Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier rescued five boaters from a disabled vessel 13 nautical miles off Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, Saturday afternoon. Rescued are four men and a woman, who came into distress after their 18-foot recreational vessel Michelle Marie II became disabled in eight-foot seas and started taking on water. “The situation and conditions on-scene could have caused this vessel to capsize at any given moment,” said Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Coast Guard Sector San Juan Search and Rescue mission coordinator for the case. “Thanks to the quick response and swift coordination between Coast Guard watchstanders and the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier crew all five lives were saved, and a tragic outcome was averted. Although we are very glad everyone aboard the Michelle Marie II is safe, we can’t overemphasize the importance heeding small craft advisories and paying close attention to projected sea-states and weather conditions before going out to sea.”
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Following a lengthy investigation conducted by the RCMP-RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation (IICE) Unit, 48-year-old Dennis Oliver was arrested on January 31, 2025, and is charged with online child exploitation offences.
In November of 2024, IICE executed a search warrant at a St. John’s home in relation to a report of online child exploitation activity. Electronics were seized and subsequently analyzed.
The results of the forensic analysis, as well as other evidence collected, led to Oliver’s arrest on Friday. He is charged with the following criminal offences:
Transmitting child pornography – one count
Possession of child pornography – one count
Accessing child pornography – one count
In accordance with arrest and release procedures, Oliver was released on conditions designed to protect the general public. He is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in St. John’s on March 20, 2025.
Child pornography cases require complex forensic examination of seized electronics followed, by additional investigation actions. Consequently, criminal charges in these cases are often laid up to 9-12 months after the execution of a search warrant.
The RCMP-RNC IICE team encourages caregivers and youth to learn about current online threats and safety practices at cybertip.ca, protectchildren.ca, kidsintheknow.ca and dontgetsextorted.ca.
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment’s Street Crime Enforcement Unit has seized drugs and arrested two people in relation to search warrants executed in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
On the morning of January 24, the RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit, assisted by the RCMP and Halifax Regional Police emergency response teams, executed simultaneous search warrants in Halifax and East Preston in relation to an ongoing firearms and drugs investigation.
At a residence on Upper Partridge Rd., near Hwy. 7 in East Preston, officers safely arrested a man and a woman. During a search of the property, officers seized a quantity of cocaine, scales, drug paraphernalia and two replica firearms.
The 21-year-old Lower Sackville woman was later released on conditions. She’s scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on March 19, at 9:30 a.m., to face a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
Roman Elroy Thompson, 35, from East Preston, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He was held in custody and released on conditions by the courts. He’s due to return in Dartmouth Provincial Court on February 28 at 9:30 a.m.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Monaca, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors and obstructing justice, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Nicholas Sittig, 28, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2025, to two counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around August 2023 until in and around April 2024, Sittig employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor, who resided in California, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. In and around December 2023, when Sittig became aware that federal law enforcement officers were investigating him, Sittig induced the minor to aid him in destroying records and documents related to his sexual offenses against the minor—namely, his contact information within the minor’s cellular telephone and Snapchat messages between himself and the minor—with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation. The Court was further advised that agents with Homeland Security Investigations had identified a second minor, residing in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, whom Sittig similarly exploited online from December 2023 through March 2024.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the defendant remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (San Francisco and Pittsburgh), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Monaca Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sittig.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Russellton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Michael Rearick, 43, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from April 21, 2023, until April 23, 2023, Rearick traveled and transported a minor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Canada, with the intent that the minor engage in criminal activity and illicit sexual activity.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the West Deer Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oscar Navarro-Zepeda, 43, from Spencer, Iowa, was sentenced on January 31, 2025, to 204 months’ imprisonment. Navarro-Zepeda was convicted by a jury on August 22, 2024, after a 3 ½ day trial in federal court in Sioux City. Navarro-Zepeda was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearm by prohibited person; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence at the trial showed that between April 2021 and April 2023, in the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere Navarro-Zepeda was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 31 kilograms of methamphetamine. Evidence also showed that on April 18, 2023, during a search warrant at Navarro-Zepeda’s residence in Spencer, Iowa, law enforcement seized approximately 33 pounds of methamphetamine in separate one-pound packages, which he intended to distribute to others in the Spencer, Iowa, area. Officers also seized $17,932; an AR-15 style .223 caliber rifle, two loaded magazines, other .223 ammunition, as well as various items of drug distribution and use paraphernalia. Navarro-Zepeda was prohibited from possessing firearms and possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking, to protect himself, his drugs and drug proceeds from others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Navarro-Zepeda was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of five years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Navarro-Zepeda remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
A woman who stole firearms during two burglaries she committed with a wanted fugitive was sentenced on January 31, 2025, to more than four years in federal prison.
Madison Diane Kidd, age 26, from Stratford, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 16, 2024 guilty plea to possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person.
Information from a plea agreement showed that in late 2022 and early 2023, Kidd harbored Michael Ackerson, a federal fugitive who had a warrant for his arrest, at her residence in Stratford. On January 11, and January 13, 2023, Kidd and Ackerson burglarized two homes on Brushy Creek Road in Webster County, Iowa. During these burglaries, they stole five firearms, a safe containing coins and jewelry, and a compound bow, among other items. Kidd hid four of the stolen firearms and the stolen bow in a crawl space in her residence in Stratford. On January 25, 2023, law enforcement officers searched Kidd’s home. During the search, they located and arrested Ackerson. They also found the firearms, the bow, other property stolen during the burglaries, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
In January 2023, Kidd was a methamphetamine user who had at least three prior felony convictions. After Ackerson’s arrest, Kidd and Ackerson discussed who would take responsibility for the firearms on recorded jail calls. Ackerson gave Kidd login information for a Google account, and Kidd logged into the account, changed the password, and deleted information from the account to conceal evidence of their crimes. On December 6, 2023, Ackerson was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment after he pled guilty to escape from custody and possession of firearms by a felon.
