling world spans more than 90 novels and charts the complexity of post-revolution life.
Another early example from literature is L. Frank Baum’s Oz universe. After Baum grew tired of the Oz books, he wrote The Sea Faeries (1911) as the start of a new series. Its lack of critical reception forced him to return to Oz, but not before bringing some Sea Faerie characters along to the Oz universe with him.
The shared universe trend continued in the early 1900s with writers such as Isaac Asimov, Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft, and would become a mainstay in sci-fi and fantasy.
However, it was arguably television that made shared universes mainstream. This started as early as the 1960s with The Danny Thomas Show and its spin-off The Andy Griffith Show. Other notable examples include the Cheersspin-offs, the Law & Order franchise and the Vampire Diaries universe.
Television’s episodic form – perpetually stuck in the second act – lends itself to spin-offs. Why risk time and money on something new when a fan-favourite character can get their own show, with the prestablished audience (hopefully) migrating over?
Before Marvel came thundering along
One of the earliest cinematic universes was Universal’s original Monsters franchise, beginning in 1931 with the films Dracula and Frankenstein.
This universe was made up of horror characters including Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster and the Wolf Man. Crossover offerings included Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943) and House of Frankenstein (1944).
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man stars Lon Chaney Jr. as The Wolf Man and Bela Lugosi as Frankenstein’s monster. IMDB
But this attempt at a coherent world was haphazard. Continuity was often ignored or contradicted, with post-editing decisions cutting out crucial story connectivity.
For example, in The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), Ygor’s brain transplant is what allows the monster to speak, yet this element is omitted from later films.
Difficult beginnings
Only a handful of cinematic universes have been truly successful. Following the MCU’s triumph, Warner Bros. attempted a King Arthur universe with King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), but it flopped.
Sony then tried (and failed) to begin a franchise with Robin Hood (2018) that would spin off to his many merry men.
And it would be remiss to not mention Univeral’s attempt at recapturing its original Monster universe with Tom Cruise’s The Mummy (2017). This film was supposed to be the beginning of the so-called “Dark Universe” which – you guessed it – never happened.
The trifecta you need for success
One cultural character with great success in cinematic universes is Godzilla. The radioactive reptile has been a hit in two separate shared universes: first in Toho Studios’ Japanese live action films, and more recently in Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse.
The latter has grossed more than US$2 billion worldwide, and given us five major films including Godzilla (2014) and Kong: Skull Island (2017), as well as two spin-off shows that have begun production on their second seasons.
An experienced screenwriter explained what makes a successful franchise to media scholar Henry Jenkins:
When I first started, you would pitch a story because without a good story, you didn’t really have a film. Later, once sequels started to take off, you pitched a character because a good character could support multiple stories. And now, you pitch a world because a world can support multiple characters and multiple stories across multiple media.
It is the trifecta of story, characters and world that gives rise to a successful shared universe. And the MCU and MonsterVerse both provide captivating worlds in which more characters and stories can always be added.
Marvel films are by no means groundbreaking, as they follow the typical heroes journey of good versus evil. But they leverage comic book characters that had already captivated fans through a different medium.
Also, the MCU was meticulously planned from the beginning: one universe populated with several heroes was always the endgame. As a result, Marvel has managed to transform C- and D-list superheroes into household names.
Meanwhile, the MonsterVerse draws audiences in with the sheer spectacle of massive titans – who were also already well-known – engaging in action-packed battles.
In both cases, there are always more heroes to appear, and more titans to fight.
So, can we expect major studios to continue to try and capture lighting in a bottle, like Disney has with the MCU? Unequivocally, yes. But what might change is the approach.
Failed cinematic universe attempts from the past had many reasons for failing – whether it was media constraints, or trying to capitalise on the hype instead of actually delivering a compelling fictional world. Creators of the future have a higher bar to meet.
Vincent Tran does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
CALGARY, Alberta, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (“Gibson” or the “Company”) announced today that it expects to release its 2025 first quarter financial and operating results on Monday, May 5, 2025, after the close of North American markets. The 2025 first quarter management’s discussion and analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements will be available on the Company’s website at www.gibsonenergy.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
Earnings Conference Call & Webcast Details A conference call and webcast will be held to discuss the 2025 first quarter financial and operating results at 7:00am Mountain Time (9:00am Eastern Time) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
To register for the call, view dial-in numbers, and obtain a dial-in PIN, please access the following URL:
Registration is currently open and recommended at least five minutes prior to the conference call.
This call will also be broadcast live on the Internet and may be accessed directly at the following URL:
The webcast will remain accessible for a 12-month period at the above URL.
Annual General Meeting & Webcast Details Gibson is holding its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 6, 2025, at 10:00am Mountain Time (12:00pm Eastern Time). This meeting will be held in a hybrid format (virtual and in-person). Applying technology to the meeting by allowing virtual participation will make the meeting more relevant, accessible and engaging for all involved, permitting a broader base of shareholders to participate, regardless of their geographic location.
