Source: Europol
On 17 December, law enforcement conducted raids at 14 properties across Barcelona (4), Madrid (9), and Toledo (1) in Spain, and one property in Zagreb in Croatia. These operations resulted in 30 arrests, among which were the leaders of the criminal network. In addition, EUR 180 000 in cash was also seized, alongside weapons, 70 passports, equipment to falsify passports…
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacvue, the leading commerce acceleration platform that integrates retail media, commerce management and measurement, today announced expanded access to its full range of Amazon DSP capabilities beyond North America, bringing Pacvue’s intelligent automation, reporting and optimization solutions to 16 countries across LATAM, EMEA and APAC. Through Pacvue, brands in these regions now have self-serve access to a full suite of programmatic media solutions to elevate their growth strategies.
“Our partners around the globe have been eagerly awaiting access to Amazon DSP tools, so we’re excited to be among the first platforms to unlock these new capabilities for them,” said Melissa Burdick, president and co-founder at Pacvue. “Access to Amazon DSP tools brings greater capabilities and reach for advertisers in these regions, as well as opportunities for growth from a wider variety of ad types, channels and audiences.”
Pacvue is an early adopter of the Amazon DSP Campaign Management API’s global expansion. Previously, Pacvue’s Amazon DSP customers outside North America only had access to reporting capabilities. Now, advertisers in these regions are able to leverage the Pacvue platform to reach Amazon Ads audiences via Amazon DSP. This expansion includes campaign creation and management, budget, bid and dayparting automation controls.
“The synergy between Amazon DSP, Amazon Search and Pacvue’s intelligent platform has transformed how we are able to measure success on a global scale for Crucial, Micron’s only consumer brand,” said Becky Durbin, VP Marketplaces at Labelium. “By combining our Amazon targeting strategy with Pacvue’s advanced optimization and reporting tools, we successfully activated new AMC audiences, drove campaign efficiencies and delivered impactful, full-funnel measurement across multiple markets.”
Pacvue announced the following features for customers in expanded regions:
Countries where Pacvue’s full Amazon DSP platform will now be available:
In addition to the expansion of Amazon DSP campaign management tools, Pacvue is also an official Amazon DSP Reseller. As a reseller, Pacvue offers businesses access to Amazon DSP capabilities, empowering advertisers with the tools and support needed to maximize their digital advertising impact.
Visit Pacvue.com to learn about its latest commerce solutions and recent company developments.
About Pacvue:
Pacvue is the leading commerce acceleration platform that integrates retail media, commerce management, and measurement. The company’s first-to-market platform drives incrementality, profitability and market share for brands, while turning insights into actionable recommendations. Backed by a global team of experts, Pacvue works with over 70,000 brands and agencies across 95+ retailers worldwide including Amazon, Walmart, Target and Instacart. With the incorporation of Pacvue’s enterprise solution with Helium 10 for SMBs, Pacvue is now the most comprehensive commerce and retail media platform available in the market. Founded in 2018, their global presence includes locations in Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Shanghai and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.pacvue.com.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Milan, Italy, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Codego, a licensed EMI/Virtual Asset Operator and banking innovator, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Cryptogateway solution for merchants. This new platform sets a global standard in digital payment technology, offering unparalleled functionality for both in-person and remote transactions.
The Future of Payments Is Here
Codego’s Cryptogateway enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments seamlessly from customers while receiving funds instantly in their IBAN accounts. Accepting payments in Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC from customers, while allowing merchants to receive settlements in 35 fiat currencies directly into their preferred IBAN accounts, with zero transaction fees, the solution delivers instant, borderless, and cost-effective payment processing.
Merchants can create multiple Terminal IDs at no cost, making it easy to manage different business locations or divisions. This flexibility, combined with cutting-edge technology, ensures a user-friendly experience for businesses of all sizes.
Why Codego’s Cryptogateway Is the Ultimate Solution
The solution is ideal for industries such as gambling and forex, enabling customers to deposit in cryptocurrencies and ensuring instant settlement of funds directly to merchants’ IBAN accounts.
– Zero Fees: Merchants pay no commissions on transactions, maximizing their revenue.
– Instant Settlement: Payments are processed and funds are available instantly, reducing cash flow delays.
– Global Reach: Supports 35 cryptocurrencies, enabling businesses to cater to a wider audience.
– Easy Integration: Multi-terminal setups at no cost ensure seamless adoption.
– Licensed and Secure: Codego operates under EMI/Virtual Asset and banking licenses in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
“Codego’s Cryptogateway is not just another payment solution; it’s a revolution in how businesses interact with digital assets. We’re empowering merchants to embrace the future of payments without complexity or excessive costs,” saidSimone Binotto Torre, Chief Operating Officer, Codego.
A Trusted Global Partner in Financial Innovation
Codego is renowned for its pioneering role in the financial technology landscape. With banking licenses across multiple countries and a reputation for providing White Label IBAN bank accounts to emerging neobanks, Codego continues to drive innovation. The company operates 11 branches globally, spanning Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and now Oceania. Its expansion reflects a commitment to bringing cutting-edge solutions to every corner of the globe.
Redefining Merchant Solutions
This Cryptogateway launch is part of Codego’s ongoing mission to revolutionize financial services through innovation. From supporting neobanks with White Label solutions to creating customer-centric payment platforms, Codego’s expertise ensures merchants stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
About Codego
Codego is a global leader in financial technology, offering licensed banking and payment solutions that empower businesses to thrive. For more information about our White Label solutions, codegotech.com and codegopay.com. With a presence across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Oceania, Codego delivers tailored solutions for modern commerce. From White Label IBAN bank accounts to innovative payment gateways, Codego is at the forefront of financial evolution.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, announced it has achieved StateRAMP Authorized status for its Jamf Pro and Jamf School products. Achieving this certification highlights Jamf’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of high compliance organizations.
StateRAMP is a critical cloud security assessment and authorization program designed to address the specific technology and compliance requirements of education institutions as well as state and local governments.
Jamf Pro and Jamf School can now be found on the StateRAMP Authorized Product List. Authorized status is the highest level of verification within the StateRAMP program. It signifies that Jamf Pro and Jamf School meet all the required security controls within the StateRAMP framework, have been assessed by a third-party assessment organization (3PAO), and the results have been verified by the StateRAMP PMO.
“StateRAMP Authorized status is a significant accomplishment,” said Linh Lam, CIO at Jamf. “As a best of breed solution, our high compliance customers expect us to help them comply with the most demanding industry regulations. With Authorized status, Jamf’s state, local, and education customers can be assured our StateRAMP environment will help protect their information systems and assets from cyber threats, while meeting their compliance obligations.”
To maintain this status, Jamf must comply with monthly continuous monitoring requirements and conduct annual and significant change audits.
To learn more about Jamf information security, compliance and privacy, visit: https://www.jamf.com/trust-center/.
About Jamf
Jamf’s purpose is to simplify work by helping organizations manage and secure an Apple experience that end users love and organizations trust. Jamf is the only company in the world that provides a complete management and security solution for an Apple-first environment that is enterprise secure, consumer simple and protects personal privacy. To learn more, visit www.jamf.com.
Media Contact:
Liarna La Porta | media@jamf.com
Investor Contact:
Jennifer Gaumond | ir@jamf.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO and TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Voxtur Analytics Corp. (TSXV: VXTR; OTCQB: VXTRF), a technology company creating a more transparent and accessible real estate lending ecosystem, today announced the termination of the definitive agreement dated Friday July 26, 2024, with University Bancorp, Inc. (“University”) for the acquisition of 50.5% stake in Blue Water Financial Technologies Holding Company, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Voxtur (“Blue Water”).