Kidd was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Kidd was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $865.34 in restitution to the victims. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Kidd is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
A five-count criminal indictment was unsealed today in federal court in New York charging a Canadian man with exploiting vulnerabilities in two decentralized finance protocols to fraudulently obtain about $65 million from the protocols’ investors.
According to court documents, from 2021 to 2023, Andean Medjedovic, 22, allegedly exploited vulnerabilities in the automated smart contracts used by the KyberSwap and Indexed Finance decentralized finance protocols. Medjedovic borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars in digital tokens, which he used to engage in deceptive trading that he knew would cause the protocols’ smart contracts to falsely calculate key variables. Through his deceptive trades, Medjedovic was able to, and ultimately did, withdraw millions of dollars of investor funds from the protocols at artificial prices, rendering the victims’ investments essentially worthless.
Medjedovic also allegedly laundered the proceeds of his fraudulent schemes through a series of transactions designed to conceal the source and ownership of the funds, including through swap transactions, “bridging transactions,” and the use of a digital assets “mixer.” With others, Medjedovic also allegedly schemed to open accounts with digital assets exchanges using false and borrowed identifying information to conceal the source and true ownership of the proceeds. In around November 2023, after executing the KyberSwap exploit, Medjedovic also allegedly attempted to extort the victims of the KyberSwap exploit through a sham settlement proposal, in which he demanded complete control of the KyberSwap protocol and the decentralized autonomous organization that oversaw the KyberSwap protocol in exchange for returning 50 percent of the digital assets that he fraudulently obtained through his scheme.
Medjedovic is charged with one count of wire fraud, one count of unauthorized damage to a protected computer, one count of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the unauthorized damage to a protected computer count and 20 years in prison on each of the other counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York, Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, and Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-CI, HSI, and the FBI New York Field Office are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The Justice Department also thanks the Netherlands’ Public Prosecution Service and Cybercrime Unit — the Hague of the Dutch National Police for their significant assistance with the investigation.
Trial Attorney Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, who is a member of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Axelrod and Andrew Reich for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. SEC Enforcement Attorney Daphna A. Waxman, formerly a member of the NCET, provided significant assistance.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, will host an Investor and Analyst Day on Thursday, February 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. eastern time at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City.
The event will feature presentations by Jeff Thompson, Red Cat’s CEO; Geoffrey Hitchcock, Red Cat’s chief revenue officer and other members of the executive leadership team. Robert Imig, Head of USG Research and Development at Palantir Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLTR) will also present a roadmap for its recently announced strategic partnership with RedCat.
Registration for the event is available on the Investor Relation’s section of Red Cat’s website https://redcat.red/investor-day/. Registrants that are not attending in person will be emailed a link to a video recording of the event once it is available.
About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a Family of Systems. This includes the Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed-wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA-compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.
Forward Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DDB Miner is making headlines with its latest innovation in cloud mining, combining sustainability with high profitability. As the cryptocurrency market expands, DDB Miner is leading the charge by harnessing renewable energy to power its mining operations. This groundbreaking approach not only reduces costs but also integrates surplus electricity into the grid, allowing investors to maximize their returns effortlessly.
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Disclaimer: This press release is provided by “DDB Miner”. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
For much of the 20th century, efforts to remake government were driven by a progressive desire to make the government work for regular Americans, including the New Deal and the Great Society reforms.
But they also met a conservative backlash seeking to rein back government as a source of security for working Americans and realign it with the interests of private business. That backlash is the central thread of the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” blueprint for a second Trump Administration.
But Project 2025 does so with particular detail and urgency, hoping to galvanize dramatic change before the midterm elections in 2026. As its foreword warns: “Conservatives have just two years and one shot to get this right.”
The standard for a transformational “100 days” – a much-used reference point for evaluating an administration – belongs to the first administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Bill in Washington on Aug. 14, 1935. AP Photo, file
Social reforms and FDR
In 1933, in the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt faced a nation in which business activity had stalled, nearly a third of the workforce was unemployed, and economic misery and unrest were widespread.
But Roosevelt’s so-called “New Deal” unfolded less as a grand plan to combat the Depression than as a scramble of policy experimentation.
Roosevelt did not campaign on what would become the New Deal’s singular achievements, which included expansive relief programs, subsidies for farmers, financial reforms, the Social Security system, the minimum wage and federal protection of workers’ rights.
A generation later, another wave of social reforms unfolded in similar fashion. This time it was not general economic misery that spurred actions, but the persistence of inequality – especially racial inequality – in an otherwise prosperous time.
LBJ’s Great Society
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society programs declared a war on poverty and, toward that end, introduced a raft of new federal initiatives in urban, education and civil rights.
As with the New Deal, the substance of these policies rested less with national policy designs than with the aspirations and mobilization of the era’s social movements.
Resistance to policy change
Since the 1930s, conservative policy agendas have largely taken the form of reactions to the New Deal and the Great Society.
The central message has routinely been that “big government” has overstepped its bounds and trampled individual rights, and that the architects of those reforms are not just misguided but treasonous. Project 2025, in this respect, promises not just a political right turn but to “defeat the anti-American left.”
After the 1946 midterm elections, congressional Republicans struck back at the New Deal. Drawing on business opposition to the New Deal, popular discontent with postwar inflation, and common cause with Southern Democrats, they stemmed efforts to expand the New Deal, gutting a full employment proposal and defeating national health insurance.
They struck back at organized labor with the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, which undercut federal law by allowing states to pass anti-union “right to work” laws. And they launched an infamous anti-communist purge of the civil service, which forced nearly 15,000 people out of government jobs.
In 1971, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce commissioned Lewis Powell – who would be appointed by Republican President Richard Nixon to the Supreme Court the next year – to assess the political landscape. Powell’s memorandum characterized the political climate at the dawn of the 1970s – including both Great Society programs and the anti-war and Civil Rights movements of the 1960s – as nothing less than an “attack on the free enterprise system.”
