The three-day meeting brings together 310 law enforcement officials from 150 countries.
LYON, France – Senior police officials from around the world are gathering in Lyon this week for INTERPOL’s annual Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCBs) Conference.
As the primary point of contact between INTERPOL and national law enforcement agencies in its 196 member countries, NCBs are uniquely positioned to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in the fight against transnational crime.
Bringing together some 310 delegates from 150 countries, the three-day (11 – 13 February) meeting will discuss strategies for using INTERPOL’s capabilities and network to tackle current and emerging security risks.
Harnessing technology
Through a series of panel-based discussions and regional roundtable sessions, attendees will address a range of crime threats including gang violence, extremism and radicalization and cybercrime, as well as the use of technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi said:
“In today’s world, the importance of cross-border collaboration and data sharing cannot be over-stated.
“National Central Bureaus are the critical link connecting police agencies across INTERPOL’s member countries to the General Secretariat and the wider global security community. The challenges we face are not easy, but together, we are stronger.”
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:
“INTERPOL’s mission must always stay aligned with its member countries’ needs—needs that are constantly changing as the landscape of international crime evolves.
“The Heads of National Central Bureaus’ conference is an opportunity for us to understand the wide-ranging priorities and challenges of our membership, and more importantly how we can help. There will be no strong INTERPOL without strong NCBs.”
Leading platform
Now in its 20th edition, the Heads of NCB conference is a leading platform for international police cooperation.
The event provides senior policing officials with a valuable opportunity to directly engage with their counterparts from around the world, fostering collaboration and exchanging knowledge to drive progress in the global effort to combat transnational crime.
Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, has written to Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL), to express concerns about a programme of works which appears to have stalled at Willesden Green tube station.
The letter has the support of Willesden Green councillors, Cllr Saqlain Choudry, Cllr Janice Long and Cllr Tom Miller who are calling for the removal of the scaffolding, which has been a hazard and eyesore for residents for over a year.
The three-story scaffolding located outside the station exit on Walm Lane occupies a large part of the pavement, restricting pedestrian access to the high street.
The diagonal elevation of the structure restricts movement for pedestrians with sight impairments and mobility issues. The obstruction affects wheelchair users and parents with prams and pushchairs who need to navigate a sharp turn to travel past the station.
Issues are compounded during rush hour, when a bottleneck is created by pedestrians queuing at the busy 260, 266 460 and N266 route bus stop also located by the station.
The imposing structure creates an unpleasant and unwelcoming environment due to its size and scale, whilst unsightly hoardings built around the structure have created blind spots which lead to a fear of crime.
John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager at Age UK London said: “The needs of pedestrians should always be put first when it comes to any footpath obstruction. Expecting older people who might have a mobility or visual impairment, or any disabled person to navigate around obstructions is not reasonable, and in many cases, dangerous. Blocked pavements are one of the most common frustrations for the older Londoners we talk to. Ensuring our walkways are clear must be a priority for those responsible, in this case, TfL and Network Rail, and we would hope that the situation is addressed immediately.”
John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager at Age UK London said: “The needs of pedestrians should always be put first when it comes to any footpath obstruction. Expecting older people who might have a mobility or visual impairment, or any disabled person to navigate around obstructions is not reasonable and, in many cases, dangerous. Blocked pavements are one of the most common frustrations for the older Londoners we talk to. Ensuring our walkways are
clear must be a priority for those responsible, in this case TfL and Network Rail, and we would hope that the situation is addressed immediately.
Cyreeta Donaldson, RNIB’s Regional Campaigns Officer for London, said: “Pavement obstructions have adverse effects on blind and partially sighted people; increasing the risk of injury, stress, isolation due to self-exclusion from areas known for street clutter, and danger from having to step in the road to get past obstacles on the pavement.
“Inconsistency in this has a negative impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to access their work, community, and key services such as healthcare. Everyone in society benefits from more clarity and consistency in managing and avoiding street clutter.”
Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow said: “The structure is a hazard and a complete eyesore. No active work is taking place.
The delay in completing the works and removing the scaffolding is completely unacceptable and is having a detrimental impact in on the local area.
Disabled residents and parents with pushchairs are struggling to navigate through the structure when it’s dark and during rush periods.
I’m calling on Network Rail and TfL to work together to complete the works and remove the structure, which is a complete monstrosity.”
SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Centage, a leader in modern FP&A software, has announced the appointment of Paul Lynch as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lynch brings extensive experience in scaling B2B SaaS businesses and a clear vision for Centage’s role in transforming financial planning and analysis for mid-market companies.
Lynch is a seasoned B2B SaaS leader, innovator, and disruptor with a proven track record of scaling fintech, developer tools, and messaging businesses. He serves as COO and Venture Partner at Scaleworks and Chairman of Import.io. Previously, he was the CEO of Assembla, successfully leading the company to an exit to Idera in September 2018. Following that, he oversaw the merger of Chargify with SaaSOptics as a larger Battery Ventures investment. Most recently, Lynch was CEO of Import.io, where post-acquisition he restructured the company, returning it to growth and profitability. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Lynch now resides in San Antonio with his wife and three young children.
Under his leadership, Centage aims to disrupt the FP&A software space by finally breaking the stranglehold that Excel has had on budget management in the mid-market for the last four decades. Financial planning has become too complex for spreadsheets, Centage provides a powerful yet intuitive budgeting and forecasting tool—bridging the gap between spreadsheets and enterprise performance management (EPM) systems. Designed for collaboration, Centage delivers better outputs for budget owners in an Excel-like environment—without the headaches of version control or the inefficiencies of disconnected spreadsheets.
“Every business reaches a point where Excel just isn’t enough. When financial planning gets too complex for spreadsheets, Centage is the perfect next step—powerful enough to handle your growing needs but intuitive enough to keep your team aligned,” said Paul Lynch, CEO of Centage. “With our upcoming Worksheets product launch, we’re finally removing the cumbersome overhead of Excel sheets and plugins, delivering a solution that not only provides better functionality than Excel but also offers superior security, governance, and ease of use. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the Excel-based startup and the Enterprise Performance Management corporate user, giving budget owners, in the mid-market, a collaborative, streamlined experience without the version control nightmares or spreadsheet chaos. Centage is here to make financial planning smarter, faster, and stress-free.”
Lynch’s vision for Centage has been set to redefine how finance teams approach budgeting and forecasting, offering a solution that scales with business needs while maintaining the simplicity and flexibility that finance professionals expect. With his leadership and the early March product launch, Centage has set to deliver an even more powerful and intuitive platform that empowers finance teams to work more efficiently and make data-driven decisions with confidence.
About Centage Centage is a leader in modern financial planning and analysis software, providing businesses with an intuitive, collaborative, and scalable solution for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Designed for finance teams looking to move beyond spreadsheets, Centage delivers real-time insights, automated planning, and seamless collaboration to help organizations drive smarter financial decisions.
Contacts
Marketing Content Coordinator Emily Schmitt Centage emily.schmitt@centage.com 5129399782 VP of Marketing Andrew Fear Centage andrew.fear@centage.com 831-521-1735
Big Oil company Energy Transfer is trying to silence Greenpeace with a $300,000,000 lawsuit. If we actually had to pay that amount, Greenpeace USA could shut down.
This lawsuit from Energy Transfer against Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace International includes a racist attempted rewrite of the history of the Indigenous-led protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. It’s also Big Oil’s message to environmentalists everywhere: if you dare to criticize us, you could be next.
The world has taken notice.
Word of this threat to the entire climate justice movement has spread across the world, and over the last few months, thousands of Greenpeace activists, allies, and supporters in more than two dozen countries have responded to Big Oil in one unified voice.
Our message is loud and clear: we will not be silenced. And that message is now echoing across the planet.
Take a look at these photos from more than 25 different countries — as you scroll, think about what our movement is capable of when we work together.
Germany. Indonesia. Thailand. Poland. Brazil. Hungary. France. Spain. Greece. Mexico. Australia. Belgium.
Greenpeace is a global movement. Environmental justice is a global movement.
That’s what Big Oil fails to understand: if they try to silence one of us, millions more will speak out. We will not be silenced. We cannot be silenced.
