CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XMS Capital Partners, LLC (“XMS”), a global, independent financial services firm focused on providing M&A, corporate advisory, capital raising and asset management services, is pleased to announce the addition of Paul Glover as Managing Director.
“Paul brings exceptional expertise, connectivity and strategic thinking in XMS’ key sectors to the role. Paul has a unique blend of experience as an advisor, investor, operator and entrepreneur, providing the firm and our clients with invaluable insights and leadership. We see tremendous opportunity in expanding our capital raising and merchant banking capabilities,” said Ted Brombach, Co-Managing Partner at XMS.
“I am very excited to be joining XMS in a role that enables me to bring to bear my various experiences to support the firm’s growth and enhance value for its clients,” said Mr. Glover. “I have great respect for the team and culture that XMS has built, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues.”
About Paul Glover
Mr. Glover joins XMS with over 30 years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, principal investing and strategic financial leadership. Based in New York City, Mr. Glover will work closely with XMS’ bankers in the US and Europe across sectors on capital raising and financing initiatives, as well as supporting the firm’s merchant banking activities.
Most recently, Mr. Glover was Chief Financial Officer of CellPoint Digital, a payment orchestration platform, where he oversaw its finance, legal, HR and compliance functions. In addition, he also was involved in raising multiple financing rounds. Prior to CellPoint, Mr. Glover served as Head of Private Capital Markets at R.W. Pressprich, and as Chief Executive Officer of Bridgenorth Capital, a boutique investment bank he founded after working as a special situations investor at OneCapital Management. Mr. Glover previously held senior roles in capital markets at Bankers Trust and at Deutsche Bank where he sat on its Global Markets Management Committee as Global Co-Head of Structured Capital Markets.
About XMS Capital Partners XMS Capital Partners, LLC, established in 2006, is a global, independent, financial services firm providing M&A, corporate advisory, capital raising and asset management services to clients. It has offices in Chicago, Boston, Dallas and London. For more information, please visit www.xmscapital.com.
Media Contact Samantha Bailey XMS Capital Partners Phone: 312.262.5642 www.xmscapital.com
There is a palpable sense of fear among environmentalists and those concerned about climate change following Trump’s re-election. His “drill baby drill” support for fossil fuels in the U.S. and frequent criticisms of renewable energy suggest that the world can expect to see a U.S. government that is far less interested in addressing climate change.
In addition to leaving the Paris deal, Trump is likely to peel back the climate change elements of former president Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and disempower the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump’s nominee to head the EPA, Lee Zeldin, has promised to “pursue energy dominance.” Meanwhile, Chris Wright, Trump’s choice for energy secretary, is the CEO of Liberty Energy, a fracking company.
Despite the challenges a second Trump administration is likely to bring, Canada can continue to address climate change by working with sub-national leadership in the U.S.
Donald Trump signs an executive order withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement.
U.S. states still making progress
There are clear indications that Trump will move to dismantle key environmental policies. A dominant Trump adviser, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has indicated his support for removing US$7,500 tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), apparently viewing it as a way to undermine Tesla competitors.
Canada must accelerate its own transition to a low-carbon economy by supporting renewable energy initiatives in engineering, construction, transportation and carbon sequestration.
Renewable energy opportunities that align with U.S. interests exist, and can be pursued irrespective of Trump’s policies. For example, Canada has an opportunity, jointly with the U.S., to expand our mutual critical mineral industry.
Electrification is set to proceed apace regardless of the political leanings of governments, and the transformation of transportation from fossil fuels to electricity and battery power will require vast amounts of lithium, a mineral Canada has in large quantities. It will also require large investments in cutting-edge battery technology, which is a key limitation to green electrification.
Considering both the need for these minerals and how tightly integrated the auto industry is in North America, such integration of supply chains fits within Trump’s general goal of reducing reliance on China. Canada can leverage this role to try to ensure it captures key portions of the supply chain that will create good jobs, particularly as oil demand inevitably winds down.
Canada could also be a key partner in expanding nuclear energy production. We understand the resistance many have to this suggestion, but it’s worth reconsidering given the intermittency of renewable energy such as wind and solar.
By taking these steps, Canada could make significant contributions to helping tackle climate change both in North America and around the world.
Andy Hira is the Director of the Clean Energy Research Group based at Simon Fraser University. The group has received funding from the Willow Grove Foundation and SFU.
John J Clague 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.
As is the usual practice in leadership bids, each has sought to advance competing visions tied to their personal credentials and desirability as candidates.
In contrast, Carney has framed himself as a pragmatic outsider. To his supporters, his monetary management of both Brexit and the 2008 financial crisis shows he can effectively address Canada’s economic challenges while remaining above the apparent politicking, ideological excesses and questionable policy decisions of the Trudeau years.
The importance of the ground game
It’s difficult to say for certain who is most likely to prevail. Most polls suggest many Liberals are still undecided, although Carney and Freeland are at the same level of support among Canadian voters at large.
The incredibly short timeline for the race — voters need to be registered as Liberals by the end of today to vote for a leader — does not provide enough time for discernible trends to emerge. Despite the focus on the personality of the candidates, the Liberal leadership will be won or lost on the basis of “ground-game” organization — that is, who can identify, register and mobilize the greatest number of supporters.
At this point, however, it’s safe to say that Carney has an advantage. Compared to Freeland, he has secured the endorsements of most senior cabinet ministers, including Francois-Philippe Champagne, Melanie Joly, Steven Guilbeault, Harjit Sajjan and Jonathan Wilkinson. This provides not only legitimacy but, far more importantly, greater organizational prowess.
Also important is the fact that, in an environment of anti-Trudeau sentiment, he has much more — though not complete — distance from the incumbent government. It’s difficult to see how Freeland, regardless of her experience, can effectively avoid associations with the consequences of the past or existing policies that she herself was instrumental in bringing about.
Of course, Carney has his own challenges. He will likely have to clarify his relationship with the departing Trudeau government. Since 2020, the precise nature of his role as an informal policy adviser to the prime minister — including as the chair of a task force on economic growth — remains a mystery.
And for all of his emphasis on the importance of good policy, the substance of his actual, announced policy proposals are thin, including an ambiguous stance on the carbon tax.
Impressive resumé
Nonetheless, Carney simply has far more flexibility and potential than the more rigid limitations of Freeland’s candidacy. When compared to Freeland, Carney’s pitch to Canadians seems, at least on paper, to be a much smarter response to Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.
His impressive resumé has the potential to be a strong, substantive contrast to the sloganeering that has so far been offered by the Conservatives. Carney could represent a reasonable alternative to voters who, while desiring change, aren’t sold on Poilievre.
But can Carney really reverse the fortunes of the Liberal Party? Although the next leader of the party is guaranteed to be Canada’s 24th prime minister, they face near Herculean odds in establishing a term that will last more than a couple of weeks due the near certainty of a non-confidence vote in Parliament after it resumes on March 24, 15 days after the Liberal convention.
Poilievre’s Conservatives are well over 20 points ahead in public opinion polls as they benefit from an anti-incumbent sentiment that, although commonly expressed in a personal dislike for Trudeau, is really about a deeper discontent with Canada’s structural and economic challenges.
While Carney’s outsider status may inspire the Liberal faithful, his electoral performance is more likely to highlight the drawbacks of political inexperience. Although he has potential in terms of political skills, he may not have the time to realize that potential.
Past Liberal leaders
Historically, and to a greater degree than the Conservatives, the Liberals have been successful at recruiting leaders with accomplishments outside of partisan electoral politics.
The difference, however, is that — with the exception of academic Michael Ignatieff in 2011 — each of these former leaders had some, albeit limited, experience. They may have been recruited for their potential as future prime ministerial candidates, but each accumulated the requisite political experience.
Carney, on the other hand, has never run for office nor made any public interjections into partisan conflicts.
Special skill set
Electoral politics requires a special skill set that, unless it comes naturally, can only be learned through experience. It requires a unique combination of policy aptitude, communication ability, emotional intelligence, coalition-building and raw instinct.
Those qualities are honed with frequent exposure to voters, whether through stump speeches, stakeholder meetings or community barbecues. Carney simply does not have these experiences.
And faced with an anti-incumbent mood, his administrative experience may be casting him not as an interesting outsider, but as a technocratic voice of the very economic, political and cultural elite who Canadians are upset with.
Sam Routley 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.
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in Nature Medicine estimates heat and cold related deaths in Europe as a result of climate change.
Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, Lecturer at the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, said:
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“The study is of high quality, offering a thorough assessment of future scenarios regarding net changes in temperature-related mortality, factoring in various climate, demographic, and adaptation scenarios. Its conclusions are strongly supported by solid data. However, it’s important to note that the applicability of these results is primarily limited to European urban settings.”
What does this study add to our understanding of heat/cold deaths after climate change? Was there doubt before now that on balance deaths would increase in Europe with warmer temperatures?
“Previous estimates based on historical data have suggested that for every heat-related death, there are roughly 10 cold-related deaths. This raises important questions about the net impact of temperature changes due to anthropogenic climate change. This new study underscores a crucial point: without any adaptation to temperature, projections suggest that temperature-related deaths are likely to increase overall, with heat-related deaths surpassing cold-related ones. A related study in Europe also highlighted the significance of mitigation efforts in shaping this net effect, noting that in the most extreme scenarios, mitigation could lead to a positive outcome, balancing the impact of temperature change (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00150-9/fulltext).”
What does the study tell us about excess heat deaths even under relatively optimistic scenarios?
“In the most optimistic scenario—warming is kept below 2°C—while assuming no adaptation to heat, heat-related deaths are projected to outnumber cold-related deaths by 12 per 100,000 person years in 2050-2054. By the end of the century, this gap is expected to widen, with heat-related deaths potentially exceeding cold-related deaths by 50 per 100,000 person years.
“It is clear a hotter world is a more dangerous world. With every fraction of a degree of warming, we will also face increased spread of mosquito-transmitted disease and more intense extreme weather, among other threats to human health.”
Dr Luke Parsons, Applied Climate Modeling Scientist, Global Science, The Nature Conservancy, said:
“I appreciate that this study used different temperature-mortality relationships for different age groups, because we know that different age groups in different locations can respond differently to temperature extremes.
“Additionally, these researchers derived local temperature-mortality relationships and did not extrapolate spatially to grossly different geographies- for example, many studies have tried to estimate global temperature-related mortality changes under warming, but we these studies often lack data for most of Africa (outside of South Africa) and many other countries, so studies often have to make very broad assumptions about how people will react to temperatures without concrete local health data to validate form relationships.
“Despite these strengths, something I worry about that I didn’t see addressed in this paper:
“Heat waves are often associated with increases in deaths, but many studies also find increased deaths in cold times of year, concluding that cold season deaths are due to colder temperatures; therefore, as the globe warms and the cold season becomes warmer, we should see decreases in deaths. However, a variety of other factors could lead to cold-season deaths (such as respiratory infections during the cold season)- if we are indeed over-counting cold-season deaths and their potential reductions in a warmer world, the net impacts of increasing temperatures could result in even larger numbers of early deaths than studies like this estimate. However, we also don’t know how humans will react to the heat- as far as I can tell, these studies don’t take into account migration (for example, do people leave exceedingly hot areas in southern Europe in a warmer world?) or other possible factors- although they do try to account for potential adaptation.
“Additionally, as the authors acknowledge, the health data are aggregated to the city level, and within cities, people can respond quite differently in disparate neighborhoods to temperature extremes depending on social networks, income, housing, and other factors. We have this problem with health data in the US often as well- to keep data anonymous, it is often aggregated, but then we lose really important local information about how more and less vulnerable areas within cities are being impacted by climate change.”
Dr Matthew Maley, Lecturer in Environmental Ergonomics at Loughborough University, said:
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“The study should be commended for accounting for variations in demographics (i.e. age) whilst presenting various future climate change scenarios in various adaptation scenarios.”
What does this study add to our understanding of heat/cold deaths after climate change? Was there doubt before now that on balance deaths would increase in Europe with warmer temperatures?
“This study confirms a consistent trend of increasing heat-related deaths, particularly under high-warming scenarios. The study also extends what we know by including European regions not included in previous studies.”
The study focuses on a relatively low mitigation and adaptation scenario – (SSP3-7.0) – can you comment on this? How likely/unlikely is it considered to be?
“It’s certainly a pessimistic scenario but one that could be our reality given current emission trajectories and failure to achieve our international climate change goals.”
What does the study tell us about excess heat deaths even under relatively optimistic scenarios?
“The more optimistic scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5) predict an increase in heat-related deaths, though to a lesser extent than SSP3-7.0. This emphasises that adaptation measures must accompany mitigation efforts to manage heat-related health impacts effectively.”
The study suggests that a significant amount of these deaths could be reduced with adaptation. In the cities where the largest death tolls are predicted (Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Madrid, Milan, Athens), what kinds of adaptation measures would be most effective?
“Effective adaptation measures for these Mediterranean cities could include:
Increase green space to enhance urban ventilation and implement reflective building materials.
Develop early warning systems akin to storm warning systems.
Targeted interventions for vulnerable populations (e.g. older adults).
Encourage behaviour change (e.g. advise to not go outdoors in peak temperatures).”
Dr Christopher Callahan, Postdoctoral Scholar in Earth System Science, Stanford University, said:
“This study is an impressive synthesis of heat- and cold-related mortality across Europe. While climate change may reduce cold-related deaths in winter, these results are unambiguous that increased heat-related mortality will outweigh these potential benefits, with an escalating death toll for every degree of global warming.
“One limitation of this study is that their numbers only account for about 40% of the population of the countries analyzed. The total death toll of climate change in these countries is likely substantially greater than these numbers indicate.
“One of the scenarios the authors examine is SSP3-7.0, which is a scenario of relatively high warming. While the most extreme emissions scenarios appear less likely today than previously, we should not discount the potential for very high levels of warming even given current climate policy. Many countries are on track to miss their stated emissions targets, and the rise of the second Trump administration in the United States may impede further progress on emissions reductions.”
Dr Raquel Nunes, Assistant Professor in Health and Environment at the University of Warwick Medical School, said:
“The findings of this study have serious implications for public health. As climate change leads to more extreme heat events, the number of heat-related deaths is expected to rise, putting additional pressure on healthcare systems. Vulnerable groups, such as older adults, those with chronic illnesses, and low-income communities, will be at the highest risk. Without strong adaptation measures, public health systems could struggle to cope with the increased demand for emergency services and hospital admissions.
“To protect public health, governments and policymakers need to invest in early warning systems, public education campaigns, and infrastructure improvements to help individuals stay cool and safe. Health professionals must also be trained to recognise and respond to heat-related illnesses. Additionally, social policies that provide support for vulnerable populations, such as access to cooling centres and affordable healthcare, will be essential in reducing the impact of extreme temperatures.
“This study highlights the urgent need for a coordinated public health response to climate change, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and adaptation to reduce future health risks. A significant proportion of current and future heat-related illnesses and deaths is preventable. What is essential now is the development and implementation of policies and actions aimed at minimising both morbidity and mortality.”
Prof Tim Osborn, Director of the Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (UEA), said:
“Cold weather and hot weather kill tens of thousands of people across Europe every year. Climate change is bringing less severe cold weather but more frequent hot weather, but it isn’t yet known if that means more or fewer people will die from temperature-related deaths in future. The clear finding of this new research is that the net effect of climate change will be more temperature-related deaths in future. Put bluntly, the increase in hot weather will kill more people than the decrease in cold weather will save.”
“While this new study isn’t the final say on the matter, and more research will certainly refine and could still change the overall prediction of future temperature-related deaths, it does break new ground by scrutinizing people’s vulnerability to extreme temperatures by age and by city to a much better level of detail than previous work. This extra level of detail ought to make the new study’s results more reliable.”
“This study also confirms two more general features about climate change. First, the harm from climate change impacts people very unevenly (in this case, with far greater increases in temperature-related deaths predicted for southern Europe than for northern Europe, where milder winters may even reduce the number of deaths). Second, we can greatly reduce the harm from climate change by adaptation — making changes that increase our resilience to extreme weather — but these adaptations are far more successful if we also limit the amount of climate change that we are faced with by accelerating the move away from fossil fuels as our primary energy source.”
Prof Simon Gosling, Professor of Climate Risks & Environmental Modelling at University of Nottingham, said:
“This is a high quality study that uses established modelling methods. It shows an increase in the overall number of deaths from temperature due to future global warming could be avoided if society makes big adaptations to heat. However, we are talking about a really big level of adaptation here – a level where the risk of dying from the heat is half of what it is nowadays. The models aren’t specific about how such a high level of adaptation could be achieved in reality. The way that this might be seen in the real world is through a combination of societal adjustments – in our cities, our homes, public services and work environments. Examples include increasing the amount of green spaces in our cities to help keep them cool, providing cooling centres where people can get relief from the heat, changing our work environments and work policies so that people are at less risk from heat stress at work, and by ensuring the people most vulnerable to heat are cared for and protected. There are some great examples of how this is starting to happen, but it’s a challenge that society has to rise to and achieve at scale, because this study very clearly shows that without high levels of adaptation, we are looking at an overall increase in deaths due to temperature in the future. Reducing global warming is also really important – lowering greenhouse gas emissions will help to significantly lessen the blow on society if we don’t achieve the high levels of adaptation needed to avoid an increase in deaths in the future.”