Attending In-Person:
Lumi Experience Studio
Suite 1410, 225 6 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Attending virtually can be accessed using the following URL:
The webcast will remain accessible for a 12-month period at the above URL.
Additionally, information and materials related to the annual general meeting of shareholders can be accessed using the following URL:
About Gibson Gibson Energy Inc. is a leading liquids infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products, as well as waterborne vessel loading. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside and Wink, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.gibsonenergy.com.
At least four men were arrested or disappeared last month for openly following the Ahmadi religion
Members of religious minorities and atheists are often summoned and questioned by the National Security Agency or otherwise threatened or harassed
Ahmed Al-Tanawi, a 28-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, is at imminent risk of deportation to Syria
‘It is outrageous that these men have been targeted and forcibly disappeared simply for not espousing state-sanctioned religious beliefs’ – Mahmoud Shalaby
The Egyptian authorities must stop all plans to forcibly return a Syrian asylum seeker who is at risk of deportation to Syria as early as 9 April and end their ongoing crackdown on members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, Amnesty International and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) said today.
Between 8 and 14 March this year, Amnesty International and EIPR documented the arbitrary detention of at least four members of the religious minority solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion. The men, who include two Syrian brothers registered as asylum seekers with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were detained at their homes in three different governorates.
Three of them were subsequently subjected to enforced disappearance with their whereabouts currently unknown, while one man remains held incommunicado.
Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International, said:
“It is outrageous that these men have been targeted and forcibly disappeared simply for not espousing state-sanctioned religious beliefs. The Egyptian authorities have legal obligations to respect and protect the right to freedom of religion of everyone in the country which includes those with religious beliefs not recognised by the state.
“Instead of arbitrarily detaining and forcibly disappearing people for exercising their religious beliefs or threatening to deport them, the Egyptian authorities should immediately disclose the men’s fate and whereabouts and unconditionally release them.”
Ahmed Al-Tanawi: A banner triggers a crackdown
Among those targeted is Ahmed Al-Tanawi, a 28-year-old Syrian asylum seeker registered with UNHCR, who is at imminent risk of deportation to Syria. The security situation in Syria remains volatile and Amnesty continues to oppose forced returns to the country.
The latest crackdown on members of the Ahmadi religious minority was triggered when a member of the religious group hung a banner advertising an Ahmadi TV channel on a pedestrian bridge in Giza in early March. Amnesty and EIPR reviewed a photograph of the banner hanging on the bridge, which showed a TV channel affiliated with the Ahmadi religion (“Zahra al-Mahdi”, meaning “Mahdi Has Appeared”), and featured a photo of its leader.
On 8 March, security forces arrested the individual who hung the banner. He was released later that day without charge, according to Imran Ali, the UK-based bishop of the Ahmadi religion in Egypt and another Ahmadi man who was in touch with the individual after his release.
It appears that the security forces identified three of the Ahmadi men after searching his phone and finding a Telegram group for members of the religious group in Egypt, of which the three of were members, according to Imran Ali and the men’s relatives.
On 11 March, police officers in plain clothes rearrested Ahmed Al-Tanawi and his brother, Hussein Mohammed Hassan Al-Tanawi, also an asylum seeker registered with UNHCR, at their house in 6th of October City in Giza governorate, without presenting an arrest warrant, according to a family member.
Ahmed remains held incommunicado at the “6th October First Police Station”, while Hussein’s whereabouts remain unknown. On 15 March, a police officer informally told EIPR’s lawyer that Ahmed was accused of “membership in a terrorist organisation”.
On 25 March, Hussein’s family submitted a complaint to the public prosecution, which was reviewed by Amnesty and EIPR, to inquire about his whereabouts. The family is yet to receive a response.
On 6 April, police forced Ahmed Al-Tanawi’s family to purchase a ticket for him to Syria, threatening to deprive him of medication for his heart condition. His flight is scheduled for early tomorrow morning, according to his family.
Homes violently raided
On 10 March, security forces arrested Omar Mahmoud Abdelmaguid Mohamed Ibrahim, another member of the Ahmadi religious minority, following a violent raid on his home in Cairo. His whereabouts remain unknown.
A member of Omar’s family said that since the arrest, his house has been under constant police surveillance. Police officers searched the house again on the same day to arrest Omar’s brother-in-law, Hazem Saied Mohamed Abd El-Moatamed, who had fled. However, he was arrested three days later, on 13 March, in 10th of Ramadan City in Sharqia Governorate, according to one of his relatives. He remains forcibly disappeared.
Amnesty and EIPR reviewed copies of complaints submitted by family members of Omar Mahmoud Abdelmaguid Mohamed Ibrahim and Hazem Saied Mohamed Abd El-Moatamed to the prosecution on 25 March, inquiring about their whereabouts. To date, the family has not received a response.
In separate incidents, at least four other members of the religious minority were arrested throughout March, with their fate and whereabouts currently unknown, according to Imran Ali. He said that three of them messaged him to say they were about to be arrested. He has not heard back from them since.
