Source: Bank of Botswana
The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 31 December 2024. The summarised results of the auction held on 23 December 2024, are attached below:
BOBC Results 23 December 2024.pdf
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
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Source: City of Portsmouth
Portsmouth has hit a major milestone this year, with over 1 million bus journeys being taken each month, as figures reveal a 22.3% increase in bus usage over the past year. This surge in passenger numbers places Portsmouth in the top four cities across England for bus travel recovery, with the city ranking as the highest improver in the UK.
Much of this success is thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), launched in January 2022 with £48.3 million in funding from the Department for Transport (DfT). The Portsmouth BSIP is being delivered in partnership with local bus companies First Bus South and Stagecoach South and has been instrumental in revitalising the city’s bus network, earning the city the prestigious Partnership for Excellence Gold Award at this year’s UK Bus Awards in recognition of its innovative approach to public transport improvements. This is all part of the council’s overall plan to make travel in the city easier, faster and greener.
Key achievements of the Portsmouth BSIP include the launch of the Pompey ticket range and the Pompey Young Person ticket, aimed at making bus travel more convenient, affordable, and accessible for passengers. These include discounted travel options for students, young people, those travelling in groups or at night, and those hopping on and off for 90 minutes, and the tickets can be used on both First and Stagecoach buses.
The council have run a host of fare-free schemes to encourage new riders to give the bus a try, which generated over 191,000 extra bus journeys over September weekends in 2023 and 2024, increasing bus patronage by over 46%.
In addition, the city has introduced two 24/7 bus routes and increased services during evenings and weekends to better meet the needs of commuters and those traveling at off-peak hours.
2024 has also seen the launch of the Easy Travel Access Fund, which has helped improve accessibility and convenience for passengers with disabilities and additional mobility needs and communities who have found it difficult to access the bus, by providing funding to the community groups, businesses and charities who need it. These initiatives have been vital in making bus services more inclusive and user-friendly for a diverse range of passengers.
There are also improvements to bus stops in the city, with upgraded information screens expected to pop up in the new year, and other bus stop and bus lane improvements aimed at making bus journeys faster and more reliable have been proposed. These improvements, which are expected to continue throughout the year, will enhance the overall passenger experience and contribute to further growth in bus usage.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Portsmouth is leading the way in getting people back on the buses, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come. Over the past year, our city’s bus network has gone from strength to strength, with over 1 million passengers now using buses each month—a fantastic 20% increase in just a year.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making buses a more inclusive, innovative, and reliable way to travel. We’re determined to keep building on this success, ensuring that buses remain an easy and affordable choice for everyone in Portsmouth.”
Simon Goff, Managing Director at First Bus South, added:
“The Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan has been a game-changer for public transport in the city. We’re so proud to be part of this transformative partnership, which is delivering an innovative, award-winning bus network for local people. This has been a fantastic year for bus travel, as we rolled out Portsmouth’s first electric buses, showing our commitment to delivering cleaner, modern and more accessible travel.
The numbers of people using the bus in Portsmouth shows what can be achieved when local authorities and bus operators work together toward a shared vision, and we’re excited to continue delivering improvements that make a real difference for Portsmouth’s residents.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said:
“We are delighted to have partnered with Portsmouth City Council to transform bus travel in the city. The 22.3% surge in bus usage and the milestone of over 1 million journeys per month are remarkable achievements that highlight the positive impact of the Portsmouth BSIP.
By making travel more convenient, accessible, and affordable, we are not only improving the passenger experience but also supporting greener and more sustainable transportation for the community. This success reflects the strength of our partnership and the shared commitment to delivering better journeys for everyone in Portsmouth.”
For more information on public transport in Portsmouth, visit https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip/.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Yulia Yankovskaya, TV presenter Lidiya Vielba and Alexey Mikhailov
Head of the Department of Urban Development at SPbGASU Yulia Yankovskaya took part in the program “Petersburg – City of Solutions” on the TV channel “Saint Petersburg”. The program was dedicated to the preservation of the historical center and architectural monuments of the Northern capital.
Together with Yulia Sergeevna, Alexey Mikhailov, Chairman of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg, spoke live on air. He spoke about amendments to the law on cultural heritage protection zones. According to this document, all pre-revolutionary buildings in the historical center of the city are currently under protection, and in other areas – buildings older than 1957.
Yulia Yankovskaya explained why these dates were chosen. In her opinion, this is due to the fact that the pre-revolutionary building characterizes the center of our city, and in 1957 there was a transition to mass “Khrushchev” construction. But this does not mean that if the building was built later, it cannot be recognized as a monument.
Alexey Mikhailov noted that sorting by date of construction throws valuable buildings of the Soviet period out of the protection zone. In addition, a large number of errors related to determining the dates of construction have accumulated. Thanks to the amendments, two new categories of buildings will appear – environmental and ordinary. At the same time, the category of historical buildings will also remain – it will include buildings that require study and are not included in either of the two lists.
Who and by what criteria will form the lists, why the boundaries of protected zones do not coincide with the boundaries of districts, how many Soviet-era buildings will receive protected status – answers to these and other questions can be found in the TV program with the participation of a teacher from our university.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
Last Sunday, in the Arktika Ice Palace, the hockey team of the State University of Management together with the hockey team of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas held a New Year’s training session for the Fortuna hockey club under the mentoring program within the framework of the Good Hockey project with the support of the Moscow Hockey League.
“Before the training, everyone was nervous and didn’t understand what was required of us. But as soon as we went out on the ice, all the guys immediately got to work and gave their all. Such events are necessary not only for the children, but also for us. We helped them, told them and taught them everything that we know ourselves. The children absorbed all the information that was conveyed to them very well, and each of the hockey players saw the motivation of the kids to play hockey. We were pleased to be part of such a training session!” – noted the captain of the HC GUU Andrey Larin.
The program was created for children with visual impairments or complete lack of vision involved in adaptive hockey and is designed to provide young hockey players with quality support and assistance in mastering this sport.
“Mentoring” brings together players from the Moscow Student Hockey League with children who need an individual approach to learning and developing hockey skills.