About Voxtur
Voxtur is a transformational real estate technology company that is redefining industry standards in a dynamic lending environment. The Company offers targeted data analytics to simplify tax solutions, property valuation and settlement services throughout the lending lifecycle for investors, lenders, government agencies and servicers. Voxtur’s proprietary data hub and workflow platforms more accurately and efficiently value assets, originate and service loans, securitize portfolios and evaluate tax assessments. The Company serves the property lending and property tax sectors, both public and private, in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.voxtur.com.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects, and opportunities. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and give rise to the possibility that management’s predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that the assumptions may not be correct and that the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities, will not occur or be achieved. Any information contained herein that is not based on historical facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information may be based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, and may be identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking information may include but is not limited to: the effects of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; success of software activities; the competition for skilled personnel; expectations for other economic, business, environmental, regulatory and/or competitive factors related to the Company, or the real estate industry generally; anticipated future production costs; and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the information is provided. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information include but are not limited to: implementation of new products; changing global financial conditions; reliance on specific key employees and customers to maintain business operations; competition within the Company’s industry; a risk in technological failure, failure to implement technological upgrades, or failure to implement new technological products in accordance with expected timelines; changing market conditions; failure of governing agencies and regulatory bodies to approve the use of products and services developed by the Company; the Company’s dependence on maintaining intellectual property and protecting newly developed intellectual property; operating losses and negative cash flows; and currency fluctuations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein.
This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise this information to reflect new events or circumstances except as required in accordance with applicable laws.
NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Voxtur’s common shares are traded on the TSXV under the symbol VXTR and in the US on the OTCQB under the symbol VXTRF.
Voxtur Contact:
Jordan Ross
Chief Operating Officer
Tel: (416) 708-9764
Email: jordan@voxtur.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Join an online webinar, “The Future of Video AI – From Infrastructure to Experience,” on January 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM ET
Herzliya Israel, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today announced a webinar exploring “The Future of Video AI – From Infrastructure to Experience”, with Jeffrey Schick, VP Strategic Client Engagement Media and Entertainment at Oracle, Richard Kerris, VP of Media and Entertainment at NVIDIA, and Sharon Carmel, CEO and Co-Founder at Beamr. The online webinar will be held on January 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM ET. To join the webinar, please register here.
The webinar will explore the opportunities and challenges of building high-performance video pipelines for AI-driven applications. The discussion will highlight the infrastructures and technologies essential for creating engaging experiences, providing insights relevant to companies already utilizing AI video pipelines or those considering using them. The webinar will discuss Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), which delivers powerful AI compute with advanced graphics and media accelerated with NVIDIA L40S GPUs. Beamr’s proprietary Content Adaptive Bitrate technology (CABR) is available on OCI through the Beamr Cloud service, allowing high-efficiency video operations. The webinar will also highlight NVIDIA Holoscan for Media, NVIDIA’s AI platform for live media, NVIDIA’s 8th-generation GPU encoder (NVENC), the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture for Generative AI and NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Generation GPUs.
The webinar will cover:
To join the online webinar “The Future of Video AI – From Infrastructure to Experience”, please register here.
About Beamr
Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.
Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit www.beamr.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
Investor Contact:
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MONTREAL, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) announces that the release of the 2024 fourth quarter results will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Financial analysts and investors are invited to attend a conference call during which the financial results will be presented.
Date and time
Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET
To attend the conference
Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fifq2sc5
To attend the event by phone: Click here to register for the earnings call. Once you have completed your registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link and your personal PIN to connect to the call. If you lose this link and your PIN, you will be able to register again. You must register if you wish to attend the call by phone.
Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the conference and view a presentation which will be broadcasted live and on a deferred basis on Boralex’s website at www.boralex.com. A full replay will also be available on Boralex’s website until February 28, 2026.
The financial information will be released through a press release and on Boralex’s website on February 28, 2025, at 7 a.m.
About Boralex
At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. We are developing a portfolio of more than 7.2 GW in wind, solar projects and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.
For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
For more information
Source: Boralex inc.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DevvDigital Inc. is proud to announce it has been granted an exclusive global license from Devvio Inc, for its next-generation exchange technology, allowing for the operation of DevvExchange—a revolutionary digital asset exchange platform that sets new benchmarks for security, speed, and compliance. DevvExchange will allow customers to trade digital assets while maintaining full control of their assets throughout exchange transactions. Further, high-speed and cost-effective exchange transactions settle mathematically instantaneously, solving one of the biggest problems across all types of exchanges today.
The key invention for the new exchange approach is Devvio’s patent pending Contingent Transaction Set (CTS) technology, which allows blockchain transactions to be grouped together and directly validated on the DevvX blockchain by its validators. Transactions in a CTS are each approved if and only if all criteria for the transactions are individually met. Then, when a group of exchange transactions is validated, all transactions occur at the same mathematical instant, thereby exchanging assets instantaneously with no middlemen or settlement risk.
This strategic collaboration positions DevvExchange as the premier destination for institutional and retail traders alike, leveraging Devvio’s cutting-edge DevvX blockchain, which boasts unparalleled capabilities such as infinite scalability, unparalleled throughput, architectural flexibility, ease of integration through a RESTful API, and best-in-class cost-effectiveness.
A New Era for Digital Asset Trading
With the exclusive license in place, DevvDigital is uniquely empowered to drive the global rollout of this powerful new exchange architecture, transforming the trading experience by eliminating the inefficiencies and risks that plague traditional exchanges. Key features include:
“I have no doubt that global asset exchanges of the future will be implemented as we, for the first time, now allow– mathematically instantaneous exchange with no middlemen,” said Tom Anderson, CEO of Devvio Inc. “That is a big statement, but it should be intuitively clear. If any two parties can exchange assets immediately and inexpensively, with no counterparty risk and full control of their assets throughout a trade, it is a dramatic improvement over both TradFi and Crypto exchanges that exist today. This is the future of exchanges, and our goal is to become the new gold standard in the space.”
About Devvio Inc.
Devvio Inc. is a global pioneer in blockchain technology, renowned for its scalable, sustainable, and secure solutions. Its DevvX blockchain has been recognized as one of the most advanced infrastructures in the industry, changing the way that blockchain is integrated in all aspects of business.
About DevvDigital
DevvDigital is a forward-thinking digital solutions provider dedicated to leveraging blockchain technology for real-world impact. As the exclusive operator of DevvExchange, DevvDigital is committed to transforming the way people interact with digital assets, prioritizing user empowerment, security, and innovation.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the anticipated benefits and future operations of DevvExchange under the license agreement with Devvio. These statements are based on current expectations, projections, and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, market conditions, regulatory changes, technological developments, and other unknown risks. DevvDigital assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances, except as required by law.
Media Contact
Davin Broadbent
CMO DevvDigital
DevvDigital@devvio.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0ab1613-fc16-44f6-82da-3e6e82297f4b
Source: Apple
Headline: Apple introduces the 2025 Black Unity Collection
UPDATE January 27, 2025
Inspired by the rhythm of humanity, a new Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, watch face, and iPhone and iPad wallpapers honor Black History Month
Apple today unveiled a new Black Unity Collection to honor Black History Month, and celebrate Black culture and community. Inspired by the rhythm of humanity, the collection includes a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a matching watch face, and iPhone and iPad wallpapers.
As part of the launch, Apple is supporting several global organizations whose work focuses on elements of rhythm, creativity, and community. This includes grants to the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans; Battersea Arts Centre in London; Music Forward Foundation in Los Angeles; Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney; and The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee. Apple’s support for these organizations builds upon the company’s longstanding commitment to advancing economic, educational, and creative opportunities in communities around the world.
Black creatives and allies at Apple collaborated on the design of the new collection. The collection, Unity Rhythm, weaves together the colors of the Pan-African flag: black, green, and red. The Black Unity Sport Loop is woven in a custom pattern of raised and recessed loops that creates a lenticular effect, revealing green on one side of each loop, and red on the other. When the band is worn, the colors appear dynamic, shifting from green to red as a user moves their wrist, and the color yellow appears in the transition, as if by magic.
The matching Unity Rhythm watch face features custom numerals formed by intertwined threads of red, green, and yellow. The watch face reacts to the gyroscope, so when a user raises their wrist to check the time, the strands coalesce from a series of abstract brush strokes into digits. When using the Unity Rhythm watch face, distinctive, rhythmic chimes mark every hour and half hour.
The Unity Rhythm iPhone and iPad wallpapers feature the same custom lettering writing the word “Unity,” which changes orientation when the device is unlocked and locked.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense:
“I’m shocked but not surprised at the willingness of GOP members to confirm a nominee who has been called out by so many (including his own mother) for egregious and disqualifying misconduct. Trump wanted to see if any had a gag reflex. He has his answer.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UKHSA confirms rare case of bird flu (H5N1) in the West Midlands region.
UKHSA has confirmed a case of influenza A(H5N1) in a person in the West Midlands region. Bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza is rare and has previously occurred a small number of times in the UK.