In a preview of current U.S. politics, Powell’s memorandum devoted special attention to a disquieting “chorus of criticism” coming from “the perfectly respectable elements of society: from the college campus, the pulpit, the media, the intellectual and literary journals, the arts and sciences, and from politicians.”
Powell characterized the social policies of the New Deal and Great Society as “socialism or some sort of statism” and advocated the elevation of business interests and business priorities to the center of American political life.
A copy of Project 2025 is held during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Building a conservative infrastructure
Powell captured the conservative zeitgeist at the onset of what would become a long and decisive right turn in American politics. More importantly, it helped galvanize the creation of a conservative infrastructure – in the courts, in the policy world, in universities and in the media – to push back against that “chorus of criticism.”
In national politics, the conservative resurgence achieved full expression in President Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign. The “Reagan Revolution” united economic and social conservatives around the central goal of dismantling what was left of the New Deal and Great Society.
Publicly, the Reagan administration argued that tax cuts would pay for themselves, with the lower rates offset by economic growth. Privately, it didn’t matter: Either growth would sustain revenues, or the resulting budgetary hole could be used to “starve the beast” and justify further program cuts.
Project 2025, the latest in this series of blueprints for dramatic change, draws most deeply on two of those plans.
As in the congressional purges of 1940s, it takes aim not just at policy but at the civil servants – Trump’s “deep state” – who administer it.
In the wake of World War II, the charge was that feckless bureaucrats served Soviet masters. Today, Project 2025 aims to “bring the Administrative State to heel, and in the process defang and defund the woke culture warriors who have infiltrated every last institution in America.”
Whatever their source – party platforms, congressional bomb-throwers, think tanks, private interests – the success or failure of these blueprints rested not on their vision or popular appeal but on the political power that accompanied them. The New Deal and Great Society gained momentum and meaning from the social movements that shaped their agendas and held them to account.
The lineage of conservative responses has been largely an assertion of business power. Whatever populist trappings the second Trump administration may possess, the bottom line of the conservative cultural and political agenda in 2025 is to dismantle what is left of the New Deal or the Great Society, and to defend unfettered “free enterprise” against critics and alternatives.
Colin Gordon receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, and the Russell Sage Foundation.
In the 185 years since te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed between Māori rangatira and the British Crown, Māori have been writing about its meaning, sharing their stories and seeking justice.
For some years, we have been reading and thinking about this mass of written work by Māori. While we know and love these titles, we were aware many New Zealanders have little idea that Māori scholarship stretches back to the earliest books published in this country.
So, in 2018 we collaborated with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (the Māori Centre of Research Excellence) and Te Apārangi Royal Society of New Zealand to curate a list of Māori non-fiction publications. Our list formed the inspiration for Books of Mana: 180 Māori-Authored Books of Significance, published this week by Otago University Press.
Co-edited with Jeanette Wikaira, and featuring short essays by leading Māori writers about their relationship to books, mātauranga Māori and the written word, it showcases 180 Māori-authored books published between 1815 and 2022.
For generations our ancestors created sense, meaning, stories and histories from the mountains, rivers and coastlines, and recited generations of history and knowledge through whakapapa, karanga, whaikōrero, mōteatea and pūrākau.
With the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th-century, Māori adopted new tools for recording and passing on knowledge. Pen and paper were rapidly added to the kete and used to weave stories, to engage in creative expression, and as a way to connect and resist.
Much of this writing holds prestige, authority, power, influence, status and even charisma. The word that we think best describes these books is mana.
We encourage all New Zealanders to know more about these remarkable books. At a time when Māori language, culture, identity and te Tiriti are politically threatened, Māori writing is essential for anyone serious about understanding the past, present and future of Aotearoa New Zealand from a Māori perspective.
This Waitangi Day, consider reading any one of these 180 books. But to help make the selection even easier, here are ten that are accessible in bookstores or local libraries.
These titles address language revitalisation, leadership, politics and history. They are also relevant to the world we find ourselves in today.
Ngā Pepa a Ranginui, The Walker Papers – Ranginui Walker
To understand contemporary political debates it is worth looking to the past. Ranginui Walker was one of New Zealand’s leading intellectuals. His collection of opinion pieces, originally published in the Listener magazine between 1973 and 1990, are collated in Ngā Pepa a Ranginui, The Walker Papers.
All of these opinion pieces remain relevant today. As a communicator between the worldviews of Māori and Pākehā, the range of topics he wrote about was extraordinary, from fishing rights, to Māori ideas about health, to critiques of government policies.
Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho – Chris Winitana
Ranginui Walker said te reo Māori is a taonga. In Tōku Reo Tōku Ohooho, Chris Winitana tells the story of the people who fought for its retention and revitalisation from the 1970s – and why this kaupapa remains so vitally important today. The book is available either in English or te reo Māori and will be of interest to many as we strive to keep te reo Māori alive.
Huia Histories of Māori: Ngā Tāhuhu Kōrero – Danny Keenan
A stellar lineup of Māori writers will help deepen your knowledge of custom, the natural world, language, health, politics and cultural expression in editor Danny Keenan’s recently republished book Huia Histories of Māori. It covers a vast array of topics, from waka migration traditions, to the introduction of Christianity, to the New Zealand Wars and much more.
Navigating the Stars: Maori Creation Myths – Witi Ihimaera
In Navigating the Stars: Māori creation myths Witi Ihimaera shows how we have always been storytellers, intellectuals and knowledge makers. Pūrākau (legends) are retold for the 21st-century by this pioneer of the Māori novel and short story.
We are in awe of the way the author honours this storytelling tradition and strengthens it for the future. This is a big book that starts our national history with Māori creation narratives, and challenges us to think differently about our past.