The special feature of adaptive hockey in this school is the special “ringing” iron equipment. This is due to the fact that children, when playing, primarily rely on hearing, namely the sound of the stick and the ringing of the puck.
“Despite the early rise, the emotions are only positive. It’s great that the league continues this tradition and holds master classes for children. We have been at such a training session with the guys for the second time. It was very nice to realize that the guys have “grown up” in every sense of the word over 2 years and that perhaps we are partly to blame for this growth. After talking to the players, you are once again convinced of their strength of spirit and love for hockey. Since the training session was before the New Year, we could not come empty-handed and not share the New Year’s mood. I am sure that we succeeded!” said Mikhail Gubin, assistant captain of the HC GUU.
At the end of the training session, Father Frost visited, played by the assistant of the HC GUU Mikhail Gubin, and our hockey players gave New Year’s gifts to the young hockey players!
The hockey team “Fortuna” is the first team in Russia of a unique direction: adaptive hockey “Blind Hockey”, which is focused on the socialization and rehabilitation of children with visual impairments.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.12.2024
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Core42, a Subsidiary of G42, will utilize the facility to expand its industry-leading AI Infrastructure offerings tailored to US customers
Strategic Expansion of TeraWulf’s Platform into AI-Driven HPC Hosting, Complementing Profitable Bitcoin Mining Operations
Management to Host Conference Call and Live Audio Webcast at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time Today
EASTON, Md., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TeraWulf Inc. (Nasdaq: WULF) (“TeraWulf” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of vertically integrated, next-generation digital infrastructure powered by predominantly zero-carbon energy, today announced the signing of long-term data center lease agreements with Core42, a G42 company specializing in sovereign cloud, AI infrastructure, and digital services.
Under the data center lease agreements, TeraWulf will deliver over 70 megawatts (MW)1 of turn-key data center infrastructure to host Core42’s deployment at the Lake Mariner facility in Upstate New York. The infrastructure will be released for production in phases between Q1 and Q3 2025.
TeraWulf will customize the data halls to support Core42’s GPU clusters, which will feature state-of-the-art Dell Integrated Rack Scalable Solutions, the Dell IR5000. These integrated racks include direct liquid cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9680L GPU servers and will come online in phases.
The data center leases reflect TeraWulf’s strategic extension into AI-driven computing, complementing its profitable Bitcoin mining operations and aligning with the Company’s mission to leverage scalable, sustainable energy to power the digital economy.
Leadership Commentary
“Our strategic relationship with G42, and most specifically with Core42, positions TeraWulf at the intersection of two of today’s most transformative computational networks: AI compute and Bitcoin mining,” said Paul Prager, Chief Executive Officer of TeraWulf. “The surging demand for scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure presents a tremendous opportunity. Our ability to rapidly deliver customized, predominantly zero-carbon-powered solutions solidifies our position as a leader in the digital infrastructure space. This agreement not only diversifies our revenue streams but also significantly enhances our long-term earnings potential.”
Nazar Khan, Chief Technology Officer of TeraWulf, emphasized the strength of the collaboration by remarking, “Core42’s entrepreneurial vision and impressive growth trajectory make them an exceptional partner. Together, we are uniquely equipped to meet the growing demand for AI-driven computing solutions.”
“TeraWulf’s Lake Mariner facility represents an ideal match for Core42’s expanding next-generation digital infrastructure in North America,” said Edmondo Orlotti, Chief Growth Officer of Core42. “The facility’s access to predominantly zero-carbon power, combined with TeraWulf’s demonstrated ability to rapidly deploy customized data center solutions, aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable, high-performance AI compute infrastructure.”
Arthur Lewis, President of the Infrastructure Solutions Group at Dell Technologies commented: “Dell Technologies is committed to empowering organizations of all types with tools like the Dell AI Factory to thrive in a data-driven world. With TeraWulf and Core42, we’re delivering industry-leading, liquid-cooled server solutions that enable scalable, sustainable data center infrastructure, accelerating AI innovation across industries.”
Financial Highlights
The data center leases include two five-year renewal options, providing a long-term, stable, high-margin revenue stream for TeraWulf. Additionally, the data center lease agreements include provisions for expanding near-term hosting capacity for Core42 by an additional 135 MW gross, which is equivalent to 108 MW of critical IT load, underscoring the potential for future scalability and revenue growth.
Advisors
TeraWulf is being advised by JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley as financial advisors and Milbank LLP and Stutzman, Bromberg, Esserman & Plifka, P.C. as legal advisors.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
TeraWulf will host a conference call to discuss the partnership with Core42. Hosting the call and webcast will be Paul Prager, Chief Executive Officer, Nazar Khan, Chief Technology Officer, Patrick Fleury, Chief Financial Officer, Kerri Langlais, Chief Strategy Officer, and John Larkin, Director of Investor Relations.
Date: December 23, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Participant Dial-In: 1-877-407-0789 or 1-201-689-8562
Investors are invited to submit questions ahead of the call to info@terawulf.com. The management team will address as many questions as possible during the live call.
All interested parties may also access a live webcast of the event at www.investors.terawulf.com, under the “News and Events” tab, or by using the following link:
https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1702352&tp_key=2f26f643b7
For those unable to participate during the live webcast, a replay will be available at www.investors.terawulf.com.
All questions pertaining to G42 can be addressed to media@g42.ai.
All questions pertaining to Core42 can be addressed to communications@core42.ai.
About TeraWulf
TeraWulf develops, owns, and operates environmentally sustainable, next-generation data center infrastructure in the United States, specifically designed for Bitcoin mining and hosting HPC workloads. Led by a team of seasoned energy entrepreneurs, the Company owns and operates the Lake Mariner facility situated on the expansive site of a now retired coal plant in Western New York. Currently, TeraWulf generates revenue primarily through Bitcoin mining, leveraging predominantly zero-carbon energy sources, including hydroelectric and nuclear power. Committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles that align with its business objectives, TeraWulf aims to deliver industry-leading economics in mining and data center operations at an industrial scale.
About Core42
Core42, a G42 company, empowers individuals, enterprises, and nations to unlock the full potential of AI through its comprehensive enablement capabilities. As a leading provider of sovereign cloud, AI infrastructure, and services, our mission is to accelerate the achievements of others and help them reach their most ambitious goals.
