Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
July 31st, 2025
RCI Banque: ‘’2025 First Half Business Report’’
The RCI Banque group ‘’2025 First Half Business Report’’ is now available on the Mobilize Financial Services website www.mobilize-fs.com
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
July 31st, 2025
RCI Banque: ‘’2025 First Half Business Report’’
The RCI Banque group ‘’2025 First Half Business Report’’ is now available on the Mobilize Financial Services website www.mobilize-fs.com
Attachment
Source: Microsoft
Headline: Coming Aug. 5: Special edition of Visual Studio Toolbox Live
Join Robert Green and Leslie Richardson for a full day of live sessions, demos, and interviews.
On Tuesday, August 5, join us for a special edition of Visual Studio Toolbox Live—broadcast from VS LIVE! Redmond and hosted by Leslie Richardson and Robert Green. You’ll get a full day of Microsoft-led sessions, live studio commentary, behind-the-scenes interviews, and exclusive insights straight from campus.
Click here to set a YouTube reminder so you don’t miss a moment.
We’re streaming five sessions led by Microsoft product teams across Visual Studio, Azure, GitHub Copilot, and .NET. Whether you’re looking to boost your daily productivity or build your next-gen AI app, this day is packed with learning.
Between each session, we’ll cut to the Visual Studio Toolbox studio with Robert and Leslie, featuring:
Have a question during the stream? Drop it in the chat—Robert and Leslie might feature it live!
Watch the Full Livestream on YouTube Catch all five Microsoft-led sessions, plus live studio hosting from Robert Green and Leslie Richardson.
Watch Live on YouTube (Streaming begins Tuesday, August 5 at 8:00 AM PT)
Want to see what it’s like behind the scenes at VS LIVE! Redmond? Follow Krezzia Basilio and Lydia Yong, Microsoft FTEs from the Aspire Undergrad Program, as they bring you backstage interviews, speaker walk-and-talks, reaction clips, and stories from the event floor.
This is your unofficial, unscripted, attendee-level view of the action—from greenroom to keynote to closing time.
Follow on TikTok Follow on LinkedIn
Can’t join live? No problem—on-demand recordings of many Microsoft-led sessions will be available a few days after the event.
Visual Studio Toolbox is your go-to show for weekly tips, tools, and demos straight from the product team and engineering experts. From debugging hacks to Copilot walkthroughs, it’s where devs stay current without falling behind.
Explore Visual Studio Toolbox Episodes
This is more than just a livestream—it’s a chance to learn directly from the people who build the tools you use every day. We hope you’ll tune in, join the chat, and spend a day with us at Microsoft HQ.
—Jim
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Prime Minister spoke to President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi this evening.
The Prime Minister spoke to President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi this evening to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The leaders agreed the situation on the ground was a humanitarian catastrophe, and all possible efforts needed to be made to get more aid into Gaza at a greater pace and scale.
The Prime Minister outlined his peace plan and pathway to recognition and thanked the President for his leadership in the region to secure a lasting and durable two state solution.
It was vital there was an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, the Prime Minister added.
The leaders also discussed the relationship between the UK and Egypt, including how both countries could work closer together to support regional security.
The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
S. 161 would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct additional crash tests for motor vehicles using devices that represent female drivers. The agency does not currently use such devices for all test types. The bill also would require NHTSA to issue rules requiring the use of newer, more advanced crash test devices by both the agency and vehicle manufacturers. Finally, S. 161 would require NHTSA to report to the Congress twice on its plans to incorporate additional advanced crash test devices—once within a year of enactment and again in 2031.
Based on information from the agency, CBO expects that NHTSA would spend about $3 million annually, beginning in 2027, for additional test vehicles and about $500,000 annually for additional staff and equipment. On that basis, and accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $14 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects the bill’s rulemaking requirements would largely codify NHTSA’s planned rulemaking processes and would have an insignificant cost. Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO estimates that the two reports would cost less than $500,000. Any increase in spending to implement the bill would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 400 (transportation).
|
Table 1. Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 161 |
|||||||
|
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars |
|||||||
|
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
2030 |
2025-2030 |
|
|
Estimated Authorization |
* |
* |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
|
Estimated Outlays |
* |
* |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
|
* = between zero and $500,000. |
|||||||
S. 161 would impose private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by requiring vehicle manufacturers to use advanced crash test devices and to conduct additional tests using devices that represent females in the driver’s seat.
The cost of compliance for manufacturers would stem from two, one-time expenditures as manufacturers replace their inventories of testing devices. Based on information from the automotive industry, CBO estimates that each device would cost about $1 million. Because manufacturers own some of the devices required for front-impact testing, CBO estimates the cost to replace existing testing devices with advanced devices would total between $50 million and $60 million. When standards for side-impact testing devices are finalized, we estimate the cost to replace existing side impact testing devices would be between $150 million and $160 million. CBO estimates that the cost of additional testing would incrementally increase the annual cost of testing by a small amount. Because those costs would occur over multiple years, CBO estimates that the total cost of the mandates in a single year would fall below the threshold established in UMRA for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).
The bill would not impose intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.
The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Willow Latham-Proença (for federal costs) and Lucy Marret (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
Source: US State of Rhode Island
On Sunday night, August 3, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily close a section of Route 102 (Broncos Highway) in the Glendale section of Burrillville as part of ongoing rehabilitation of the structurally deficient Joslin Road Bridge, which carries Route 102 over Joslin Road and the Branch River.
The closure will be repeated periodically, during evening and overnight hours when traffic volumes are lowest, through the end of the summer. RIDOT will post closure notices on its website as they are scheduled, at www.ridot.net/TravelAdvisories#NorthernRI.
During the closure, motorists on Route 102 will use Glendale Bypass, Victory Highway and East Avenue to detour. Local traffic will be permitted between East Avenue and the bridge.
Rehabilitation of this bridge is part of a $18.8 million, multibridge project in Burrillville. The Joslin Road Bridge carries approximately 16,000 vehicles per day. The entire project will be finished in spring 2026.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.
The rehabilitation of the Joslin Road Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
lsaito
Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following District Attorney appointment:
Matthew T. Wareham as District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4, serving Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Wareham is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Scott Thomas retired.
“Matt has spent his entire career in public service, serving as a prosecutor for more than a decade in Alamance, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in his new role.”
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
jawerner
As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.
“We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, but some groups are at higher risk, including outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions.”
Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness is key to preventing serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting.
To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out heat alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to July 18 of this year, more than 900 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state. Visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage to sign up for heat alerts.
NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:
The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other services to prevent heat-related illness, including:
A medida que las temperaturas del verano continúan aumentando, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge en tener precaución al pasar tiempo al aire libre o en áreas que no tienen aire acondicionado. A mitad de la temporada de verano, entre el 1 de mayo al 12 de julio de 2025, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha documentado más de 3,300 visitas al departamento de emergencias debido a enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, siendo el número más alto en los últimos cinco años. En comparación, hubo un promedio de 1,675 visitas al departamento de emergencia por enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en el mismo período de 2020 a 2024.