Te Kōparapara: An introduction to the Māori world – Michael Reilly & others
If you are looking to build your knowledge of te ao Māori (the Māori world), but don’t know where to begin, we recommend Te Kōparapara. It’s a really accessible introduction to Māori culture, tikanga, history and contemporary society.
Wayfinding Leadership – Chellie Spiller, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr & John Panoho
Our tūpuna (ancestors) guide us into the future. Chellie Spiller, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and John Panoho look to waka navigators in Wayfinding Leadership. It’s part practical guide about how to lead for the collective good, but also part introduction to Māori philosophy. And it’s all cleverly told through the boldness, radical vision and skill of those who laid the foundations for Māori to flourish in these islands.
Imagining Decolonisation – Bianca Elkington, Moana Jackson & others
The bestselling Imagining Decolonisation explains what decolonisation looks like for Māori and Pākehā in an accessible way, and sets out what is required for our country to become a just society.
A particular highlight is the contribution of the late Moana Jackson. A lawyer who was passionate about the transformative possibilities of te Tiriti for Aotearoa, his writings about justice reform and constitutional change will continue to shape generations to come.
A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru – Melinda Webber & Te Kapua O’Connor
A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru: A collection of narratives about Te Tai Tokerau, translated into te reo Māori by Quinton Hita, is an invitation into Te Tai Tokerau histories, lands and esteemed ancestors, told through the lives of peacemakers, strategists, explorers and entrepreneurs (available in both English and te reo Māori editions).
Mokorua – Ariana Tikao
Mokorua is an inspiring account of the author “re-indigenising” through receiving her moko kauae. We love how she weaves that story into a personal reclaiming of language and identity. Matt Calman’s photographs are particularly striking, too.
From the Centre: A writer’s life – Patricia Grace
A favourite book is From the Centre: a writer’s life, an uplifting memoir by one of our most gifted fiction writers. It stresses the power of reading for cultivating imagination, anchoring identity and deepening a sense of belonging.
We treasured reading about Grace’s life growing up, how she responded to instances of injustice and unfairness, and how she had the courage to write about everyday Māori families. The gentle weight of this beautiful work, in both a physical and emotional sense, will live with us for a long time.
These books enrich our scholarship and our everyday life. We hope you take some time this Waitangi week to engage with Māori writing, and that you come to love these taonga as much as we do.
Angela Wanhalla has received previous funding from Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga for this book project.
Jacinta Ruru has received previous funding from Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga for this book project.
Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced the Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution designating January as National Stalking Awareness Month. The resolution raises awareness of the dangers of stalking and highlights the need for law enforcement to prevent this predatory behavior. Approximately 1 in 3 women in the U.S. have experienced stalking at some point in their lives. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) lead a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
“As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the serious emotional and physical toll stalking can take on victims,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness about the dangers of stalking, the need to protect victims, and the resources available to help survivors.”
“Far too many Americans have suffered physical and psychological trauma as a result of stalking. I’m glad to join my colleagues in raising awareness of this terrible crime and highlighting the essential work of advocates, law enforcement and service workers who support victims and survivors,” said Grassley.
“The severity of stalking cannot be understated—this dangerous and repugnant crime has resulted in severe physiological and physical trauma and it is imperative that we provide the necessary resources to protect victims from these heinous acts,” said Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan National Stalking Awareness Month resolution promotes awareness about stalking and recognizes the need to prevent this crime while continuing efforts to safeguard our communities from such threats.”
“Stalking is a serious crime that imparts unimaginable physical and psychological distress on its victims. No one should have to fear for their safety or for the safety of their loved ones, but it’s estimated over 13 million people are stalked in the United States every year. On top of this, we know stalking is a significant risk factor for intimate partner homicide,” said Dingell. “We recognize National Stalking Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of stalking, reaffirm our commitment to survivors, and continue working to identify new ways to keep communities safe.”
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), members of SFRC, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an explanation of recent developments at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including reports that individuals who identified themselves as working for the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) accessed USAID’s main headquarters, American citizens’ data and classified spaces.
“Congress established the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as an independent agency, separate from the Department of State, to ensure that we can deploy development expertise and U.S. foreign assistance quickly, particularly in times of crisis, to meet our national security goals,” wrote the lawmakers. “For this reason, any effort to merge or fold USAID into the Department of State should be, and by law must be, previewed, discussed, and approved by Congress.”
“We received reports that individuals who identified themselves as working for the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE) accessed USAID’s main headquarters, including classified spaces,” continued the lawmakers. “The potential access of sensitive, even classified, files which may include the personally identifiable information (PII) of Americans working with USAID, and this incident as a whole raises deep concerns about the protection and safeguarding of matters related to U.S. national security.”
“We request an immediate update about the access of USAID’s headquarters, including whether the individuals who accessed the headquarters were authorized to be there and by whom, whether all individuals who accessed classified spaces have active security clearances at the appropriate level, what they were seeking to access, if any PII of American citizens was breached, and whether any review is underway regarding potential unauthorized access to sensitive personnel information and classified materials,” concluded the lawmakers.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Prime Minister met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels this afternoon.
The Prime Minister met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels this afternoon.
The leaders had a constructive discussion about the scale of the defence and security challenge facing Europe as a result of Putin’s relentless campaign of destruction and sabotage.
The Prime Minister restated his unwavering commitment to NATO as the cornerstone of our security.
The NATO Secretary General commended the UK’s ongoing contribution to Ukraine’s fight, and both agreed that all allies need to step up and shoulder more of the burden to keep the pressure on Putin.
The Prime Minister updated the NATO Secretary General on his recent visit to Ukraine, commending the ongoing bravery of the soldiers risking their lives to defend their sovereignty.
Ahead of his attendance at the Informal European Council meeting this evening, the Prime Minister updated on his desire to see a stronger UK-EU security partnership to tackle these threats, which will increase co-operation and bolster NATO further.
Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street
The Prime Minister met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels this afternoon.
The Prime Minister met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels this afternoon.