Big Oil knows that free speech and protest are the best tools we have to demand a green and just world, and they’re afraid of what happens when we exercise those rights. So that’s what we’re going to continue doing.
Recently, we launched an open letter to pressure Energy Transfer to drop their lawsuit. We’re proud to say that hundreds of thousands of people have now signed it, along with more than 400 organizations representing millions of people around the world.
With less than two weeks until we go to trial in North Dakota, we must keep raising our voices.
In September, The Wall Street Journalreported that “some oil-and-gas investors expressed concerns” about Energy Transfer’s $300 million lawsuit against us. Their concern? “It makes the industry look vindictive and could result in a reinvigorated protest movement.”
That’s precisely what Energy Transfer has ignited — a reinvigorated movement.
We all know that Big Oil has infinite sums of money, and immense power. And it’s true that a defeat in court could threaten Greenpeace USA’s existence, and have far-reaching implications for the climate justice movement around the world.
Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Finanz World Group and the services it is offering. According to information available to BaFin, the company offers banking business on the website finzworld-group.com, such as the opportunity to take out loans or open bank accounts. BaFin does not supervise any company called Finanz World Group.
Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.
BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German BankingAct (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).
Please be aware:
BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.
Lord Louis Library’s newly refurbished children’s and teen library is now open, just in time for the February half-term.
The vibrant makeover offers an enhanced experience for young readers and their families, with a series of engaging activities lined up for the holiday period and the reintroduction of cherished regular programmes.
The children’s library has undergone a remarkable transformation over recent months, featuring new carpets, fresh paint, and captivating window vinyls that bring a forest-themed environment to life.
Mandy Champken, the dedicated children’s librarian, said: “The children’s library looks better than ever. We’re eager for children to come in and experience the new forest-theme for themselves.”
Among the regular offerings at Lord Louis Library are:
Rhyme Time: Delightful sessions for babies and toddlers every Friday at 10am and 11am.
Lego Club: Creative and interactive sessions held on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
Teddy Bear Story Time and Duplo Session: Engaging storytelling and playtime on Tuesdays at 10am, with an additional Toddler Story Time on Thursdays at 2.15pm.
For the February half-term, the library has scheduled an array of special events:
Make a Fluttering Butterfly: A hands-on crafting session for all ages on Saturday, 15 February from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Pre-booking is essential.
Decorate a Fairy Door: Creative fun for children aged 4 and above on Friday, 21 February from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Pre-booking is essential.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 22 February, Mandy Champken will host a delightful Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the Quay Arts Centre for the Isle of Wight Story Festival, featuring stories and rhymes for younger children.
Additionally, activities for children will be available across most council libraries during the half-term holidays.
Councillor Julie Jones Evans, Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “We are excited to see families enjoying the newly refurbished space and participating in the wonderful activities we have planned.
“Reading is an essential skill that nurtures imagination, creativity, and lifelong learning. Providing children with a welcoming and engaging library environment is crucial for fostering a love for reading and supporting their educational development.
“The joy of reading for pleasure cannot be overstated — it opens doors to new worlds and perspectives, enriching lives beyond measure. The new children’s library at Lord Louis will play a significant role in enhancing the experiences of young readers and their families.”
Liverpool City Council and its partners are calling on people across the city to take an HIV test and ‘know your status.’ This National HIV Testing Week (10th–16th February) is the perfect time to get checked.
The completely confidential process is quick, free, and has never been easier with multiple access points across the city with and discreet online self-tests also available.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing transmissions, as many people can live with the virus for years without symptoms.
Liverpool is making huge strides as a Fast-Track City, a global initiative committed to ending HIV and AIDS. Since 2021, the number of undiagnosed cases in Liverpool has fallen from 115 to an estimated 50.
But to reach zero new transmissions, regular testing is essential. If you test negative, you can take steps to stay that way, such as using PrEP or condoms. If you test positive, early detection means you can access treatment and live a long, healthy life.
People on effective HIV treatment cannot pass the virus on to their partners, a breakthrough known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Services and partners across the city are co-ordinating testing events and offering prevention advice.
Axess Sexual Health Testing:
Axess website for information on clinic sites, and online testing:
https://www.axess.clinic
See Axess social media channels, including X, Facebook and Instagram for information throughout the week (Axess X)
Condom distribution scheme available all over the city (online ordering) – and with QR code on ‘testing week adverts’
Information stalls, events and engaging in other related engagement activity at the following locations (with advice around how to test):
The Brink – 15-21 Parr St, Liverpool L1 4JN
Tuesday 11th February 2025, 11.30am – 2.00pm
RISE YMCA – 15 Leeds St, Liverpool L3 6HU
Friday 14th February 2025 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing said: “HIV testing week provides a vital opportunity to get tested. In Liverpool we are making testing easier to access than ever before, either through Axess clinics, community outreach, or online approaches.
We also have fantastic HIV treatment and care services and know that with effective treatment, with a positive diagnosis you can lead a long and healthy life. Our HIV support services provided by George House Trust and Sahir House are also there to help with advice and information if you need it”.
Director of Public Health Professor Matthew Ashton said: “We are proud of the progress we have made in relation to HIV testing and treatment in recent years. Having redesigned our services to make contraception, and STI and HIV testing more accessible, we saw a record number of residents test for STIs and HIV last year.
“We want more people to do the same. Please ensure you test and know your status and help us achieve our goal of ending all new HIV transmissions by 2030”.
Axess Sexual Health Clinical Outreach lead, Chris Higgins, said “We will be delivering a range of outreach testing during the week, and our mobile bus. Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV and worth doing because people can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms.
“We encourage you to access our services across the city to get tested, access PrEP and use condoms as a vital approach to HIV prevention”.
Investment designed to drive forward economic development in Dundee is set to be discussed by councillors.
Funding from external sources would be used to support ongoing initiatives like employment programmes, while it could also assist commercial companies spinning out from biomedical research.
A report to be considered on Monday (Feb 17) shows that £2.44 million of funding has been awarded to Dundee City Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025-26.
Councillors will hear that over the last three years, the council has used UKSPF to support the delivery of key economic development interventions.
These include Discover Work, the Dundee Partnership’s employability programme, and local business support through Business Gateway.
To ensure that these services can continue to deliver to clients without interruption, and that staff are retained, it is necessary to confirm the ongoing funding for these projects at the earliest opportunity.
Delivery models including Challenge Funds, partnership approaches, procured services and regionally focused initiatives would remain the same as previous years.
Meanwhile, a separate report recommends the use of legacy funding from the Business Loans Scotland scheme to bolster the city’s life sciences sector.
Opening of the Dundee Life Sciences Innovation Hub in 2025 creates an imperative to maximise the pipeline of spinout companies and to remove barriers to translating innovative research into commercial opportunity and job creation.
Councillors are being asked to give the go-ahead to the reinvestment of the £137,000 legacy funding into a Proof of Concept (POC) Fund Programme in partnership with University of Dundee, with the aim of catalysing life science and healthcare sector spinout companies.
They will hear that the pilot phase of the POC scheme has been funded in 2024/2025 by £100,000 from Dundee’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation matched in kind by Dundee University.
Both reports will be considered by the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Commitee at its next meeting.
Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “We are determined to improve the economy of Dundee through a range of measures with our partners and these two reports show the efforts we are making.
“UKSPF has enabled us to deliver key employability programmes, and city partners are focusing on key issues such as increasing the number of our young people in positive destinations.
“This is a crucial initiative for the future of our city.
“We also want to see academic innovation translated into commercial success, and the Proof of Concept programme will help fledgling companies to find their way.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, on Feb. 11, 2025, as part of his first overseas trip in office. The visit included meetings with Gen. Michael E. Langley, AFRICOM commander, and other senior leaders, as well as a town hall where the secretary engaged directly with military and civilian personnel, discussing key priorities, regional security challenges, and the department’s vision moving forward.
“[Insert Quote Here]”
The visit to AFRICOM was part of a broader engagement that also included a stop at U.S. European Command (EUCOM). During both visits, the secretary met with senior leaders to discuss strategic priorities, regional threats, and cooperation with allies and partners. He emphasized the Department of Defense’s commitment to enhancing lethality, improving force readiness, and strengthening partnerships to counter emerging threats and maintain stability.
Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.
For more information about U.S. Africa Command, visit
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Case study
Intellectual Property: SafeGlam
From personal experience to SafeGlam: Why business graduate Giorgia Flora Aloi chose to launch a platform to educate consumers about counterfeit goods.
Giorgia Flora Aloi is a business graduate, who recently completed her Master’s in Applied Imagination at Central Saint Martin’s. During this time, she investigated the growing issue of counterfeit beauty products sold on social media platforms. For her final project, Giorgia developed SafeGlam – an online learning platform which educates consumers on the dangers of counterfeit cosmetics and how to identify them.
Giorgia’s inspiration came from a personal experience. She and her sister both unknowingly purchased a foundation from Kiko Milano from a social media marketplace. Upon opening the product, Giorgia immediately recognised it was fake due to the product being overly oily and carrying a strong smell. Following this, Giorgia’s mother suffered an allergic reaction after applying to her skin. This experience sparked her interest in counterfeit cosmetics, particularly the harmful and unregulated ingredients often found in these products.
Finding support for SafeGlam
Determined to move forward with SafeGlam, Giorgia realised she needed credible insights to:
Understand the broader impact of counterfeit beauty products.
Ensure the platform’s content was accurate, reliable, and impactful.
During her research, Giorgia discovered the Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) ‘Choose Safe, Not Fake’ campaign, which focused on counterfeit beauty and hygiene products. After reaching out to the IPO’s Enforcement team, Giorgia was guided to valuable research and resources that strengthened the evidence behind her project. Credible information from trusted sources, such as government departments, gave her platform the authority and reliability needed to connect with users effectively.
The impact of SafeGlam
With the support of verified insights, Giorgia created a clear, engaging and impactful platform that raises awareness of counterfeit beauty products. SafeGlam contributes to a fundamental objective of the IPO Counter-Infringement Strategy. This is to educate consumers about the risks of fakes and how to spot them, to prevent the spread of dangerous counterfeit goods.
The IPO recognises that supporting initiatives like SafeGlam helps strengthen critical messages to reach new audiences. Giorgia’s peer-to-peer approach effectively connects with younger consumers, making education on counterfeit products more relatable and effective.
What’s next for Giorgia and SafeGlam?
“SafeGlam is stepping into the future with a clear mission: educate, empower and protect beauty enthusiasts around the world. Through podcasts, educational videos and partnerships we’re building a stronger, more informed community. This paves the way for a safer, smarter and more transparent beauty world”- Giorgia Flora Aloi
Take Action
Visit SafeGlam today to learn about the dangers of counterfeit beauty products and explore the IPO website for information on the effect of counterfeit goods.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UK Statement at Bolivia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 21 January 2025.
Thank you, Mr President,
The United Kingdom thanks the Bolivian delegation for setting out its efforts to protect human rights and welcomes progress by Bolivia since its last review in 2019. We look forward to Bolivia developing further improvements in key areas.
We recommend that Bolivia:
Increase oversight and scrutiny as part of a wider plan to ensure the independence, impartiality and integrity of the Bolivian judiciary, in the next five years.
Strengthen and develop the training and capacity building of law enforcement and the judiciary, to enable the implementation of those laws designed to protect women and girls from violence and exploitation.
Takes steps to ensure greater legal and practical protection for journalists to enable them to fulfil their roles free from legal, political and economic pressure or harassment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Community testing in 2023, including nightclubs and festivals, rose by 7% compared to 2022.
A new report published by the UK Health Security Agency shows HIV testing in community settings continues to be a vital tool to diagnose HIV in those who might not visit traditional testing outlets such as sexual health clinics.
In 2023, testing in community settings such as nightclubs, festivals and voluntary sector premises, increased by 7% compared to 2022.
The HIV testing in community settings in England report also found nearly a quarter of all tests were reported among individuals being tested for HIV for the first time. It also highlights the impact of National HIV Testing Week, noting that there was a 22% increase in the number of tests carried out in this time compared to 2022.
Dr Tamara Duretić, Head of HIV Section at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. It’s good to see HIV Testing Week once again highlighting the hugely important role regular testing plays in helping to prevent new infections, alongside condom use.
Testing allows people to have access to free prevention interventions such as PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) and, should you test positive, ensures timely access to treatment that saves lives and prevents the virus being passed on.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
We are delivering 13,000 police officers, special constables and PCSOs across the country, including a named, contactable officer in your area.
Our mission to keep your streets safe
We’re putting police officers back on the beat to prevent crime and help communities.
Our milestone for safer streets is to deliver 13,000 additional police officers, PCSOs and special constables into neighbourhood policing roles.
This means a named, contactable officer in every community to respond to local issues. You can also have your say on the police’s priorities for your area.
Visible policing is one of the best ways to prevent crime and make your streets safer.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police
Your housing provider – council or housing association tenants
If you or your neighbours are having problems in your building, report it to your council or housing association.
Your housing provider should have told you how to report anti-social behaviour. If not, call them and ask to speak to their anti-social behaviour team.
Your housing provider – private tenants
If the anti-social behaviour is caused by someone with whom you are sharing a house in a private tenancy, report this to your landlord.
Government response to the ACMD’s advice on increasing the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) permissible in industrial hemp from 0.2-0.3% and assessment after 2 years.
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Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a press conference at U.S. Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany Feb. 11, 2025
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!
Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens chaired the eleventh Tata Steel/Port Talbot Transition Board in February 2025.
The Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board met on 6 February 2025.
The Secretary of State for Wales and Chair of the Transition Board, Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, sought endorsement from the Board to announce £8.2 million for the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH). This project will support more than 100 jobs and generate more than £87 million for the South Wales economy, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change and economic growth mission.
This is the first project to receive funding as part of the growth and regeneration projects in Port Talbot. A collaboration between Swansea University, Cardiff University and the University of South Wales, with industry and public sector partners. The Transition Board funding is in addition to the £20 million from the Swansea Bay City Deal. SWITCH will deliver research to support and join up the decarbonisation transition. The announcement of further growth and regeneration projects are due to follow.
Today’s release of money is the fourth announcement from the UK Government’s £80m Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund which, since last July, has announced £51 million to support individual steelworkers and businesses in Tata Steel’s supply chain to protect jobs and grow the local economy.
The Board also discussed mental health support, and further information on the interventions being developed to support mental health in the community will be announced at the next Transition Board meeting on 27th of March, following a mental health pilot at the Neath Port Talbot Council Support Hub in Aberafan Shopping Centre.
The Board also received updates on:
Tata Steel UK’s decarbonisation programme;
The Department of Business and Trade’s plans for a steel strategy;
The Community Union Support Hub for affected workers; and
The Transition Board funds that have already been announced, including applications received for the Supply Chain fund, and support being provided from the Employment and Skills fund.
Those in attendance included: Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales; Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning in the Welsh Government; Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department; Cllr Steve K Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council; Frances O’Brien, CEO of Neath Port Talbot Council; Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK; Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg; David Rees, MS for Aberavon; Tom Giffard, MS for the region of South Wales West; Luke Fletcher MS for the region of South Wales West; Sarah Williams-Gardener; Anne Jessopp CBE; Katherine Bennett CBE independent members of the Board; Alun Davies, National Officer for Steel & Metals, Community Union and Jason Bartlett, Regional Officer for Unite the Union.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Sarah is a Communications and Public Relations Apprentice in the Government Legal Department
My name is Sarah and I am working as a Communications Assistant in the Government Legal Department’s (GLD) Communications Team, whilst simultaneously carrying out my Level 4 Public Relations and Communications qualification. I have been in this role now for just over a year and have alternated between the Press Office and internal communications, carrying out exciting campaigns such as National Apprenticeship Week and more recently the All Staff Conference held in the QEII Centre.
GLD offers a number of apprenticeships that give young people the opportunity to immerse themselves into the world of work straight after school and work towards a qualification. What attracted me to an apprenticeship, rather than a degree, was the prospect of kickstarting my career whilst earning a salary and still gaining a qualification at the end. The work and learning balances out to be 4 days a week in the workplace and one designated day to carry out my assignments and studying.