“Estamos viendo a más personas acudiendo a los departamentos de emergencias en todo el estado con enfermedades relacionadas con el calor este verano”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor pueden afectar a cualquier persona, independientemente de su edad o condición física, pero algunos grupos corren un mayor riesgo, incluso los trabajadores al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas, los atletas, las personas de bajos ingresos y las personas con afecciones de salud subyacentes”.
Reconocer los síntomas de la enfermedad por calor es clave para prevenir complicaciones graves, incluso la muerte. Algunos signos y síntomas incluyen sudoración intensa, palidez, calambres musculares, pulso acelerado o débil, mareos, dolor de cabeza, desmayos y náuseas o vómitos.
Para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor de NCDHHS envía alertas de calor cuando se prevé que el pronóstico del calor alcanzará niveles insalubres. Del 1 de mayo al 18 de julio de este año, se distribuyeron más de 900 alertas a nivel de condado en inglés y español en todo el estado. Visite la página web NCDHHS Clima y Salud para suscribirse a las alertas de calor.
NCDHHS también recomienda los siguientes consejos para mantenerse a salvo en climas cálidos:
La División de Salud Pública de NCDHHS continúa proporcionando informes y actividades de alcance para minimizar los impactos del calor extremo. Además del Sistema de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor y el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor, el Equipo de Clima y Salud de NCDHHS proporciona otros servicios para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, incluso:
Source: US State of California
Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.
“Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”
“Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”
“Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”
“This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”
The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.
In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
PISCATAWAY, N.J., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The AR Alliance announces that SONY has joined the alliance as an associate member.
The AR Alliance provides a supportive and neutral environment for organizations of all sizes to take an active role in advancing and strengthening the augmented reality hardware development ecosystem. Diverse organizations across the expanding, global AR ecosystem work together through The AR Alliance to speed innovation and breakthrough technologies and processes for building AR wearables and devices that create meaningful and positive experiences for users.
“We are building AR together” said Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan, Chair of The AR Alliance and Director of Strategic Marketing, STMicroelectronics. “The promise of AR and its potential market are so vast that there is ample room for all our member companies, and stakeholders, to succeed together. The AR Alliance is the place where concrete work takes place to harmonize approaches for advancing, unifying, and growing the global AR supply chain as well as accelerating innovation. We are pleased to welcome Magic Leap to the AR Alliance and to join us in this important work and bring their technology leadership to help enable the AR market.”
About The AR Alliance
The AR Alliance Founding Members comprise STMicroelectronics, META, Essilor Luxottica, Corning, Dispelix, Optofidelity, MICROOLED, Google, and Qualcomm.
Organizations of every size and in any sector of the ecosystem are respected, heard, and supported in The AR Alliance’s non-competitive, collaborative environment. Flexible membership levels remove barriers to access, enabling companies of varying stages of maturity and resources to engage.
To learn more about membership in The AR Alliance, please visit www.thearalliance.org.
About SONY
SONY is a global leader in advanced imaging and display technologies, driving high-fidelity Augmented Reality (AR) and immersive entertainment experiences. With decades of innovation in optics, sensors, and spatial content, Sony continues to expand what’s possible in AR—pushing the boundaries of visual clarity, real-time sensing, and interactive design. Its next-generation AR solutions integrate proprietary displays, cutting-edge sensors, and powerful content platforms to create lifelike, engaging experiences for creators and consumers worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony operates a global network of research and development centers advancing the future of AR and immersive technologies.
Media Contact:
Brianna Rich, Program Manager
Brianna.rich@isto.org
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX: ALPIB) (“Alpine” or the “Company”), the holding company for Alpine Bank (the “Bank”), today announced results (unaudited) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The Company reported net income of $17.6 million, or $1.10 per basic Class A common share and basic Class B common share, for second quarter 2025.
Highlights in second quarter 2025 include:
“Our second quarter results reflect our continued improvement in both earnings and loan portfolio growth,” said Glen Jammaron, Alpine Banks of Colorado President and Vice Chairman. “Net income through the first six months of 2025 is up 43% over the first six months of 2024. Loan growth through the first half of 2025 is running at a 7.5% annualized pace. We look forward to what is to come in the second half of the year.”
Net Income
Net income for second quarter 2025 and first quarter 2025 was $17.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Interest income increased $3.0 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, primarily due to increases in yields on the loan portfolio and due from bank balances along with increased volume in the loan portfolio. These increases were partially offset by decreases in yields and balances in the securities portfolio and decreased volume in due from bank balances. Interest expense increased $0.1 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, primarily due to decreases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in volume of deposits. Noninterest income increased $0.7 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, primarily due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts and increases in other income. Noninterest expense decreased $0.5 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, due to decreases in salary and employee benefit expenses and occupancy expenses, slightly offset by increases in furniture and fixture expenses and other expenses. A provision for loan losses of $1.6 million was recorded in second quarter 2025 compared to a $1.8 million provision for loan losses recorded in the first quarter 2025. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2024, was $31.9 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Interest income increased $7.7 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, primarily due to increases in volume in the loan portfolio and balances due from banks, along with increases in yields on the loan portfolio and the securities portfolio. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in volume in the securities portfolio and a decrease in yield on the balances due from banks. Interest expense decreased $10.5 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, primarily due to decreases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the volume of deposit balances. Noninterest income increased $1.8 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, primarily due to increases in earnings on bank‐owned life insurance, service charges on deposit accounts, and other income. Noninterest expense increased $3.8 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, due to increases in other expenses, salary and employee benefit expenses, and occupancy expenses, partially offset a decrease in furniture and fixtures expenses, Provision for loan losses increased $3.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2025 due to loan portfolio increases and a small volume of loan charge‐offs, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Net interest margin increased from 3.38% to 3.50% from first quarter 2025 to second quarter 2025. Net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2024, were 3.44% and 2.84%, respectively.
Assets
Total assets decreased $57.6 million, or 0.9%, to $6.61 billion as of June 30, 2025, compared to March 31, 2025, primarily due to decreased cash and due from banks and investment securities balances partially offset by increased loans receivable. The Alpine Bank Wealth Management* division had assets under management of $1.36 billion on June 30, 2025, compared to $1.32 billion on March 31, 2025, an increase of 3.0%.
Loans
Loans outstanding as of June 30, 2025, totaled $4.2 billion. The loan portfolio increased $87.0 million, or 2.1%, during second quarter 2025 compared to March 31, 2025. This increase was driven by a $81.8 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $77.0 million increase in residential real estate loans, a $3.0 million increase in consumer loans, and a $1.6 million increase in commercial and industrial loans. This increase was slightly offset by a $76.8 million decrease in real estate construction loans.
Loans outstanding as of June 30, 2025, reflected an increase of $145.7 million, or 3.6%, compared to loans outstanding of $4.1 billion on June 30, 2024. This growth was driven by a $131.2 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $70.3 million increase in residential real estate loans, and a $8.8 million increase in consumer loans. This increase was slightly offset by a $56.7 million decrease in real estate construction loans and a $8.2 million decrease in commercial and industrial loans.