The leaders had a constructive discussion about the scale of the defence and security challenge facing Europe as a result of Putin’s relentless campaign of destruction and sabotage.
The Prime Minister restated his unwavering commitment to NATO as the cornerstone of our security.
The NATO Secretary General commended the UK’s ongoing contribution to Ukraine’s fight, and both agreed that all allies need to step up and shoulder more of the burden to keep the pressure on Putin.
The Prime Minister updated the NATO Secretary General on his recent visit to Ukraine, commending the ongoing bravery of the soldiers risking their lives to defend their sovereignty.
Ahead of his attendance at the Informal European Council meeting this evening, the Prime Minister updated on his desire to see a stronger UK-EU security partnership to tackle these threats, which will increase co-operation and bolster NATO further.
An historic Weeping Beech tree, located in Newport’s Church Litten is to be removed after safety concerns were raised.
The existing Weeping Beech tree, now over 120 years old, has been deemed no longer structurally safe. In recent months, the tree has lost a major crown limb, exposing decay in its main stem. Following an internal inspection by a qualified arboriculture consultant, the Isle of Wight Council were advised that the tree has extensive internal decay and needs to be removed before further failure occurs. The tree, located in a very busy public park, is within falling distance of a major road.
Julie Jones-Evans, Newport councillor and cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure said: “The Weeping Beech is a much-loved part of Newport, and we understand that local residents will be shocked and disappointed to hear of its removal.”
“Therefore, we are doing all we can to preserve its genetic code, working with Ventnor Botanic Gardens by taking cuttings and grafting them onto understock.”
“The intention is for any successful grafted plants to be made available for planting in Newport in the future.”
The cuttings will be taken by Ventnor Botanic Gardens over the next few weeks. A digital memorial of the tree will be created to collect people’s stories and memories of the tree. Islanders are being asked to send their memories and photos to regeneration@iow.gov.uk.
Ventnor Botanic Gardens has also sourced a specimen replacement Weeping Beech tree, funded by the Isle of Wight Council with UK Government Shared Prosperity funding. This new tree will be located in the same position as the original tree, and further information will be provided when a programme of works has been confirmed.
Shaping Newport plan to arrange a community gathering to acknowledge the departure of the old tree and welcome the new one.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad
February 3, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad
February 3, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad
February 3, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad
February 3, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad
February 3, 2025
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Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad
The first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Financial Security Olympiad in 2025 was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the Olympiad has been held for the fifth year with the support of President Vladimir Putin. Interest in it grows every year.
In 2023, the head of state personally met with the participants of the third Olympiad finals, as a result of which the International Movement for Financial Security was created – representatives of 36 countries are participating in it.
“Over four years, more than 1,900 people have taken part in the final stage of the Olympiad, including 514 prize winners and winners. President Vladimir Putin has decided to organize the final stage of the Olympiad in different regions. In 2025, Krasnoyarsk has been chosen as the venue. The Olympiad is celebrating its first anniversary, and during this time it has acquired its own list of events and traditions. I believe that they should be expanded. Each new host city will make more and more new proposals,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Director of Rosfinmonitoring Yuri Chikhanchin thanked the educational foundation “Talent and Success” and its director Elena Shmeleva, the federal territory “Sirius”, the administration of Krasnodar Krai and the city of Sochi, as well as the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Southern Federal District for their assistance in organizing the first four Olympiads.
Yuri Chikhanchin noted the need to expand the geography of the Olympiad, as well as to attract more interested countries to conduct the thematic lesson “Financial Security”, which in 2025 is dedicated to the problem of droppering (a fraudulent scheme for cashing out funds).
“Interest of foreign countries in our Olympiad is growing. Schoolchildren and students from 36 countries, members of the CIS, BRICS, SCO and other international organizations, took part in the final of the fourth Olympiad. This year, new countries are going to fully participate in the Olympiad stages,” said the director of Rosfinmonitoring.
Following the meeting, Dmitry Chernyshenko supported this idea and instructed to work on the issue of increasing the representation of countries.
In 2025, the Siberian Federal University will be the venue for the Olympiad in Krasnoyarsk. Events for experts will traditionally be held on the sidelines of the finals.
Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai Mikhail Kotyukov noted that it is a great honor for the region to host the final stage of the Financial Security Olympiad, and expressed gratitude to the President of the country for supporting the idea of holding the competition in the region. Mikhail Kotyukov emphasized that the region has extensive experience in holding major events of federal and international scale (including the XXIX World Winter Universiade 2019), all the necessary infrastructure, which will allow organizing the main part of the Olympiad final, as well as its sports and cultural program, at a high level.
From February 1 to 28, the invitational stage of the fifth Olympiad is being held in Russian and English on the international social and educational platform “Commonwealth”. Pupils of grades 8-11 and students are invited to participate first. Upon completion of the stage, participants who have completed the tasks will receive a certificate. To participate, you must register on the platformKHTTPS: // Society. Org/ru.
The meeting of the organizing committee was attended by the Director of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring Yuri Chikhanchin, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Dmitry Afanasyev, Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai Mikhail Kotyukov, representatives of the Administration of the President of Russia, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Rossotrudnichestvo, ANO National Priorities, financial organizations and rectors of universities participating in the Olympiad.
The lesson “Financial Security” will be held from February 1 to April 30, 2025. The invitational stage of the Olympiad – from February 1 to 28, 2025. The selection stage will consist of two rounds: the first round – from March 31 to April 4, 2025, the second round – from April 9 to 15, 2025. The qualification stage – from August 1 to September 3, 2025. The final stage will be held in person from September 28 to October 3, 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Meteghan RCMP Detachment has charged three people after responding to a report of threats.
On January 30, at approximately 7:40 p.m., RCMP officers learned that two men approached a man at his Saulnierville home and threatened violence.