To learn more, please visit www.core42.ai and follow Core42 LinkedIn, Core42 Instagram, Core42 X.
About G42
G42 is a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence capabilities for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating around the world, G42 champions AI as a powerful force for good. Its people are constantly reimagining what technology can do, applying advanced thinking and innovation to accelerate progress and tackle society’s most pressing problems.
G42 is joining forces with nations, corporations and individuals to create the infrastructure for tomorrow’s world. From molecular biology to space exploration and everything in between, G42 realizes exponential possibilities, today.
For further information visit www.g42.ai.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan,” “believe,” “goal,” “target,” “aim,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “would” and other similar words and expressions, although the absence of these words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of TeraWulf’s management and are inherently subject to a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among others: (1) conditions in the cryptocurrency mining industry, including fluctuation in the market pricing of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and the economics of cryptocurrency mining, including as to variables or factors affecting the cost, efficiency and profitability of cryptocurrency mining; (2) competition among the various providers of cryptocurrency mining services; (3) changes in applicable laws, regulations and/or permits affecting TeraWulf’s operations or the industries in which it operates, including regulation regarding power generation, cryptocurrency usage and/or cryptocurrency mining, and/or regulation regarding safety, health, environmental and other matters, which could require significant expenditures; (4) the ability to implement certain business objectives and to timely and cost-effectively execute integrated projects; (5) failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and/or on acceptable terms with regard to growth strategies or operations; (6) loss of public confidence in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies and the potential for cryptocurrency market manipulation; (7) adverse geopolitical or economic conditions, including a high inflationary environment; (8) the potential of cybercrime, money-laundering, malware infections and phishing and/or loss and interference as a result of equipment malfunction or break-down, physical disaster, data security breach, computer malfunction or sabotage (and the costs associated with any of the foregoing); (9) the availability, delivery schedule and cost of equipment necessary to maintain and grow the business and operations of TeraWulf, including mining equipment and infrastructure equipment meeting the technical or other specifications required to achieve its growth strategy; (10) employment workforce factors, including the loss of key employees; (11) litigation relating to TeraWulf and/or its business; and (12) other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Potential investors, stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. TeraWulf does not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement after it was made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or regulation. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements and the discussion of risk factors contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.
Investors:
Investors@terawulf.com
Media:
media@terawulf.com
____________________________
1 Represents gross capacity. Critical IT capacity is as follows: 2 MW for the Wulf Den, 16 MW for CB-1, and 42 MW for CB-2.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA) is proud to announce that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved adding Bitcoin and USD-denominated assets to its corporate treasury as part of its long-term capital preservation strategy.
The Board has identified risks associated with its current treasury, which is primarily denominated in Canadian dollars. Canada’s reliance on oil exports and its rising national debt raise concerns about potential devaluation and loss of purchasing power for Canadian denominated assets. To address these risks, the Board has approved adding Bitcoin and USD-denominated assets to its corporate treasury.1
Matador plans to front-load an initial allocation of $4.5 million into Bitcoin in the month of December 2024 and will continue to explore additional purchases at the board level via measured buying programs.
Additionally, Matador plans to move the majority of its cash balance sheet from CAD to USD. The decision reflects Matador’s belief in Bitcoin’s role as a store of value asset that mitigates the downside risk of currency debasement. This move follows global trends, as institutional adoption of Bitcoin grows among corporations seeking alternatives to bonds and depreciating currencies.2
“Matador’s Board and management believe in using Bitcoin to future-proof our treasury,” Sunny Ray, President of Matador, added. “This step also supports our mission to explore using Bitcoin as a platform for our gold-based products.”
This move will continue to support the development and launch of Matador’s digital gold platform, which is a technology-based system that enables users to own, trade, and store digital representations of gold, backed by physical reserves with the physical gold being held at the Royal Canadian Mint. These holdings are expected to underpin the company’s product development efforts and reinforce confidence in the Company’s treasury management strategy. After an initial review of alternative platforms, including Ethereum and Solana, the Board believes that Bitcoin stands apart in its ability to deliver the security, stability, and trustworthiness required for a digital gold asset platform. Bitcoin’s deep liquidity and widespread institutional adoption further support the belief that Bitcoin is the ideal foundation for Matador’s vision of a trustworthy, digital gold platform.3
“For Matador’s focus on creating a product that exemplifies trust, permanence, and value, we expect Bitcoin to be the platform of choice,” said Deven Soni, CEO and Chairman of Matador.
The Board will further evaluate its technology platform alternatives in the near future, with the objective of making a decision on which technology platform will underpin its digital gold product in Q1 2025. Once a decision has been made, Matador intends on launching its digital gold product to a limited audience.
Matador will continue to update shareholders regarding its treasury execution and custody strategy in the coming weeks.
About Matador Technologies Inc.
Matador Technologies Inc. is a digital gold platform leveraging blockchain technology to digitize real-world assets like gold. Focused on building innovative financial solutions, Matador is at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology to preserve and grow value. It’s digital gold platform aims to democratize the gold buying experience, combining the best of modern technology and time-proven assets, to create an app that will allow users to buy, sell, and store gold 24/7, with the added security and flexibility of an encrypted mobile application.
Contact Information:
Sunny Ray
President
sunny@matador.network
647-932-2668
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy and the launch of its mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
_________________________
1 https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/canada/crude-oil-exports?utm_source=chatgpt.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-overshoots-deficit-target-by-c20-billion-finance-minister-resigns-2024-12-16/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
2 https://kensoninvestments.com/knowledge-centre/bitcoin-and-institutional-adoption-trends-and-strategic-insights/?utm_source=chatgpt.com, https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/blackrock-recommends-bitcoin-portfolio-weighting-up-2-interested-investors-2024-12-12/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/12/08/us-treasury-names-bitcoin-digital-gold-after-price-explosion/, https://www.finivi.com/bitcoin-mainstream-blackrocks-pivotal-role-institutional-adoption/, https://www.fidelitydigitalassets.com/research-and-insights/institutional-adoption-digital-assets.