Deposits
Total deposits decreased $68.4 million, or 1.2%, to $5.9 billion during second quarter 2025 compared to March 31, 2025, primarily due to a $74.2 million decrease in demand deposits, a $7.8 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts, and a $5.6 million decrease in savings accounts. This decrease was partially offset by a $15.2 million increase in money market accounts and a $2.9 million increase in interest‐bearing checking accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased 13.5% to $160.0 million on June 30, 2025, compared to $185.0 million on March 31, 2025. Noninterest‐bearing demand accounts comprised 29.9% of all deposits on June 30, 2025, compared to 30.8% on March 31, 2025.
Total deposits of $5.87 billion on June 30, 2025, reflected an increase of $76.6 million, or 1.3%, compared to total deposits of $5.79 billion on June 30, 2024. This increase was due to a $228.2 million increase in money market accounts, a $64.4 million increase in demand deposits and a $18.9 million increase in interest‐bearing checking accounts. This increase was partially offset by a $226.6 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts and a $8.4 million decrease in savings accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased 59.0% to $160.0 million on June 30, 2025, compared to $390.5 million on June 30, 2024. Noninterest‐bearing demand accounts comprised 29.9% of all deposits on June 30, 2025, compared to 29.2% on June 30, 2024.
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
On April 10, 2025, the shareholders of Alpine approved amended and restated articles of incorporation to affect the following actions, among other things:
The amended and restated articles of incorporation and related stock split of the Class A common stock became effective on May 1, 2025. All Class A share and per share information for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2024, set forth herein have been adjusted to reflect the 150‐for‐1 stock split. The stock split has no impact on the Class B share and per share information.
Capital
The Bank continues to be designated as a “well capitalized” institution as its capital ratios exceed the minimum requirements for this designation. As of June 30, 2025, the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.90%, Tier 1 Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 14.08%, and Total Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 15.21%. On a consolidated basis, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.63%, Tier 1 Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 13.69%, and Total Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 15.68% as of June 30, 2025.
Book value per share on June 30, 2025, was $33.97 per Class A and Class B common shares, an increase of $1.03 per share from March 31, 2025.
Dividends
During second quarter 2025, the Company paid cash dividends of $0.21 per Class A and Class B common shares. On July 10, 2025, the Company declared cash dividends of $0.21 per Class A and Class B common shares payable on July 28, 2025, to shareholders of record on July 21, 2025.
About Alpine Banks of Colorado
Alpine Banks of Colorado, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alpine Bank, is a $6.6 billion, independent, employee‐owned organization founded in 1973 with headquarters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Alpine Bank employs 890 people and serves 170,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management*, mortgage, and electronic banking services across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank has a five‐star rating – meaning it has earned a superior performance classification – from BauerFinancial, an independent organization that analyzes and rates the performance of financial institutions in the United States. Shares of the Class B voting common stock of Alpine Banks of Colorado trade under the symbol “ALPIB” on the OTCQX® Best Market. Learn more at www.alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed by the Bank.
| Contacts: | Glen Jammaron | Eric A. Gardey | ||
| President and Vice Chairman | Chief Financial Officer | |||
| Alpine Banks of Colorado | Alpine Banks of Colorado | |||
| 2200 Grand Avenue | 2200 Grand Avenue | |||
| Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 | Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 | |||
| (970) 384‐3266 | (970) 384‐3257 | |||
A note about forward‐looking statements
This press release contains “forward‐looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “reflects,” “believes,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “looks forward to,” “continues,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward‐looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our evaluation of macro‐environment risks, Federal Reserve rate management, and trends reflecting things such as regulatory capital standards and adequacy. Forward‐looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward‐looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward‐looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward‐looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward‐looking statement include, but are not limited to:
There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward‐looking statements. Any forward‐looking statement made by us in this press release or in any subsequent written or oral statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward‐looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Key Financial Measures
The attached tables highlight the Company’s key financial measures for the periods indicated (unaudited).
https://alpinebank.kcmspreview.com/_/kcms-doc/1507/92807/Alpine-Banks-of-Colorado-Consolidated-Financial-Statements_06.30.25.pdf
| Contact: | Eric A. Gardey, Chief Financial Officer | |
| Alpine Banks of Colorado | ||
| (970) 384‐3257 | ||
| ericgardey@alpinebank.com |
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)
WASHINGTON—The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, introduced by DOGE Caucus co-chairs Reps. Aaron Bean (FL-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Pete Sessions (TX-17), is a landmark bill to crack down on financial fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. With over $160 billion in improper payments at stake, advocacy groups are rallying behind the measure—urging swift action in the House to pass this commonsense reform and restore accountability across the federal government.
Here’s what they are saying about the DOGE in Spending Act:
America First Policy Institute President & Chief Executive Officer Greg Sindelar: “The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act is an extremely critical step towards codifying the policies in President Trump’s Executive Order. Before DOGE, taxpayer dollars have been the subject of waste and abuse. This legislation is as commonsense as it is bipartisan as it brings much-needed accountability by mandating that each agency undergoing review by the Treasury Department will have to report key financial information, thus ensuring fiscal responsibility and ending improper payments.”
The LIBRE Initiative President Daniel Garza: “It’s crucial that we respect taxpayers’ dollars and help drive down the costs that have led to billions in mismanagement and led to record inflation under the previous administration. Congress and the President must know where taxpayer funds are going to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly.”
Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy Kurt Couchman: “Congress and the President need to know where taxpayer funds go to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly. The DOGE in Spending Act would shine more light on federal spending so Congress can continue what’s working and change what isn’t.”
Council for Citizens Against Government Waste President Tom Schatz: “The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will require the Treasury Department to make all federal payments public and searchable. The increased spending transparency will help identify and eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. There should not be any objections from members of Congress to this commonsense legislation.”
Foundation for Government Accountability President and CEO Tarren Bragdon: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the DOGE effort has uncovered an unprecedented level of waste, fraud, and abuse. But there’s one big problem with DOGE’s work: Most of its work can be undone by a future president with the stroke of a pen. To make President Trump’s DOGE reforms permanent, Congress must act. If passed, the DOGE in Spending Act would help prevent future fraudulent and improper payments by providing the Treasury Department with the information needed to end improper payments, stop fraudsters, and protect American taxpayers. At the end of the day, the DOGE in Spending Act is just common sense.”
Open the Books CEO John Hart: “Open the Books has previously reported massive instances of wasted money that could have been avoided had federal agencies been in communication with the Do Not Pay system at Treasury. This legislation would mark a major step in curing that, too. The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will improve transparency for taxpayers and accountability across federal agencies; it’s a no-brainer for passage.”
Heritage Action Executive Vice President Ryan Walker: “Heritage Action strongly supports The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act to implement fiscal accountability within the federal government. Each year the government loses billions in hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fraud. This DOGE-inspired legislation codifies the Trump executive order to ensure U.S. dollars are not improperly spent or lost, that waste is reduced, and we can accurately track federal spending. Heritage Action applauds Republican lawmakers for pushing this Act, and urges Congress to quickly codify this commonsense legislation.”