Part of a wider crackdown on religious freedom
Religious minorities including Coptic Christians, Shi’a Muslims and Bahá’ís consistently face discrimination in law and/or practice in Egypt. Members of religious minorities, atheists and others not espousing state-sanctioned religious beliefs are summoned and questioned by the National Security Agency or otherwise threatened or harassed, including by their educational institutions and online.
The Egyptian authorities must stop all plans to forcibly return a Syrian asylum seeker who is at risk of deportation to Syria as early as tomorrow and end their ongoing crackdown on members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, Amnesty International and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) said today.
Between 8 and 14 March 2025, Amnesty International and EIPR documented the arbitrary detention of at least four members of the religious minority solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion. The men, who include two Syrian brothers registered as asylum seekers with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were detained at their homes in three different governorates. Three of them were subsequently subjected to enforced disappearance with their fate and whereabouts currently unknown, while one man remains held incommunicado (i.e. without any contact with the outside world).
“It is outrageous that these men have been targeted and forcibly disappeared simply for not espousing state-sanctioned religious beliefs. The Egyptian authorities have legal obligations to respect and protect the right to freedom of religion of everyone in the country which includes those with religious beliefs not recognized by the state,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.
It is outrageous that these men have been targeted and forcibly disappeared simply for not espousing state-sanctioned religious beliefs.
Mahmoud Shalaby, Researcher
“Instead of arbitrarily detaining and forcibly disappearing people for exercising their religious beliefs or threatening to deport them, the Egyptian authorities should immediately disclose the men’s fate and whereabouts and unconditionally release them.”
Among those targeted is Ahmed Al-Tanawi, a 28-year-old Syrian asylum seeker registered with UNHCR, who is at imminent risk of deportation to Syria. The security situation in Syria remains volatile and Amnesty International continues to oppose forced returns to the country.
The latest crackdown on members of the Ahmadi religious minority was triggered when a member of the religious group hung a banner advertising an Ahmadi TV channel on a pedestrian bridge in Giza in early March. Amnesty International and EIPR reviewed a photograph of the banner hanging on the bridge, which showed the frequency of “Mahdi Has Appeared” (Zahra al-Mahdi), a TV channel affiliated with the Ahmadi religion and featured a photo of its leader.
On 8 March 2025, security forces arrested the individual who hung the banner. He was released later that day without charge, according to Imran Ali, the United Kingdom-based bishop of the Ahmadi religion in Egypt and another Ahmadi man who was in touch with the individual after his release. It appears that the security forces identified three of the Ahmadi men after searching his phone and finding a Telegram group for members of the religious group in Egypt, of which the three of were members, according to Imran Ali and the men’s relatives.
On 11 March, police officers in plain clothes arrested Ahmed Al-Tanawi and his brother, Hussein Mohammed Hassan Al-Tanawi, also an asylum seeker registered with UNHCR, at their house in 6th of October City in Giza governorate, without presenting an arrest warrant, according to a family member. Ahmed remains held incommunicado at the 6th of October First Police Station, while Hussein’s fate and whereabouts remain unknown. On 15 March, a police officer informally told EIPR’s lawyer that Ahmed was accused of “membership in a terrorist organization”.
On 25 March, Hussein’s family submitted a complaint to the public prosecution, which was reviewed by Amnesty International and EIPR, to inquire about his whereabouts. The family has yet to receive a response.
Amnesty International and EIPR learned that on 13 March, authorities transferred Ahmed Al-Tanawi to the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality in Abbasyia neighbourhood in Cairo, where officials coerced him into signing documents apparently related to his deportation, without allowing him to review them. On 6 April, police forced Ahmed Al-Tanawi’s family to purchase a ticket for him to Syria, threatening to deprive him of medication for his heart condition. His flight is scheduled for early tomorrow morning, according to his family.
On 10 March, security forces arrested Omar Mahmoud Abdelmaguid Mohamed Ibrahim, another member of the Ahmadi religious minority, following a violent raid on his home in Cairo. His fate and whereabouts remain unknown. A member of Omar’s family said that since the arrest, his house has been under constant police surveillance. Police officers searched the house again on the same day to arrest Omar’s brother-in-law, Hazem Saied Mohamed Abd El-Moatamed, who had fled. However, he was arrested three days later, on 13 March, in 10th of Ramadan City in Sharqia Governorate, according to one of his relatives. He remains forcibly disappeared. He remains forcibly disappeared.
Amnesty International and EIPR reviewed copies of complaints submitted by family members of Omar Mahmoud Abdelmaguid Mohamed Ibrahim and Hazem Saied Mohamed Abd El-Moatamed to the prosecution on 25 March, inquiring about their whereabouts. To date, the family has not received a response.
In separate incidents, at least four other members of the religious minority were arrested throughout March, with their fate and whereabouts currently unknown, according to Imran Ali. He said that three of them messaged him to say they were about to be arrested. He has not heard back from them since.