3 https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Officers investigating the assault of two men in Westminster – leaving one with life-changing injuries – have issued an image of a suspect they are keen to trace.
Police were called at 22.33hrs on Saturday, 12 October, by an off-duty officer, who reported being punched in the back of the head in Covent Garden, close to the Royal Opera House.
The suspect then approached another man in nearby King Street and asked him for directions, before assaulting him. This man – aged in his 70s – was pushed to the ground, and suffered a bleed on his brain. He temporarily lost consciousness, and required 15 stitches to the back of the head.
The officer, attached to the Central East Command Unit, was not injured.
The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, and wearing a black jacket. He was last seen fleeing towards Bedford Street.
The two victims are not known to each other, and, at this stage, there is no clear motive.
Detective Sergeant Glenn Smith – attached to the Central West Command Unit – said: “This was a serious incident which left a man in his 70s with life-altering injuries.
“The attacks were apparently random. We are appealing for witness accounts, or for any information that may assist the investigation.
“In addition, we are releasing a CCTV image of a man police wish to speak to in light of the incident. Do you recognise him?”
Anyone with information about either of the assaults should call 101, quoting CAD reference 7846/12OCT.
To make an anonymous report, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
December 20, 2024, Elmsdale PEI – A single-vehicle crash in Elmsdale yesterday afternoon led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man in connection to a stolen vehicle.
Yesterday at 1:00 p.m., West Prince RCMP responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash involving a car and a telephone pole in Elmsdale. Police learned that the vehicle had been stolen, and the lone occupant fled on foot. Police located him a short distance away. He was treated for minor injuries and arrested. He was released on conditions and will appear in Summerside Provincial Court on February 5th at 9:30 to answer to charges in connection to this incident.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
This communication is part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. The FDA has become aware of a potentially high-risk device issue. The FDA will keep the public informed and update this web page as significant new information becomes available.
The FDA is aware that Trokamed has issued a letter to affected health care providers indicating certain endoscope sheaths have updated use instructions as a result of a potentially high-risk device issue:
| Description | Trokamed REF Number | UDI |
|---|---|---|
| Sheath, 20 Fr., 130 mm | WA2PS20S | 04251303810926 |
| Sheath, 20 Fr., 160 mm | WA2PS20L | 04251303810919 |
| Sheath, 18 Fr., 130 mm | WA2PS18S | 04251303810865 |
| Sheath, 18 Fr., 160 mm | WA2PS18L | 04251303810872 |
The previous instructions for use provided with the device did not clearly describe that the sheath is not to be used for suction and irrigation. If the device is used for suction or irrigation, it could result in reduced outflow through the shaft due to blood, tissue, and kidney stone fragments, which may quickly build up pressure within the kidney that may lead to kidney rupture.
Trokamed has reported 1 death associated with this issue.
The Mini PCNL Sheath is part of a nephroscopy accessory set intended for minimally invasive procedures, including examining kidneys and removing kidney stones or other blockages. The sheath is a reusable, surgically invasive device for short-term use. It is designed to bring instruments, telescopes, and fluids to the surgical site.
Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Trokamed at k.troendle@trokamed.de or +49 770492440.
The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.
Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
Source: US Geological Survey
What makes Landsat so valuable is its unmatched record, with more than 50 years of data about Earth’s land surface. And it’s all open to the public at no cost. This vital resource continues to monitor change in the world’s land masses and water resources.
This year, international reports echoed the message that Landsat is among the most impactful, quality-driven Earth observation imaging programs. Scroll down to read about two such reports.
Landsat data has long provided opportunities for improved monitoring and management of all of Earth’s landforms and ecosystems. From delicate mangroves and freshwater wetlands to mountainous forests damaged by fire and landmasses and ice sheets from pole to pole. Landsat is an invaluable resource, helping land managers and scientists evaluate the changes to land surfaces, and then determine the best step forward to mitigate or influence future land change.
Scroll through the stories below to learn how applying Landsat data enabled scientists to advance research in 2024.
Landsat’s reputation for top quality Earth observation capabilities helps strengthen the partnerships the USGS maintains with longstanding international collaborators. This year, important new agreements were signed relating to the future of Earth observation and the next Landsat mission. These partnerships are made possible by the Landsat 2030 International Partnership Initiative that was announced in late 2023.
Scroll down to read more about the new agreements, see highlights from a visiting international ambassador, and learn how international cooperators and their ground station operators keep informed about Landsat.
The new Landsat Next mission will help unlock new opportunities for research studies relating to water quality, crop production and plant stress, climate and snow dynamics, soil health and other essential environmental variables.
A significant milestone for the Landsat Next mission this year is the selection of a contractor to design, build, test, and deliver the sensors that will be on board the Landsat Next mission’s constellation of 3 identical satellites. Each sensor will collect Earth observation data in 26 spectral bands with high resolution. Overall, the constellation will collect about 20 times more data than Landsat 8 or Landsat 9.
Visit the links below to hear a podcast and view webpages to learn more about the Landsat Next mission.
After 25 years of orbiting around the Earth more than 132,000 times, the Landsat 7 mission is nothing short of legendary. The Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus sensor onboard the satellite captured over 3.3 million images. Move the slider back and forth on the image below to see the massive growth of the Las Vegas area from 1999 to 2024. The 2024 image marks the satellite’s 25th anniversary and stands as a tribute to Landsat 7’s quarter-century legacy of Earth observation.
Landsat 7 satellite images continue to support studies of how land is used and how it has changed across urban, agriculture, forest, snow, and ice-covered areas around the globe, as well as natural and manmade disasters.
The magnitude and impact that Landsat 7 brought to scientists and those interested in studying the Earth’s landmasses are summarized in this graphic.
Read the USGS News release about the Landsat 7 mission.
Landsat 7 witnessed events that changed the landscape on Earth slowly, such as the expanding Las Vegas urban sprawl shown above. Some of the significant events that changed the Earth much faster include the 2001 World Trade Center attack, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Slick in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
The images and podcasts linked below provide just a glimpse into the 25 years of Landsat 7. From its launch in 1999 to sending down its final science mission data in 2024, this historic mission helped us appreciate and better understand Earth’s land surfaces.