‘Estimating future heat-related and cold-related mortality under climate change, demographic and adaptation scenarios in 854 European cities’ by Pierre Masselot et al. was published in Nature Medicine at 16:00 UK time on Monday 27 January 2025.
DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03452-2
Declared interests
Professor Tim Osborn: No interests to declare.
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Jointly organised by City of Wolverhampton Council and Interfaith Wolverhampton, the event honoured the victims of Holocaust, Nazi persecution and other genocides recognised by the UK government such as Bosnia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Darfur and the Yazidi genocide.
This year’s theme, for a better future, served as a reminder that people must not forget the past and learn to ensure they take the correct actions to build a more inclusive and fairer society. This year’s event also marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia, bringing people from across the city to reflect on the lessons of the past and to hear stories of survivors through advocates.
The ceremony featured an address from His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of West Midlands, Rajinder Mann OBE, and the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Linda Leach who spoke about the importance of the memorial day, and its relevance to Wolverhampton.
Powerful readings shared by community members and representatives of the council highlighted the ongoing fight against prejudice and discrimination, while a wreath laying and reading of the Kaddish Prayer provided moments for reflection and remembrance.
Mayor Councillor Leach said: “Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is both a call to reflection and a call to action. Together, we remember the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust, the genocide in Bosnia, and others like them.
“I am inspired by the courage of those who share their stories, stories of survival, of loss and of hope. These voices guide us in our efforts to ensure that future generations understand the devastating consequences of hatred and division.”
The event concluded with a blessing by the Bishop of Wolverhampton Tim Wambunya. More pictures from the event can be found at Flickr.
The Official Receiver’s Office (ORO) today expressed its sincere apologies over the loss of seven magnetic backup tapes on December 23 last year, and the delay in reporting the incident.
The ORO received a report on January 22 that the magnetic backup tapes were lost in transit from the Immigration Tower to Queensway Government Offices by ORO staff.
The tapes contain personal data of about 76,000 individuals. The ORO said it is notifying the affected parties by batch.
The tapes were stored in a locked protective case and the data therein is encrypted with AES-256, a highly secure encryption algorithm. Having consulted the Digital Policy Office, the ORO considers that the risk of personal data leakage is extremely low.
Based on the current investigation, the ORO said there is no evidence that the data contained on the tapes has been read or compromised.
The incident has been reported to the Police Force, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Security Bureau and the Digital Policy Office.
In addition to stressing that it is extremely concerned about the incident and has taken immediate action to review all transit procedures and data protection practices, the ORO made it clear that it has refined such procedures with immediate effect.
It is also conducting a thorough investigation into the staff concerned and the details of the case, including the delay in reporting the loss to senior management.
Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken, the ORO noted.
It added that it has reminded its staff to comply with departmental guidelines and exercise due care in handling personal data. Furthermore, the ORO will review all guidelines on data security and examine the adoption of safer and more effective backup methods and procedures.
Published: January 21, 2025Last Updated: January 27, 2025
WASHINGTON – Immigration and the demonizing of immigrants was central to President Trump’s 2024 election campaign and since his re-election, he and his staff have aggressively pursued immigration enforcement but also to reshape the nation’s immigration laws. The proposals include promises to carry out the largest deportation program in American history, attempt to end birthright citizenship, and overturn a 13-year policy that has kept Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from executing raids in “sensitive areas” such as K-12 public schools.
Educators, students, and families are understandably concerned about the safety of their families and communities especially with an administration that calls children – students – criminals. Children exercising their right to attend public schools are not criminals and no one should demonize them for political gain.
That is why the National Education Association, on behalf of its more than three million members, put together this NEA comprehensive immigration guide to help schools and communities prepare for the onslaught of immigration actions by the Trump administration.
NEA President Becky Pringle noted when issuing the guidance:
“As educators, we are united in supporting every student—no matter the language they speak or their place of birth – and ensuring they have access to safe, welcoming public schools. Tragically, for our nation, the incoming Trump administration is committed to a mass deportation agenda that will inflict irreversible harm on our students, their families and communities.
“As educators, we have accepted the sacred responsibility to protect students—every single student, regardless of their immigration status—and to protect families and communities. We have a professional and moral responsibility to keep our students safe, especially if, and when, Trump sends ICE into our communities. We remain committed to using the power and strength of the largest labor union in the country to ensure every public school is a safe space for every student, and to uphold the constitutionally protected right of all students to access a public education.”
To that end, the guidance lays out information regarding immigration and schools, including information around enrollment issues, Plyler v. Doe, and Safe Zones resolutions, how educators can legally and safely engage in immigration advocacy, a FAQ around mass raids, a Know Your Rights guide around immigration enforcement, and an update on the DACA program.
The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more atwww.nea.org
Published: January 27, 2025Last Updated: January 27, 2025
NEA President Becky Pringle issued the following statement in response to these unprecedented and harmful actions.
“Donald Trump and extreme politicians want to shut the door to equal educational opportunities for all children by attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on public college and university campuses and beyond. This is just the latest example of how these politicians seek to turn back the clock and ensure that students who speak a different language, who are first-generation Americans, or who go by a different pronoun are no longer welcome and supported. These unwarranted attacks on DEI will have a chilling effect on programs that provide equity and opportunity for all Americans.
“The relentless assault on DEI supports and programs are the latest boogeyman for far-right politicians and their allies. They go hand in hand with their efforts to whitewash history, to ban books about important figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and to silence the voices of educators who teach about uncomfortable truths in our schools. They are weaponizing the federal government to roll back civil rights protections that have been in place since the Lyndon B. Johnson administration.
“Let’s not let politicians distract us from their failures to fully fund public education, and from addressing the important issues for parents and families such as keeping students safe from gun violence, providing adequate resources for their public schools, and fixing the educator shortage and pay issues, to name a few. We know what’s at stake. That’s why we are coming together — parents, students, educators, and social justice advocates —to fight for all our students’ right to be seen and supported, and to have the resources they need to live into their brilliance.”
###
The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more atwww.nea.org
On Dec. 28, 2024, at approximately 12: 55 a.m., Airdrie RCMP was dispatched to the north west area of Airdrie, near Williamstown, for a report of multiple stabbings. With the assistance of Calgary Police Service Hawks helicopter, Airdrie RCMP successfully located one male suspect. The suspect was arrested near the scene without incident.
As a result of the incident, three victims were identified, two of which are young persons. All victims were immediately transported via Alberta Health Services ground ambulance to the hospital. Two victims are in serious, but stable condition. The third victim remains in hospital and is being treated for none life-threatening injuries related to the incident.
The lone individual arrested remains in police custody, and is facing charges of:
Aggravated assault x3
Assault with a weapon x3
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x1
Carrying concealed weapon x1
This is an isolated incident, and there is no fear for public safety at this time. This is an active and ongoing investigation, any further information pertaining to the investigation will be updated accordingly.
In the early hours of Jan. 12, 2025, the Enoch RCMP received a call to the River Cree Casino for a female reporting an assault by a male suspect who was known to her. Members arrived on scene, and while conducting their investigation, learned that the male suspect had fled the area on foot.
In cooperation with Edmonton Police K9 Unit, a dog track led to the location and arrest of the male suspect. During the course of the arrest, the male was treated for injuries sustained from the police dog. The suspect was later medically cleared at a hospital and released into police custody.
Consequently, a 61-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following offences:
Assault with a weapon;
Theft under $5,000;
Possession of methamphetamine.
The individual was also found to be on a Canada-wide warrant for a parole violation at the time of his arrest.
The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. Their next court date is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.
TR-1: Standard form for notification of major holdings
1. Issuer Details ISIN GB00BYT1DJ19 Issuer Name INTERMEDIATE CAPITAL GROUP PLC UK or Non-UK Issuer UK 2. Reason for Notification An acquisition or disposal of voting rights 3. Details of person subject to the notification obligation Name BlackRock, Inc. City of registered office (if applicable) Wilmington Country of registered office (if applicable) USA 4. Details of the shareholder Full name of shareholder(s) if different from the person(s) subject to the notification obligation, above
City of registered office (if applicable)
Country of registered office (if applicable)
5. Date on which the threshold was crossed or reached 24-Jan-2025 6. Date on which Issuer notified 27-Jan-2025 7. Total positions of person(s) subject to the notification obligation
.