Background
Religious minorities including Coptic Christians, Shi’a Muslims and Bahá’ís consistently face discrimination in law and/or practice in Egypt. Members of religious minorities, atheists and others not espousing state-sanctioned religious beliefs are summoned and questioned by the National Security Agency or otherwise threatened or harassed, including by their educational institutions and online.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) joined Jackie Nespral on NBC6’sImpact with Jackie Nespralto discuss immigration, Venezuela, DOGE, Radio and TV Martí, and more.
Galaxy KDay made an extraordinary return on Saturday, 5 April 2025, setting the stage for a sensational celebration of music, technology, and lifestyle at the iconic Meerendal Wine Estate in Cape Town. A highly anticipated event on the entertainment calendar, Galaxy KDAY was a spectacular fusion of high-energy performances, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant cultural experiences, making it the ultimate destination for fans and tech enthusiasts alike.
As per tradition, the event was powered by the collaboration between Samsung and Kfm 94.5, uniting two industry leaders to offer a seamless blend of music and technology. The partnership aimed to create a fully immersive experience, where attendees could enjoy world-class performances while engaging with innovative Samsung mobile technology.
Samsung showcased the Galaxy S25 Series, offering concert-goers an exclusive opportunity to experience the latest in AI-powered features that make it a true AI companion. These groundbreaking features, including its advanced Nightography capabilities powered by the new 50MP Ultra-wide camera, enhanced the concert videography experience, enabling fans to capture stunning, high-quality videos even in low-light environments and at more ranges and angles – a true game-changer for concert lovers. Plus, with up to 31 hours of video playback, users can enjoy extended entertainment without worrying about battery life, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.
The festival brought together some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists, including the iconic Nasty C, the legendary DJ Kent, the dynamic Youngsta CPT, the ever-popular Mi Casa, and more, delivering unforgettable live performances that resonated deeply with the crowd. The line-up of diverse talent celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa, offering a unique experience that transcended music.
“Galaxy KDay represents more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and cutting-edge technology. Our partnership with Kfm 94.5 allows us to create an event that pushes boundaries and brings people together to experience the best of both worlds – live music and the latest in mobile tech innovation,” said Kgomotso Mannya, Head of Marketing for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics South Africa.
The cultural vibrancy of Galaxy KDay was evident in every aspect of the event, from the awesome music to the good food and interactive experiences that showcased South Africa’s diverse heritage. The fusion of these elements resulted in an immersive atmosphere, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the day for everyone in attendance.
With an impressive line-up, innovative technology, and a sense of cultural unity, Galaxy KDay 2025 has once again delivered on its promise of premium entertainment and undoubtedly set a new standard for music and tech festivals in South Africa.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses News18 Rising Bharat Summit The world’s eyes and expectations are on India: PM
India has sprinted ahead at double the speed, doubling the size of its economy in just one decade: PM
Those who thought that India would progress slow and steady, will now witness a fast and fearless India: PM
Delay is the enemy of development: PM
When growth is driven by aspirations, it becomes inclusive and sustainable: PM
Waqf legislations ensure dignity for all, especially the marginalised: PM
WAVES will empower Indian artists to create and take their content to the global stage: PM
Posted On: 08 APR 2025 10:26PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the News18 Rising Bharat Summit in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he expressed gratitude to Network18 for providing him the opportunity to connect with esteemed guests from India and around the world through this summit. He appreciated the focus of this year’s summit on the aspirations of India’s youth. Underlining the significance of the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ held earlier this year on Swami Vivekananda Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam, he remarked on the dreams, determination, and passion of the youth to make India a developed nation. He emphasized the roadmap for India’s progress by 2047, stating that continuous deliberation at every step will yield valuable insights. He noted that these insights will energize, guide, and accelerate the Amrit Kaal generation. He extended his congratulations and best wishes for the success of the summit.
“The world’s eyes and expectations are on India”, said Shri Modi, highlighting that within a span of a few years, India has risen from being the 11th to the 5th largest economy. He emphasized, “despite numerous global challenges, India has sprinted ahead at double the speed, doubling the size of its economy in just one decade”. He remarked that those who once believed India would progress slowly and steadily are now witnessing a ‘Fast and Fearless India’. He expressed confidence that India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy. “This unprecedented growth is being driven by the ambitions and aspirations of India’s youth”, he said, emphasising that addressing these ambitions and aspirations is now a national priority.
Noting that as of today, April 8, 2025, the first 100 days of the year are nearing completion in a couple of days, the Prime Minister highlighted that the decisions made during this period reflect the aspirations of India’s youth. “These 100 days were not just about decisions but about laying the foundation for the future”, he emphasised. He stated that policies have been transformed into pathways for possibilities. He highlighted key initiatives, including zero tax on income up to ₹12 lakh, benefiting young professionals and entrepreneurs. He noted the addition of 10,000 new medical seats and 6,500 new IIT seats, marking an expansion in education and acceleration in innovation. Shri Modi also mentioned the establishment of 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs, ensuring innovation reaches every corner of the country. He remarked that these labs will ignite a chain reaction of innovation. Highlighting the creation of Centers of Excellence for AI and skill development, providing youth with opportunities to become future-ready, Shri Modi also announced 10,000 new PM Research Fellowships to simplify the journey from ideas to impact. He remarked that just as the space sector was opened, the nuclear energy sector will now also be opened, removing boundaries and fostering innovation. He mentioned the introduction of social security for youth engaged in the gig economy, ensuring that those previously invisible are now at the center of policies. He also highlighted term loans of up to ₹2 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, emphasizing that inclusivity is now a policy, not just a promise. These decisions will directly benefit India’s youth, as the progress of the nation is tied to the progress of its youth, he added.