Throughout my role as a Communications Assistant, I have been able to improve my confidence, teamwork, and organisational skills by working on different projects with colleagues across GLD and the Communications Team. I have pitched articles to legal outlets, scheduled social media posts, planned events and written articles.
I enjoy working with my team who are all very supportive and will assist with anything I need help with. I also volunteer as a GLD Culture and Behaviour Champion, and work to promote an inclusive culture and a working environment that is free from all forms of bullying, harassment or negative behaviour.
I am currently in the end point assessment period of my apprenticeship, meaning I am leading on a communications project for the department. The project that I have chosen to lead on is the Pupil Barrister recruitment campaign, which has allowed me to carry out a wide scope of communications activities around including press releases, articles, videos, and social media posts. Both my employer and apprenticeship provider have been very supportive throughout this, ensuring that I achieve the best outcome.
I have really enjoyed my time so far as a Communications and Public Relations apprentice, in particular rediscovering my love for writing, and am looking forward to future career paths and opportunities that this may lead to.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Magistrates Billing team will now consider prior authority requests in contempt and breach of anti-social behaviour injunction cases.
Further to the news story on Monday 3 February, we are a moving the consideration of prior authority requests in contempt and breach of anti-social behaviour injunction cases.
The new email address to send requests for prior authority in contempt and breach of part 1 injunction cases is CNTP.extensions@justice.gov.uk, the same as for cost increases for contempt.
An amendment has been made to the published guidance.
A senior officer from the South East Area Command has thanked local residents for their patience while officers dealt with a disturbance on Lewisham High Street yesterday.
Police were called to the location at around 10.45hrs on Monday, 10 February.
A cordon was put in place to ensure the safety of the wider public and a man who was inside a property, while officers worked closely with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
Officers gained entry to the property at 02:35hrs on Tuesday, 11 February and detained the man, who was alone in the address. He was taken to hospital following his arrest on suspicion of affray and threats to kill.
Enquiries remain ongoing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads policing in the South East Area, said: “I appreciate the incident in Lewisham High Street yesterday caused a lot of concern for residents and I would like to thank them for their patience.
“To clarify, this situation did not involve any hostages and our specially-trained officers engaged with a man who was believed to be suffering with a mental health crisis.”
Acting on a complaint, the council’s environmental health officers visited The Millions Kitchen, in Showell Road, and discovered the infestation.
Food preparation surfaces, equipment and food packaging were all found to be contaminated by contact with cockroaches when officers made their inspection during August 2023.
Chris Onohwano Igomuaye and Sikiru Owolewa, directors of The Millions Kitchen, each pleaded guilty to a breach of The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 during a hearing at Dudley Magistrates Court on Friday 7 February.
The same charge was brought against the business, and a guilty plea was also entered.
The business was fined £4,000, ordered to pay costs of £5,554 and a victim surcharge of £1,600. Igomuaye and Owolewa were each fined £270, ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £108.
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Cockroach infestations indicate a dreadful level of food hygiene which can cause significant illness.
“The business and directors were knowingly putting their customers at risk and I’m pleased that the court recognised the severity of the offences committed.
“The council works very hard to protect city residents and visitors from the sort of risks that were found in The Millions Kitchen and I hope other businesses take note of the fact that we take food hygiene very seriously in Wolverhampton.”
– Armagh is the only city in the world with two cathedrals named in his honour –
Armagh City – the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and the only city in the world with two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick – is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors for its Home of St Patrick Festival.
The week-long celebration, taking place from Sunday 09 March to Monday 17 March, will honour the life and legacy of the island’s patron saint with an exciting line-up of music, art, theatre, and cultural experiences that promise to captivate and inspire.
Steeped in history, Armagh is uniquely connected to St Patrick, who established his first stone church in the city in 445AD. The iconic city provides the perfect backdrop to understand why he brings such meaning to people here, and the profound influence he left on the culture and heritage of this island.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy, said,
“The Home of St Patrick Festival is one of the island’s premier cultural and historical events, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors to Armagh once again. St Patrick began his mission here, and with two cathedrals named in his honour, our city offers an unparalleled connection to him. For local and international visitors looking to connect with Ireland’s heritage, there’s no better place to explore and celebrate the legacy of our patron saint.
“This year’s festival features an exciting mix of music, art, theatre, film, dance, and local food and drink, all celebrating St Patrick’s profound impact on Ireland and the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, interested in local culture, or seeking a family-friendly day out, the festival promises an authentic and immersive experience in the place St Patrick once called his ‘sweet little hill.”
One of the most significant events in the festival’s programme is the Vigil Walk. The torch-led walk takes place on Sunday 16 March at 7.30pm and connects Armagh’s two breathtaking Cathedrals – St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral – in a symbolic reflection of St Patrick’s own journey to unite people through Christianity.
Guided walking tours of the Cathedrals and surrounding areas will also take place throughout the festival and offer insights into why St Patrick chose Armagh to build his first stone church, along with stories, myths, and legends from his time here.
On St Patrick’s morning, Monday 17 March, Navan Centre and Fort will explore what drew the saint to the area to build his first church as it hosts its Dawn Light event. Through drama and live music, the event will bring to life the ancient story of St Patrick’s arrival, and how he asked the local chieftain, Daire, for the Hill of the Sallows to build a church.
Organised by the local community, the festivities will culminate with Armagh’s iconic parade on the Monday 17 March. Starting early afternoon, the parade will begin at the Christian Brothers’ School, joyously weaving its way through the city, pleasing onlookers with music, entertainment, and colourful displays.
The Pilgrim’s Walk, a 132km (82-mile) trail that stretches from Navan Fort in Armagh to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick is a once-in-a-lifetime experience inspired by St Patrick’s time in the area. While this sacred walk is a special feature of the festival, it can also be enjoyed throughout the year, offering visitors the unique opportunity to retrace St Patrick’s steps and connect with the spiritual journey he once made.
Whilst the festival is very much an ode to and reflection of St Patrick, it is also a celebration of the vibrant and unique cultural spirit of the region.
Why not make a weekend of it? From Friday 14 March to Sunday 16 March, Armagh’s live Irish music trail will fill the city’s welcoming pubs with vibrant performances by artists like Gary Owen and Eoin Ogs Kelly. The lively atmosphere continues on Friday 14 March with St. Patrick’s Shindig in Market Square, featuring electrifying performances from popular Irish bands The High Stool Prophets, Pure Blarney, and The Reillys. A stunning concert by Malachy Cush at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral will kick-off the festival on Sunday 09 March. Other events include an enchanting performance by the vocal ensemble SYSTIR at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on Saturday 15 March and the contemporary Irish dance show JigJazz on Sunday 16 March, which promises to leave audiences spellbound.
Sara McGeary, Tourism Manager at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said:
“St Patrick is known around the world, but Armagh is where his story truly began. It was here that St Patrick began his mission and with two cathedrals bearing his name, our city offers an authentic connection to his story. For centuries, Armagh has been a place of pilgrimage and celebration, and our festival proudly continues that tradition. This year’s diverse programme—featuring everything from live music trails to sunrise storytelling at Navan—ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, all while honouring St Patrick’s enduring influence.”
A new report outlines the importance of Manchester’s cultural offering as a key driver for economic growth – and the ongoing happiness and wellbeing of the city’s residents.
A new report outlines the importance of Manchester’s cultural offering as a key driver for economic growth – and the ongoing happiness and wellbeing of the city’s residents.
The annual culture report, heard by the Council’s Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee (Tues 11 February) provides feedback on the citywide ‘Always, Everywhere’ cultural strategy, an overview of the Council’s investment in cultural opportunities, and how the sector supports Manchester’s recovery following the global pandemic alongside future economic growth.
In the last year alone, the city’s cultural sector has generated an economic impact of more than £342m for Manchester, supporting at least 4,800 full-time jobs.
Last year, the Council’s city-wide consultation helped guide and develop a 10-year plan to help grow culture and creativity in more places in the city, involve more people and connect more communities.
The strategy underpins the importance of culture to the city of Manchester, setting out how partners aim to widening access to culture for all and create an inspiring ‘cultural welcome’ to the city. It celebrates everyday Mancunian cultural life and looks at creating more spaces and places where culture happens for everyone, everywhere.