Source: US Geological Survey
This was a landmark year for the definitive land cover resource for the United States that’s produced at EROS: the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). The renamed Annual NLCD data release on October 24, 2024, debuted a new ability to look at land cover and land change year by year further back in time, from 1985 to 2023.
Landsat satellites continue to provide the foundational data for Annual NLCD, which includes six products. Work is underway to add 2024 data to Annual NLCD in 2025. Data access has expanded to the commercial cloud and the USGS website EarthExplorer.
The LANDFIRE (Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools) program celebrated a big milestone in 2024—its 20th anniversary of working to provide valuable national landscape data on vegetation, wildland fuel and fire regimes.
But the biggest news for the interagency program hosted at EROS was releasing its first truly annual update, LANDFIRE 2023 Update, and debuting a remarkably early preview of land disturbances, for most of 2023 at the end of January 2024.
EROS is always communicating about its latest innovations and improvements in science. Here are some key ways that happened in 2024:
Landsat’s claim to fame is its 50-plus-year history of Earth observation—and Landsat 7 was active for half of that time. In 2024 as Landsat 7 reached the end of its mission, EROS remembered the milestones during its lifespan.
We also celebrated the outstanding annual value Landsat provides for the United States ($25.6 billion!) and leaned into the satellite mission’s future with Landsat Next.
To scroll through our Landsat highlights for 2024, use the < and > arrows below.
EROS welcomed visitors from abroad as well as student researchers, interns and schoolkids this year—and even classic Dodge automobiles!
New for 2024 is a six-screen interactive display in front of Computer Room 2, where our high-performance computers are located. Visitors can take a deep dive into the sophisticated world of data at EROS (but in a user-friendly way).
Also new: The EROS Media Gallery now can be searched by spinning the globe and picking a location. Readers can find our updated State Mosaics, Image of the Week gallery, Earthshots, Earth as Art and other favorites via keyword, too.
Read on for a review of what’s new in our imagery and videos, educational Earthshots and insightful podcasts.
We don’t mind bragging—our Image of the Week videos are beautiful to watch!
But our 2024 additions also reveal real benefits of Landsat imagery and data, from new dams being filled to old dams being destroyed, from drought in Mexico to ice routes in Finland.
Don’t start clicking on the links below at bedtime—they’re endlessly fascinating! On the other hand, for a beautiful, restful sleep, try our new hourlong video featuring Landsat imagery and peaceful music.
Eyes on Earth is a podcast on remote sensing, Earth observation, land change and science. Our episodes in 2024 looked at Landsat’s past, its future, and how scientists apply the vast archive.
Scroll across the images above or below to listen to some of our favorites. Here are some highlights:
127: The Historic Landsat 7 Mission. We talked with some of the people who helped keep Landsat 7 flying during its nearly 25 years of land imaging.
126: Annual NLCD. This new release includes land cover data of the United States for every year back to 1985.
117: Preparing for Landsat Next, Part 1. Several people involved with the next Landsat mission talk about the details.
114: The Color of Water with Landsat. An old data technique in freshwater science—physically sampling lake water—becomes reinvented using satellite technology.
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: NCDHHS Invests $20 Million in Transportation Program for People Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
NCDHHS Invests $20 Million in Transportation Program for People Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a $20 million investment made possible by the NC General Assembly in Non-Law Enforcement Transportation, a promising practice of providing trauma-informed transportation for people in mental health crisis who need to be transported from emergency rooms to residential treatment. In the past, much of this transportation was provided by law enforcement; but non-law enforcement transportation provides a safe, therapeutic alternative for people already in mental health distress.
“People in crisis need health care, not handcuffs,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “This program helps people experiencing a mental health crisis receive safe transportation to the inpatient care that they need.”
Currently, many counties across North Carolina rely on law enforcement to transport individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This often involves the use of police vehicles, lights, sirens and, in some cases, handcuffs — all of which can unintentionally turn a routine transfer into a traumatic experience. The new transportation program aims to decriminalize and destigmatize the process of seeking mental health care.
“We want people and families feeling comfortable reaching out for mental health crisis support when they need it,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “Knowing a person may be transported in police custody can be a deterrent for people reaching out for the care that they need. This new program is part of our work to strengthen the North Carolina mental health crisis system, ensuring people in crisis can access support without fear or stigma.”
NCDHHS is working closely with many community partners to ensure the mental health crisis transportation program is designed to effectively reduce the burden on law enforcement to conduct mental health-related transportation services and ensure officers can focus on their core responsibilities.
The new transportation program will initially operate in two regions of the state, which will be identified through a competitive request for proposal process. The RFP is now open, allowing qualified transportation vendors to apply for funding. Eligible transportation vendors can access and apply for the RFP on the NCDHHS website.
The initiative is part of NCDHHS’s broader $835 million investment to transform North Carolina’s behavioral health system, including efforts to build a crisis response system, decrease emergency department boarding times and provide faster access to care for all North Carolinians in need of mental health treatment.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy una inversión de $ 20 millones hecha posible por la Asamblea General de Carolina del Norte en Transporte No Policial, una práctica prometedora de proporcionar transporte informado sobre el trauma para las personas en crisis de salud mental que necesitan ser transportadas de las salas de emergencia al tratamiento residencial. En el pasado, gran parte de este transporte era proporcionado por la policía; pero el transporte no policial proporciona una alternativa segura y terapéutica para las personas que ya tienen problemas de salud mental.
“Las personas en crisis necesitan atención médica, no esposas”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “Este programa ayuda a las personas que experimentan una crisis de salud mental a recibir transporte seguro a la atención hospitalaria que necesitan”.
Actualmente, muchos condados de Carolina del Norte dependen de la aplicación de la ley para transportar a las personas que experimentan una crisis de salud mental. Esto a menudo implica el uso de vehículos policiales, luces, sirenas y, en algunos casos, esposas, todo lo cual puede convertir involuntariamente una transferencia de rutina en una experiencia traumática. El nuevo programa de transporte pretende eliminar la penalización y el estigma del proceso de búsqueda de atención de salud mental.