“The achievements of the past 100 days demonstrate that India is unstoppable, unyielding, and unwavering in its progress”, said Shri Modi underscoring that during this period, India became the fourth country in the world to achieve satellite docking and undocking capabilities. He noted the successful testing of the semi-cryogenic engine and the milestone of surpassing 100 gigawatts of solar capacity. He also emphasized the record coal production of 1,000 million tons and the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission. Shri Modi also mentioned the decision to establish the 8th Pay Commission for Central Government employees and the increase in fertilizer subsidies for farmers, underscoring the government’s priority for the welfare of farmers. He highlighted the mass housewarming ceremony for over 3 lakh families in Chhattisgarh and the distribution of more than 65 lakh property cards under the Swamitva scheme. The Prime Minister remarked that in these 100 days, one of the world’s highest tunnels, the Sonamarg Tunnel, was dedicated to the nation. He noted the addition of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer to the Indian Navy’s strength. He also cited the approval for the purchase of ‘Made in India’ light combat helicopters for the Army. He highlighted the passage of the Waqf amendment bill as a significant step toward social justice. He added that these 100 days represent not just 100 decisions but the fulfillment of 100 resolutions.
“This mantra of performance is the true energy behind a rising India”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, sharing his recent visit to Rameswaram, where he had the opportunity to inaugurate the historic Pamban Bridge. He highlighted that over 125 years ago, the British constructed a bridge there, which witnessed history, endured storms, and suffered significant damage from a cyclone. Despite years of public demand, previous governments failed to act. He emphasized that it was under his government that work on the new Pamban Bridge began and the nation now has its first vertical lift rail-sea bridge.
Emphasising that delaying projects hampers the nation’s progress, while performance and swift action drive development, the PM said, “delay is the enemy of development, and our government is committed to defeating this enemy”. He cited the example of Assam’s Bogibeel Bridge, whose foundation was laid by former Prime Minister Shri Deve Gowda in 1997 and initiated by Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, the project stalled under subsequent governments, causing hardships for millions in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, he added. He highlighted that his government restarted the project in 2014 and completed it within four years, in 2018. He also mentioned Kerala’s Kollam Bypass Road project, which had been pending since 1972. He noted that the previous governments worked on it for 50 years, while the project was completed within five years, under his government.
Shri Modi remarked that discussions on Navi Mumbai Airport began in 1997, and it received approval in 2007. However, he highlighted that the Congress government did not take action on the project. He stressed that his government expedited the project, and the day is not far when commercial flights will commence from Navi Mumbai Airport.
Highlighting the significance of April 8, marking the 10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the Prime Minister remarked that earlier, even opening a bank account without a guarantor was a challenge, and bank loans were a distant dream for ordinary families. He emphasized that the Mudra Yojana addressed the aspirations of marginalized groups, including SC/ST, OBC, landless laborers, and women, who had nothing to pledge but their hard work. Questioning whether their dreams, aspirations, and efforts were any less valuable, Shri Modi highlighted that over the past decade, 52 crore loans have been disbursed under the Mudra Yojana without any guarantee. He noted the remarkable scale and speed of the scheme, stating that 100 Mudra loans are cleared in the time it takes for a traffic light to turn green, 200 loans are approved while brushing one’s teeth, and 400 loans are sanctioned during a favorite song on the radio. He further remarked that in the time taken for an instant delivery app to fulfill an order, 1,000 Mudra loans are sanctioned. Similarly, by the time one finishes an episode on an OTT platform, 5,000 Mudra businesses are established.
“Mudra Yojana did not demand guarantees but placed trust in the people”, said Shri Modi, highlighting that the scheme has enabled 11 crore individuals to receive loans for self-employment for the first time, transforming them into first-time entrepreneurs. He emphasized that over the past decade, 11 crore dreams have been given wings through the Mudra Yojana. He noted that approximately ₹33 lakh crore has been disbursed under the scheme, reaching villages and small towns—a figure surpassing the GDP of many countries. “This is not merely micro-finance but a mega transformation at the grassroots level”, he stressed.