The person acquired the infection on a farm, where they had close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds. The risk to the wider public continues to be very low.
The individual is currently well and was admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit.
The birds were infected with the DI.2 genotype, one of the viruses known to be circulating in birds in the UK this season. This is different to strains circulating among mammals and birds in the US.
Although there has been no demonstrated human-to-human transmission despite extensive recent surveillance of influenza A(H5N1), UKHSA has been tracing all individuals who have been in contact with the confirmed case of avian influenza. Those at highest risk of exposure have been offered antiviral treatment. This is done to reduce the chance that any virus they have been exposed to will be able to cause infection.
The case was detected after the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) identified an outbreak of avian influenza(H5N1) in a flock of birds. UKHSA carried out routine monitoring on people who had been in close contact with the infected birds.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:
The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case. We have robust systems in place to detect cases early and take necessary action, as we know that spillover infections from birds to humans may occur.
Currently there is no evidence of onwards transmission from this case.
People are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds and it’s important that they follow Defra advice about reporting any suspected avian influenza cases.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:
While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises.
We took swift action to limit the spread of the disease at the site in question, all infected birds are being humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises will be undertaken all to strict biosecure standards. This is a reminder that stringent biosecurity is essential when keeping animals.
We are seeing a growing number of avian flu cases in birds on both commercial farms and in backyard flocks across the country. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity measures will help protect the health and welfare of your birds from the threat of avian influenza and other diseases.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:
The safety of the public is paramount, and we are monitoring this situation closely.
The risk of wider or onward transmission is very low, however the UK remains prepared and ready to respond to any current and future health threats.
We recently added the H5 vaccine, which protects against avian influenza, to our stockpile as part of our preparedness plans.
UKHSA will publish further details about the confirmed human case in due course.
Published 27 January 2025
Source: Scottish Government
First Minister sets out major increase in NHS capacity.
People across Scotland will have better access to NHS treatment through increased capacity, expanded primary care services, enhanced use of digital innovations and a range of other measures, First Minister John Swinney announced today.
Speaking to representatives from across the health and social care sector, the First Minister set out action to drive down waiting times and reduce pressure on frontline services.
The First Minister was joined by Health Secretary Neil Gray and announced a range of actions including:
The First Minister said:
“Protecting, strengthening, renewing our National Health Service – that is a goal I think we can all get behind. A real focus of common purpose.
“That requires action from me, as First Minister, from my Health Secretary Neil Gray, and from my Government. We can offer the leadership and direction – as the measures outlined today seek to do.
“So, today, we commit to a substantial increase in capacity in order to significantly reduce people’s waits.
“Our plan will ensure that a greater proportion of new NHS funding goes to primary and community care. GPs and services in the community will have the resources they need to play a greater role in our health system.
“This increased investment will result in GP services that are easier for people to access. That is important in terms of people’s confidence in the health service – but equally, it will make it more likely that health issues are picked up quickly and dealt with earlier.
“Our National Health Service is there when we need it. No other public institution supports us with so much care through life’s biggest moments. We must support it in return.
“The approach I set out today charts our course to do that. It addresses both the challenges and the opportunities. It sets the NHS on a path of modernisation and renewal.”
Background
Improving Public Services and NHS Renewal – First Minister’s speech – gov.scot
Source: City of Plymouth
Three public figures known for their achievements in Plymouth and in recognition of their outstanding leadership, were awarded Freedom of the City at the Full Council meeting today (27 January).
Sir Gary Streeter
Gary had a career in politics spanning over 30 years, he started his involvement with politics in 1986 as he was passionate about contributing to the community.
Gary was an Elected Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton from 1992 to 1997 when the boundaries changed, and subsequently elevated to the whip’s office. He was also then promoted to Minister in the Lord Chancellor’s department in 1996 to 1997.
Gary was Shadow Secretary of State for International Development from 1998 to 2001.
Gary was re-elected as MP for South West Devon, and became Vice Chairman of the Conservative party in 2001 to 2002, and Member of Parliament for South West Devon from 1997 to 2024.
Gary said: “It is a great honour to be granted the freedom of such a great city. It has been an absolute privilege to serve so many Plymouth residents for over 30 years as their member of parliament. I am very grateful to the city council for bestowing such an honour upon me.”
Kevin Nancekivell
Kevin played non-league football for Bideford Town and Tiverton Town before getting his chance with Argyle at the age of 28.
Retiring from playing in 2004, Kevin began a coaching journey that saw him rise through various roles with Argyle’s Centres of Excellence and Academy, gaining his UEFA A Licence in 2010.
In 2011, new Argyle manager Carl Fletcher asked Nancekivell to join his first-team coaching staff, and when Fletcher left in 2013 Kevin, along with Romain Larrieu, took temporary charge of the team.
It was the first of five times where Nance has taken caretaker charge of Argyle, either solo or as a unit, typically with strong results.
For his passion, dedication and honesty, not to mention his skill as a coach, Kevin is a beloved figure to the Green Army, who sometimes refer to him as ‘Mr Plymouth Argyle’.
Kevin said: ‘I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Freedom of the City award. Plymouth has been a huge part of my life, and it’s a privilege to represent this great city through football.
“To be recognised in this way is truly humbling but it wouldn’t have been possible with the support and dedication of my family, colleagues, teammates and of course Argyle supporters.”
Linda Gilroy
With a political career spanning over 40 years, Linda started her journey in Plymouth politics in 1987, when she was elected as the secretary to the Plymouth Drake Constituency Labour Party and was elected chairwoman of the Cornwall Labour Party for four years from 1990.
Linda was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Plymouth Sutton for 13 years from 1997 until 2010.
In parliament she was a member of the European legislation select committee from 1997 until the 2001 General Election when she was appointed Minister of State for Local and Regional Government. From 2005 to 2010 she served on the Defence Select Committee and as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Science Minister.
Linda said: “In thanking the Lord Mayor and the Council for this honour, I would like to pay tribute to Plymouth City Council’s award-winning work. During my time representing the city this helped many campaigns succeed. These included bringing down the dockyard wall and the regeneration of Devonport still flowing from this, rescuing Ford Park Cemetery from dereliction and securing investment for the Peninsula Medical and Dental Schools and community health facilities in Cattedown and Mount Gould. It is good to see that work going from strength to strength.”
Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Tina Tuohy added: “I am pleased to present the award to Sir Gary, Kevin and Linda for their achievements in the service of Plymouth, and in recognition of their outstanding leadership, contributions to the public and the Plymouth communities.
“This is why we have chosen to grant Freedom of the City to them today. I would like to thank them for all the incredible work that they do. A huge congratulations to them all.”
Source: City of Derby
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to welcome someone new into your family? That’s exactly what Shelley and Lyn have been doing for years—they’ve been foster carers for a very long time, helping over 100 children feel safe and cared for in their home.
Lyn says, “We started fostering because we wanted to help children feel loved and safe. It’s like being a big family, where everyone is welcome.”
Shelley and Lyn have taken care of children of all ages, from tiny babies to teenagers. They’ve even helped teenagers learn how to live on their own when they grow up. One of their favourite memories is taking a child to the seaside for the first time.
“Seeing their excitement when they felt the sand and saw the sea was magical,” says Lyn. Shelley adds, “Even small things, like giving a child a Christmas present or a party dress, can mean the world to them. It shows them they matter.”
Shelley and Lyn believe fostering is all about helping children feel like they belong. They’ve stayed close to many of the children they fostered, and some even see them as grandparents now.
“It’s so special to know we’ve made a difference,” Shelley says.
Anyone considering fostering is encouraged by Shelley and Lyn to gather as much information as possible and ask plenty of questions. While fostering can be incredibly rewarding, it comes with challenges such as increased training, paperwork, and the need for flexibility. They stress the importance of family support, explaining that having loved ones to lean on during tough times is essential. Confidentiality is key in fostering, so having a trusted support system makes all the difference.
Shelley and Lyn also emphasise that fostering is open to everyone, regardless of gender, background, or family structure. Single mums, single dads, same-sex couples, and traditional families can all provide the loving and safe environment children need. What truly matters is a big heart, a sense of humour, and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations.
Despite the challenges, they say fostering is one of the most worthwhile things you can do, as it offers a chance to make a life-changing impact on a child’s future.