The ‘Always, Everywhere’ plan outlines that culture and the arts have a much more important footprint than most people might realise.
At a community and grass roots level, culture can bring people together, forging links between our residents while improving our health and wellbeing.
Culture at an international level creates a global visibility for Manchester, creating opportunities for investment that supports Manchester’s economic growth.
Over the next decade, the strategy will make culture more accessible to all, develop more cultural activities and connect these with important issues, and create more spaces and places for culture – and include more people.
The Annual Cultural Impact Survey (more detail in the notes for editors’ section) shows that Manchester City Council invested £23.1m in libraries, arts and culture in 2023 – 24, which has helped leverage a further £159.2m from other public, private and other funding streams. This represents an economic impact for the city of more than £342m and a very good return on investment for the Council.
Supporting at least 4,802 FTE jobs – as well as 16 apprentices and 2,284 volunteers – the sector has also helped Manchester recover quickly following the global pandemic.
The city is now beginning to see city centre footfall return to pre-Covid 19 levels, now up to 93% compared to 2019/20 levels, showing a strong resilience and recovery following the restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
9million people visited cultural venues in the city last year – 2.8m to the city’s libraries – showing that culture and events are a key driver for visitors to the city. And the New York Times has listed Manchester as one of their 52 places to visit this year, mainly based on Manchester’s cultural offer.
Culture as a driver for growth
Culture has long played an important role in the city’s growth from the Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Central Convention Centre supporting the regeneration of the city’s Civic Quarter, while Z-Arts in Hulme and Rogue Artist Studios in Openshaw show the value of cultural opportunities in communities.
Aviva Studios as a centrepiece of the St John’s redevelopment area, HOME at the core of First Street, and a planned Cultural Hub as part of the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre are more recent examples of cultural investment driving globally renowned regeneration – adding to the investor confidence that has helped Manchester become one of the fastest growing places in Europe in recent years.
As a result, Manchester has continued to attract global events in the last year, including MTV European Music Awards, WOMEX, and Chanel – along with the upcoming arrival of the English National Opera to Greater Manchester.
Each adds to the city’s international reputation and ambition supporting the Our Manchester strategy aim of becoming a global city.
Cllr Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“Culture has for many years played an integral part in the city’s history – from international artists and musicians to grassroots arts in the hearts of our communities – it’s all important and it all has a place to help our city and our people to thrive.
“Manchester is place where we celebrate our creativity, our diversity and our vibrancy. Quite simply, take away our culture and there would be no city. At the most fundamental level, the arts brings happiness to our lives, it creates wellbeing and supports good health. Culture also has the power to be a driver for social change, for justice and equality. Our 10-year strategy understands this, and we will use it to ensure our communities have a voice and make sure Manchester is a place where everyone can achieve their potential.
“Culture is also a key engine of growth. Some of the city’s biggest regeneration successes are underpinned by the value of cultural organisations being at the heart of the city’s transformation. The sector accounts for thousands of jobs and has the power to bring global attention and investment to Manchester that provides a platform for economic growth in the future.
“Big or small, culture is the beating heart of Manchester. But we want to do more. We want to celebrate culture in our communities, we want to make sure that as many people as possible can take part, and we want to change lives. This is what culture can do.”
FAMILIES looking for a low-cost day out this half term can enjoy dozens of activities in Leicester that won’t break the bank.
The city council’s online guide to half-term fun lists events organised by Leicester’s libraries, museums and children’s centres, as well as free activities taking place elsewhere in the city.
During their week off school, children and young people will be able to delve into a cabinet of curiosity, try their hand at stand-up comedy, take a ride on a steam locomotive or join a Lego coding club.
On Saturday (15 February), the team from Leicester Museums will be bringing their Cabinet of Curiosity to Beaumont Shopping Centre. Visitors can drop in any time between 11am and 4pm to discover fascinating items from Leicester’s natural history and technology collections.
Also on Saturday, young cyclists aged 16+ can find out more about the Leicester playwright Joe Orton. A nine-mile guided bike ride takes in the area where the writer grew up and the theatre that inspired his passion for drama. Places on the free tour must be booked in advance at letsride.co.uk
On Monday (17 Feb), any child who wants to learn how to be a dog’s best friend can join a free event at Beaumont Leys Library.
Organised by The Dogs’ Trust, the session runs from 10am-11am and is aimed at children aged 7-11. Places must be booked in advance by calling the library on 0116 454 3270. Please note that no dogs will be involved in the session.
Later that day, at Highfields Library, there’s a free event inspired by David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny. Those aged 7+ can join a Simple Science session and create an alarm system to protect the Crown Jewels.
The Gangsta Granny sessions will be repeated at Fosse Library on Tuesday (18 Feb) and at Belgrave Library on Wednesday (19 Feb). Places must be booked in advance by contacting the libraries directly.
On Tuesday (18 Feb, Newarke Houses Museum hosts a Puppets’ Playtime (tickets £4), while those looking for outdoor activities should head for the Abbey Pumping Station, where the steam train on the narrow gauge railway will be offering rides. Admission to the pumping station’s Railway Day – which runs from 11.30am-4pm – is free of charge, with train rides costing 50p.
The Haymarket shopping centre has got lots going on for youngsters on Wednesday (19 Feb). As part of its Blast Off To Fun event, there will be free space-themed crafts and an alien walkabout from 11am-3pm, with activities provided by the National Space Centre. There will also be King Richard III-themed crafts for those aged three and over.
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is inviting families to make their own museum in a box on Wednesday (19 Feb), while the Central Library is running a six-week Lego Coding Club for those aged 8-12, starting on Wednesday (19 Feb). Booking for both events is required.
On Thursday (20 Feb), it’s the Guildhall’s annual ‘snowball’ fight – part of the museum’s Frosty Fun Day. Whatever the weather, there’ll be wintry-themed arts and crafts between 11am-3pm. Tickets are £4 when bought in advance.
Children who like to play with clay can drop in to Leicester Cathedral on both Tuesday (18 Feb) and Thursday (20 Feb) and make their very own mythical grotesque. Aimed at those aged three and over, the craft sessions are free of charge.
On both Thursday (20 Feb) and Friday (21 Feb), young people can join a zine making workshop at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, working with professional artists to create a Leicester Legends zine. Part of the Tell Tall Tales heritage project, the free drop-in sessions run from 2pm-4pm.
All week, there’ll be lots going on at Leicester’s libraries. Free activities include Undersea Crafts at Aylestone Library (1.30pm-3pm on Monday 17 Feb), The Aliens are Coming at Westcotes Library (11am-1pm on Tuesday 18 Feb), Fabulous Frivolous Fun at the Pork Pie Library (2pm-3.30pm on Wednesday 19 Feb), Ramadan and Eid-themed crafts at St Matthew’s Library (2pm-4pm on Wednesday 19 Feb), Make a Dreamcatcher at St Barnabas Library (1pm-2pm on Thursday 20 Feb), Year of the Snake crafts at Rushey Mead Library (2pm-3.30pm on Thursday 20 Feb) and fun paper crafts at Belgrave Library (1pm-4pm on Friday 21 Feb).
And all week, children and young people can get involved in the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival by telling their favourite jokes at libraries across the city.
Joke Spots take place at Highfields Library on Monday (17 Feb), Aylestone Library on Tuesday (18 Feb), Braunstone and Hamilton libraries on Wednesday (19 Feb), Beaumont Leys Library on Thursday (20 Feb), New Parks Library on Friday (21 Feb) and Belgrave Library on Saturday (22 Feb).
All the activities taking place at Leicester’s libraries can be found here
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Keeping children busy over the half-term break doesn’t have to cost the earth, as we’ve got plenty of free and low-cost activities in our libraries and museums.
“I hope families will find our online guide useful and will enjoy discovering the many free educational, creative and activity-based events taking place in Leicester this half term.”
The names of inspirational women who made their mark on Leeds have been officially etched in history today.
In a landmark project, plaques honouring the names of six trailblazing women from the city’s past were unveiled in the prestigious council chamber of Leeds Civic Hall.