“Queremos que las personas y las familias se sientan cómodas buscando apoyo para crisis de salud mental cuando lo necesiten”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias del NCDHHS. “Saber que una persona puede ser transportada bajo custodia policial puede ser un elemento que desanime a las personas que buscan la atención que necesitan. Este nuevo programa es parte de nuestro trabajo para fortalecer el sistema de crisis de salud mental de Carolina del Norte, asegurando que las personas en crisis puedan acceder al apoyo sin miedo ni estigma”.
El NCDHHS está trabajando en estrecha colaboración con muchos socios comunitarios para garantizar que el programa de transporte de crisis de salud mental esté diseñado para reducir efectivamente la carga de las fuerzas del orden público para llevar a cabo servicios de transporte relacionados con la salud mental y garantizar que los oficiales puedan concentrarse en sus responsabilidades principales.
El nuevo programa de transporte operará inicialmente en dos regiones del estado, que se identificarán a través de un proceso competitivo de solicitud de propuestas. El proceso de solicitud de propuestas (RFP, por sus siglas en inglés) ya está abierto, lo que permite a los proveedores de transporte calificados solicitar fondos. Los proveedores de transporte elegibles pueden acceder y aplicar para el RFP en el sitio web del NCDHHS. Haga clic aquí para ver la aplicación.
La iniciativa es parte de la inversión más amplia de $ 835 millones del NCDHHS para transformar el sistema de salud conductual de Carolina del Norte, incluidos los esfuerzos para construir un sistema de respuesta a crisis, reducir los tiempos de espera en el departamento de emergencias y proporcionar un acceso más rápido a la atención para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte que necesitan tratamiento de salud mental.
Source: United States Attorneys General
Defendant Rostislav Panev in Custody Pending Extradition from Israel to the United States
Note: A copy of the superseding criminal complaint can be found here.
A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group.
In August, Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was arrested in Israel pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request with a view towards extradition to the United States. Panev is currently in custody in Israel pending extradition on the charges in the superseding complaint.
“The Justice Department’s work going after the world’s most dangerous ransomware schemes includes not only dismantling networks, but also finding and bringing to justice the individuals responsible for building and running them,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Three of the individuals who we allege are responsible for LockBit’s cyberattacks against thousands of victims are now in custody, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to hold accountable all those who lead and enable ransomware attacks.”
“The arrest of Mr. Panev reflects the Department’s commitment to using all its tools to combat the ransomware threat,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “We started this year with a coordinated international disruption of LockBit — the most damaging ransomware group in the world. Fast forward to today and three LockBit actors are in custody thanks to the diligence of our investigators and our strong partnerships around the world. This case is a model for ransomware investigations in the years to come.”
“The arrest of alleged developer Ratislav Panev is part of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most prolific ransomware variants across the globe,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The LockBit group has targeted both public and private sector victims around the world, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, as well as small businesses and multi-national corporations. No matter how hidden or advanced the threat, the FBI remains committed to working with our interagency partners to safeguard the cyber ecosystem and hold accountable those who are responsible for these criminal activities.”
“The criminal complaint alleges that Rotislav Panev developed malware and maintained the infrastructure for LockBit, which was once the world’s most destructive ransomware group and attacked thousands of victims, causing billions of dollars in damage,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Along with our domestic and international law enforcement partner actions to dismantle LockBit’s infrastructure, the Criminal Division has disrupted LockBit’s operations by charging seven of its key members (including affiliates, developers, and its administrator) and arresting three of these defendants — including Panev. We are especially grateful for our partnerships with authorities in Europol, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel, which show that, when likeminded countries work together, cybercriminals will find it harder to escape justice.”
“As alleged by the complaint, Rostislav Panev for years built and maintained the digital weapons that enabled his LockBit coconspirators to wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “But just like the six other LockBit members previously identified and charged by this office and our FBI and Criminal Division partners, Panev could not remain anonymous and avoid justice indefinitely. He must now answer for his crimes. Today’s announcement represents another blow struck by the United States and our international partners against the LockBit organization, and our efforts will continue relentlessly until the group is fully dismantled and its members brought to justice.”
According to the superseding complaint, documents filed in this and related cases, and statements made in court, Panev acted as a developer of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. During that time, Panev and his LockBit coconspirators grew LockBit into what was, at times, the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world. The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States. Their victims ranged from individuals and small businesses to multinational corporations, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure, and government and law-enforcement agencies. LockBit’s members extracted at least $500 million in ransom payments from their victims and caused billions of dollars in other losses, including lost revenue and costs from incident response and recovery.
LockBit’s members comprised “developers,” like Panev, who designed the LockBit malware code and maintained the infrastructure on which LockBit operated. LockBit’s other members, called “affiliates,” carried out LockBit attacks and extorted ransom payments from LockBit victims. LockBit’s developers and affiliates would then split ransom payments extorted from victims.
As alleged in the superseding complaint, at the time of Panev’s arrest in Israel in August, law enforcement discovered on Panev’s computer administrator credentials for an online repository that was hosted on the dark web and stored source code for multiple versions of the LockBit builder, which allowed LockBit’s affiliates to generate custom builds of the LockBit ransomware malware for particular victims. On that repository, law enforcement also discovered source code for LockBit’s StealBit tool, which helped LockBit affiliates exfiltrate data stolen through LockBit attacks. Law enforcement also discovered access credentials for the LockBit control panel, an online dashboard maintained by LockBit developers for LockBit’s affiliates and hosted by those developers on the dark web.
The superseding complaint also alleges that Panev exchanged direct messages through a cybercriminal forum with LockBit’s primary administrator, who, in an indictment unsealed in the District of New Jersey in May, the United States alleged to be Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev (Дмитрий Юрьевич Хорошев), also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab. In those messages, Panev and the LockBit primary administrator discussed work that needed to be done on the LockBit builder and control panel.
Court documents further indicate that, between June 2022 and February 2024, the primary LockBit administrator made a series of transfers of cryptocurrency, laundered through one or more illicit cryptocurrency mixing services, of approximately $10,000 per month to a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Panev. Those transfers amounted to over $230,000 during that period.