Cllr Hardyal Dhindsa, representing the Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands said:
“Shelley and Lyn have dedicated their lives to fostering, providing love, care, and a safe home to over 100 children. Their commitment shows how fostering can truly transform lives, from helping babies and teenagers feel secure to guiding young adults toward independence. Their story proves that a big heart and a welcoming home can change a child’s future forever. The council is deeply grateful for their unwavering dedication and the incredible support they’ve given to so many children.”
If you’ve been inspired by Shelley and Lyn’s story and want to make a difference in a child’s life, why not take the first step towards fostering? Contact Foster for East Midlands, your local council fostering team for Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire, Derby City, and Derbyshire. Call 03033 132 950 or visit the website at fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to learn more.
A warm, safe, and loving home could change a child’s future – and it starts with you.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning to congratulate him on his election.
The leaders agreed that the UK – Ireland relationship was going from strength to strength, and it was vital to continue that in such a volatile geopolitical context.
Discussing devastating Storm Éowyn at the weekend, the leaders paid tribute to the work of first responders and engineers to restore electricity to thousands of homes. The Prime Minister said that he had also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and that the UK stood by to offer further support, as required.
The Prime Minister also updated on his EU reset, and the leaders underscored the importance of a close and constructive relationship with the EU to boost prosperity and security.
Looking ahead to the upcoming UK-Ireland summit, both agreed that the meeting would offer a chance to deepen collaboration across all areas of the bilateral relationship, including business, innovation, and energy.
Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister reflected on his visit earlier this month and reiterated his view that it was vital to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.
The leaders also discussed Holocaust Memorial Day today. The Prime Minister said he had been deeply moved by his visit to Auschwitz earlier this month, and the leaders agreed the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau was a poignant reminder on the need to defeat antisemitism and hatred.
They looked forward to meeting soon.
Published 27 January 2025
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day:
“Eighty years ago today, the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp was liberated. Within its confines, over one million Jewish people had been barbarically murdered. As the largest camp under Hitler’s regime, it became one of the most important symbols of the Holocaust.
“Let me be unequivocally clear – the Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters of human history. The Nazi regime systemically and senselessly murdered six million Jewish people, accounting for two thirds of the Jewish population in Europe. They killed millions of others, including 500,000 Roma and Sinti peoples, political opponents, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and people with disabilities. They executed a genocide of unconscionable inhumanity and evil.
“The pain inflicted onto Holocaust survivors is still felt to this day. We can never bring back the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. We can never reunite the families torn apart forever. We can never finish the stories left incomplete. But we can remember. We can and must remind ourselves and each other of our obligation to stop this from ever happening again.
“Over the past 15 months, in the wake of Hamas’ horrifying attack against Israel and with the rise in antisemitism, Jewish people in Canada and across the world have felt unsafe in their communities, workplaces, and places of worship. This is unacceptable, and we are doubling down on our commitment to combat antisemitism and hate: With the Canada Community Security Program to enhance security at community spaces at risk of hate-motivated crimes. With new investments in Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. With the efforts of our Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons, including the launch of the Canadian Handbook on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism last fall. With a National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism being held in March. And later today, we will be announcing a new set of projects funded under the National Holocaust Remembrance Program, with more to come, to help Canadians better understand the Holocaust and the ways antisemitism still affects us today.
“As social media and those who control its platforms seek to distort the horrors of the Holocaust and platform Holocaust denialism, it is now more important than ever to remember. To remember the hate and the cruelty. To remember, listen, and re-tell the stories of survivors while they’re still with us. To remember those who risked and gave their lives to save countless others. To remember our solemn vow: Never forget. Never again.”
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and other principal officials of the Government met different families on the third day of their year-end caring visits across Hong Kong’s 18 districts in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year.
While visiting elderly singleton and doubleton grassroots families living in Po Lam Estate, Mr Chan chatted with them and celebrated the festive joy together.
Over in Kennedy Town, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam visited seniors living there to learn about their daily lives and needs and presented them with Chinese New Year blessing bags.
Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong visited elderly couples, grassroots and ethnic-minority households living in Lei Muk Shue Estate.
Meantime, other principal officials toured Kwun Tong, Yuen Long, Sham Shui Po, Eastern, North, Wan Chai and Tai Po districts to meet grassroots families, seniors and people with disabilities.
Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and Acting Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming also joined the event.
They were accompanied by the district council members and representatives from the District Services & Community Care Team.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (Ninepoint Partners) is pleased to announce the launch of two new series of Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund, being Series T and Series FT. As of January 16, 2025, Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund is now available in Series A, Series F, Series T, Series FT, Series I and Series D securities.
The investment objective of Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund is primarily to maximize risk adjusted long-term returns and secondarily to achieve a high level of income. Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund focuses on achieving growth of capital through securities selection and pursues a long-term investment program with the aim of generating capital gains and seeks to provide a moderate level of volatility and a low degree of correlation to other asset classes through diversifying across a relatively concentrated group of global infrastructure stocks.
“The Series T and Series FT are designed to provide investors with a greater amount of cash flow compared to other available series, making them an attractive option for those seeking a reliable source of investment income,” commented Jeff Sayer, Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Ninepoint Partners. “With a target annualized distribution of 6.0%, paid monthly, these series’ distributions are comprised of return of capital, net income, and capital gains, delivering a consistent income stream.”
Ninepoint Partners also announced today it intends to terminate Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF effective on or about March 28, 2025 (the Termination Date). Effective immediately, Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF is closed to new purchases, however, investors can continue to trade ETF series units on Cboe Canada until they are delisted. Investors may also redeem or switch their mutual fund series units of Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF up to the close of business on the Termination Date. Ninepoint Partners will waive any short-term trading fees for redemptions of units of Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF prior to the Termination Date. Investors that still hold units of Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF on the Termination Date will receive a cash payment for their units equal to the proportionate share of all property and assets of Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF attributable to the applicable series of Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF, which is expected to be the series net asset value per unit on the Termination Date multiplied by the number of units held.
Ninepoint Partners will send a notice to each investor in Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF regarding the termination. The ETF series units of Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF are expected to be delisted from Cboe Canada, at the request of Ninepoint Partners, at the close of business on or about March 26, 2025. As Ninepoint Carbon Credit ETF prepares to terminate, it may no longer be fully invested in accordance with its stated investment objectives outlined in the simplified prospectus.
About Ninepoint Partners LP
Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.
For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances that the Fund will be able to maintain its NAV per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the Fund will be returned to you. Past performance may not be repeated.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada (“forward-looking statements”). Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ninepoint Partners LP to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Ninepoint Partners LP disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Ninepoint Partners LP undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Sales Inquiries:
Ninepoint Partners LP
Neil Ross
416-945-6227
nross@ninepoint.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TURTLE CREEK, Pa., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), America’s leading innovator in designing, manufacturing, and providing zinc-based long duration energy storage systems sourced and manufactured in the United States, today announced the successful achievement of the third set of performance milestones previously agreed upon between Eos and an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management LP (“Cerberus”) as part of Cerberus’s strategic investment in the Company. Successfully meeting these performance milestones allowed the Company to access the final $40.5 million of the Delayed Draw Term Loan (DDTL), fueling ongoing operations, U.S. production expansion, and the creation of an American energy storage powerhouse.
“The Eos team is making measurable progress, consistently meeting critical operational targets and positioning the Company for profitable growth,” said Nathan Kroeker, Eos Chief Financial Officer. “With the term loan fully funded, combined with Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee first disbursement in December, Eos has a strong foundation and sufficient capital to continue implementing Project AMAZE. We’re executing our strategy to scale production into strong customer demand for long duration energy storage. Cash from customer projects now play an important role in funding working capital and our American-made system can play a critical role in America achieving energy independence.”
The $210.5 million DDTL announced in June 2024 is now fully funded, driven by the Company consistently achieving key operational milestones related to the Company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing line, raw materials cost-out, Z3 technology performance improvement and orders backlog cash conversion. The Company surpassed its January raw materials cost-out target by 6% while delivering manufacturing cycle times below 10 seconds to further demonstrate continued operational efficiency and progress towards profitable growth.