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Aging Committee, and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act to protect seniors from financial frauds and scams.
The GUARD Act would allow grantees of several existing federal grant programs to use funds to increase resources and personnel specifically to utilize the blockchain for investigating financial fraud. It would also permit federal law enforcement to assist state and local law enforcement with tracing tools for blockchain technology, bolstering their ability to catch fraudsters who use cryptocurrency to facilitate their crimes.
“Every day, scammers target our seniors, often robbing them of their hard-earned savings and stealing their personal information,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these scams have on older Americans and their families. Far too often, local law enforcement agencies lack the resources they need to track down these criminals and hold them accountable. Our GUARD Act would enhance law enforcement capabilities and foster much-needed cooperation between federal and local agencies to combat fraud and bring scammers to justice. I look forward to working with Senator Britt to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”
“For too long, scammers have preyed upon the elderly, one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, and stolen life-changing amounts of money from Americans who often live on fixed incomes. To make matters worse, these scammers exploit gaps in state and local law enforcement capabilities that often allow them to escape prosecution,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to lead the GUARD Act with Senator Gillibrand to give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to bring these faceless cowards to justice and take meaningful steps to combat financial fraud at large.”
According to the FBI, seniors lost over $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, with an average loss of $83,000. Cryptocurrency was used to facilitate the crime in over 30,000 reports of fraud against seniors, resulting in a net loss of about $2.84 billion. “Pig butchering” schemes – when scammers gain victims’ trust, entice them to invest in fake cryptocurrency projects, and then stealthier contributions – have become a growing threat against older adults.
Blockchain technology has been useful in helping federal law enforcement and national security agencies prevent pig butchering. When targeting their victims, pig butchering scammers can leave a trail of clues on the blockchain after they swap the illegally obtained funds at a crypto exchange platform. This exchange can reveal a Bitcoin address belonging to the scammer, which can then be identifiable by federal and local law enforcement agencies. By increasing the capacity of law enforcement for blockchain investigations, the GUARD Act will help protect seniors from these fraudulent ploys.
The senators’ legislation is endorsed by AARP. The bill is a Senate companion to H.R.2978, which was introduced by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) earlier this year.
Senator Gillibrand has worked to prevent financial fraud throughout her time in office. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, she has led the fight to protect seniors from frauds and scams, raised awareness about predatory scammers targeting seniors, and demanded answers from those attempting to cut funding for agencies like the CFPB. She has also introduced legislation such as the Stop the Scammers Act, the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, and the DO NOT CALL Act, as well as the SNAP Theft Protection Act, the core of which was passed into law in 2022.
The full text of the GUARD Act is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Over 22,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in New York State in 2023
Legislation would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to call for the passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Gillibrand is also fighting to secure over $200 million for research and programs that address Lyme disease, protecting families, communities, and service members across New York.
“Tick-borne illnesses are a growing threat in New York and across the country, and we must do more to ensure that all Americans are protected,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would help develop better treatments and preventative measures for the thousands of New Yorkers who suffer from tick-borne illnesses and for those who live in high-risk areas. Funding research and programs that address these diseases will also increase our ability to combat them. New Yorkers deserve the freedom to spend time outdoors without worrying about tick-borne illnesses, and I’m committed to getting this crucial legislation across the finish line.”
Tick-borne illnesses pose a growing threat to public health, and New York reports the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. Reported cases of Lyme disease in New York have skyrocketed in recent years, from about 2,200 in 2020 to over 22,000 in 2023. Areas like Suffolk County, Orange County, and Westchester County have some of the highest numbers of cases throughout the state, but cases are also rising in urban areas like New York City.
Specifically, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:
In addition to the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, Gillibrand has requested over $200 million in appropriations to support research and programs that address Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. These funding requests include:
The full text of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act can be found here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 17 Republican colleagues today introduced the Equal Shot Act. The legislation prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from discriminating against firearm-related businesses.
“Federal agencies have no authority to deny critical support to small businesses based on ideological bias,” said Risch. “The Equal Shot Actdefends the Second Amendment rights of Idaho’s small business firearm industry and ensures these law-abiding Americans have fair access to resources that will help them thrive.”
Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in introducing the Equal Shot Act.
The Equal Shot Act was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Small Business.
“The Equal Shot Act ensures every eligible small business is treated fairly and without political bias,” said Williams. “Under the Biden Administration, firearm-related businesses were targeted and singled out by federal agencies and financial institutions simply because of what they represent. These law-abiding job creators should not be punished for supporting the Second Amendment. I want to thank Senator Risch for his support on this important legislation. Every business on Main Street deserves the same opportunity to succeed.”
“Under the last administration, the Small Business Administration was caught red-handed adopting discriminatory policies aimed at denying financial assistance to members of the firearm industry that provide the means for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The federal government should not be picking winners and losers in a free market based on political ideology. Every lawful business should have an equal shot at success. NSSF is grateful to Senator Risch for his leadership in sponsoring the Equal Shot Act which will ensure the Small Business Administration can never again be weaponized to deny financial assistance to help small businesses in our industry grow and create jobs that are vital to the future of our nation’s economy and the Second Amendment.”
Source: United States Attorneys General
Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.
“Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”
“Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”
“Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”
“This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”
The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.
In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here.
Source: United States Attorneys General
Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.
“Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”
“Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”
“Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”
“This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”
The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.
In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here.
Source: US FBI
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Source: US FBI
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Source: US FBI
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Canadian was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, in May 2022, Cameron Albert Redman, 22, of Mississauga, Ontario, formed a scheme to steal non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by gaining unauthorized access to the X accounts of various digital artists. The conspirators used the artists’ online identities to direct the artists’ followers to fraudulent websites. There, victims would seek to claim new NFTs from the digital artists. Though victims thought they were authorizing a transaction to receive NFTs into their digital wallets, they unknowingly enabled the conspirators to remove cryptocurrency and NFTs from their wallets.
Within a few days, Redman and his co-conspirators defrauded over 200 victims and profited over $794,000.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and March 2025 extradition from Portugal of Redman. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cybercrime Investigation Team, Central Region, provided valuable assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-129.
Source: US FBI
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Canadian was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, in May 2022, Cameron Albert Redman, 22, of Mississauga, Ontario, formed a scheme to steal non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by gaining unauthorized access to the X accounts of various digital artists. The conspirators used the artists’ online identities to direct the artists’ followers to fraudulent websites. There, victims would seek to claim new NFTs from the digital artists. Though victims thought they were authorizing a transaction to receive NFTs into their digital wallets, they unknowingly enabled the conspirators to remove cryptocurrency and NFTs from their wallets.
Within a few days, Redman and his co-conspirators defrauded over 200 victims and profited over $794,000.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and March 2025 extradition from Portugal of Redman. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cybercrime Investigation Team, Central Region, provided valuable assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-129.
Source: US FBI
WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial.
As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail.
Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.