On February 2, in response to information gathered through the investigation, officers from the Meteghan RCMP, with assistance from the RCMP Emergency Response Team and Yarmouth Town RCMP, located and safely arrested 32-year old Zacharie David Jovitt Thibault of Digby; 65-year-old Eric David Thibault of Little Brook; and 32-year-old Kevin Eric Langford of Church Point.
All three men, who were remanded into custody, are charged with:
Uttering Threats (three counts)
Intimidation
Extortion without Firearm
In addition, Zacharie Thibault and Eric Thibault are both charged with Failure to Comply with a Court Order.
The men are due to appear in Digby Provincial Court today.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information on this incident or any other incident of violence in the Meteghan area is asked to contact Meteghan RCMP at 902-645-2326. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.
A police officer will appear in court after being charged with offences including assault.
Sgt Rajdeep Jhala, attached to Met Operations, will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 4 February charged with two counts of assault and one count of controlling/coercive behaviour.
The charges relate to an allegation reported to police in May 2024 and offences that took place while the officer was off duty.
MARIETTA, Pa., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DGICA) and (NASDAQ:DGICB) announced today that it plans to release its results for fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, before the opening of regular trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Company will provide a supplemental investor presentation in the Investors section of its website at investors.donegalgroup.com, concurrently with its earnings press release.
At approximately 8:30 am ET on Thursday, February, 20, 2025, the Company will make available in the Investors section of its website a pre-recorded audio webcast featuring management commentary by Kevin Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer; Jeffrey Miller, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and select members of the senior management team. A pre-recorded question and answer session will follow formal remarks by management. Questions for consideration should be submitted via e-mail to investors@donegalgroup.com by 5:00 pm ET on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
About Donegal Group Inc.
Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in 21 Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and its insurance subsidiaries conduct business together with the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).
The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. The Company is focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing its operations and processes to transform its business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and providing superior experiences to its agents, customers and employees.
Investor Relations Contact
Karin Daly Vice President, The Equity Group Inc. Phone: (212) 836-9623 E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
January 31, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Yesterday, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces—successfully pressed President Trump’s Secretary of the Army nominee Daniel Driscoll to pledge that he would refuse to obey an illegal order from President Trump, such as following through on the President’s dangerous freeze and withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in grants awarded to the Department of Army. Mr. Driscoll stated that he “would only follow lawful orders.” Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
“I was distinctly unimpressed and disappointed with the lack of preparation Mr. Driscoll brought to our personal meeting earlier this month and I had hoped that he would take the time to do his homework before today’s confirmation hearing,” said Duckworth. “While I remain dissatisfied by Mr. Driscoll’s utter lack of qualifications to lead an organization as big and complex as the Army, I hope, for the sake of our Soldiers, that his improved preparation for this hearing is a sign that he takes seriously the incredible responsibility inherent in being Secretary of the Army. We ask our troops to operate at the highest possible level and it would be an insult to our brave Soldiers to confirm someone who does not meet that same standard to lead them.”
Duckworth underscored her concerns with Mr. Driscoll’s lack of preparedness for their meeting ahead of the hearing and offered him another chance to prove his qualifications to lead the largest and most complex branch of our Defense. Duckworth pressed Mr. Driscoll to answer basic questions, including naming the components and elements of force posture. This comes after Duckworth also pressed Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth on his lack of qualifications during his confirmation hearing, in which he could not correctly name a single nation that is a part of ASEAN. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
Duckworth is a proven leader and fierce advocate for our servicemembers, Veterans and their families. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) that was signed into law, Duckworth secured several important provisions that support our servicemembers and their families, enhance strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, improve logistics to bolster readiness and energy resiliency as well as continue to restore American competitiveness.
During Secretary Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, Duckworth demonstrated some of the areas where he lacks the experience or knowledge that a serious Defense Secretary nominee should have, grilling him on basic questions that he failed to answer. She asked him if he ever led an audit. He would not confirm. She asked him to describe at least one of the main international security agreements a Secretary of Defense is responsible for leading. He could not name any. She asked him to name at least one nation that is a part of ASEAN, an organization with several member states who have mutual defense treaties, alliances or enhanced defense cooperation agreements with the U.S. None of the three countries he named were correct.
Duckworth then delivered an impassioned speech on the Senate floor slamming Hegseth for his lack of experience and qualifications to lead the Department of Defense. Speaking next to a framed copy of the Soldier’s Creed—a copy that hangs over her desk in the Senate and hung above her bed during her recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center after the helicopter she co-piloted was shot down—Duckworth underscored that it is insulting to ask our servicemembers to train and perform to the absolute highest standards when the Senate confirms a Secretary of Defense who is wholly unprepared and unqualified to lead them in any way.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
January 31, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 14 other U.S. Senators in reintroducing the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act to help put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis. These programs, which respectively support public education for children in low-income areas and education for individuals with learning disabilities, have been chronically underfunded since their inception, leaving our public schools, students and teachers at a disadvantage.
“When we invest in education and prioritize students across our nation—regardless of zip code—we’re really investing in their future as much as our country’s future,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to help reintroduce the Keep Our PACT Act to help provide countless teachers, school districts and young people a fairer, more equitable shot at reaching their full potential. Every child deserves the chance to succeed.”
“Our nation’s children are the future. Every student, including students with disabilities, should have equal access to a quality education, regardless of their family’s income or where they live,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act to ensure the federal government upholds its promise to fund schools, as well as Title I and IDEA programs, that serve our nation’s most vulnerable students.”
“Every child – no matter their zip code – deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Van Hollen. “But too many children still don’t have that opportunity because the federal government has never lived up to its commitment to fully fund Title I and IDEA – the federal programs designed to keep our promise to all students, including those facing the greatest challenges. The Keep Our PACT Act will ensure the federal government finally makes good on its obligation to invest in a first-rate education for all our students.”