“Cerberus is ecstatic about the incredible progress made since our initial investment last year. Joe and team continue to fire on all cylinders, and Cerberus will continue to be all-in, helping Eos execute on their rapidly growing global pipeline and backlog,” said Nick Robinson, Cerberus Senior Managing Director and Eos Board Member. “With all the pieces now firmly in place to scale, 2025 and beyond is all about revenue growth, profitability and acceleration of global manufacturing capacity to meet exponential global demand. This demand is driven by a critical need for a long duration, non-flammable alternative to lithium at a time when the national security imperative could not be more important. With President Trump’s recent Executive Order, emphasizing American-made, and American-sourced, manufacturing to supporting America’s energy independence, Cerberus could not be more excited about partnering with Eos to build a large global platform. Cerberus views Eos as the “First Solar” of the battery space, further highlighting America’s ability to lead, innovate, and reclaim our energy independence.”
About Eos Energy Enterprises
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. It is safe, scalable, efficient, sustainable, manufactured in the U.S., and the core of our innovative systems that today provides utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 3 to 12-hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our path to profitability and strategic outlook, statements regarding our capital needs to support project AMAZE, statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds from the delayed draw term loan with Cerberus, and statements that refer to outlook, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected.
Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to forecast trends accurately; our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; our ability to achieve the operational milestones on the delayed draw term loan; our ability to raise financing in the future, including the discretionary revolving facility from Cerberus; risks associated with the credit agreement with Cerberus, including risks of default, dilution of outstanding Common Stock, consequences for failure to meet milestones and contractual lockup of shares; our customers’ ability to secure project financing; the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; uncertainties around our ability to meet the applicable conditions precedent to funding under the DOE loan; our ability to continue to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; competition from existing or new competitors; our ability to convert firm order backlog and pipeline to revenue; risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; risks related to legal proceedings or claims; risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; risks associated with changes to the U.S. trade environment; risks resulting from the impact of global pandemics, including the novel coronavirus, Covid-19; our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ; our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; risks related to the adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; risk from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Eos may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; other factors beyond our control; risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks and uncertainties may emerge that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arax Investment Partners (“Arax”), a premier wealth and asset management platform company backed by RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”), today announced that it has acquired Cedrus Financial (“Cedrus”), an established RIA headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, managing around $1 billion in assets under management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition marks the latest addition to Arax’s expanding platform, which partners with leading boutique wealth management firms and financial advisors to unlock strategic business growth and provide complementary investment opportunities, alongside an enhanced client experience. Cedrus will operate within Arax Advisory Partners, which is Arax’s coalition of independent firms focused on specialized services, investment advice and supervisory solutions for institutions, high-net-worth families and elite athletes.
“At Cedrus, our goal has always been meeting the needs of our clients,” said Mark Neely, Managing Partner at Cedrus. “Joining the Arax platform provides access to operational synergies and technological advancements that will support the scaled growth of our business, compounding our ability to deliver premium service to our clients and help them achieve their financial goals.”
“Our multi-boutique wealth management strategy continues to attract the best in the business, supporting the growth and expansion of the Arax platform,” said Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax. “In Cedrus, we found a partner firm with a unique and personalized approach that prioritizes integrity and collaboration in service of clients – in other words, a natural fit for our platform. We look forward to working with the Cedrus team.”
About CĒDRUS Financial
Founded in 2013, Cedrus is a wealth management and investment advisory firm providing financial planning, portfolio management and advisor selection services to high-net-worth families. The firm pairs cutting-edge wealth management strategies with 100 years of combined experience in small business ownership, corporate management and wealth preservation to create holistic wealth management solutions in support of its clients’ financial goals. With a footprint across Colorado and Idaho, Cedrus is the partner of choice for individuals seeking a transparent and communicative approach to managing family wealth.
About Arax Investment Partners
Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing, multi-boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in best-in-class operating companies in partnership with their founders and management teams. Arax is focused on making strategic investments and supporting RIAs, hybrid wealth managers, and advisor teams seeking a new growth platform to scale their businesses.
Arax enables its partners and affiliates to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering industry-leading financial services to their clients. Firms within the Arax network benefit from a seasoned management team with a successful track record of scaling wealth platforms, M&A experience, capital sourcing capabilities and company-building expertise backed by a proven investor with an extensive network, RedBird Capital Partners. Our experienced leaders, multi-platform structure and growth equity partnership create a unique advantage for our partners. For more information, please go to www.araxpartners.com.
About RedBird Capital Partners
RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.
Media Contact:
Dan Gagnier
Gagnier Communications
RedBird@gagnierfc.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC (Nasdaq:LPLA) announced today that father and son financial advisors William “Bill” Bruen, Jr., and Andrew Bruen have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, aligned with existing firm Paradigm Partners. The Bruens reported serving approximately $1.3 billion in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from UBS.
The Bruen family has a long and distinguished history of providing investment advice and wealth management services in Morristown, N.J., dating back to 1922 with the establishment of family patriarch James Bruen’s practice. His son, William Bruen, Sr., joined the business in 1950, retiring in 2020 after 70 years of dedicated service, and now Bill and Andrew continue the family legacy, extending their services to third and fourth generations of clients.
Bill, who served in the U.S. Navy prior to joining the family business, said the opportunity to work alongside his father and son has been his greatest blessing. Andrew shares that sentiment, noting that he interned at the family practice throughout high school and college and gained valuable early insight into the industry that accelerated his career.
“For over a century, our practice’s guiding principle has been to provide clients with ‘a plan for today, tomorrow and generations to come,” Andrew said. “We want to empower individuals and families to build lasting legacies through steadfast wealth management backed by personal relationships.”
Seeking freedom and flexibility in how they evolve the next chapter of the family business, the Bruens chose to move their firm to LPL. They are proud to launch their new independent practice, Bruen Wealth Management.
“Our vision for this firm is a direct reflection of my father’s and grandfather’s goals, as we learned how the business should be operated from them,” Bill said. “As stewards of the practice, we value the autonomy to act in the best interests of our clients, outside of corporate directives. By going independent with LPL, and with an added layer of support from Paradigm, we control the legacy that our family has sustained over the past 103 years, which is diligent care of our practice and clients. It is a promising signal for the next 100 years of our firm.”
The Bruens are highly active in their community. Bill serves on the board of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center and is a member of the Washington Association of New Jersey. He is also chairman of the Brookfield Legacy Society and a Trustee Emeritus of the United States Naval Academy Foundation. Andrew has served as a volunteer at Morristown Medical Center in a variety of capacities, currently serving on the Brookfield Legacy Society Committee. He also serves on the board of the New Vernon Cemetery Association in New Vernon, N.J.
Andrew Koltunowicz, Managing Partner at Paradigm Partners, said, “We are so pleased to welcome Bill and Andrew to Paradigm Partners. Their longstanding history in their community, commitment to clients, multigenerational wealth management expertise and focus on delivering personalized advice make them an ideal fit for our firm. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We extend a warm welcome to Bill and Andrew, and congratulate Paradigm on growing its network. We understand that successful advisors like the Bruens want the freedom to choose what suits their clients’ needs and the autonomy to shape and enhance their client relationships. We look forward to supporting their growth as they build on their family’s impressive legacy.”
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Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.
About LPL Financial
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 28,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Bruen Wealth Management, Paradigm Partners and LPL are separate entities.
Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.
We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.
*Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.
Media Contact:
Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com
(704) 996-1840
Tracking #681312
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VIENNA, Va, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urgent.ly Inc. (Nasdaq: ULY) (“Urgently” or “the Company”), a U.S.-based leading provider of digital roadside and mobility assistance technology and services, announced today its board of directors has appointed Alex Zyngier to serve as a member of the board, effective January 23, 2025.
“Alex is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of navigating complex business challenges and driving growth,” said Matt Booth, Chief Executive Officer and President of Urgently. “With over 30 years of investment, strategy, governance and operating experience across a range of industries, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to Urgently as the Company continues to transform the roadside assistance industry. We are thrilled to welcome him to our board and look forward to his contributions.”
“I am honored to join the Board of Directors at Urgently, a company at the forefront of digital innovation in roadside assistance,” said Alex Zyngier. “Since debuting as a public company, Urgently has made remarkable progress in driving margin expansion through financial and operational improvements, while continuing to deliver an exceptional customer experience and value to its partners. In addition, the Company has demonstrated positive traction in the marketplace, as evident by the significant contract renewals, expansions and new customer wins. Urgently is at an exciting point in its growth, and I look forward to working with the board and leadership team to help drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational excellence, and expand Urgently’s impact on the mobility ecosystem.”