In interviews with Israeli authorities following his arrest in August, Panev admitted to having performed coding, development, and consulting work for the LockBit group and to having received regular payments in cryptocurrency for that work, consistent with the transfers identified by U.S. authorities. Among the work that Panev admitted to having completed for the LockBit group was the development of code to disable antivirus software; to deploy malware to multiple computers connected to a victim network; and to print the LockBit ransom note to all printers connected to a victim network. Panev also admitted to having written and maintained LockBit malware code and to having provided technical guidance to the LockBit group.
The LockBit Investigation
The superseding complaint against, and apprehension of, Panev follows a disruption of LockBit ransomware in February by the United Kingdom (U.K.)’s National Crime Agency (NCA)’s Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization’s infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit’s reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by documents filed in this case.
The superseding complaint against Panev also follows charges brought in the District of New Jersey against other LockBit members, including its alleged primary creator, developer, and administrator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev. An indictment against Khoroshev unsealed in May alleges that Khoroshev began developing LockBit as early as September 2019, continued acting as the group’s administrator through 2024, a role in which Khoroshev recruited new affiliate members, spoke for the group publicly under the alias “LockBitSupp,” and developed and maintained the infrastructure used by affiliates to deploy LockBit attacks. Khoroshev is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.
A total of seven LockBit members have now been charged in the District of New Jersey. Beyond Panev and Khoroshev, other previously charged LockBit defendants include:
The U.S. Department of State’s TOC Rewards Program is offering rewards of:
Information is accepted through the FBI tip website at tips.fbi.gov.
Khoroshev, Matveev, Sungatov, and Kondratyev have also been designated for sanctions by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their roles in launching cyberattacks.
Victim Assistance
LockBit victims are encouraged to contact the FBI and submit information at www.ic3.gov/. As announced by the Department in February, law enforcement, through its disruption efforts, has developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Submitting information at the IC3 site will enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.
LockBit victims are also encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/usao-nj/lockbit for case updates and information regarding their rights under U.S. law, including the right to submit victim impact statements and request restitution, in the criminal litigation against Panev, Astamirov, and Vasiliev.
The FBI Newark Field Office, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, is investigating the LockBit ransomware variant. Israel’s Office of the State Attorney, Department of International Affairs, and Israel National Police; France’s Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command, Paris Prosecution Office — Cyber Division, and judicial authorities at the Tribunal Judiciare of Paris; Europol; Eurojust; the U.K.’s NCA; Germany’s Landeskriminalamt Schleswig-Holstein, Bundeskriminalamt, and the Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia; Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice, Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Zurich, and Zurich Cantonal Police; Spain’s Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil; Japan’s National Police Agency; Australian Federal Police; Sweden’s Polismyndighetens; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Politie Dienst Regionale Recherche Oost-Brabant of the Netherlands; and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation have provided significant assistance and coordination in these matters and in the LockBit investigation generally.
Trial Attorneys Debra Ireland and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, David E. Malagold, and Vinay Limbachia for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the charges against Panev and the other previously charged LockBit defendants in the District of New Jersey.
The Justice Department’s Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, Office of International Affairs, and National Security Division also provided significant assistance.
Additional details on protecting networks against LockBit ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov. These include Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisories AA23-325A, AA23-165A, and AA23-075A.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Dominican Republic continues to consolidate itself as a strategic destination for foreign investment, standing out for its highly skilled human talent, favorable business climate, and geographical proximity to the United States. These factors, combined with tax incentives and a modern free trade zone ecosystem, have turned the country into a magnet for important multinational companies.
A clear example of this confidence can be seen in the recent financial operations of major global companies, including operations in the Dominican Republic. Medical technology giants Edwards Lifesciences and Becton Dickinson (BD) completed a US$4.2 billion transaction. Meanwhile, Ecolab completed the sale of its global surgical solutions unit to Medline in a transaction valued at approximately US$950 million, including most of its current operations in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the country’s attractiveness as a strategic center for manufacturing and services.
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.
BD’s acquisition of the Critical Care division of Edwards Lifesciences reflects its interest in expanding its global portfolio and strengthening its production capacity, taking advantage of the competitive advantages offered by the Dominican Republic, such as political and economic stability, a solid legal framework, attractive tax incentives, first-rate logistical connectivity, and a young and dynamic workforce.
Similarly, Medline’s operation underscores the Dominican Republic’s key role in global supply chains. The country has been instrumental in the success of its surgical solutions, including Microtek’s innovative technologies, which are known for their reliability and advanced design. This focus on innovation has enabled companies such as Medline to leverage Ecolab’s legacy of quality and strengthen their position in the global marketplace.
The Dominican Republic has positioned itself as a leader in medical device manufacturing in Latin America, thanks to developing and strengthening its free trade zones and its commitment to excellence. These BD and Medline operations are tangible proof of the confidence of major international companies in the country’s business environment and the quality of its human resources.
These investments boost national economic growth and consolidate the Dominican Republic as a reliable and strategic destination for high-impact business. With its proximity to the United States, one of the world’s largest markets, and its focus on innovation and competitiveness, the country continues to attract global leaders’ attention.
About the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSME’s (MICM)
MICM is the government body responsible for policy formulation, adoption, monitoring, evaluation, and control in the fields of industry, exports, foreign trade, free zones, special regimes, and SMEs.