Duckworth and Durbin have worked hard to help ensure that every child in our country has access to a quality public education. In December, Duckworth and Durbin announced over $4 million in funding to help educators across Illinois increase the math proficiency of their students, and they also announced over $7 million in funding to help prepare young Illinoisans to succeed in high-demand careers.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
January 31, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—helped reintroduce bipartisan legislation alongside U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) aimed at addressing freight fraud. The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act would help provide the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) with the tools needed to protect consumers from fraud by scammers in the interstate transportation of household goods.
“Bad actors are constantly developing new ways to defraud hardworking Americans, so it’s critical we keep our legislation up to speed so we can protect our constituents from the latest scamming techniques,” said Senator Duckworth. “Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether your movers are actually scammers trying to steal your money and belongings. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Senator Fischer to help ensure FMCSA has the tools it needs to shield American consumers from these thieves.”
“We cannot allow bad actors in the shipping and moving industry to violate consumer trust and harm our nation’s supply chain,” said Senator Fischer. “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration the tools they need to hold these thieves accountable. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to get our bill signed into law.”
Freight fraud, particularly in the household goods sector, is a growing problem that continues to undermine the integrity of the shipping and logistics industry. The bipartisan Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act seeks to help address the issue of household goods fraud by empowering FMCSA with the tools it needs to combat fraudulent actors in the shipping industry. Duckworth is an advocate for stronger consumer protections—in 2023, she and several Senate colleagues called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to improve their oversight over financial firms offering “buy now, pay later” products to ensure they comply with consumer protection laws.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
February 01, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—released the following statement after President Donald Trump took several actions to freeze funding and operations at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) this week, an agency that is critical to advancing American interests and supporting millions across the globe:
“Donald Trump’s attack on USAID will have devastating, far-reaching consequences at home and abroad. Injecting this deliberate chaos into such a core agency will not only jeopardize the safety and well-being of innocent people around the world who rely on USAID for critical humanitarian assistance, but it will also undermine the United States’ global standing, our interests and national security.
“Make no mistake: this short-sighted agenda is yet another illegal power grab by Donald Trump—and Americans will undoubtedly feel the ramifications as bad actors in the PRC and Russia step in to fill the leadership vacuum that Trump so foolishly created this week. In addition to saving lives, American aid encourages contributions from other international partners, ultimately improving global stability.
“I strongly oppose any effort to dismantle USAID as an independent agency. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’ll continue to do everything in my power to hold the Trump Administration accountable, help repair the damage already done and ensure those most in need across the globe know that not all Americans have abandoned them.”
The new Ta’talu Elementary has created more than 500 student seats in Surrey.
“Ta’talu Elementary is part of our government’s commitment to meeting the needs of growing communities like Surrey,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “Providing hundreds of new seats, Ta’talu Elementary ensures more students and families in Surrey have modern spaces to learn, grow and play.”
Ta’talu Elementary is the seventh new school to open in Surrey since 2017. The three-storey school has space for 655 students, in addition to child care space. Building the new Ta’talu Elementary school was funded with more than $39 million provided by the Province and $5 million from the Surrey School District.
“More families are settling down in Surrey and we need to make sure there are safe and comfortable schools to support their kids as they grow and learn,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That’s why we’re making record investments in schools, housing and health-care facilities so that families can get the services they need in their communities.”
This school is part of the government’s ongoing work over the past seven years to deliver new and expanded schools in Surrey. In the past few months, an 800-seat addition was announced for Fleetwood Park Secondary, as well as prefabricated additions for Old Yale Road Elementary, Latimer Road Elementary, William Watson Elementary and Martha Currie Elementary.
Construction is also underway for the new Snokomish Elementary, and additions at Semiahmoo Trail Elementary and South Meridian Elementary. These projects will create 3,500 new student seats in Surrey.
“Ta’talu is the perfect example of the kind of learning environment every single Surrey student deserves – a beautiful building with a gym, library, music room and dedicated space for students with diverse learning needs,” said Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “This is exactly the type of investment our growing communities need so that students in Surrey can thrive and succeed.”
The school’s name was gifted to Surrey school district by Chief Harley Chappell of the Semiahmoo First Nation. Derived from the SENĆOŦEN language, it translates to “little arms.” It pays homage to the school’s location near Campbell River and its tributaries, often referred to as the little arms of the river.
Ta’talu Elementary is part of an investment of nearly $1 billion in schools in the area. To further support the growing population in Surrey, the Province is also building a new hospital and cancer centre, and expanding Surrey Memorial Hospital to include a new renal hemodialysis facility and new interventional cardiology and radiology suites. In addition, the Simon Fraser University Surrey campus is set to open Western Canada’s first medical school in 55 years in 2026.
Quotes:
Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guilford –
“Surrey is a wonderful place to call home. This new school will be an excellent addition to the community and provide Surrey children and families with the infrastructure they need to thrive for generations to come.”
Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey-Newton –
“I’m thrilled to see the completion of Ta’talu Elementary. This school will be a modern, vibrant space for Surrey’s students, ensuring they have the safe, innovative and spacious learning environments they need to succeed.”
Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood –
“Surrey is growing quickly, and the completion of another new school is great news for students and families in our community. This school will provide lasting benefits to the community for years to come.”
Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre –
“The opening of Ta’talu Elementary is part of the Province’s continued commitment to meet the needs of growing communities like Surrey. With hundreds of new seats, we are ensuring Surrey students have the spaces they need to learn and play.”
Learn More:
For more information about Surrey School District, visit: https://www.surreyschools.ca/
For more information about K-12 school capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital
For more information about health capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects
Rail Minister Winston Peters says the Government has started the world-wide market engagement to buy two new medium-sized ferries to replace the Interislander fleet.
“The Government will immediately engage shipyards internationally, identifying those with the capability, capacity and interest to deliver new ferries by 2029,” says Mr Peters.
“This will narrow the list of potential ship builders to those able to strike a deal, ensuring no time is wasted when we issue the ship specifications later this year.”
At the same time, the Government is opening the process for eligible parties to put forward ideas for alternative procurement options to deliver ferry services.