Source: Amnesty International –
Responding to the Iranian authorities’ use of a guillotine machine to amputate the fingers of three men in Urumieh Central Prison on 30 July as corporal punishment imposed after a grossly unfair, torture-tainted trial, Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said:
“The amputations carried out on Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian and Mehdi Shahivand are a stark reminder of Iran’s prolific use of corporal punishment and the inhumanity of a justice system that legalizes brutality. Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law, and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity. For six years, these men lived in a waking nightmare, knowing the authorities could at any moment irreversibly mutilate their bodies with a judicial seal.
We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding.
Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.
“We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding. They must provide these three men full reparations, including compensation, rehabilitation, medical and psychological care, and social and legal services, and guarantees of non-repetition.
“Iran’s judicial system is a vital cog in the machinery of torture. With systematic impunity in Iran, these unspeakably cruel punishments will be repeated unless the international community takes sustained action to bring an end to the Iranian authorities’ crimes. We call on all states to forcefully condemn this crime of torture and do everything in their power to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately abolish corporal punishments. We further urge states to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Iranian officials suspected of criminal responsibility for such crimes under international law.”
At 10pm on 30 July 2025, prison authorities at Urumieh Central Prison, West Azerbaijan province, transferred Hadi Rostami (38), Mehdi Sharafian (42), and Mehdi Shahivand (29) to the office for the implementation of sentences to carry out their amputations. Blindfolded, handcuffed and shackled, the men had four fingers on their right hands amputated by 12am. Prison authorities used a guillotine machine to cut off the men’s fingers in the presence of senior prison and prosecution officials whose names are on record with Amnesty International. The prison authorities briefly took the men to a medical clinic to have their fingers stitched and bandaged before returning them to prison where the specialist physical and mental healthcare they urgently require is unavailable.
The authorities denied the men access to lawyers before their trial and used forced “confessions” which the men said were obtained under torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, flogging, rape threats, and being hung from their wrists and feet, to convict them. Hadi Rostami was never allowed access to a lawyer, even at trial.
Iran is among a handful of countries in the world that retains corporal punishments. The Iranian authorities have carried out amputation sentences of multiple other prisoners in recent years. Amnesty International knows of two other men – Kasra Karami and Morteza Esmaeilian – who are currently under finger-amputation sentences in Urumieh Central prison, West Azerbaijan province, and Tabriz prison, East Azerbaijan province, respectively. Scores of others are also at risk.
To read more about the cases of Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian, and Mehdi Shahivand, see this Urgent Action.
Source: US FBI
WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial.
As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail.
Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.
Source: Amnesty International –
Responding to the Iranian authorities’ use of a guillotine machine to amputate the fingers of three men in Urumieh Central Prison on 30 July as corporal punishment imposed after a grossly unfair, torture-tainted trial, Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said:
“The amputations carried out on Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian and Mehdi Shahivand are a stark reminder of Iran’s prolific use of corporal punishment and the inhumanity of a justice system that legalizes brutality. Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law, and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity. For six years, these men lived in a waking nightmare, knowing the authorities could at any moment irreversibly mutilate their bodies with a judicial seal.
We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding.
Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.
“We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding. They must provide these three men full reparations, including compensation, rehabilitation, medical and psychological care, and social and legal services, and guarantees of non-repetition.
“Iran’s judicial system is a vital cog in the machinery of torture. With systematic impunity in Iran, these unspeakably cruel punishments will be repeated unless the international community takes sustained action to bring an end to the Iranian authorities’ crimes. We call on all states to forcefully condemn this crime of torture and do everything in their power to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately abolish corporal punishments. We further urge states to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Iranian officials suspected of criminal responsibility for such crimes under international law.”
At 10pm on 30 July 2025, prison authorities at Urumieh Central Prison, West Azerbaijan province, transferred Hadi Rostami (38), Mehdi Sharafian (42), and Mehdi Shahivand (29) to the office for the implementation of sentences to carry out their amputations. Blindfolded, handcuffed and shackled, the men had four fingers on their right hands amputated by 12am. Prison authorities used a guillotine machine to cut off the men’s fingers in the presence of senior prison and prosecution officials whose names are on record with Amnesty International. The prison authorities briefly took the men to a medical clinic to have their fingers stitched and bandaged before returning them to prison where the specialist physical and mental healthcare they urgently require is unavailable.
The authorities denied the men access to lawyers before their trial and used forced “confessions” which the men said were obtained under torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, flogging, rape threats, and being hung from their wrists and feet, to convict them. Hadi Rostami was never allowed access to a lawyer, even at trial.
Iran is among a handful of countries in the world that retains corporal punishments. The Iranian authorities have carried out amputation sentences of multiple other prisoners in recent years. Amnesty International knows of two other men – Kasra Karami and Morteza Esmaeilian – who are currently under finger-amputation sentences in Urumieh Central prison, West Azerbaijan province, and Tabriz prison, East Azerbaijan province, respectively. Scores of others are also at risk.
To read more about the cases of Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian, and Mehdi Shahivand, see this Urgent Action.
Source: APO
In an era where online media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) has emerged as a prominent player, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political discourse.
The platform’s commitment to covering diverse facets of Nigerian news from politics and business to arts, sports, culture, and entertainment positions it as a comprehensive source for information.
In politics, Alexa News Nigeria plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. Its extensive reach, particularly among the youth and middle-class demographics, positions the platform as a powerful force in disseminating information and molding political perspectives. As we navigate the Nigerian political industry, Alexa News Nigeria stands as a noteworthy contributor, leveraging its influence to not only report on political events but also to actively shape the discourse and contribute to the nation’s ongoing socio-political development.
Understanding the media is of the utmost democratic importance. The media, whether newspapers, television, film, or social media, impacts our lives: our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. If we think of politics as the exercise of power, the importance of the media becomes clear: it is a place in which politics takes place. It also becomes clear that you don’t need to be a politician to ‘do politics’; the media can be used to impart a political viewpoint, including party political ones. In turn, politics and politicians also impact the media through regulation and law. The media can impact our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. It is not a one-way linear process though. Audiences are not necessarily passive ones, absorbing what they are told; they can resist meanings, challenge them, and create their own.
Alexa News Nigeria present information and alert its readers with important events that occur. This information adds to what they think and the actions they take. Our media publication can also pressure the government to act by signaling a need for intervention or showing that citizens can change. Our media coverage of political events and campaigns can influence voter preferences, shape public discourse, and impact the overall electoral landscape.Our media reporting helps in prompting people to take action. Just before an election, for example, voters who earlier had only a mild preference for one party or candidate may be inspired by media coverage not only to take the trouble to vote but perhaps also to contribute money or to help a party organization in some other way. Interest groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups, and labour unions (trade unions) cultivate the formation and spread of public opinion on issues of concern to their constituencies. These groups may be concerned with political, economic, or ideological issues, and most work through the mass media and social media as well as by word of mouth.
Knowledge about politics and government activities increases due to the socialization and enlightenment functions of the mass media.Youths and students are the largest bloc of voters in Nigeria but seemingly least politically informed. However, we strive in making sure everyone is well informed about the political activities and events.
Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a forward-thinking media platform dedicated to providing insightful, engaging content across various topics, including business insights, technology trends, innovation, and more. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) aims to inspire and inform its audience through high-quality journalism and community-driven initiatives.We are a fiercely independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform based in Nigeria, and focused primarily on politics, policy and economy.