% of voting rights attached to shares (total of 8.A)
% of voting rights through financial instruments (total of 8.B 1 + 8.B 2)
Total of both in % (8.A + 8.B)
Total number of voting rights held in issuer
Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached
5.100000
0.290000
5.390000
15731231
Position of previous notification (if applicable)
4.730000
0.380000
5.110000
8. Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reached 8A. Voting rights attached to shares
Class/Type of shares ISIN code(if possible)
Number of direct voting rights (DTR5.1)
Number of indirect voting rights (DTR5.2.1)
% of direct voting rights (DTR5.1)
% of indirect voting rights (DTR5.2.1)
GB00BYT1DJ19
14840260
5.100000
Sub Total 8.A
14840260
5.100000%
8B1. Financial Instruments according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (a))
Type of financial instrument
Expiration date
Exercise/conversion period
Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/converted
% of voting rights
Securities Lending
22727
0.000000
Sub Total 8.B1
22727
0.000000%
8B2. Financial Instruments with similar economic effect according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (b))
Type of financial instrument
Expiration date
Exercise/conversion period
Physical or cash settlement
Number of voting rights
% of voting rights
CFD
Cash
868244
0.290000
Sub Total 8.B2
868244
0.290000%
9. Information in relation to the person subject to the notification obligation 2. Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entities (please add additional rows as necessary)
Ultimate controlling person
Name of controlled undertaking
% of voting rights if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
% of voting rights through financial instruments if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
Total of both if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
RANAGHAT, India, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC), a leading global financial brokerage, proudly announces its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative through a strategic partnership with the Shakti Empowerment Education Foundation, part of the Shakti Regeneration Institute (SRI). This collaboration will support the Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school in West Bengal, India, providing 50 low-income students with access to essential educational materials, uniforms, vocational sewing classes, and extracurricular activities.
Image copyright: Shakti Regeneration Institute
This partnership forms part of EBC’s broader CSR strategy, which complements its role as a global financial brokerage, enabling access to global markets while promoting equitable education and sustainable development in communities where economic opportunities are limited.
EBC Financial Group has supported the University of Oxford’s What Economists Really Do (WERD) public education series through the sponsorship of two episodes: The Economics of Tax Evasion in 2023 and Macroeconomics and Climate in November 2024. These episodes explore how economics can address significant societal issues and reflect EBC’s broader mission of empowering informed decision-making—a principle that also drives its global brokerage services, enabling individuals and institutions to confidently navigate financial markets. The WERD series is independently produced by the Department of Economics, showcasing its dedication to bridging academic research and real-world challenges.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate EBC’s dedication to advancing educational access, promoting critical discourse, and addressing the interconnected challenges of socio-economic development and sustainability. Shifting focus to India, EBC’s partnership with SRI reinforces its mission to drive long-term societal change at the local level, equipping individuals with the tools to thrive and contribute to the development of their communities while promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.
In addition to this critical sponsorship, EBC’s leadership in global advocacy is reflected in its contributions to the upcoming documentary #TheRegenerationGeneration, an initiative of SRI directed by its founder, Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri. The film, which addresses the urgent need for regenerative finance and education, highlights the efforts of Nobel Prize-winners, innovators, business leaders, educators, and Indigenous leaders working together to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities from the increasing threats of climate change. It also features interviews with David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd., and Professor Teytelboym from the Department of Economics, Oxford University. EBC’s involvement across both social projects underscores its commitment to not only supporting local communities but also driving global awareness and action toward sustainable and equitable futures.
Barrett expressed the strategic importance of this partnership: “At EBC, we recognise that the true power of education creates the foundation for transforming societies and creating pathways to lasting change. Our partnership with Shakti Regeneration Institute is more than a sponsorship—it reflects our dedication to uplifting the next generation, as we support the Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school in equipping marginalised children with the tools they need to thrive. Through our involvement in the #TheRegenerationGeneration 2025 documentary, we are amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities and supporting the preservation of their cultural and environmental heritage. Similarly, our collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics on their WERD program underscores our dedication to enhancing global understanding of critical economic and societal issues. By investing in education at every level, we aim to create opportunities, promote equity, and address the challenges of our time. These efforts align seamlessly with our core values of integrity, responsibility, and sustainability.”
Ajay Pal-Chaudhuri, Chairman and Founder of Shakti Regeneration Institute, remarked, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with EBC Financial Group, a collaboration that embodies the convergence of corporate responsibility and global impact. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, combining our strengths in education and ecological advocacy to empower communities worldwide. With EBC’s support, we are not only empowering marginalised children through education but also raising global awareness about the critical challenges facing Indigenous communities and the plight of vulnerable ecosystems.”
Foundational Values at the Heart of EBC’s Mission EBC’s commitment to making a meaningful difference aligns with its core values of dedication, responsibility, and integrity. By ensuring that financial resources are directed toward impactful projects, EBC exemplifies how corporate responsibility can foster real-world change, contributing to the welfare of communities and the preservation of ecosystems that sustain vulnerable populations. Operating under top-tier regulation, EBC combines its mission to equip investors with access to global markets such as currencies, indices, and commodities with impactful social investments that contribute to community welfare and sustainability.
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school, which will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding in January 2025, has been a vital institution in the betterment of local communities in West Bengal. Through its educational programs, the school empowers children and women from marginalised backgrounds, helping them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute positively to their communities. EBC’s support enhances the school’s mission, helping to ensure that these children receive not only basic education but also vocational training and community-building opportunities that will prepare them for long-term success. More information about SRI and its mission can be found at www.shaktiregeneration.org.
About EBC Financial Group Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its services in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices.
Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group’s subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the ‘What Economists Really Do’ public engagement series by Oxford University’s Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.
MamaBull Token, built on Solana, is set to revolutionize crypto for developing countries with the upcoming Mamapay.io platform, which blends blockchain with real-world finance and offers generous rewards.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MamaBull Token ($MAMA), a highly anticipated cryptocurrency built on the Solana blockchain, will officially launch on January 27, 2025. Designed to symbolize strength and innovation in the crypto space, MamaBull offers a unique combination of speed, affordability, and real-world utility. The project’s dedicated website, mamabulltoken.com, is live and provides insights into the token’s features and upcoming developments.
A key component of MamaBull’s ecosystem is Mamapay.io, an upcoming financial platform scheduled for April 2025. The platform aims to transform the way users manage and transfer assets globally. By integrating blockchain with traditional banking services, Mamapay.io delivers a seamless experience for handling crypto and fiat assets. With features such as offshore bank accounts, debit cards, and compliance-focused financial solutions, the platform ensures security and regulatory adherence for a user-friendly experience.
Why MamaBull Token?
MamaBull sets itself apart in the crypto market by utilizing Solana’s high-speed infrastructure, guaranteeing ultra-fast transactions and low fees. Dedicated to financial inclusion, MamaBull aims to offer accessible financial services to underserved regions, connecting decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional banking systems.
More than just a meme-inspired digital asset, MamaBull — dubbed “The Mother of All Streets” — delivers practical applications and long-term utility for holders while offering significant profit potential. As a memecoin with real utility, MamaBull presents an exciting opportunity for users to earn substantial returns by participating in its ecosystem.
Through its staking and rewards system, MamaBull allows holders to generate passive income over time. Users who stake their $MAMA tokens on mamapay.io can expect generous returns, which will encourage long-term participation and foster ecosystem stability. The token’s design prioritizes community incentives, ensuring that loyal holders are well-rewarded for their commitment.
Future cross-chain integrations with Ethereum and BNB Chain will further expand MamaBull’s reach. These integrations will ensure smooth connectivity across multiple blockchain networks and enhance users’ access to the DeFi ecosystem.
Within the Mamapay.io ecosystem, $MAMA holders can access exclusive benefits, including cashback rewards, reduced transaction fees, and revenue-sharing opportunities. These benefits significantly increase the potential profits available to participants.
Mamapay.io: A Game-Changer in Global Finance
As a pivotal part of the MamaBull ecosystem, Mamapay.io is set to redefine global financial operations by merging blockchain technology with traditional finance. The platform will enable crypto-to-fiat conversions, simplifying cross-border transactions for users.
By offering offshore banking solutions, Mamapay.io provides enhanced security and financial flexibility. Additionally, $MAMA-powered debit cards will allow seamless spending worldwide, integrating crypto into daily financial activities easily.