Highlighting the transformative example of Aspirational Districts and Blocks, the Prime Minister remarked that previous governments had declared over 100 districts as backward and left them neglected, many of which were in the Northeast and tribal belts. Instead of deploying the best talent to these districts, officials were sent there as punishment postings, reflecting the outdated mindset of keeping the “backward” regions stagnant. He emphasized that their government changed this approach by designating these areas as Aspirational Districts. He stated that the administration in these districts was prioritized, flagship schemes were implemented in mission mode, and growth was monitored across various parameters. He highlighted that these Aspirational Districts have now surpassed several states and national averages in performance, benefiting the local youth the most. He noted that the youth in these districts now confidently say, “We can also achieve, we can also progress.” The Prime Minister remarked that the Aspirational Districts Program has received global recognition from reputed institutions and journals. Inspired by its success, the government is now working on 500 Aspirational Blocks. “The growth driven by aspirations is both inclusive and sustainable”, he emphasised.
Emphasising that peace, stability, and a sense of security are essential for a nation’s rapid development, the PM quoted Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a fearless and confident mind, stating, “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.” He stated that for decades, India faced an atmosphere of fear, terror, and violence, which caused the greatest harm to the youth. He highlighted that in Jammu and Kashmir, generations of young people were consumed by bombings, gunfire, and stone-pelting, while previous governments lacked the courage to extinguish this fire. He emphasized that their government’s strong political will and sensitivity have transformed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that today, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are actively engaged in development.
Underscoring the significant progress made in combating Naxalism and fostering peace in the Northeast, the Prime Minister remarked that over 125 districts were once engulfed in violence, with government boundaries effectively ending where Naxalism began. He noted that a large number of youth were victims of Naxalism. He emphasized his government’s efforts to bring these youth into the mainstream. Over the past decade, more than 8,000 Naxalites have surrendered and abandoned the path of violence, he added, highlighting that the number of Naxal-affected districts has now reduced to fewer than 20. Shri Modi remarked that the Northeast had also endured decades of separatism and violence. Over the last 10 years, his government has signed 10 peace agreements, leading to over 10,000 youth laying down arms and joining the path of development. He emphasized that the success lies not only in thousands of youth abandoning weapons but also in saving their present and future.
Shri Modi remarked that for decades, national challenges were swept under the political carpet instead of being addressed. He emphasized that it is time to confront such issues and not burden the 21st-century generations with the political mistakes of the 20th century. He highlighted that appeasement politics has been a significant challenge to India’s growth. Referring to the recent amendment to the Waqf-related laws, the Prime Minister noted that the debate surrounding Waqf stems from the politics of appeasement, which is not a new phenomenon. “The seeds of appeasement were sown during India’s freedom struggle”, he added. He questioned why India, unlike other nations that gained independence, had to face partition as a condition for freedom. He attributed this to the prioritization of power over national interest at the time. He stated that the idea of a separate nation was not rooted in the aspirations of ordinary Muslim families but was propagated by a few extremists, supported by certain Congress leaders to secure sole claims to power.
The Prime Minister said that appeasement politics granted power to Congress and strength and wealth to certain extremist leaders. However, he questioned what the common Muslim received in return. He highlighted that poor and marginalized Muslims were left with neglect, illiteracy, and unemployment. He emphasized that Muslim women faced injustice, citing the Shah Bano case where their constitutional rights were sacrificed to appeasement. He noted that women were silenced and pressured not to question, while extremists were given free rein to suppress their rights.
“Appeasement politics is fundamentally against the core concept of social justice in India”, said Shri Modi criticizing some parties for using it as a tool for vote-bank politics. He highlighted that the 2013 amendment to the Waqf Act was an attempt to appease extremist elements and land mafias. He noted that the amendment created an illusion of being above the Constitution, restricting the very pathways to justice that the Constitution had opened. He emphasized the adverse consequences of this amendment, which emboldened extremists and land mafias. He cited examples such as Waqf claims on Christian community lands in Kerala, disputes over Gurudwara lands in Haryana, and claims on farmers’ lands in Karnataka. He pointed out that entire villages and thousands of hectares of land across states are now entangled in NOC and legal complexities. The Prime Minister remarked that whether it was temples, churches, gurudwaras, farms, or government lands, people lost confidence in retaining ownership of their properties. A single notice would leave individuals scrambling for documents to prove ownership of their own homes and fields. He questioned the nature of such a law, which was meant to deliver justice but instead became a source of fear.
Congratulating the Parliament for enacting a remarkable law that serves the interests of all communities, including the Muslim community, Shri Modi emphasized that the sanctity of Waqf will now be preserved, and the rights of marginalized Muslims, women, and children will be safeguarded. He highlighted that the debate on the Waqf Bill was the second-longest in India’s parliamentary history, with 16 hours of discussion across both houses. He noted that the Joint Parliamentary Committee held 38 meetings and engaged in 128 hours of deliberation. Additionally, nearly one crore online suggestions were received from across the country. “This demonstrates that democracy in India is no longer confined to Parliament alone but is being strengthened through public participation”, he added.