“We announced in December that any better ideas than direct procurement of new ferries and port agreements for the enabling infrastructure will be heard. Interested parties should put their best foot forward now,” says Mr Peters.
Mr Peters says ideas for alternative procurement options will need to demonstrate:
the ability to deliver ferries in 2029 with appropriate freight and passenger capacity and that meet certain specified standards
the ability to provide confidence that any landside development necessary will support new ferries operating in 2029
capability and experience in the operation, financing and/or investment in maritime transport infrastructure
the ability to manage risks associated with the transition from current ferry operations to new arrangements
value for money on a whole of life basis, delivering an annual economic return, at less cost than a Government-led procurement
Details on how maritime transport operators or infrastructure investors can register interest in providing ideas and receive further information are available on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website (www.gets.govt.nz).
The deadline for the written submission of ideas via GETS is 28 February 2025
hen Joni Kabana first saw the Spray General Store in Spray, Oregon, the roof was in disrepair, a tree was threatening the building from the back and it was filled with stuff the owner was storing. The whole building was in rough shape.
But Kabana felt a calling to do something with the old beloved store.
“My intuition just said, ‘Let’s do it.’ Sometimes I just go with my gut with what I’m supposed to do,” she said.
That was 12 years ago. Three years ago, she bought the building. She removed the threatening tree and put on a new roof. At first, she thought the building would be a good place for her photography and writing studio. But it soon morphed into a community center. The Spray General Store now offers the community of Spray – and its 159 residents – and others, a place to visit, a place to create art, play music, take classes and hold meetings – a place to gather and get to know each other. Kabana acts as the event and building manager.
Throughout the years when the building needed something she applied for grants and asked for donations. As you can imagine, an old building has its needs. One of the store’s needs was for a heater that would heat the kitchen and bathroom.
Recently Kabana applied for a Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM). The funding came from Oregon Legislature through House Bill 3409 passed in 2023. The grant allocated $10 million to develop Resilience Hubs throughout Oregon.
The Spray General Store was one of the grant’s recipients, receiving $26,300. There were more than 700 applicants for this grant money. More than 87 different groups from throughout the state were awarded a grant. $2 million was set aside to provide to each of the Nine Tribes of Oregon $222,222.
“What impressed me was I had chance to visit Spray. I talked to neighbors, and they all worked together. There had been a big forest fire in Spray. When I went to visit, I opened the doors and there were air filters, water for people. It was a perfect example of what a resilience hub is,” Ed Flick, OREM Director, said.
“When they told me I got our grant, and they told me we could have heat I got really choked up. I got really emotional. Rarely do we get funding for building issues. That bathroom and kitchen are really freezing. We would hear people scream when they went into the bathroom. Getting heat in the kitchen and bathroom is going to be a game changer for us,” Kabana said.
Being able to use the kitchen and bathroom in the winter months means the store can hold more community events through off seasons when area businesses are struggling. Being used in the winter can bring more people to town who will use places like the motel, the grocery store and the gas station.
Some of the grant money will also be used to install electricity in the storage building in the back. That’s where they store blacksmithing and ceramic material used in their classes and also wood and tools.
“Now if you need a tool or something you go in there and there is no light. You better go in during the day,” Kabana said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to upgrade the heating and provide operational costs to keep the General Store functioning year-round. If the need arises, this will be a place the people of Spray can go to seek shelter, water and other resources.” Jenn Bosch, OREM Grants Program Administrator, said.
Here is what the grant will fund: heat repaired/installed in the kitchen and bathroom; operational costs such as internet, electric, water; outreach; window purchase and installation; and partial costs of an electrical panel in the barn.
Kabana also wants to bring in a mobile BBQ food cart. There is no restaurant in Spray. And the other two restaurants about an hour’s drive away just closed. She wants to let people have a really good restaurant experience. She hopes to partner the food cart with an event like a float on the nearby John Day River, or an open mic night for musicians.
Learn more about the Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/emergency-management/Pages/resilience-grants.aspx
OAKLAND —Attorney General Bonta today annnounced a nationwide settlement against Pfizer-owned Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company for submitting false claims to the Medicaid program and other government healthcare programs. The settlement addresses claims that Biohaven participated in a kickback scheme from 2020 to 2022, where they provided cash and extravagant gifts to healthcare providers in return for prescribing their medication, Nurtec. As part of today’s settlement, Pfizer has agreed to pay, on behalf of Biohaven, a total of nearly $60 million to resolve federal and state violations, most of which resulted in losses to the federal Medicare program. The State of California will receive $413,776 for its share of losses to California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal.
“The best interests of patients must always come first,” said Attorney General Bonta. “It is up to us, along with our state and federal partners, to keep violations like those alleged against Biohaven in check. Today’s settlement returns critical funding to our communities and programs like Medicaid that keep them healthy.”
Pfizer has agreed to pay $59,746,277, plus interest, on behalf of Biohaven to resolve allegations that Biohaven engaged in unlawful kickback practices to encourage providers to prescribe Nurtec, a prescription medication designed for the treatment of migraine headaches, to patients who use Medicaid for insurance. That payment will be shared by the federal government and several states, including California. The claims assert that kickbacks were provided to healthcare professionals in the form of cash payments, lavish meals, and honoraria, thereby breaching the Anti-Kickback Statute.
The California Department of Justice’s DMFEA protects Californians by investigating and prosecuting those who defraud the Medi-Cal program as well as those who commit elder abuse. These settlements are made possible only through the coordination and collaboration of governmental agencies, as well as the critical help from whistleblowers who report incidences of abuse or Medi-Cal fraud at oag.ca.gov/dmfea/reporting.
The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
Through our fast-growing programmes and the Rays of Hope initiative, the IAEA is expanding access to nuclear medicine and cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries, supporting care to patients around the world with little or no access to treatment. Learn more about the IAEA’s work to close the global cancer care gap: #CancerCare4All