Compliance remains a top priority for Mamapay.io. The platform fully complies with AML and KYC regulations to create a secure and trusted financial environment for all users.
Security and Transparency
Security and transparency are fundamental to MamaBull’s development, ensuring confidence among investors and users. The project’s smart contracts have been fully audited, and ownership has been renounced. Most importantly, minting operations have been permanently turned off to prevent potential manipulation.
A burned liquidity pool has been implemented to support price stability and reinforce long-term sustainability within the ecosystem.
A Roadmap for Sustained Growth
MamaBull’s roadmap outlines a strategic path toward long-term growth and adoption. The initial phase focuses on launching the token and building a strong community through targeted marketing campaigns.
Subsequent phases will introduce strategic partnerships with influencers and secure listings on major exchanges, increasing visibility and market reach. The rollout of governance features and staking mechanisms will empower the community to actively shape the project’s future.
Future developments will emphasize the integration of Mamapay.io’s banking solutions, further positioning MamaBull as a key player in merging traditional and digital financial systems. Long-term initiatives include regular token burns and continuous feature enhancements to drive sustained value for holders.
Join the MamaBull Revolution
MamaBull is more than just a crypto; it represents a movement toward financial inclusion, empowerment, and innovation. Combining speed, affordability, and groundbreaking financial solutions, MamaBull is set to make a lasting impact in the evolving crypto-fintech landscape. With its potential for high profits and real-world utility, MamaBull offers an exciting opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the growing crypto space.
For the latest updates and developments, visit mamabulltoken.com and follow social media accounts:
Disclaimer: This content is provided by MamaBull. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Samsung Electronics America, a world leader in advanced memory technology, has expanded its microSD portfolio with a line of new cards inspired by iconic characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, giving players an exciting new way to celebrate their fandom, while expanding their storage and powering ultra-fast gameplay. Created in collaboration with SEGA and available to buy starting today, the Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSDs feature special designs depicting Knuckles (128GB), Tails (256GB), Sonic (512GB) and Shadow (1TB).
To celebrate the arrival of Sonic and friends on its PRO Plus microSDs, Samsung is giving every Sonic fan a chance to win a download code1 for Sonic X Shadow Generations ($49.99 value). Released in October 2024, this modern-day remaster of the 2011 classic Sonic Generations also features a new, standalone campaign where Shadow must save the world from his nemesis, Black Doom.
Now through February 28, you’ll be automatically entered to win with the purchase2 of any Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD card on Samsung.com. Samsung is giving away 200 game codes in all, which are valid for a download of Sonic X Shadow Generations via the Steam Store.
“Samsung PRO Plus microSD cards provide gamers, content creators and more with an easy, reliable, and secure way to store large amounts of data – delivering Sonic-speed right to your fingertips,” said Jim Kiczek, Vice President of Memory Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “Since debuting more than three decades ago, Sonic has become an icon of pop culture, featured in dozens of games, TV series, and movies. Now, with the Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD cards, we’re combining the franchise’s instantly recognizable characters with the speed and reliability of Samsung PRO Plus microSDs to give your gear the ultimate Sonic boost.”
The Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD cards each feature the face and distinct color of their Sonic character – red for Knuckles, yellow for Tails, blue for Sonic and black for Shadow.
They offer rapid sequential read and write speeds3 of up to 180 MB/s and 130 MB/s, helping you wait less and do more. For gamers, A2 Application Performance4 helps you dash through load screens and delivers seamless transitions between titles. At the 1TB capacity, the Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD can store more than 47 hours of 4K UHD video5, more than 437,000 4K UHD images6 or more than 45 (20GB) video games7.
The cards were also tested extensively to deliver the proven reliability users have come to expect from Samsung, including durability against water8, high temperatures9, X-rays10 and even magnetic fields11. Additionally, Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSDs can withstand drops from over 16 feet12, resist wear out up to 10,000 swipes13 and come backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
Plus, they’re compatible with a wide range of devices, including handheld game consoles, smartphones, tablets, action cameras and drones, giving you a dependable sidekick for every use case.
The Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards will be available for purchase starting in January 2025 at Samsung.com and other select retailers. They will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23.99 for the 128GB card, $36.99 for the 256GB card, $68.99 for the 512GB card and $125.99 for the 1TB card.
Sign up here to learn when the cards are ready to buy and unlock 30% off your eligible purchase of Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards at Samsung.com. It’s like a real-life bonus stage!
Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD Cards Specifications
Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD Product Specifications
Form FactormicroSDXC
InterfaceUHS-I (SDR104)
Capacities141TB, 512GB, 256GB, 128GB
PerformanceSequential ReadUp to 180 MB/s
Sequential WriteUp to 130 MB/s
Speed classU3, V30, A2, Class 10
CertificationsCE(UKCA)/FCC(IC)/VCCI/RCM
Warranty15Limited 10-year warranty
Salford children have helped to launch a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Little Hulton Library today and have also enjoyed a fun storytelling session.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Salford City Council are inviting parents of children born in 2024 in Little Hulton, Salford to sign up to enrol in the programme.
Councillor Jim Cammell, Councillor Mishal Saeed, Councillor Teresa Pepper and Councillor Hannah Robinson Smith have also helped to launch the scheme.
Salford City Council is funding the latest book gifting programme in the city which is devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children.
Inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, country music icon Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for children in her home county.
Today, her programme spans five countries and gifts over three million free books each month to children, regardless of the family’s income.
Last year, Dolly celebrated her 200 millionth book gifted milestone since inception, with over six million of those going to families in the UK.
The programme posts an age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five. The books are specially wrapped and addressed to the child and delivered, at no cost to the family. When children turn five, they receive a graduation book and a special letter to mark the end of the scheme.
The Little Hulton scheme will provide books for local children, with Salford City Council providing additional funding to run the scheme.
Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council, said: “It’s great news that we are able to launch another Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Salford. This will add to our work to improve educational outcomes and literacy for early years children in the city. This is particularly important as there continues to be a gap in Salford’s outcomes compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
“We are committed to working in partnership with all our communities to ensure Salford is a great place, where children get the best start in life, and can learn and develop the skills they need to thrive. We have recently launched a gold standard literacy hub with the National Literacy Trust, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will support the work of the hub by promoting reading from the early years of a child’s life.”
Meg Fletcher, Regional Director at The Dollywood Foundation from Dolly Parton Imagination Library, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Salford City Council to reach even more children in the community. We’re building on a strong history of programmes in the city thanks to the tireless efforts of our champions and hope that families enjoy receiving the books each month!”
The council’s Starting Life Well service, which works with all early years settings and schools, and the 0 to 19 years team in Little Hulton will promote and support the programme.
Little Hulton Family Hub staff will be promoting the scheme and also using the books in their sessions with families.
The local library team in Little Hulton will also be supporting the programme, working with local families to promote literacy, and reading for pleasure more widely. There will be a set of books in each early years setting, school, the library and family hub as practical support for the project.
Currently there are seven Dolly Parton Imagination Libraries based within Salford, operated through various community organisations such as schools and charities.
Working towards Salford becoming a UNICEF Child-Friendly City is a priority in the council’s corporate plan, to ensure Salford is a great place for children and young people to grow up and feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to play, learn and work. This will take the council on the next stage of its journey to improve education outcomes, support children to have positive and successful futures, and champion the voices and rights of children and young people in the city.
Salford is the 18th most deprived area in the country. Figures from 2022 and 2023 have shown that children’s starting points from early years have been below national average and by the time the children leave primary school Key Stage 2 outcomes are below national levels.
The Dollywood Foundation UK reports there are more than 680 children currently registered in Salford. Since 2013 2,000 children have been impacted by the programme and over 36,500 books sent to children in Salford. The enrolment does not involve means testing, all children in the area can be enrolled and receive the same books regardless of background.
Families with babies born in Little Hulton in 2024 or 2025 can enrol by emailing West.Locality@salford.gov.uk for more information.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev met in Kursk Oblast with a team of volunteers – employees of the Far Eastern Federal District Plenipotentiary Representative’s office, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation, as well as with soldiers of the 155th Guards Marine Brigade.
“Kursk is a special territory. Part of our Russian land, the Kursk region, has been captured by enemies – Ukrainian Nazis and foreign mercenaries. Today, our Motherland is being defended by the fighters of the already legendary 155th Guards Marine Brigade and our colleagues, volunteer civil servants. It is very important for all of us that everything that the fighters on the front line need to protect and liberate the territory of the Kursk region is delivered to them immediately after receiving the request. We are bringing everything and doing this together with the Russian Ministry of Defense and thousands of caring citizens of the country,” said Yuri Trutnev.