Emphasizing the importance of focusing on art, music, culture, and creativity—elements that distinguish humans from machines—as the world rapidly advances in technology and AI, Shri Modi highlighted that entertainment is one of the largest global industries and is set to expand further. He announced the creation of WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit), a global platform to encourage and celebrate art and culture. He shared that a major event for WAVES will be held in May 2025 in Mumbai. He spoke about India’s vibrant and creative industries, including movies, podcasts, gaming, music, AR, and VR. He highlighted the “Create in India” initiative, aimed at taking these industries to the next level. WAVES will encourage Indian artists to create content and make it global, while also inviting artists from around the world to collaborate in India, he added. The Prime Minister urged Network 18 to popularize the WAVES platform and encouraged young professionals from creative domains to join this movement. “WAVES should reach every home and every heart”, he emphasised.
The Prime Minister commended Network 18 for showcasing the creativity, ideas, and determination of the nation’s youth through this summit. He lauded the platform for engaging young minds, encouraging them to think about national challenges, provide suggestions, and find solutions. He highlighted that the summit transformed youth from mere listeners to active participants in change. The Prime Minister urged universities, colleges, and research institutions to take the engagement from this summit forward. He emphasized the importance of documenting, studying, and channeling the insights and suggestions into policymaking to ensure the summit becomes a lasting impact rather than just an event. He remarked that the enthusiasm, ideas, and participation of the youth are the driving force behind India’s resolve to become a developed nation. He concluded by extending his best wishes to all those associated with the summit, especially the young participants.
The Prime Minister also unveiled the ‘Samadhan’ document, a compendium of solutions and proof of concepts developed by the selected youths and colleges across India on challenges like air pollution, waste management, cleaning up of rivers, education for all and decongestion of streets of India.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:
The Transport Department (TD) today (April 8) said that the last train to Lo Wu Station on the East Rail Line (ERL) via interchanging at Tai Wai Station has departed from Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station. Cross-boundary travellers who missed the last train to Lo Wu Station may take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then the KMB route No. 276B or N73 to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, and transfer to the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland.
Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:
The concert at Kai Tak Stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is scheduled to end later tonight (April 8). As a large number of spectators is expected to disperse at the same time, the Transport Department (TD) urges those leaving the venue to take the MTR if possible. The TD has been steering public transport service arrangements and the overall traffic conditions have mostly been smooth so far:
MTR:
The interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line will be further enhanced to about 2.5 minutes and the service level of the northbound East Rail Line (ERL) will also be enhanced accordingly;
Of note, for cross-boundary travellers, the last train to Lo Wu Station on the ERL via interchanging at Tai Wai Station will depart from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm;
Special bus routes:
Eleven special bus routes have been arranged at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area departing for ports and major districts across the territory;
Cross-boundary travellers may take route No. SP12 to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange and transfer to the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) to Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port; or route No. A25S to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and transfer to the HZMB shuttle bus (Gold Bus) to Macao and Zhuhai; and
Taxis:
In view of an outflux of spectators, the waiting time is anticipated to be longer. Patience is appreciated. The TD has made all-out efforts with the taxi trade to mobilise more taxis for picking up passengers, including disseminating to the trade directly real-time information on passengers queuing. The KTSP has also mobilised taxis via the instant messaging platform.
Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Utilities (Alectra) announced today its commitment to prioritizing Canadian businesses, suppliers, and vendors through its procurement processes for equipment and services for its electricity grid.
Alectra Utilities is the largest municipally owned electricity utility in Canada based on the number of customers served, totalling approximately 1.1 million homes and businesses and a population of approximately three million people. In 2024, Alectra Utilities invested more than $297 million in net distribution capital, including labour and materials, with approximately 86.2 per cent of these purchases directed to Canadian providers.
Looking ahead, Alectra plans to more than double its capital spending by 2031. This will fund essential grid renewal and replacement of aging equipment, grid expansion to accommodate increases in electricity demand caused by organic growth, and modernization to expedite remote power restoration operations and communications to customers during outages. This increase in capital spending provides an opportunity to seek and prioritize Canadian vendors where possible and where the reliability and safety of the distribution system will be maintained.
“With the current increases to United States trade tariffs and the economic uncertainties that these changes are causing, it is more important than ever to strengthen our domestic supply chains where we can,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “We are committed to cost-effective procurement that prioritizes Canadian suppliers, strengthens our economy, and supports the well-being of our communities. By sourcing Canadian whenever possible, Alectra Utilities is reinforcing its commitment to helping build a resilient supply chain while continuing to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our customers.”
“$11 trillion has been wiped from the stock markets since the U.S. President’s inauguration–a key indicator that we need to continue to stand up against Trump’s unjustified tariffs and bolster a Team Canada approach to strengthen our economy here at home,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario has what the world needs and we are leading the way, with full support of the energy sector including Alectra, stepping up with a Canada-First procurement policy. I have made clear to utilities across Ontario to buy Canadian and prioritize domestic supply chains, creating more Canadian jobs and helping us in the fight against unfair U.S. tariffs.”
Serving more than one million homes and businesses and approximately three million people in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has won the 2025 Google Cloud Infrastructure Modernization Partner of the Year Award for Networking. As a five-time Google Cloud Technology Partner of the Year Award winner, Fortinet continues to be recognized by Google for creating industry-leading solutions and strong customer experiences with Google Cloud.