Alex is the Founder and Managing Director of Batuta Capital Advisors, a private investment and advisory firm. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for COFINA and EVO Transportation, as well as a director for various public and private companies, including Atari SA, Nu Ride, SlamCorp and Unifin Financiera. His extensive experience includes leadership roles in complex transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic financial advisory. Alex’s diverse background spans roles as a Portfolio Manager at Alden Global/Smith Management, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank, focusing on distressed investments and special situations. He has also served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co. and a Technical Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble. His educational background includes an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from UNICAMP.
About Urgently
Urgently is focused on helping everyone move safely, without disruption, by safeguarding drivers, promptly assisting their journey, and employing technology to proactively avert possible issues. The company’s digitally native software platform combines location-based services, real-time data, AI and machine-to-machine communication to power roadside assistance solutions for leading brands across automotive, insurance, telematics and other transportation-focused verticals. Urgently fulfills the demand for connected roadside assistance services, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional user experiences that drive high customer satisfaction and loyalty, by delivering innovative, transparent and exceptional connected mobility assistance experiences on a global scale. For more information, visit www.geturgently.com.
For media and investment inquiries, please contact:
Press: media@geturgently.com
Investor Relations: investorrelations@geturgently.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A great way to kick off 2025! Western Financial Group (Western) is pleased to announce a new, redesigned branch opening in the city of Dawson Creek on January 31, 2025. With a focus on care, convenience, and unmatched customer service, Western wants to be where our customers are. We’re providing service in convenient and accessible ways – whether online, by phone, or in person.
“It’s an exciting time here at Western, we have robust plans for growth while maintaining our commitment to care in all that we do,” said Western Financial Group Chief Executive Officer, Grant Ostir. “Buying insurance should be easy and we want our customers to come to us for advice, knowing we’ve got their best interests at heart. Branch opening events like these give us a great opportunity to connect with our current and future customers, giving them a chance to get to know us and what we’re all about.”
The new branch has an updated look and feel, and boasts not one, but two drive-thru windows for customer ease and accessibility. The branch is open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm (drive thru only from 6-8 pm); Saturday 9 am to 5:30 pm (in office & drive thru); Sunday 11 am to 5 pm (drive thru only).
Grand opening/Ribbon cutting ceremony details:
| DATE: | January 31, 2025 |
| TIME: | 12pm-2pm (Ribbon cutting at 1pm) |
| WHERE: | 11300 8 Street, Dawson Creek |
| WHO: | Grant Ostir, Western Financial Group CEO |
| Darren Sinclair, Western Financial Group Vice President, Sales | |
| Darcy Dober, Mayor of Dawson Creek | |
| WHAT: | Local city officials and Western Financial Group leaders will engage in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Get to know our people, local businesses while enjoying some light refreshments and door prizes. |
Western Financial Group Inc.
Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western Financial Group is a diversified insurance services company focused on creating security and peace of mind and has provided over one million Canadians with the proper protection for over 100 years. Western is committed to community service, customer service, innovation, growth, and people while providing personal and business insurance through our engaged team of over 2,000 people in approximately 200 locations, affiliates, and various connected channels.
Since the very beginning, supporting our local communities has guided everything we do – it’s who we are. In 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation (our non-profit charity) was created as a way for our team members to give back and positively impact the people and pride in the places where we live, work and play – to date we have granted over $9 million to support our local communities.
Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. www.westernfinancialgroup.ca
For more information, assets, or to schedule an interview with Grant Ostir, please contact:
Nichola Petts, PR Manager: Nichola.petts@westernfg.ca
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NRIM) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.64 per share. The dividend will be payable on March 14, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 6, 2025.
“We are pleased to announce a quarterly dividend of $0.64 per share, as we continue to provide returns to our shareholders,” said Mike Huston, President and CEO. At the stock price of $78.80 per share at the close of the market on January 23, 2025, the current dividend equates to a yield of 3.25% on an annualized basis.
On January 24, 2025, Northrim reported net income of $10.9 million, or $1.95 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $8.8 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024, and $6.6 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter a year ago.
About Northrim BanCorp
Northrim BanCorp, Inc. is the holding company of Northrim Bank, an Alaska-based community bank with 20 branches throughout the state and differentiates itself with its detailed knowledge of Alaska’s economy and its “Customer First Service” philosophy. The bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC, a specialty finance company and Residential Mortgage Holding Company, LLC, a regional home mortgage company. Pacific Wealth Advisors, LLC is an affiliated company.
| Contact: | Mike Huston, President, CEO, and COO |
| (907) 261-8750 | |
| Jed Ballard, Chief Financial Officer | |
| (907) 261-3539 |
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LEI: 21380013CXOR8N6OD977
27 January 2025
Issues of Equity and Total Voting Rights – Correction
Foresight Technology VCT plc (the “Company”) wishes to notify the following corrections to the number of shares in issue and voting rights disclosed in the below ‘Issue of Equity’ and ‘Total Voting Rights’ announcements, which were made public on the dates specified below.
As at today’s date, the Company has 38,366,526 FWT Shares and 34,046,589 non-voting Deferred Convertible Preference Shares in issue.
Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company is 38,366,526. This figure may be used by Shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to, their interest in the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
| Announcement title | Date announcement published | Correction to number of shares in issue and voting rights disclosure |
| Issue of Equity | 29 October 2024 | Following this allotment, the Company had 36,560,117 FWT Shares and 34,046,589 non-voting Deferred Convertible Preference Shares in issue. |
| Total Voting Rights | 29 November 2024 | The Company has 36,560,117 FWT Shares and 34,046,589 non-voting Deferred Convertible Preference Shares in issue.
Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company is 36,560,117. This figure may be used by Shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to, their interest in the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. |
| Issue of Equity | 05 December 2024 | Following this allotment, the Company had 37,834,835 FWT Shares and 34,046,589 non-voting Deferred Convertible Preference Shares in issue. |
| Issue of Equity | 30 December 2024 | Following this allotment, the Company had 38,366,526 FWT Shares and 34,046,589 non-voting Deferred Convertible Preference Shares in issue. |
| Total Voting Rights | 31 December 2024 | The Company has 38,366,526 FWT Shares and 34,046,589 non-voting Deferred Convertible Preference Shares in issue.
Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company is 38,366,526. This figure may be used by Shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to, their interest in the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. |
For further information please contact:
Gary Fraser, Foresight Group: 020 3667 8181
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) (“ARRAY” or the “Company”), a leading provider of tracker solutions and services for utility-scale solar energy projects, today announced the appointment of Gina Gunning as its new chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective immediately. Gunning will report directly to ARRAY’s chief executive officer, Kevin G. Hostetler, and will relocate to Chandler, Arizona.
Gunning joins ARRAY with more than 25 years of legal and compliance experience across global organizations. She is a recognized leader in corporate law, governance, compliance, and risk management, with expertise in structuring complex transactions, navigating regulatory landscapes, and leading diverse legal teams. Most recently, she served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at GrafTech International Ltd., where she led the legal department, developed strategic legal frameworks, and managed global litigation and arbitrations.
“Gina’s wealth of experience in corporate law, governance, compliance and strategy makes her uniquely qualified to navigate the regulatory landscape and support ARRAY’s ambitious growth plans,” said Hostetler. “Her ability to align legal strategies with business objectives will be instrumental as we continue to lead in renewable energy innovation.”
Prior to her tenure at GrafTech, Gunning held senior legal roles at FirstEnergy Corp. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., where she demonstrated expertise in mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and capital markets transactions. Earlier in her career, she was a capital markets partner at the global law firm Jones Day, advising Fortune 500 clients on corporate finance and governance.
“I am excited to join ARRAY Technologies and contribute to its mission of driving the global transition to sustainable energy,” said Gunning. “ARRAY’s innovative spirit and dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions resonate deeply with me, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to support its continued success.”
As chief legal officer, Gunning will lead ARRAY’s legal, compliance, and risk management teams, supporting business objectives and adherence to legal and ethical standards worldwide. Her responsibilities will also include providing strategic counsel on corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
Gunning earned her Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School, where she served on the Notre Dame Law Review, and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame.