On the instructions of Yuri Trutnev, another batch of weapons, uniforms, and vehicles were delivered to commanders and servicemen of the Russian army at the front line in the special military operation zone.
“Our fighters need common support. The contribution of all those who remain in the rear to our common victory. Some deliver humanitarian aid and equipment to the front line, others restore the territories of new regions, and others volunteer to help the families of those who fight on the front line. I will say honestly, today we are preparing another, already the fourth group of volunteers. The future of our Russia depends on every personal contribution,” emphasized Yuri Trutnev.
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.
Minister Loewen will attend the Jagd and Hund Show in Dortmund, Germany from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.
While in Germany, Minister Loewen and his team will connect with outdoor enthusiasts from around the world and promote the upcoming auction of Minister’s Special Licences for elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn, cougar, whitetail deer and wild turkey.
The auction will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah from Feb. 15 to 16. Funds raised from the auction will be used within Alberta for conservation initiatives and the management of big game species.
The recipients of the Minister’s Special Licence will be eligible to hunt year-round for one animal of the species associated with their tag from a Wildlife Management Area that has an existing hunting season for the species.
“Alberta is a breathtaking destination for any outdoor enthusiast looking to enjoy hunting, angling or countless other recreation opportunities. I’m excited to promote our province as a ‘must-see’ destination for nature-based recreation.”
Minister will be joined by two government staff. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Itinerary for Minister Loewen
Jan. 28
Travel to Dortmund, Germany.
Jan. 28 – Feb. 1
Attend the Jagd und Hund Show.
Meetings with international outdoor enthusiasts and European wildlife management agencies.
Feb. 2
Return to Alberta.
*Subject to change.
Quick facts
The Minister’s Special Licence was created in 1995 and offers a unique opportunity each year for non-resident and resident hunters, via auction and raffle, to hunt certain game species with enhanced season lengths and an expanded hunting area.
Eight Minister’s Special Licences will be sold at auction in 2025, each valid for a different game species.
Holders of a Minister’s Special Licence are allowed to hunt year-round for the species associated with their tag. Harvest must occur from a Wildlife Management Area that has an existing hunting season for that species.
Last year, more than $1.2 million was raised by the Minister’s Special License program, supporting conservation projects in Alberta.
The holder of the Minister’s Special Licence is required to follow all applicable legislation, regulations, and municipal by-laws – including weapons use restrictions.
The Government of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN) and Family Literacy Hubs, is pleased to proclaim January 27, 2025, as Family Literacy Day and January 25 to 31, 2025, as Family Literacy Week. This annual initiative highlights the importance of literacy in everyday family life.
“Family literacy is fundamental to developing strong language and communication skills in our children and helps increase the quality of life and success in education,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This week provides an opportunity for families to explore the many ways literacy can be incorporated into daily activities.”
In 2024-25, the government has allocated more than $1.1 million for literacy initiatives, which includes $593,000 to support family literacy programming for nine Family Literacy Hubs around the province. The hubs work to raise literacy levels by increasing public awareness of family literacy and developing sustainable and quality family literacy programs together with community organizations.
In celebration of Family Literacy Week, the Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to support Family Literacy Hubs across the province with this year’s selected book, “Fox and Bear” by Saskatchewan author and artist Miriam Körner. The book follows fox and bear as they explore their connection to the forest, aligning with this year’s national theme for Literacy Week, “Learn to be Green, Together.”
Gravelbourg-based Collège Mathieu will again provide province-wide French language family literacy programming and resources related to the 2025 theme of “Apprendre à être vert, ensemble” using the book, “La mélodie des petits fruits” by author and artist Michaela Goade. The book portrays a girl and her grandmother gathering gifts from the earth. For more information, please contact Mamady Camara at Collège Mathieu at education.saskatoon@collegemathieu.sk.ca.
Regional Family Literacy Hubs and their partners have also organized events during Family Literacy Week. To find the Hub in your area, please visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/literacy-in-saskatchewan.
“Family Literacy Day and Family Literacy Week are wonderful reminders that learning happens everywhere: in the kitchen, at the park, or when sorting recycling,” SLN Executive Director Phaedra Hitchings said. “As families, we build skills and create special moments together when we create tasty recipes from leftovers, explore nature, or find new ways to reuse materials. This year’s theme is a fun way to connect literacy with our everyday eco-friendly choices.”
Family Literacy Week activities are designed to encourage playful and age-appropriate learning. The Ministry of Education encourages families to participate and make literacy part of their everyday lives.
More information about Family Literacy Day, family literacy resources and literacy initiatives in Saskatchewan can be found on the SLN website at www.saskliteracy.ca/familyliteracyday.
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
WASHINGTON —The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has completed its initial implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order to end DEI within the federal government.
To date, VA has placed nearly 60 employees who had been solely focused on diversity, equity and inclusion activities on paid administrative leave. The combined annual salary (base pay, locality pay and additional earnings) of these employees totals more than $8 million, an average of more than $136,000/year per employee. One such employee is making more than $220,000 per year.
Additionally, VA has identified several contracts for DEI-related trainings, materials and other consulting services, which the department is currently working to cancel. The combined value of these contracts totals more than $6.1 million.
In the coming weeks and months, VA will be working to reallocate these resources to better support the Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors the department exists to serve.
VA is also in the process of taking down a variety of DEI-related media from its various digital properties.
“Under President Trump, VA is laser-focused on providing the best possible care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. We are proud to have abandoned the divisive DEI policies of the past and pivot back to VA’s core mission. We look forward to reallocating the millions of dollars the department was spending on DEI programs and personnel to better serve the men and women who have bravely served our nation,” said VA Director of Media Affairs Morgan Ackley.
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Contact us online through Ask VA
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Learn about our chatbot and ask a question
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
The Piikani Nation has made history by launching Alberta’s first-ever Citizens on Patrol (ACOPA) chapter on a First Nation in partnership with the Alberta RCMP. The Piikani ACOPA chapter officially began in October of 2024, with its first patrol taking place on Halloween night.
Citizens on Patrol is a volunteer-based initiative that mobilizes local residents to work in cooperation with law enforcement, serving as the eyes and ears of their community to enhance safety and reduce crime.
The Alberta RCMP has long valued community partnerships like Citizens on Patrol, whose efforts bring community members together to support frontline officers by providing local knowledge and fostering a united approach to public safety.
“This is a big deal for us and a major step forward in crime prevention,” S/Sgt. Vince Bacon of the Piikani RCMP Detachment says. “Citizens on Patrol has been wonderful in making this happen, even allowing us to adjust the ACOPA logo to reflect First Nations representation. This milestone represents a step in the right direction for collaboration and communication between the Piikani Nation and our detachment.”
Citizens on Patrol members are trained volunteers who conduct community patrols in pairs, using their own vehicles, to observe and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. These volunteers possess a deep knowledge of their community, which allows them to identify unusual or criminal activity more effectively. Currently, there are 44 ACOPA chapters across Alberta, with Piikani being the latest addition. “When Staff Sgt. Bacon and I first discussed this initiative, I knew it would be a challenge,” says Kimberly Hurst, ACOPA President “But when like-minded people work toward a common goal, they can achieve amazing things.”
With seven members already trained and operational, the Piikani ACOPA chapter is looking to expand its roster and increase the frequency of patrols.
“We received a grant to cover brochures, jackets, and shirts, but funding is needed to sustain and grow the program,” says Hurst. “We’re hoping to secure support to cover fuel costs for patrols and a cell phone for the group to stay connected during operations. Data and fuel costs shouldn’t be barriers to keeping a community safe, especially when you have motivated people willing to step up.”
Hurst and S/Sgt. Bacon believe that the Piikani ACOPA chapter stands as an inspiring example for other communities on the power of communication and community spirit in breaking down barriers and creating lasting change.
“If you care about your community, you can make a difference,” says Hurst. “ACOPA isn’t just about patrolling; it’s about empowering individuals to take their community back and create a safer future. I truly do believe one person can make a difference.”
For more information about Citizens on Patrol or to get involved, visitwww.acopa.caor visit the Alberta RCMP onFacebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
A man is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a collision in Northolt.
An investigation has been launched and officers are appealing for witnesses and information.
At around 04:40hrs a BMW came to the notice of a patrolling police car due to the alleged speed at which it was traveling.
A short time later the BMW was involved in a collision with another vehicle, a Ford Focus, being driven by a member of the public in Ruislip Road.