Taking their rightful place alongside the names of men who already feature, they have become the very first women to be permanently added to the chamber walls since the building opened in 1933.
The project is aimed at recognising the extraordinary accomplishments of women in Leeds and the unique contribution they have made to the city’s story.
Their names were chosen after a public consultation and confirmed by members of the council’s executive board.
The plaques unveiled today bear the names of:
The Barnbow Lasses: These women worked in the Barnbow Munitions Factory, where 35 women and girls were tragically killed in an explosion during the First World War. It remains the single biggest loss of life in the city’s history.
Leonora Cohen OBE: A pioneer of the Suffragette movement, born in Leeds. She was famously arrested for smashing a glass case containing a royal insignia at the Tower of London in protest against the government’s position on a woman’s right to vote.
Gertrude Paul: A founding member of the Leeds West Indian Carnival and the first black head teacher in Leeds. She also founded the Leeds International Women’s Group, the Afro Asian Organisation and the United Caribbean Association.
Alice Bacon MP CBE: The city’s first female MP, as a minister in the Home Office in the 1960s she oversaw the introduction of substantial societal changes, including the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the legalisation of abortion.
Beryl Burton OBE: Racing cyclist who dominated the sport in the UK and abroad, winning more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles and setting numerous national records.
Ivy Benson: Born in Holbeck, Benson was a saxophonist and bandleader, who led an all-female swing band. Benson’s band were the first entertainers to be invited to perform at the VE celebrations in Berlin in 1945.
Attending today’s unveiling ceremony was Heather Paul, daughter of Gertrude Paul, who said: “Today is a great day honouring all the women, and a celebration of everyone who worked with Gertrude Paul and those whom she supported. She was a woman who believed in collective action, galvanising young and old to promote equity not only in education but in all public services.
“Her strong vision for reform meant she was strategically excellent in making an impact with sustainable projects. She worked tirelessly with voluntary organisations and volunteers beyond the school gate, locally and nationally to ensure that antiracist activism influenced institutional processes and practices.
“She was particularly influential in raising the bar for student attainment in Chapeltown and South Leeds. Proud of her identity as a Black woman of African Caribbean heritage, arriving as a young, qualified teacher meant that she shared her exceptional talents, her concept of hope and belief in optimism with her community and anyone who shared experiences of discrimination based on skin colour, disabilities, class, gender or being seen as different throughout their lives.
“It is a proud moment for her name to be added to the council chamber, especially for the diverse groups of people who worked with her collectively. Her vision and impact continue to make a difference to many people generationally.”
When Leeds Civic Hall was built in 1933, men who had a close association with Leeds or who contributed in a significant way to the history of the city saw their names added to the walls of the council chamber.
More recently the council has been working to ensure women from the city’s past are also recognised.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive memberfor resources, said: “The response to this project from the people of Leeds has been so overwhelmingly positive and it’s been clear from the outset that the city wants to see these remarkable women recognised for their accomplishments.
“Each one of these names has played their own unique role in the story of Leeds, and it’s an honour and privilege for us to add them to the walls of the chamber today.
“By creating a permanent tribute, we can ensure they continue to inspire future generations of Leeds women and girls and help them to know they can make a difference in their city and that anything is possible.”
Funding for the project will come through savings from former chief executive Tom Riordan not taking a pay award for a number of years.
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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, has been selected by innovative telecommunications operator EOLO, Italy’s largest fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband provider, to supply the 5G SA Core for its groundbreaking Gbps fixed wireless access network. The deployment is among the world’s first 5G standalone FWA networks using mmWave and will deliver cost-effective ultrafast broadband internet access to areas across Italy not reached by fiber connectivity.
Mavenir’s 5G SA Core was selected by EOLO for its outstanding levels of flexibility and interoperability. The Mavenir solution will work alongside the User Plane Function (UPF) from 6Wind, marking an industry-first for interoperability and subsequent commercial deployment between Session Management Functions (SMF) and User Plane Functions (UPF) from two different vendors.
The Mavenir 5G SA Core will deliver both IP and Ethernet data units (IPDU and EPDU), which has never previously been achieved in a live environment.
Stefano Cantarelli, Executive Vice President at Mavenir, said: “This is one of the most exciting and innovative 5G FWA deployments in the world – it is pushing boundaries and using the very best 3GPP-based technologies available to deliver rural connectivity against all odds. EOLO has selected best-in-class partners for this project and Mavenir is proud to be a part of that team, bringing our 5G leadership and commitment to flexibility and agility.”
Guido Garrone, CEO at EOLO S.p.A., added: “Mavenir is an excellent team player. Their 5G Core is future-proofed, and the interoperability of their solution has enabled EOLO to choose the best partners for each element of this challenging and innovative new network. The infrastructures that we are building together will complement fiber coverage, playing a pivotal role in strengthening networks and driving the country’s future growth.”
Mavenir offers the industry’s only end-to-end cloud-native network software, with its AI-powered technology enabling energy savings, improved user experience, resource optimisation, enhanced security and fraud protection, and monetization. Its MAVcore® functions are implemented as microservices running in containers, using open APIs to integrate with 3rd party platforms and observability frameworks. This allows CSPs such as EOLO to roll-out services faster, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime.
Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com
About EOLO:
EOLO is a national telecommunications operator, leader in ultra-broadband wireless (FWA) for residential and business markets. It ensures high-quality access to Ultra Broadband focusing on areas affected by digital divide. EOLO is a Benefit Corporation and the first Italian telecommunications company to achieve B Corp certification. It covers over 7,000 municipalities with more than 4,100 BTS (radio transmitters). EOLO connects 1.6 million people and 116,000 businesses, public administrations, and professionals. The company relies on a network of over 17,000 individuals, including collaborators, technical installers, and commercial partners across the territory.
More information about EOLO’s services is available at www.eolo.it
DELFT, The Netherlands and Berkeley, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QphoX B.V., a Dutch quantum technology startup that is developing leading frequency conversion systems for quantum applications, Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, and Qblox, a leading innovator in quantum control stack development, today announced that their joint research demonstrating the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer was published in Nature Physics.
Quantum computing has the potential to drive transformative breakthroughs in fields such as advanced material design, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery. Of the quantum computing modalities, superconducting qubits are a leading platform towards realizing a practical quantum computer given their fast gate speeds and ability to leverage existing semiconductor industry manufacturing techniques. However, fault-tolerant quantum computing will likely require 10,000 to a million physical qubits. The sheer amount of wiring, amplifiers and microwave components required to operate such large numbers of qubits far exceeds the capacity of modern-day dilution refrigerators, a core component of a superconducting quantum computing system, in terms of both space and passive heat load.
A potential solution to this problem may be to replace coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers, which have a considerably smaller footprint and negligible thermal conductivity. The challenge lies in converting the microwave signals used to control qubits into infrared light that can be transmitted through fiber. This is where microwave-to-optical transduction comes into play, a field dedicated to the coherent conversion of microwave photons to optical photons. QphoX has developed transducers with piezo-optomechanical technology that are capable of performing this conversion, forming an interface between superconducting qubits and fiber-optics.
To demonstrate the potential of this technology, QphoX, Rigetti and Qblox connected a transducer to a superconducting qubit, with the goal of measuring its state using light transmitted through an optical fiber. The results of this collaborative effort have been published in Nature Physics. Remarkably, it was discovered that not only is the transducer capable of converting the signal that reads out the qubit, but that the qubit can also be sufficiently protected from decoherence introduced by thermal noise or stray optical photons from the transducer during operation.
“Microwave-to-optics transduction is a rapidly emerging technology with far-reaching implications for quantum computing. Our work demonstrates that transducers are now ready to interface with superconducting qubit technology. This is an exciting and crucial demonstration, with the potential for this technology being far reaching and potentially transformative for the development of quantum computers,” says Dr. Thierry van Thiel, lead author of the work and Lead Quantum Engineer at QphoX.
“Developing more efficient ways to design our systems is key as we work towards fault tolerance. This innovative, scalable approach to qubit signal processing is the result of our strong partnerships with QphoX and Qblox and showcases the value of having a modular technology stack. By allowing our partners to integrate their technology with ours, we are able to discover creative ways to solve long-standing engineering challenges,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.