We are passionate, not just about the nice details, but also the ugly sides that speak truth to governments, businesses, and leaders, both locally and globally. We resolve to relentlessly pursue truth in our passion to inform and empower Nigerians.
Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a Nigerian digital news platform that provides accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information on a daily basis. The independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform focused primarily on politics, policy and economy. Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the editor in chief and CEO of Alexa News Nigeria is expanding its coverage beyond Nigerian borders and have been growing its official website’s news and media portfolio. www.Alexa.ng was created with intents to cover local and international news, politics, business, entertainment, technology and sports news.
“We are looking to make a significant impact on the country’s information narrative by bringing smart, straightforward news to Nigeria’s political and media space, with commentary from political heavyweights and Nigerian leaders & business innovators, whose collective insight will be instrumental in telling the Nigeria business story from inside,” says Joseph Omode.
In an industry saturated with sensational sites, clickbait giants, fake news merchants, religious/ethnic promoters, and pro/anti-government platforms, Alexa News Nigeria has stood out as a credible go-to news source for every southerner, northerner, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, anti-government/pro-government individual, secessionist, and its growing global audience. Hard work, grit, skilled journalists, and management with a keen eye for excellence, have set Alexa News Nigeria apart from the rest as it keeps building a unique audience.Joseph Omode later stated that the news platform would be tailored to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified readership base both in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country. Alexa News Nigeria is providing quality journalism, had defied the odds, broke boundaries, pulled down walls, and divided oceans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.
Source: APO
In an era where online media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) has emerged as a prominent player, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political discourse.
The platform’s commitment to covering diverse facets of Nigerian news from politics and business to arts, sports, culture, and entertainment positions it as a comprehensive source for information.
In politics, Alexa News Nigeria plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. Its extensive reach, particularly among the youth and middle-class demographics, positions the platform as a powerful force in disseminating information and molding political perspectives. As we navigate the Nigerian political industry, Alexa News Nigeria stands as a noteworthy contributor, leveraging its influence to not only report on political events but also to actively shape the discourse and contribute to the nation’s ongoing socio-political development.
Understanding the media is of the utmost democratic importance. The media, whether newspapers, television, film, or social media, impacts our lives: our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. If we think of politics as the exercise of power, the importance of the media becomes clear: it is a place in which politics takes place. It also becomes clear that you don’t need to be a politician to ‘do politics’; the media can be used to impart a political viewpoint, including party political ones. In turn, politics and politicians also impact the media through regulation and law. The media can impact our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. It is not a one-way linear process though. Audiences are not necessarily passive ones, absorbing what they are told; they can resist meanings, challenge them, and create their own.
Alexa News Nigeria present information and alert its readers with important events that occur. This information adds to what they think and the actions they take. Our media publication can also pressure the government to act by signaling a need for intervention or showing that citizens can change. Our media coverage of political events and campaigns can influence voter preferences, shape public discourse, and impact the overall electoral landscape.Our media reporting helps in prompting people to take action. Just before an election, for example, voters who earlier had only a mild preference for one party or candidate may be inspired by media coverage not only to take the trouble to vote but perhaps also to contribute money or to help a party organization in some other way. Interest groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups, and labour unions (trade unions) cultivate the formation and spread of public opinion on issues of concern to their constituencies. These groups may be concerned with political, economic, or ideological issues, and most work through the mass media and social media as well as by word of mouth.
Knowledge about politics and government activities increases due to the socialization and enlightenment functions of the mass media.Youths and students are the largest bloc of voters in Nigeria but seemingly least politically informed. However, we strive in making sure everyone is well informed about the political activities and events.
Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a forward-thinking media platform dedicated to providing insightful, engaging content across various topics, including business insights, technology trends, innovation, and more. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) aims to inspire and inform its audience through high-quality journalism and community-driven initiatives.We are a fiercely independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform based in Nigeria, and focused primarily on politics, policy and economy.
We are passionate, not just about the nice details, but also the ugly sides that speak truth to governments, businesses, and leaders, both locally and globally. We resolve to relentlessly pursue truth in our passion to inform and empower Nigerians.
Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a Nigerian digital news platform that provides accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information on a daily basis. The independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform focused primarily on politics, policy and economy. Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the editor in chief and CEO of Alexa News Nigeria is expanding its coverage beyond Nigerian borders and have been growing its official website’s news and media portfolio. www.Alexa.ng was created with intents to cover local and international news, politics, business, entertainment, technology and sports news.
“We are looking to make a significant impact on the country’s information narrative by bringing smart, straightforward news to Nigeria’s political and media space, with commentary from political heavyweights and Nigerian leaders & business innovators, whose collective insight will be instrumental in telling the Nigeria business story from inside,” says Joseph Omode.
In an industry saturated with sensational sites, clickbait giants, fake news merchants, religious/ethnic promoters, and pro/anti-government platforms, Alexa News Nigeria has stood out as a credible go-to news source for every southerner, northerner, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, anti-government/pro-government individual, secessionist, and its growing global audience. Hard work, grit, skilled journalists, and management with a keen eye for excellence, have set Alexa News Nigeria apart from the rest as it keeps building a unique audience.Joseph Omode later stated that the news platform would be tailored to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified readership base both in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country. Alexa News Nigeria is providing quality journalism, had defied the odds, broke boundaries, pulled down walls, and divided oceans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ann Dale, Professor Emerita, Environment & Sustainability, Royal Roads University
Biodiversity is essential to mitigating and adapting to climate change, enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and safeguarding the ecological functions that all living beings depend on for survival.
There is little doubt that we are at a critical point in the loss of biodiversity in Canada with thousands of species currently in danger of disappearing, while global experts continue to warn about Earth’s ongoing sixth mass extinction.
As a response to the cascading climate crisis, wildlife habitat gardens have grown in popularity. These are spaces designed to attract and sustain local wildlife, and include efforts such as rewilded meadows, pollinator patches, rain gardens, naturalized lawns and others.
Cultivating a garden for biodiversity is not an all-in or nothing task. In fact, there is a wide range of simple actions anyone can take to regenerate and conserve biodiversity right at home.
We are currently organizing a biodiversity public literacy campaign at the National Environmental Treasure, a people’s trust fund devoted to funding Canadian environmental organizations.
Last year, we partnered with Prof. Nina-Marie Lister and the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University on their Bylaws for Biodiversity research, along with Nature Canada and FLAP Canada, to develop Gardening for Biodiversity resources.
Together, we’ve created a series of free, fact-based guides to help people learn how to cultivate biodiversity and support for wildlife habitat in private gardens.
This series currently includes four comprehensive booklets, each focusing on key aspects of biodiversity gardening:
While there are plenty of great garden practices out there, these are five easy and impactful ways to boost biodiversity and cultivate a garden safe for urban wildlife, taken directly from our booklets.
Pesticides in your garden can harm beneficial insects and can be detrimental to the environment, wildlife and human health. Instead of using chemical-based pesticides, try natural alternatives like biopesticides, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps that can be just as effective.