London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade were called and attended.
Sadly the driver of the Ford Focus, a man aged 47, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported.
Two men in the BMW, a driver and a passenger, both aged 25, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They were taken to hospital, and their conditions are not life-threatening. The passenger has since been released with no further action.
The investigation is being led by detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit who are working to establish what happened.
They would like to hear from anyone in the area who might have caught dash cam footage of the incident, or in the time leading up to it.
Please call 101 or post @MetCC quoting reference ref CAD 777/27Jan,
To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
St Albans Mayor Councillor Jamie Day hosted an annual service to commemorate victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.
The civic event took place on Sunday 26 January at St Albans Masorti Synagogue on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day
It was an occasion to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other persecuted people killed by the Nazis and later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda and elsewhere.
Local rabbis participated in the programme which featured moving stories about Holocaust survivors, including from Auschwitz survivor Kitty Hart-Moxon.
The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster, and St Albans MP, Daisy Cooper, both read eyewitness testimonies while the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, made a moving address.
Two Year 13 pupils from Roundwood Park School in Harpenden talked about what they have learned from studying the Holocaust, and from participating in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz programme.
There was music including a violin solo and a string quartet along with a performance of a song written by Viktor Ullmann.
Towards the end of the service, a candle was lit by the Lord Lieutenant in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and other genocides, followed by a minute’s silence.
Holocaust Memorial Day falls every year on 27 January, the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the event in 1945.
The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is the importance of remembering and learning from the Holocaust and more recent genocides For A Better Future.
Cllr Day, Mayor of St Albans City and District, said:
Our commemoration service was one of many thousands held around the world.
It was a very moving and emotional experience and I thank everyone who took part in this important occasion.
It was great to see our community stand together and honour the millions of people who lost their lives, showing their opposition to prejudice and hatred.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
WASHINGTON – Robbie Terrell Clark, 27, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 108 months in federal prison for his role in the September 2022 kidnapping and robbery of a pair of victims in Alexandria, Virginia.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.
Clark pleaded guilty on May 21, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson, to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. In addition to the 108-month prison-term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered Clark to serve four years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Clark and his co-conspirators stalked their intended victims before kidnapping and robbing them at gunpoint inside their Alexandria, Virginia apartment building. On September 2, 2022, the co-conspirators planted a GPS tracking device on one of the victim’s Mercedes, which they used to monitor the victims’ locations.
On September 3, 2022, the victims attended a family gathering in Maryland. Seizing the opportunity to catch their victims unaware, Clark and his co-conspirators traveled from Washington, D.C. to Virginia in a stolen white Kia and to the victim’s home, where they laid in wait, armed with guns and carrying zip ties. Clark and his co-conspirators were wearing dark clothing, masks, and latex gloves.
When the victims returned home later that night, Clark and his co-conspirators ambushed them in their parking garage at gunpoint, stealing two Audemars Piguet watches worth $120,000, another $63,500 worth of jewelry, other clothing, and the keys to a victim’s Mercedes.
After robbing them, and pistol-whipping them with their guns, Clark and the co-conspirators led the victim couple to one of the victim’s apartments. Inside, the co-conspirators continued to hold the victims at gunpoint and ransacked the residence, demanding money. The co-conspirators were unable to locate any money before a security alarm was triggered and the co-conspirators fled, leaving behind several plastic zip ties.
Clark and his co-conspirators fled the apartment building shortly before 2 a.m. on September 4, 2022, in the stolen white Kia and the victims’ Mercedes and returned to the District. Law enforcement found the stolen Mercedes hours later in Maryland with the GPS tracking device still attached. Following a lengthy investigation, Clark was identified as a participant and arrested on August 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C. He has been held since.
At the time of the incident, Clark had a felony conviction in Maryland for possessing a handgun in a vehicle.
Clark’s co-conspirator, Tyree McCombs, pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery in connection with this offense as well as to a separate kidnapping committed two months later. McCombs is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. The Fairfax County Police Department assisted with the investigation. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones for the District of Columbia.
MEDFORD, Ore.– Nicole Randall, 37, of Cedar Park, Texas pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to one year of probation for introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce.
According to court documents, between February 2020 and May 2022, Randall used fake names to smuggle GS-441524, a drug that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human or animal consumption, into the United States disguised as facial masks, pet shampoo, beauty products, and cosmetics.
Despite having no veterinary or prescriber licenses, Randall and others used the Facebook group “FIP Warriors 5.0” to defraud and mislead customers by diagnosing their cats and kittens with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a viral disease affecting cats, and prescribing GS-441524 for the animals’ consumption.
In August 2021, an agent joined FIP Warriors 5.0 and submitted photographs of a cat. The healthy cat, recently examined by a licensed veterinarian, was misdiagnosed with FIP and prescribed GS-441524. Randall then instructed payment for the unapproved drugs using Paypal, Zelle, or CashApp without mentioning cat medicine, vials, pills, or brand names in the payment note.
In July 2022, agents executed a federal search warrant at Randall’s residence in Cedar Park, Texas and seized approximately 30 boxes of glass vials containing the adulterated drug. Investigators discovered that between July 2020 and June 2022, Randall distributed 58,460 liquid vials and 236,836 pills of GS-441524.
On June 4, 2024, Randall was charged by criminal information with introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce.
Randall’s scheme was highly profitable. As part of the plea agreement, Randall agreed to forfeit four real properties, ten financial accounts, and a Tesla, worth roughly $4 million combined and traceable to her proceeds from smuggling and distributing the unapproved drugs.
This case was investigated by the FDA. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell and Katherine C. de Villiers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Artefacts from a Celtic chariot found at RAF Valley have been officially declared treasure.
Horse bridle-bit from c60AD found at RAF Valley. Copyright: Photography by Harvey Mills.
2,000-year-old Iron Age artefacts declared national treasure
Historic finds discovered by military personnel and veterans
Treasures from RAF Valley will now be gifted to the Museum of Wales
Long-lost Iron Age artefacts discovered by military personnel and veterans have been declared as treasure.
Parts of a Celtic chariot, thought to be around 2,000 years old, were discovered underneath the airfield at RAF Valley in Anglesey during an excavation by military personnel and veterans.
The Senior Coroner for North Wales (West) has now declared these discoveries as treasure. They will now be gifted to Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, which is home to several items from the initial Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard.
The archaeological excavations took place in April 2024 and were led by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The investigation also included personnel and veterans from Operation Nightingale, a DIO initiative which supports the health and wellbeing of military personnel and veterans.
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:
Operation Nightingale is an innovative and award-winning programme that consistently shows the benefits that archaeology can offer to military personnel and veterans.
Congratulations to those who carried out the excavation and made this exciting discovery. Through their hard work, we are uncovering and preserving our history for future generations.
The scheme sees injured and sick personnel and veterans taking part in archaeological investigations across the defence estate, providing unique experiences within the field. The finds are believed to form part of the famed Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard, originally uncovered in the 1940s during work to extend the airfield at RAF Valley for American bombers during the Allied war effort. The hoard is one of the most important collections of Iron Age artefacts discovered in the UK, comprising over 150 bronze and iron objects deposited between 300BC and 100AD.
Among the new finds was a terret ring which would have been used to guide the reins of a Celtic chariot, featuring a red decorative inlay. The ring, found by retired RAF Squadron Leader David Ulke, is one of just 3 found with this particular decoration in Wales. A horse bridle-bit thought to date to c60AD was also found by serving RAF Flight Sergeant Graham Moore. Similar to those from the Polden Hill hoard found in Somerset, the bridle-bit would have been worn by horses pulling Iron Age chariots.
DIO’s Senior Archaeologist, Richard Osgood, said:
These finds at RAF Valley are extremely exciting for all involved; the Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard is of national importance for Wales, and the United Kingdom as a whole. These new discoveries have confirmed the suspicions of earlier archaeologists that there was more to be found from this particular hoard.
It’s great that the personnel and veterans who take part in Operation Nightingale continue to be rewarded with finds of such historical importance. I am proud that the initiative plays a part in supporting personnel and veterans in their recovery and it’s fantastic to see the wonderful impact of this project.
The Operation Nightingale team was given special permissions to carry out the excavation by RAF Valley ahead of refurbishment works on the site’s airfield. Construction for these improvements began in September 2024.
Sqn Ldr (Ret’d) David Ulke, finder of the terret ring, said:
We’d been briefed on the sort of things we could expect to find, so when I uncovered the piece, I was pretty sure it was an Iron Age terret ring. To say I was the over the moon is probably an understatement! I’ve been involved in archaeology for many years and this was by far the most significant recovery I have ever made.