“Realizing industrial-scale quantum computers comes with solving several critical bottlenecks. Many of these lie in the scalability of the readout and control of qubits. As Qblox is entirely focused on exactly this theme, we are proud to be part of this pivotal demonstration that shows that QphoX microwave-to-optical transducers are a solid route to scalable quantum computing. We look forward to the next steps with Rigetti and QphoX to scale up this technology,” says Dr. Niels Bultink, Qblox CEO.
About QphoX QphoX is the leading developer of quantum transduction systems that enable quantum computers to network over optical frequencies. Leveraging decades of progress in photonic, MEMS and superconducting device nanofabrication, their single-photon interfaces bridge the gap between microwave, optical and telecom frequencies to provide essential quantum links between computation, state storage and networking. QphoX is based in Delft, the Netherlands. See https://www.qphox.eu/ for more information.
About Rigetti Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera™ QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at https://www.rigetti.com/.
About Qblox Qblox is a leading provider of scalable and modular qubit control stacks. Qblox operates at the frontier of the quantum revolution in supporting academic and industrial labs worldwide. The Qblox control stack, known as the Cluster, combines key technologies for qubit control and readout and supports a wide variety of qubit technologies. Qblox has grown to 130+ employees and continues to innovate to enable the quantum industry. Learn more at https://www.qblox.com/.
Reference T.C. van Thiel, M.J. Weaver, F. Berto, P. Duivestein, M. Lemang, K.L. Schuurman, M. Žemlička, F. Hijazi, A.C. Bernasconi, C. Ferrer, E. Cataldo, E. Lachman, M. Field, Y. Mohan, F.K. de Vries, C.C. Bultink, J.C. van Oven, J.Y. Mutus, R. Stockill, and S. Gröblacher, Optical readout of a superconducting qubit using a piezo-optomechanical transducer, Nature Physics, 11 February 2025. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02742-3
QphoX Media Contact Simon Gröblacher, CEO press@qphox.eu
Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s expectations with respect to its future success and performance, including expectations with respect to the ability to use an optical transducer to perform readout on the Company’s superconducting qubits; the potential with respect to quantum computing driving transformative breakthroughs in fields such as advanced material design, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery; the number of qubits necessary to reach fault tolerance; potential to replace coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers; the ability to convert microwave signals used to control qubits into infrared light that can be transmitted through fiber; expectations of using optical transducers to protect a qubit from decoherence introduced by thermal noise or stray optical photons; readiness of interfacing optical transducers with semiconducting qubit technology; expectations with respect to scaling to create larger qubit systems without sacrificing gate performance using the Company’s modular chip architecture, including expectations with respect to the Company’s anticipated systems; expectations with respect to the Company’s partners and customers and the quantum computing plans and activities thereof; and expectations with respect to the anticipated stages of quantum technology maturation, including the Company’s ability to develop a quantum computer that is able to solve practical, operationally relevant problems significantly better, faster, or cheaper than a current classical solution and achieve quantum advantage on the anticipated timing or at all; expectations with respect to the quantum computing industry and related industries. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap, help unlock quantum computing, and develop practical applications; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to expand its QPU sales and the Novera QPU Partnership Program; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives, expansion plans and continue to innovate its existing services; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including financial and credit market fluctuations and uncertainty, rising inflation and interest rates, disruptions in banking systems, increased costs, international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare (such as the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions and the state of war between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and related threat of a larger conflict), and terrorist attacks; the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. 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 the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
Government invests £9.4m in violence prevention in London
New funding to build on delivery of youth workers embedded in hospital and police custody
Data shows 90 per cent of young people arrested did not reoffend and three-quarters reduced their risk of harm as a result of interventions by youth workers
National investment to work alongside Sadiq’s record funding for prevention and early intervention work
The Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has secured £9.4 million investment from the Home Office to build on youth work intervention programmes that are working to drive down violence in the capital.
New funding will enable London’s VRU to deliver key violence prevention work, which includes embedding teams of skilled and experienced youth workers in hospitals and in police custody, to offer support, guidance and a route away from violence for young people.
Youth workers will continue delivering diversionary work from eight A&E hospitals and four Major Trauma Centres. Delivered by St Giles Trust, Catch22/Redthread and Oasis, hospital locations are determined by the levels of young victims of violence in the surrounding area.
It builds on a programme which has supported more than 3,100 young people since 2022, and contributed to significant reductions in young people deemed high risk to others or to further violence. After engaging with a youth worker, 77 per cent reduced their risk of harm from others and 73 per cent felt safer post intervention.
Government investment in the VRU, which was set up by the Mayor in 2019 and the first in England and Wales, will also fund youth workers embedded in police custody suites across London. The Divert and Engage programmes, which involves youth workers embedded in police custody, are reaching 10,000 young people at a point of crisis with two-thirds achieving positive outcomes in reintegration into education, training or employment.
For those up to 18, nearly 90 per cent arrested for violent offences did not reoffend over the next 12 months following engagement with a youth worker.
Youth workers based in hospital and in police custody provide an opportunity to intervene in a young person’s life much earlier. Known as the ‘reachable, teachable moment’ skilled youth workers engage with young people when they arrive at hospital with injuries or after having been arrested – the time when they are most receptive to changing their behaviour.
Clinical leads in hospitals across the capital have worked in partnership to provide opportunities for youth workers to speak confidentially to young people, giving them the support and guidance they need.
National funding will also be used for diversionary activities through sport and works alongside the Mayor’s record investment in prevention and early intervention, which is working to tackle school exclusions, mentoring and a commitment to fund a further 250,000 positive opportunities for young people.
The Mayor, the Director of the VRU, Lib Peck, and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, were today joined by Diana Johnson MP, the Crime and Policing Minister, at a visit to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. It’s one of 12 hospitals delivering the youth work intervention programme. Since 2022, St Giles Trust youth workers have supported 550 young people who had been involved in violence, including knife injury, gunshots, or self-harm. Last year, interventions by youth workers resulted in 85 per cent of young people they engaged with no longer involved in gang activity, and led to an 83 per cent reduction in their risk of harm and involvement in violence.
Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Tackling violence and making our streets safer is at the heart of this government’s Plan for Change. We have already banned zombie-style knives, are fast progressing our ban on Ninja swords and are strengthening age-verification checks for buying knives online.
“But we cannot do this alone. One of the first things the Prime Minister did was launch the Coalition to tackle knife crime, which brings together different communities and voices to ensure our work will actually make a difference to young people.
“I am grateful to the London VRU and the Mayor of London for the vital work they already do, supporting vulnerable young lives in exceptionally difficult and complex circumstances, and today we have committed to a £9.4 million investment to ensure this continues.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am committed to tackling violence and building a safer London for everyone by being tough on crime and tough on its complex causes.
“Alongside record investment in policing, I set up and fund the Violence Reduction Unit as part of my commitment to prevention and investing in young Londoners.
“I welcome the Government’s investment and support so that we can continue delivering targeted interventions that we know are working to divert young people away from violence and towards opportunity.”
Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We firmly believe that violence is preventable, not inevitable. But key to this is approach is the role that youth workers play in changing the lives of young people every day in London.
“Evidence now firmly shows that embedding youth workers in hospitals and custody suites has impact in cutting reoffending rates and offering young people a route away from violence.
“We are really pleased to secure the funding and backing we need to continue supporting the life-changing impact that youth workers have on young people to keep them save and able to thrive in our great city.”
Tracey Burley, Chief Executive of St Giles, said: “Collaborating with staff at The Royal London Hospital and Barts NHS Trust has been transformative. By integrating our lived experience approach to tackle violence, we seize a critical opportunity during hospital stays to positively impact young lives.
“We are deeply thankful to the London VRU, Royal London Hospital and Barts NHS Trust for partnering with us and sharing our belief in the power of first-hand experience to drive meaningful change to young people’s lives and wider communities.”
TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visited app, a travel list app published by Arriving In High Heels Corporation, announces the publication of its Top 25 Most Visited cruise ports list, based on international travelers cruising. The app was developed to keep track of all countries visited, it has later expanded to include US states that users have been to and destinations and experiences while abroad. With over 175 travel lists to choose from, including famous ports, users can select places and activities that they have done or wish to do. By building their ultimate bucket list, they are able to plan their future trip with itinerary feature.
The top visited cruise ports list is based on over 2.45 international travelers, with the full list available in the app on iOS or Android stores. “It is not surprising that 5 cruise ports out of 25, are found in United States, as a lot of cruises heading to Caribbean and Latin America originate there. What is surprising is that Barcelona continues to top the list as the most visited cruise port,” said Anna Kayfitz, CEO of Arriving In High Heels.
For those that love Cruising, here are the top 10 most popular cruise ports as per Visited’s users:
Barcelona, Spain
Venice, Italy
Miami, USA
London, UK
Amsterdam, Netherlands
New York, USA
Naples, Italy
Lisbon, Portugal
Copenhagen, Denmark
Cozumel, Mexico
To see the full list of popular cruise ports in United States and abroad, download the Visited app on iOS or Android.
About Visited Travel App
Visited is the ultimate travel bucket list app, is the app for those that love to travel both internationally and domestically. Some features of the app includes:
Personalized map which an be looked at as by country, region or city
Over 175 Travel lists, where users can select where they have been or want to go and what they like or want to do. Travel categories include places such as art museums, US National Parks or activities such as golf destinations, culinary experiences and wine regions.
Trip itinerary feature lets you see the number of places and experiences you wish to visit and do by country. The rank helps decide where to next.
Personal travel stats let’s you see how many countries you visited, what percentage of the world or country you have seen as well as they type of traveler you are.
The travel app is available in 30 languages and is available on iOS or Android and free to download.
To learn more about the Visited app and its latest feature update, please visit https://visitedapp.com/.
The New Yorker expanded the scope of journalism far beyond the standard categories of crime, courts, politics and sports.Design Uncensored
Literate in tone, far-reaching in scope, and witty to its bones, The New Yorker brought a new – and much-needed – sophistication to American journalism when it launched 100 years ago this month.
As I researched the history of U.S. journalism for my book “Covering America,” I became fascinated by the magazine’s origin story and the story of its founder, Harold Ross.
In a business full of characters, Ross fit right in. He never graduated from high school. With a gap-toothed smile and bristle-brush hair, he was frequently divorced and plagued by ulcers.
Ross devoted his adult life to one cause: The New Yorker magazine.
For the literati, by the literati
Born in 1892 in Aspen, Colorado, Ross worked out west as a reporter while still a teenager. When the U.S. entered World War I, Ross enlisted. He was sent to southern France, where he quickly deserted from his Army regiment and made his way to Paris, carrying his portable Corona typewriter. He joined up with the brand-new newspaper for soldiers, Stars and Stripes, which was so desperate for anybody with training that Ross was taken on with no questions asked, even though the paper was an official Army operation.
In Paris, Ross met a number of writers, including Jane Grant, who had been the first woman to work as a news reporter at The New York Times. She eventually became the first of Ross’ three wives.
After the armistice, Ross headed to New York City and never really left. There, he started meeting other writers, and he soon joined a clique of critics, dramatists and wits who gathered at the Round Table in the Algonquin Hotel on West 44th Street in Manhattan.
Over long and liquid lunches, Ross rubbed shoulders and wisecracked with some of the brightest lights in New York’s literary chandelier. The Round Table also spawned a floating poker game that involved Ross and his eventual financial backer, Raoul Fleischmann, of the famous yeast-making family.
In the mid-1920s, Ross decided to launch a weekly metropolitan magazine. He could see that the magazine business was booming, but he had no intention of copying anything that already existed. He wanted to publish a magazine that spoke directly to him and his friends – young city dwellers who’d spent time in Europe and were bored by the platitudes and predictable features found in most American periodicals.
First, though, Ross had to come up with a business plan.
The kind of smart-set readers Ross wanted were also desirable to Manhattan’s high-end retailers, so they got on board and expressed interest in buying ads. On that basis, Ross’ poker partner Fleischmann was willing to stake him US$25,000 to start – roughly $450,000 in today’s dollars.
Ross goes all in
In the fall of 1924, using an office owned by Fleischmann’s family at 25 West 45th St., Ross got to work on the prospectus for his magazine:
“The New Yorker will be a reflection in word and picture of metropolitan life. It will be human. Its general tenor will be one of gaiety, wit and satire, but it will be more than a jester. It will not be what is commonly called radical or highbrow. It will be what is commonly called sophisticated, in that it will assume a reasonable degree of enlightenment on the part of its readers. It will hate bunk.”
The magazine, he famously added, “is not edited for the old lady in Dubuque.”
In other words, The New Yorker was not going to respond to the news cycle, and it was not going to pander to middle America.
Ross’ only criterion would be whether a story was interesting – with Ross the arbiter of what counted as interesting. He was putting all his chips on the long-shot idea that there were enough people who shared his interests – or could discover that they did – to support a glossy, cheeky, witty weekly.
Ross almost failed. The cover of the first issue of The New Yorker, dated Feb. 21, 1925, carried no portraits of potentates or tycoons, no headlines, no come-ons.
Instead, it featured a watercolor by Ross’ artist friend Rea Irvin of a dandified figure staring intently through a monocle at – of all things! – a butterfly. That image, nicknamed Eustace Tilly, became the magazine’s unoffical emblem.
A magazine finds its footing
Inside that first edition, a reader would find a buffet of jokes and short poems. There was a profile, reviews of plays and books, lots of gossip, and a few ads.
It was not terribly impressive, feeling quite patched together, and at first the magazine struggled. When The New Yorker was just a few months old, Ross almost even lost it entirely one night in a drunken poker game at the home of Pulitzer Prize winner and Round Table regular Herbert Bayard Swope. Ross didn’t make it home until noon the next day, and when he woke, his wife found IOUs in his pockets amounting to nearly $30,000.
Fleischmann, who had been at the card game but left at a decent hour, was furious. Somehow, Ross persuaded Fleischmann to pay off some of his debt and let Ross work off the rest. Just in time, The New Yorker began gaining readers, and more advertisers soon followed. Ross eventually settled up with his financial angel.
A big part of the magazine’s success was Ross’ genius for spotting talent and encouraging them to develop their own voices. One of the founding editor’s key early finds was Katharine S. Angell, who became the magazine’s first fiction editor and a reliable reservoir of good sense. In 1926, Ross brought James Thurber and E.B. White aboard, and they performed a variety of chores: writing “casuals,” which were short satirical essays, cartooning, creating captions for others’ drawings, reporting Talk of the Town pieces and offering commentary.
As The New Yorker found its footing, the writers and editors began perfecting some of its trademark features: the deep profile, ideally written about someone who was not strictly in the news but who deserved to be better known; long, deeply reported, nonfiction narratives; short stories and poetry; and, of course, the single-panel cartoons and the humor sketches.
Intensely curious and obsessively correct in matters grammatical, Ross would go to any length to ensure accuracy. Writers got their drafts back from Ross covered in penciled queries demanding dates, sources and endless fact-checking. One trademark Ross query was “Who he?”
During the 1930s, while the country was suffering through a relentless economic depression, The New Yorker was sometimes faulted for blithely ignoring the seriousness of the nation’s problems. In the pages of The New Yorker, life was almost always amusing, attractive and fun.
The New Yorker really came into its own, both financially and editorially, during World War II. It finally found its voice, one that was curious, international, searching and, ultimately, quite serious.
Over the past century, The New Yorker had a profound impact on American journalism.
For one thing, Ross created conditions for distinctive voices to be heard. For another, The New Yorker provided encouragement and an outlet for nonacademic authority to flourish; it was a place where all those serious amateurs could write about the Dead Sea Scrolls or geology or medicine or nuclear war with no credentials other than their own ability to observe closely, think clearly and put together a good sentence.
Finally, Ross must be credited with expanding the scope of journalism far beyond standard categories of crime and courts, politics and sports. In the pages of The New Yorker, readers almost never found the same content that they’d come across in other newspapers and magazines.
Instead, readers of The New Yorker might find just about anything else.
Christopher B. Daly does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