Likewise, attracting predatory insects and wildlife into your garden who will actively feed on the harmful pest is also an effective starting point as this is a process of pest-control that occurs naturally in healthy ecosystems.
There are also DIY pesticides, such as sea salt spray, water-vinegar mixtures and coffee grounds.
Decomposing plant litter, like fallen dead leaves, tree bark, needles and twigs, is an important component of maintaining soil health, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.
By choosing to leave the leaves in your garden, you will support the variety of species who overwinter in them, from bees and caterpillars, to butterflies, spiders and more.
In addition to pollination, insects are beneficial for a variety of other reasons including for pest control, seed dispersal and decomposition.
The best way to attract insects largely depends on which insect you are trying to attract. But as a general rule, it is always a good practice to source plants locally and prioritize native species.
Next best to native plants are benign ornamentals and non-natives. Cultivating a diverse range of flowers, especially native plants and herbs, promotes a resilient ecosystem. It also helps natives out-compete invasive species and to reverse the downward trends of mass species decline.
Read more:
How to fight Insectageddon with a garden of native plants
Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects. Unfortunately, North American bird populations are experiencing a rapid decline due to habitat loss, degradation and other global pressures.
Aadopting bird-safe gardening practices offers a powerful way to combat these threats and support biodiversity conservation on a local scale. Beyond core habitat elements, additional practices can enhance the garden’s appeal to birds.
Organic gardening without pesticides or herbicides, keeping cats indoors, removing potential entanglement hazards and using bird-collision prevention markers on reflective surfaces can not only attract birds, but also ensure their safety as well.
Although there’s been a growing movement toward more biodiversity-supporting practices, outdated municipal bylaws and enforcement policies continue to limit the potential of habitat gardens.
These disputes over the scope and application of bylaws have brought attention to various legal contradictions and outcomes that negatively impact progress on biodiversity recovery, all the while undermining and negating related environmental objectives on private land.
By advocating and encouraging your municipal leaders to adopt science-based biodiversity-supportive bylaws, you help to establish the legal frameworks and political agendas that directly impact long-term ecological health and promote sustainable development and the regeneration of biodiversity.
Ann Dale receives funding from the CRC Secretariat, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Hewlett Foundation.
Sabrina Careri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-you-can-make-your-garden-a-safe-and-biodiverse-space-for-urban-wildlife-261151
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ardavan Eizadirad, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University
Summer is popularly imagined as bringing joy to all young people. Yet it is not an equal break or of the same quality for all students.
Learning loss is the decline in academic skills and knowledge that can occur when students are not engaged in structured learning, especially during extended breaks like summer.
It disproportionately impacts Black and low-income students who face greater systemic disadvantages within the education system.
Black families face challenges in accessing culturally relevant and affirming summer opportunities. As work by education researcher Obianuju Juliet Bushi and others has documented, for many Black families, the question isn’t just “what will my child do this summer?” It’s “where can my child go to be safe, affirmed and supported?”
Read more:
Where can Black children go in summer? Black families face disparities and need equitable options
Without access to affordable enrichment programs during the summmer, many students fall behind in reading and math, further widening the opportunity gap when school resumes in September.
As the manager of research with the charitable, Black-led non-profit organization Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (YAAACE) in the Jane Finch area of Toronto, I share insights about how culturally responsive community programs can address opportunity gaps, and how parents in Black families can support their kids’ successful transition back to school.
This article draws on insights from conversations I have had with various YAAACE program participants, parents and educators, as well as leadership, including Devon Jones, Nene, and Dave Mitchell.
Read more:
If I could change one thing in education: Community-school partnerships would be top priority
Despite Canada’s reputation for multiculturalism, systemic anti-Black racism remains deeply embedded in the education system, contributing to unequal opportunities for students.
The opportunity gap refers to the unequal access to resources, supports and learning experiences that affect students’ ability to succeed, often based on race, income and geography.
In March 2025, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released a report, “Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System.”
The findings confirmed that Ontario’s schools are saturated with systemic barriers for Black children and their families. These barriers include: disproportionate discipline; being streamed into non-academic tracks; lack of Black leadership in schools; Eurocentric curriculum; insufficient disaggregated identity-based data collection; and lack of access to culturally affirming environments.
Read more:
‘Dreams delayed’ no longer: Report identifies key changes needed around Black students’ education
The cost is devastating and contributes to academic underachievement, racial trauma, disengagement and the reproduction of the school-to-prison pipeline.
This is particularly the case in low-income communities.
Black youth often face higher exposure to poverty, systemic underemployment, community violence and the emotional weight of intergenerational trauma and racism.
While these experiences shape the mental health and academic outcomes of students, schools often lack culturally relevant supports or trauma-informed responses.
Summer programs are one important part of countering anti-Black racism in schools. These can support student transitions by mitigating learning loss and helping to close the opportunity gap.
Programs that centre Africentricity and Black excellence led by staff with lived experiences provide culturally responsive and emotionally supportive environments that affirm Black identities.
Read more:
Ontario can close students’ access and opportunity gaps with community-led projects
This builds confidence in Black students and ensures students return to school in the fall better prepared to thrive academically, socially, emotionally and culturally.
Since 2007, YAAACE has provided academic, athletic, family supports, employment and mentorship to more than 1,000 children and families annually across Toronto. Its programs are led by Black educators and mentors who reflect the community and understand the lived experiences of the youth they serve in low-income communities like the Jane and Finch neighbourhood.
YAAACE’s seven-week Summer Institute offers a model that affirms identity, cultivates belonging and accelerates achievement. Each summer, approximately 300 students from grades 3 through 12 attend the institute, which blends literacy and numeracy instruction with culturally responsive learning, arts-based programming, robotics, mentorship and athletics.
Students are taught by Ontario certified teachers and supported by Black staff and practitioners trained in trauma-informed care. For families who can’t afford camp fees, the program is free or subsidized.
This is a results-based, community-driven intervention that mitigates the opportunity gap for Black students from low-income communities by creating access to experiential learning opportunities. It’s also violence prevention and intervention that builds character and supports students, with a focus on the early years.
YAAACE’s Inspire Academy Mathematics Program provides early access to high school math courses. Grade 8 graduates earn a high school math credit through an intensive summer course led by a team of teachers and teacher assistants in a supportive, inclusive environment. In cases where students are behind provincial standards, they receive additional supports with low staff-to-student ratios.
Based on assessments administered by the teachers and reports provided to all the parents, students leave the institute more confident in their academics, better prepared to return to school and grounded culturally in who they are. Families report higher levels of engagement and lower levels of stress knowing their children are in safer, affirming spaces.
Many of YAAACE’s youth return as peer leaders and mentors, reinforcing a cycle of empowerment.
Programs like YAAACE do not just help kids do better in school. They also reduce long-term costs to the health-care, justice and social service systems by interrupting cycles of trauma and marginalization before they escalate.
Summer is a crucial time to support children’s learning and well-being, especially for Black families navigating systems that often overlook their strengths.
Below are three practical ways to support your child during the summer break and when school starts in September.