“We’re honored to once again be recognized as a Google Cloud Technology Partner of the Year. This award highlights the strength of our application and infrastructure security solutions and reinforces our deep integration with Google Cloud services through the Fortinet Security Fabric, powered by our single operating system, FortiOS. As organizations navigate increasingly complex cloud environments, our commitment to security innovation ensures IT and security teams have the tools they need to scale securely, optimize performance, and stay ahead of evolving threats.” Jaime Romero, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Fortinet
“Google Cloud’s Partner Awards recognize partners who have created outsized value for customers through the delivery of innovative solutions and a high level of expertise. We’re proud to announce Fortinet as a 2025 Google Cloud Partner Award winner and celebrate their impact enabling customer success over the past year.” Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem, Google Cloud
Fortinet’s integration with Google Cloud delivers enterprise-grade security, enabling businesses to scale, optimize performance, and defend against evolving threats. FortiGate VM, Fortinet’s virtual next-generation firewall (NGFW), enforces consistent security policies across private, public, and telco clouds, forming the foundation of a hybrid mesh firewall infrastructure.
As part of a broader cloud security platform that includes application security and cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP) solutions, Fortinet delivers comprehensive, integrated code-to-security with 360-degree defense-in-depth protection for applications and data living in cloud and hybrid cloud environments.
Fortinet also boasts a robust network of secure access service edge (SASE) locations that are scalable and globally available through Fortinet and Google Cloud. Fortinet Unified SASE simplifies operations while enabling low latency secure remote and on-prem access and protects networks, applications, data, network edges, and thin edges.
Additionally, Fortinet offers a flexible, usage-based licensing program called FortiFlex that allows Google Cloud customers to optimize their deployments and investments in Google Cloud to perfectly match their dynamic needs. With FortiFlex, organizations can readily scale Fortinet solutions for Google Cloud at any time. Unused credit can be rolled over to subsequent years, further helping customers maximize their dollars. For customers with Google Cloud Committed Use Discount (CUD) agreements, FortiFlex also offers a quick and easy way to meet their committed spend obligations.
This recognition reinforces Fortinet’s long-standing partnership with Google Cloud and its commitment to delivering innovative, enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions.
Additional Resources
Visit Google Marketplace for a complete list of Fortinet products on Google Cloud.
Visit fortinet.com/trust to learn more about Fortinet innovation, collaboration partners, product security processes, and enterprise-grade products.
Learn more about FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence and research and Outbreak Alerts, which provide timely steps to mitigate breaking cybersecurity attacks.
About Fortinet (www.fortinet.com) Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.
LAS VEGAS, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SADA, An Insight company, a leading business and technology consultancy and award-winning Google Cloud Premier level Partner across several product and engagement models, announced today it has received the 2025 Google Cloud Global Partner of the Year Award for Google Workspace.
SADA is recognized for its achievements in the Google Cloud ecosystem, helping joint customers across industries drive significant business value through successful Workspace deployments, focusing on work transformation and AI adoption.
“We are proud to recognize SADA as our Global Google Workspace Partner of the Year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem, Google Cloud. “SADA’s proven expertise in large-scale Google Workspace deployments, combined with their focus on successful change management and high customer satisfaction, has enabled them to enhance workplace productivity and collaboration for enterprise customers.”
SADA’s expertise in Workspace deployments has enabled organizations to substantially improve productivity, collaboration, and security. In one instance, SADA spearheaded a large-scale Workspace transformation for Cimpress, a global printing and mass customization company, migrating large amounts of data and billions of items onto Google Workspace.
“This marks our eighth consecutive year being recognized by Google Cloud as a Partner of the Year, a distinction we are incredibly honored to receive and one that we certainly don’t take lightly,” said Dana Berg, CEO of SADA. “This continued recognition fuels our passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving impactful business outcomes through Google Workspace. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with cloud technology and are excited to continue partnering with Google Cloud to empower organizations on their digital transformation journeys.”
In 2024, SADA demonstrated its commitment to Google Workspace excellence for its customers by launching a Gemini Adoption program, resulting in a significant number of successful Gemini projects, which helped customers successfully and securely leverage all the AI that Google Workspace has to offer. To further accelerate customer adoption, SADA developed a comprehensive Gemini video library with tutorials and unique training materials and hosted a Gemini for Workspace Crash Course event. These initiatives underscore SADA’s dedication to ensuring customers seamlessly transition to and fully leverage the power of Google Workspace.
About SADA, An Insight company SADA, An Insight company, is a market leader in professional services and an award-winning solutions provider of Google Cloud. Since 2000, SADA has been committed to helping customers in healthcare, media, entertainment, retail, manufacturing, and the public sector solve their most complex challenges so they can focus on achieving their boldest ambitions. With offices in North America, India, and Armenia providing sales and customer support teams, SADA is positioned to meet customers where they are in their digital transformation journey. SADA is a 8x Google Cloud Partner of the Year award winner with 11 Google Cloud Specializations and was recognized as a Niche Player in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Public Cloud IT Transformation Services. Learn more at www.sada.com.