The fact that Operation Nightingale can bring together service personnel through archaeological digs shows how healing and helpful archaeology can be. It’s by no means a silver bullet, but many have benefitted, and I for one am one of those grateful beneficiaries.
Flt Sgt Graham Moore, finder of the bridle-bit, said:
The search for the lost hoard was hard work and we had a huge area to cover. It wasn’t until the final day – with just 10 minutes to go – that I discovered the horse bridle-bit. At first the team thought I was joking, but quickly realised I’d found something special. Words could not explain how I felt in that moment, but it was a wonderful experience.
I’ve been involved in lots of Operation Nightingale digs now, and the experience truly is priceless for the veterans and service personnel taking part.
Station Commander at RAF Valley, Group Captain Gez Currie OBE, said:
It is incredible that we are again reminded of the significance of the site on the doorstep of RAF Valley and the importance it has in Welsh history. It was the preparation of RAF Valley in the 1940s to help prevent invasion, that brought to light the significance of this location and its links to an earlier invasion by the Romans.
The importance of RAF Valley to UK Defence today is beyond question, but this is a reminder that we are part of a continuum spanning over 2,000 years and we must be responsible stewards of this land. We are immensely proud to be part of efforts to discover and conserve these important artefacts from Welsh history and equally delighted that our own service personnel have been so intimately involved in these efforts.
Senior Curator of Prehistory at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, Adam Gwilt, said:
It is amazing to think that these 2,000 year old artefacts have remained so complete and well-preserved within a shallow peat deposit, previously moved and dragged onto the airfield over 80 years ago from a nearby ancient lake! The bridle-bit and terret are both of styles which are not represented amongst the original collection. They add important new information on the religious gifting of prized objects into the lake at the end of the Iron Age, a little before, or at around the time when the Roman Army invaded Anglesey.
It is great that these artefacts will be made accessible for display and public benefit at Oriel Môn. I look forward to working collaboratively in coming years with the museum, the heritage centre at RAF Valley and the Operation Nightingale team, so this great story can be celebrated and shared by all.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on the first human case of Avian flu detected in the UK, as announced by UKHSA.
Dr Alastair Ward, Associate Professor of Biodiversity and Ecosystem; Programme Lead for Zoology, University of Leeds, said:
How likely is it that the virus has or will spread human-to-human from this case?
“Highly unlikely. The person infected with H5N1 was asymptomatic. Their contacts have been traced and all have tested negative. Very specific genetic changes are required for avian influenzas to become transmissible among humans, and these changes are not present in the viruses isolated in this case.
What could be done to prevent future cases of H5N1?
“Adherence to biosecurity best practice, including the use of PPE and disinfection when handing poultry or material that may have been contaminated by them, may limit transmission of H5N1 from infected poultry to humans. Reporting of symptoms observed within a poultry flock to the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and subsequent statutory testing and control measures are critical for preventing further spread among birds, as they have been in this case.
How worried should we be about this? How does the risk of contracting bird flu differ between people working in close contact with birds versus the general public?
“The UKHSA and APHA have avian influenzas under ongoing surveillance. We know what the genetic changes are that make the viruses more likely to jump to humans and to transmit between humans, and they have not been detected in the UK. Risks to the general public likely remain very low. Risks to people who work in close contact with birds, particularly ducks, geese, swans, chickens and turkeys are greater, but can be reduced by implementing biosecurity best-practice, including use of PPE and disinfection when making contact with birds or material that has been contaminated by them.
Any other information should readers know about the situation?
“This was an isolated case involving a man in his early 80s and who kept a large flock of Muscovy ducks in a domestic setting. The man has isolated since his diagnosis and has been administered a course of antiviral medication as a precautionary measure. His contacts have been traced and tested negative. 19 of the 20 ducks tested were positive for H5N1 and so the flock was culled. These statutory measures seem to have been successful in preventing further spread among birds and to humans.”
Prof Andrew Preston from the Milner Centre of Evolution, and Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, said:
“This announcement will rightly provoke concern. The evolution of an influenza virus derived from a high pathogenicity avian influenza clone to one that is adapted to human-to-human spread is one of the most feared infectious disease threats we face. Thankfully, this is yet to happen during the current, prolonged H5N1 outbreak. This case appears to result from high levels of exposure of the individual to the virus due to their workplace contact with infected birds, a known risk factor for contracting the virus. The swift response that include tracing contacts of the individual and their monitoring and prophylactic treatment, is key to minimising any small chance of virus being passed from human to another human host.
“However, this case highlights the continued threat posed by these avian viruses. The mixing of infected birds and other species is the major risk factor for adaptation of the virus to new host species and high vigilance for instances of this is essential to containing any possible onward transmission.”
Professor Wendy Barclay, Regius Professor of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, said:
“Since the number of cases of H5N1 in poultry premises has increased again this winter, this is not unexpected.
“It’s important to remember that bird flu does not transmit readily between people without several simultaneous adaptive mutations in different genes.
“Genetic sequencing would confirm if this has happened, but with just one individual case, it is highly unlikely.”
Declared interests
Dr Alastair Ward I am a member of the FluMAP and Flu:TrailMAP consortia: multi-disciplinary groups of scientists funded by UKRI and Defra to better understand the ongoing H5N1 panzootic and how to better control it.
Prof Andrew Preston I have received research funding from several companies that make vaccines, but not for any work related to influenza.
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day:
“On this sombre day, we honour the memory of the more than six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. We remember the many others persecuted by the Nazis because of their race, creed, religion, politics, sexual identity and perceived disability. This day is also a time to honour survivors and the people killed who were trying to defend those targeted by this poisonous ideology.
“Today marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, an event that showed a disbelieving world the monstrosity of mass murder, systemic starvation and other horrors inflicted on Jews across Europe.
“The number of survivors and witnesses lessens with each passing year, making it ever more important to listen to and learn from those who know too well what it means to confront evil. What must never be lost in the dizzying number is that each was an individual life cruelly extinguished.
“Our government is working with the Jewish community in British Columbia to ensure all high school students in the province learn about the Holocaust as part of their education about injustices and discriminatory practices in Canada and around the world.
“The terrorist attacks that killed more than 1,200 Israeli citizens in 2023 has been followed by a global increase in antisemitic acts, including here in our province. We must always confront and oppose such acts if we are to fulfil the solemn pledge of ‘Never again.’ Today and every day, we stand with the Jewish community.”
The Immigration Department today presented a review of its work in 2024, covering passenger traffic at control points and law enforcement, among other things.
The department highlighted that a total of around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points in 2024, representing an increase of about 41% over 2023 and a return to the 300 million level in 2019.
During the year, the total number of visitor arrivals was around 44.5 million, constituting an increase of about 31% when compared with 2023.
Meanwhile, the department conducted a total of 13,664 related inspection operations at various immigration control points and intercepted 32,551 passengers for enquiries.
In 2024, the department determined over 2,700 non-refoulement claims. As at the end of last year, there were about 850 claims pending screening.
Looking ahead, to enhance clearance efficiency, the department said that it will adjust the applicable age of the e-Channel service for Hong Kong permanent residents from the first quarter of this year onwards so that children aged seven or above holding a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport and a Hong Kong permanent identity card can undergo self-service immigration clearance with a smart identity card using facial recognition technology at e-Channels.
The department also plans to introduce the new e-Channel at the Hong Kong International Airport’s arrival hall in the third quarter of this year, which will enable eligible Hong Kong residents to experience hassle-free self-service immigration clearance through verification of identity by facial recognition technology at the new e-Channel upon arrival.
Additionally, the department fully supports the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games to be held this year, whereby special immigration lanes will be provided in the closed areas of designated control points on the Hong Kong side to provide faster and more convenient clearance services for athletes from the Mainland and Macau.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Kansas, man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Alonso Alfredo Nunez, also known as “Bullet,” 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday, Jan. 23, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On April 10, 2024, Nunez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Nunez admitted that he and co-defendant Jaloany Garcia-Medina, also known as “J. Lo,” 22, of Kansas City, Kan., working together, sold fentanyl on multiple occasions to a confidential informant working for the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
Nunez and Garcia-Medina sold approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant on each of six separate occasions during the six months of the conspiracy from July 25 to Dec. 18, 2022. A different FBI confidential source reported that Nunez was supplied 200 to 500 fentanyl-laced pills weekly from July 2022 through December 2022.
Garcia-Medina has pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the FBI.