About ARRAY
ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global renewable energy company and provider of utility-scale solar tracking technology. Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions on the planet, ARRAY’s high-quality solar trackers and sophisticated software maximize energy production, accelerating the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable energy. Founded and headquartered in the United States, ARRAY relies on its diversified global supply chain and customer-centric approach to deliver, commission, and support solar energy developments around the world, lighting the way to a brighter, smarter future for clean energy. For more news and information on ARRAY, please visit arraytechinc.com.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections regarding its business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the risks and uncertainties that affect our business and operations, particularly those described in more detail in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents on file with the SEC, each of which can be found on our website www.arraytechinc.com. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
Media Contact
Nicole Stewart
505.589.8257
nicole.stewart@arraytechinc.com
Investor Relations Contact
Array Technologies, Inc.
Investor Relations
investors@arraytechinc.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hola Prime, a leading name in the prop trading industry, has taken another leap in empowering traders by launching the Hola Prime Visa Card. Designed to streamline access to earnings, this innovative solution ensures that traders can effortlessly manage their payouts whenever and wherever they need.
With the new Visa Card, Hola Prime addresses a major pain point for traders – delayed or complicated payout processes. This card provides instant access to funds, allowing traders to seamlessly handle their earnings through online transactions, in-store purchases, and ATM withdrawals worldwide.
A New Standard in Trader Accessibility
Instant Payouts: Traders can access their earnings immediately without relying on lengthy bank transfers.
Global Usability: Whether online shopping, dining out, or withdrawing cash, the Visa Card works everywhere Visa is accepted.
Enhanced Security: Transactions are safeguarded with 3D Secure technology, providing traders with peace of mind.
Flexible Payments: From contactless payments to POS systems and ATM cash withdrawals, this card caters to all needs.
“Traders can directly receive their payouts on the Hola Prime Visa Card and use them however they like – whether for online purchases, in-store transactions, or ATM withdrawals. These cards now serve as a standard payout withdrawal method for traders,” said CFO, Ms. Sumedha Sharma.
“We already offer one-hour payouts, and this Visa Card takes convenience to the next level, providing traders with the freedom and flexibility they deserve anytime, anywhere” she added.
Global Expansion: Hola Prime Opens Office in London
In a strategic move to expand its global footprint, Hola Prime has inaugurated a new office in London, one of the world’s leading financial hubs. This milestone underlines the firm’s vision of empowering traders globally while ensuring top-notch support for its European clientele.
The London office will enable Hola Prime to serve traders in the region with greater efficiency, offering localized solutions and bolstering its reputation as a global leader in prop trading.
“London is a pivotal market for finance and trading. Establishing our presence here allows us to engage closely with traders and cater to their unique needs in a dynamic and international environment,” said Ms. Sharma.
A Vision for Innovation and Empowerment
Hola Prime’s dual initiatives – the Visa Card and its London expansion – demonstrate its unwavering focus on innovation and trader-centric solutions. From simplifying financial management to enhancing global accessibility, the company is setting benchmarks that resonate with modern traders.
As Hola Prime continues to break new ground, its dedication to fostering a transparent, accessible, and empowering trading ecosystem remains its defining ethos.
About Hola Prime
Hola Prime is a leading global proprietary trading firm with a strong presence in the UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Dubai, and India. Renowned for its commitment to transparency, Hola Prime serves prop traders across 175+ countries, offering access to over 50 trading instruments. The firm is dedicated to empowering traders with real-time risk management, advanced technological infrastructure, and a secure trading environment. Committed to fairness and trust, Hola Prime ensures seamless payouts, robust compliance, and a reliable trading experience. With multiple trading platforms and a focus on bringing freshness to the prop trading industry, Hola Prime is redefining the future of trading.
Social Links
Facebook: https://fb.com/profile.php?id=61565158992654&sk=about_contact_and_basic_info
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holaprime_global/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVEJa1Ml132Be7tnk-DjeQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-prime/?viewAsMember=true
Twitter: https://x.com/HolaPrimeGlobal
Discord: https://discord.gg/TJ7TcHPXBf
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/HolaPrime/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/HolaPrime/
Medium: https://medium.com/@social_46267
Media Contact
Company: Hola Prime
Contact: Media Team
Email: marketing@holaprime.com
Website: https://holaprime.com/
SOURCE: Hola Prime
Source: Samsung
Samsung is now a NASCAR Technology Partner and will provide cutting-edge digital displays to elevate the NASCAR fan experience, racing operations and enterprise processes. The multi-year partnership will begin with the introduction of Samsung’s industry-leading displays and monitors for NASCAR Productions’ newly launched remote race control room.
Housed in NASCAR’s 58,000 square-foot production facility in Concord, N.C., the state-of-the-art control room features Samsung’s The Wall as its centerpiece, allowing officials to review comprehensive, real-time video, audio and data from the track and remotely officiate races. The installation of The Wall spans an astounding 32 feet wide and nine feet high.
Blazing the trail for remote race control
The new control room sets the stage for NASCAR to remotely execute officiating in a precise and data-driven approach for large-scale races nationwide. During races, up to 24 officials in the room will use The Wall as their primary screen to access replays from the SBG Sports Software system, capable of aggregating up to 200 camera angles, all driver audio and voice-to-text transcription of team radio transmissions. The Wall’s true-to-life picture quality will deliver the footage and data with the finest level of detail, equipping remote officials with crisp and clear information to confidently make decisions on penalties and race results.
“Our indoor LED displays and monitors will help NASCAR fuel a new era of race-day precision from the first lap to the final stretch,” said David Phelps, Head of the Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “With superior visuals and real-time data, officials will experience unmatched clarity and insight into every moment of each race—offering a level of visibility that surpasses what they could see on-site at the track. This is just the beginning of our partnership as we help to pave the future of motorsports.”
Advancing connectivity between the track and control room
Remote officials in Concord, N.C., will remain fully immersed in the racing action via live feeds and intercom communications to consult with their counterparts at the track. The Wall’s large-scale display provides the officials with a real-time view of information as drivers make their laps and pit stops. The screen will showcase a variety of data, including feeds from onboard cameras, Engine Control Units (ECUs), optical tracking cameras, Pit Road Officiating (PRO) systems and official cameras positioned at the pit, start and finish lines, restart zones and other key locations.
Officials will use a range of Samsung monitors to gather and analyze insights, including 25 models of the 27-inch ViewFinity S6 high-resolution monitor and seven models of the 49-inch Odyssey G9 monitor. The ultra-wide, curved Odyssey G9 monitors offer extensive screen real estate for officials to simultaneously view and assess multiple data sources, enhancing their ability to efficiently support track operations.
CONCORD NC – September 24, 2024, NASCAR Race Conrol.
“Remote Race Control will give NASCAR officials unparalleled views of more than 200 camera angles with multiple data points from every car that were previously not available,” said Steve Stum, NASCAR Vice President of Operations and Technical Production. “It will also allow us to make competition calls faster and more accurately than ever before to ultimately help improve the product.”
The remote race control room will be fully operational and revved up to support the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, kicking off with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 2.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul O’Neill, Assistant Clinical Professor of Food and Hospitality Management, Drexel University
Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.
The Fundamentals of Beer
After 25 years of working in professional kitchens and as a server in fine dining, I became an adjunct professor and then director of special projects in the Food and Hospitality Management department at Drexel University. Lynn Hoffman, the founder of the school’s culinary program and the author of “The Short Course in Beer,” suggested we create a 10-week beer course.
It seemed like a no-brainer, given beer’s popularity with college students. But it was also an opportunity to help our students appreciate beer’s dizzying array of styles, as well as its deep cultural and historical significance – including right here in Philadelphia.
The course explores the history of brewing and how different societies – specifically Sumerian, German, English and Belgian – influenced the ingredients and brewing techniques used to make different styles of beers.
Some styles are named after their city of origin – for example, pilsners originated in Pilzen, Czech Republic. Others are derived from the brewing procedure. “Lager,” for example, is German for “to stock or store.” These beers are stored at refrigerated temperatures for months after they’re brewed in order for residual flavors to subside, making way for a cleaner, crisper and more refreshing profile. Meanwhile, “porters” are named after the London working-class longshoremen – those who loaded and unloaded cargo at ports – who commonly consumed them.
After studying the foundational aspects of beer, students learn about its evolution in America, with a focus on the Philadelphia region.