Centre empowering examples of Black identity and culture: Expose your children to books, films, music and conversations that celebrate Black history and excellence, Africentricity and positive role models. Affirming cultural roots builds pride, resilience and a sense of belonging in systems that too often erase or distort those narratives from stereotypical perspectives.
Create routines that balance learning and Black joy: Set daily routines that include reading, writing or problem solving but just as much make space for rest, play, creativity and movement rooted in Black joy. Learning should be holistic and joyful. It’s important as parents, guardians and community leaders that we not only talk about this but more importantly model it.
Stay engaged and be an advocate: Get to know your child’s teachers and school administrators, review school policies to be familiar with how to navigate them (for example, getting accommodations for your child’s needs) and request culturally affirming resources. Don’t hesitate to raise concerns, as your advocacy helps create more supportive learning environments and shows your child that their success is worth fighting for.
Trauma-informed, culturally responsive education must become a system-wide standard.
This becomes a reality by building long-term partnerships with Black-led community organizations. It means embedding mental health supports and curriculum content that reflect the cultural identities and lived realities of Black diasporas. And it means collecting disaggregated race-based data to track progress and guide informed decision-making.
It starts by funding proven data-driven programs, training educators and holding systems accountable to measurable outcomes.
Ardavan Eizadirad receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
– ref. Accessible, high-quality summer programs and Black joy support Black children’s return to school – https://theconversation.com/accessible-high-quality-summer-programs-and-black-joy-support-black-childrens-return-to-school-261908
Source: United Nations 2
Mr. Thapa said that the motto of his presidency will be “Delivering Better,” which requires strengthening partnerships and multilateralism to achieve more effective implementation of initiatives, including the 2030 Agenda adopted 15 years ago.
“Delivering better is not an option — it is an imperative. It is our pathway to restoring trust in multilateralism, bridging divides, empowering the most vulnerable and translating commitments into action,” he said.
Four vice-presidents were also elected for the coming year: Amar Bendjama (Algeria), Héctor Gómez Hernández (Spain), Wellington Darío Bencosme Castaños (Dominican Republic) and Paruyr Hovhannisyan (Armenia).
The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.
It has 54 member States, elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms on a rotating basis, with seats distributed by region.
ECOSOC coordinates the work of UN specialized agencies, commissions and bodies on issues ranging from sustainable development and human rights. It also serves as a central platform for fostering debate, forging consensus, and promoting action on global economic and social issues.
For Mr. Thapa, this body is central to shaping the world’s development agenda and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“ECOSOC is our place. It needs dedication, participation and active engagement of all UN membership and stakeholders,” he said.
While “delivering better” will be the motto of Mr. Thapa’s presidency, he outlined five specific areas upon which he and the Council will focus in the coming year.
With over 735 million people worldwide experiencing hunger, his first priority area is transforming agriculture to strengthen rural resilience and end hunger.
Digital entrepreneurship and youth engagement are tied to this — and are his second priority area. He noted the “youth bulge” in many developing countries which he said will be a powerful demographic asset if it can be taken advantage of.
Like ECOSOC presidents before him, his third priority area deals with climate action and resilience. This time, however, he would like ECOSOC to focus specifically on glacier lakes and floods.
His final two priority areas are reforming the international financial architecture so that it is more inclusive and commemorating the 80th anniversary of ECOSOC.
Mr. Thapa noted that he and ECOSOC’s membership will be working to achieve these challenges in the midst of multiple, interlinking crises including accelerating climate change, rising geopolitical tensions and decreasing trust in the multilateral system.
“These challenges are systemic and interconnected. They demand integrated, inclusive and forward-looking responses,” Mr. Thapa said.
Before Mr. Thapa’s remarks, Bob Rae, the outgoing president of ECOSOC and Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, reflected on his tenure. He acknowledged that the world is currently in a time of great hardship and genuine anguish.
But he said that it must be the job of ECOSOC — and UN Member States more broadly — to not only give voice to this anguish and hardship but to actually find solutions for it as well.
“We hear a lot in the UN discourse about how things are broken, how things have fallen apart, how things are unhinged … But our job is to fix, it’s to repair, it’s to mend, it’s to allow things to heal, it’s to make change happen,” Mr. Rae said.
Both Mr. Thapa and Mr. Rae affirmed that multilateralism can work and that ECOSOC should play a unique role in rewriting the narrative surrounding international cooperation.
“We must reaffirm our collective belief in the power of multilateralism — not as an abstract ideal, but as a pragmatic tool for delivering better outcomes for all,” Mr. Thapa said.
Source: United Nations 2
That assessment by UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, comes in an update published on Thursday ahead of the final round of talks to develop a legally binding international instrument against plastic pollution.
“Although plastics are directly linked to the triple planetary crisis – pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change – there is still no comprehensive international treaty governing their composition, design, production, trade, and disposal,” UNCTAD said.
In 2023, plastic production reached 436 million metric tonnes worldwide, with the traded value surpassing $1.1 trillion. It also accounted for 5 per cent of total merchandise trade.
However, 75 per cent of all plastics ever produced have become waste, most of which has ended up in the world’s oceans and ecosystems.
This pollution also threatens food systems and human well-being, especially in small island and coastal developing countries with limited capacity to cope.
UNCTAD is advocating for tariff and non-tariff measures to support ecologically sustainable plastic substitutes which often are derived from natural sources such as minerals, plants or animals, and can be recycled or turned into compost.
Global trade in these substitutes reached $485 billion in 2023, with an annual growth of 5.6 per cent in developing economies.
Scaling up will require action to address challenges related to tariff and non-tariff measures, limited market access and weak regulatory incentives.
UNCTAD explained that a reduction in tariffs on plastic and rubber products over the past 30 years – from 34 per cent to 7.2 per cent – has made them “artificially inexpensive”. Meanwhile, alternatives such as paper, bamboo, natural fibres and seaweed face average tariffs of 14.4 per cent
“These disparities in how materials are treated discourage investment in alternative products and hinder innovation in developing countries that aim to export safer and more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics,” it said.
Currently, 98 per cent of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, meaning that emissions and environmental damage are expected to rise if left unchecked. In response, many countries are using non-tariff measures such as bans, labelling requirements and product standards.
However, these regulations differ, leading to fragmentation and increased compliance costs. Furthermore, small businesses and low-income exporters struggle in the face of overlapping or inconsistent requirements, thus affecting how they can both participate in and benefit from sustainable trade.
For UNCTAD, the talks towards the plastic pollution treaty are promising. They began in 2022, with the final round taking place next week at the UN in Geneva.
The treaty would cover the entire life cycle of plastics – production, consumption, and waste – within a fair and comprehensive framework.
The UN agency said a successful treaty should include tariff and non-tariff measures to support sustainable substitutes for plastic, investment in waste management and circular infrastructure, digital tools for traceability and customs compliance, as well as policy coherence across frameworks reached through the World Trade Organization (WTO); the UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC; the Basel Convention on hazardous waste, and related regional measures.
Would be nice to have a classic “add to calendar” or “ics file” to set a reminder, instead of only setting a youtube reminder … or couldn’t I find it?