For example, Yuengling, originally named Eagle Brewery, was established in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles outside Philadelphia, and is credited with being America’s oldest continuously operating brewery. And in the city itself, local brewer Robert Hare Jr. made what George Washington referred to as “the best porter in Philadelphia,” just down the street from where America’s first lager was purportedly brewed by Bavarian expat John Wagner around 1840.
We also discuss current Philadelphia-area brewers such as the Philadelphia Brewing Company, Dock Street and Yards, and their impact on the city’s craft beer industry.
Beer and other alcoholic beverages have a significant financial impact on the restaurant industry, where many businesses operate on thin margins. Restaurants can attract diners with a dynamic beverage offering. A good beer program requires an informed staff, locally brewed options and an array of diverse styles. They might showcase classic lagers and ales alongside popular contemporary favorites such as New England IPAs and Italian pilsners, and off-the-wall experiments like Fruity Pebbles kettle sour ales.
Beer appreciation is not inebriation.
There is a proper way to analyze beer through sight, aroma, palate texture and flavor. We use a tasting grid to guide students through this process. First we assess the beer’s color, clarity and foam, which gives us our initial ideas regarding the beer’s character. We then evaluate the beer’s aroma, which is derived from the grains, hops and fermentation. Then we sip and focus on the texture of the beer to determine the weight of it on the palate, the quality of the carbonation and the mouthfeel – whether it is thin, full or silky. Last, we assess the flavor profile.
Students get the opportunity to distinguish the various malt and hop characters present in many popular beer styles – from the crisp, biscuit or cracker flavor and light green bitterness of a pilsner, to the dried fruit and dark caramel-laden quality of doppelbocks, to the cold-brew coffee style of dry stouts.
“Tasting” and not simply “drinking” beer enables students to understand and appreciate what is in their glass. It is also important to note that when analyzing a beer, the glass must be clean, clear and of a certain shape – tulip. Having a globe to swirl the beer allows tasters to judge the viscosity, test the carbonation and open up the aromas.
Lynn Hoffman’s “Short Course in Beer” offers a digestible summation of beer styles, history and how beer can be enjoyed in settings ranging from tailgates to fine dining.
Joshua Bernstein’s “The Complete Beer Course” illustrates the beer family tree in great detail, includes interviews with prominent brewers and provides textbook examples of various beer styles.
The Brewers Association’s Style Guidelines
and Tasting Grid are go-to guides for how beer styles are delineated using a scale of color, bitterness and flavor attributes.
Six 1-oz. weekly samples allow students to taste historical representations and current iterations of a particular beer style, such as Bohemian pilsners, German hefeweizens, English bitters and Belgian tripels.
We also do a guided tour and tasting at one of Philadelphia’s larger independent craft beer brewers, Yards brewery.
Students learn about the history of beer production and its cultural relevance, and develop an understanding of tasting notes and profiles for various beer styles so they can distinguish between ale and lager family styles. By the end of the course, they should also be able to design their own beer menu for a restaurant.
Paul O’Neill does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. College course teaches Philly students to appreciate beer − whether they’re tailgating or fine dining – https://theconversation.com/college-course-teaches-philly-students-to-appreciate-beer-whether-theyre-tailgating-or-fine-dining-244476
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rodney Coates, Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Miami University
Americans consume more illicit drugs per capita than anyone else in the world; about 6% of the U.S. population uses them regularly.
One such drug, fentanyl – a synthetic opioid that’s 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine – is the leading reason U.S. overdose deaths have surged in recent years. While the rate of fentanyl overdose deaths has dipped a bit recently, it’s still vastly higher than it was just five years ago.
Ending the fentanyl crisis won’t be easy. The U.S. has an addiction problem that spans decades – long predating the rise of fentanyl – and countless attempts to regulate, legislate and incarcerate have done little to reduce drug consumption. Meanwhile, the opioid crisis alone costs Americans tens of billions of dollars each year.
With past policies having failed to curb fentanyl deaths, President Donald Trump now looks set to turn to another tool to fight America’s drug problem: trade policy.
During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they don’t halt the flow of drugs across U.S. borders. Trump also promised to impose a new set of tariffs against China if it doesn’t do more to crack down on the production of chemicals used to make fentanyl. He reiterated his plan on his first day back in office, saying to reporters, “We’re thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing … fentanyl to come in.”
Speaking as a professor who studies social policy, I think both fentanyl and the proposed import taxes represent significant threats to the U.S. While the human toll of fentanyl is undeniable, the real question is whether tariffs will work – or worsen what’s already a crisis.
In 2021, more than 107,000 Americans died from overdoses – the most ever recorded – and nearly seven out of 10 deaths involved fentanyl or similar synthetic opioids. In 2022, fentanyl was killing an average of 200 people each day. And while fentanyl deaths declined slightly in 2023, nearly 75,000 Americans still died from synthetic opioids that year. In March of that year – the most recent for which full-year data on overdose deaths is available – the then-secretary of homeland security declared fentanyl to be “the single greatest challenge we face as a country.”
But history shows that government efforts to curb drug use often have little success.
The first real attempt to regulate drugs in the U.S. occurred in 1890, when, amid rampant drug abuse, Congress enacted a law taxing morphine and opium. In the years that followed, cocaine use skyrocketed, rising 700% between 1890 and 1902. Cocaine was so popular, it was even found in drinks such as Coca-Cola, from which it got its name.
This was followed by a 1909 act banning the smoking of opium, and, in 1937, the “Marihuana Tax Act.” The most comprehensive package of laws was instituted with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified drugs into five categories based on their medical uses and potential for abuse or dependence. A year later, then-President Richard Nixon launched the “War on Drugs” and declared drug abuse as “public enemy No. 1.” And in 1986, Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, directing US$1.7 billion for drug enforcement and control.
These policies have generally failed to curb drug supply and use, while also causing significant harm to people and communities of color. For example, between 1980 and 1997, the number of incarcerations for nonviolent drug offenses went from 50,000 to 400,000. But these policies hardly put a dent in consumption. The share of high school seniors using drugs dipped only slightly over the same period, from 65% in 1980 to 58% in 1997.
In short, past U.S. efforts to reduce illegal drug use haven’t been especially effective. Now, it looks like the U.S. is shifting toward using tariffs – but research suggests that those will not lead to better outcomes either, and could actually cause considerable harm.
America’s experiments with tariffs can be traced back to the founding era with the passage of the Tariff Act of 1789. This long history has shown that tariffs, industrial subsidies and protectionist policies don’t do much to stimulate broad economic growth at home – but they raise prices for consumers and can even lead to global economic instability. History also shows that tariffs don’t work especially well as negotiating tools, failing to effect significant policy changes in target countries. Economists generally agree that the costs of tariffs outweigh the benefits.
Over the course of Trump’s first term, the average effective tariff rate on Chinese imports went from 3% to 11%. But while imports from China fell slightly, the overall trade relationship didn’t change much: China remains the second-largest supplier of goods to the U.S.
The tariffs did have some benefit – for Vietnam and other nearby countries with relatively low labor costs. Essentially, the tariffs on China caused production to shift, with global companies investing billions of dollars in competitor nations.
This isn’t the first time Trump has used trade policy to pressure China on fentanyl – he did so in his first term. But while China made some policy changes in response, such as adding fentanyl to its controlled substances list in 2019, fentanyl deaths in the U.S. continued to rise. Currently, China still ranks as the No. 1 producer of fentanyl precursors, or chemicals used to produce illicit fentanyl. And there are others in the business: India, over that same period, has become a major producer of fentanyl.
Drugs have been pervasive throughout U.S. history. And when you investigate this history and look at how other nations are dealing with this problem rather than criminalization, the Swiss and French have approached it as an addiction problem that could be treated. They realized that demand is what fuels the illicit market. And as any economist will tell you, supply will find a way if you don’t limit the demand. That’s why treatment works and bans don’t.
The U.S. government’s ability to control the production of these drugs is limited at best. The problem is that new chemical products will continually be produced. Essentially, failure to restrict demand only places bandages on hemorrhaging wounds. What the U.S. needs is a more systematic approach to deal with the demand that’s fueling the drug crisis.
Rodney Coates does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Why Trump’s tariffs can’t solve America’s fentanyl crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-tariffs-cant-solve-americas-fentanyl-crisis-245978