Contact information
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSME’s (MICM)
Viceministry of Free Zone and Special Regimes
(1) 809-685-5171 ext 1017
www.micm.gob.do
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
FORM 8.3
PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1. KEY INFORMATION
| (a) Full name of discloser: | CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients) |
| (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. |
N/A |
| (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree |
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC |
| (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: | N/A |
| (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure |
19 DECEMBER 2024 |
| (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A” |
N/A |
2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
| Class of relevant security: | 0.375p ORDINARY | |||
| Interests | Short positions | |||
| Number | % | Number | % | |
| (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: | 9,759,076 | 1.2314 | ||
| (2) Cash-settled derivatives: | ||||
| (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: | ||||
| TOTAL: | 9,759,076 | 1.2314 | ||
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
| Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: | |
| Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: |
3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a) Purchases and sales
| Class of relevant security | Purchase/sale | Number of securities | Price per unit |
| 0.375p ORDINARY | SALE | 2,202 | 97.81p |
| 0.375p ORDINARY | SALE | 7,150 | 97.8322p |
(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions
| Class of relevant security | Product description e.g. CFD |
Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position |
Number of reference securities | Price per unit |
| NONE |
(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
| Class of relevant security | Product description e.g. call option | Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. | Number of securities to which option relates | Exercise price per unit | Type e.g. American, European etc. |
Expiry date | Option money paid/ received per unit |
| NONE |
(ii) Exercise
| Class of relevant security | Product description e.g. call option |
Exercising/ exercised against | Number of securities | Exercise price per unit |
(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
| Class of relevant security | Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion |
Details | Price per unit (if applicable) |
| NONE |
4. OTHER INFORMATION
(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
| Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none” |
|
NONE |
(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives
| Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none” |
|
NONE |
(c) Attachments
| Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? | NO |
| Date of disclosure: | 20 DECEMBER 2024 |
| Contact name: | MARK ELLIOTT |
| Telephone number: | 01253 376539 |
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Bigbank AS has confirmed the bank’s Financial Calendar for the 2025 financial year.
In 2025, Bigbank plans to disclose information according to the following schedule:
| 26.02.2025 | Q4 2024 and unaudited full year results |
| 27.02.2025 | January results |
| 05.03.2025 | Audited results for 2024 |
| 13.03.2025 | February results |
| 24.04.2025 | Q1 interim results |
| 08.05.2025 | April results |
| 12.06.2025 | May results |
| 24.07.2025 | Q2 interim results |
| 14.08.2025 | July results |
| 11.09.2025 | August results |
| 23.10.2025 | Q3 interim results |
| 13.11.2025 | October results |
| 11.12.2025 | November results |
Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.eu), with over 30 years of operating history, is a commercial bank owned by Estonian capital. As of 30 November 2024, the bank’s total assets amounted to 2.7 billion euros, with equity of 271 million euros. Operating in nine countries, the bank serves more than 150,000 active customers and employs over 500 people. The credit rating agency Moody’s has assigned Bigbank a long-term deposit rating of Ba1, as well as a baseline credit assessment (BCA) and adjusted BCA of Ba2.
Argo Kiltsmann
Member of the Management Board
Tel: +372 53 930 833
Email: Argo.Kiltsmann@bigbank.ee
www.bigbank.ee
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
FORM 8.3
PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1. KEY INFORMATION
| (a) Full name of discloser: | CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary Clients) |
| (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. |
N/A |
| (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree |
INTELLIGENT ULTRASOUND GROUP PLC |
| (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: | N/A |
| (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure |
19 DECEMBER 2024 |
| (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A” |
N/A |
2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
| Class of relevant security: | 1p ORDINARY | |||
| Interests | Short positions | |||
| Number | % | Number | % | |
| (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: | 13,771,400 | 4.2090 | ||
| (2) Cash-settled derivatives: | ||||
| (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: | ||||
| TOTAL: | 13,771,400 | 4.2090 | ||
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
| Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: | |
| Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: |
3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a) Purchases and sales
| Class of relevant security | Purchase/sale | Number of securities | Price per unit |
| NONE |
(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions
| Class of relevant security | Product description e.g. CFD |
Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position |
Number of reference securities | Price per unit |
| NONE |
(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
| Class of relevant security | Product description e.g. call option | Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. | Number of securities to which option relates | Exercise price per unit | Type e.g. American, European etc. |
Expiry date | Option money paid/ received per unit |
| NONE |
(ii) Exercise
| Class of relevant security | Product description e.g. call option |
Exercising/ exercised against | Number of securities | Exercise price per unit |
(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
| Class of relevant security | Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion |
Details | Price per unit (if applicable) |
| NONE |
4. OTHER INFORMATION
(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
| Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none” |
|
NONE |
(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives
| Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none” |
|
NONE |
(c) Attachments
| Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? | NO |
| Date of disclosure: | 20 DECEMBER 2024 |
| Contact name: | MARK ELLIOTT |
| Telephone number: | 01253 376539 |
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)
Headline: NERC 2024 Reliability Report Highlights Challenges for U.S. Electric Grid; Renewables and Storage are Key to Resilience
WASHINGTON DC, December 20, 2024 — The newly released North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment Report highlights growing concerns about the strength and resilience of the U.S. electricity grid.
According to the report, rising demand for electricity, increases in extreme weather events, and delays in connecting new resources to the grid threaten stability across the U.S.
“In response to surging demand and increasing extreme weather events, we must embrace a diverse energy mix and avoid sidelining any market-ready generation,” said American Clean Power (ACP) Association Vice President of Markets & Transmission Carrie Zalewski.
“We need to tap into the 1,000 GW of storage-hybrid facilities in the queue that can deliver low cost, flexible resources. Adding new transmission infrastructure and a diverse energy mix need to be top priorities.”
On enhancing resiliency, the report found that battery storage is outperforming expectations, providing flexibility to balance solar and wind variability, particularly during extreme weather and peak demand periods.
“Energy storage is having an outsized effect on enhancing grid reliability. ERCOT is helping make that case,” Zalewski said. “In the past year, during both winter and summer months, significant energy storage capacity additions provided ERCOT with the ability to navigate moments of stress on the grid while helping keep the lights on and produce hundreds of millions in energy cost savings in the process.”
Report Highlights:
51 percent jump in planned transmission projects over the next decade, with more than 28,000 miles of new transmission reported in planning stages, a much-needed step in expanding the grid to support renewable energy integration.
15 percent increase in summer peak demand and an 18 percent increase in winter peak demand over the next 10 years.
Both figures are considerably higher than NERC’s last assessment and driven largely by surging energy needs from data centers.
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Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)
Watch Spanish reporter Beatriz just before she goes live on TV with a breaking summit scoop.
#EUsummit #backstage #leaders #EuropeanUnion
Source: United States Navy
Spruance departed San Diego with the ABECSG and deployed to the 7th and 5th fleet area of operations, July 17, 2024.
“The Spruance crew continues to impress – there is no other team that I would rather be a part of. I am immensely proud of all that the team has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. This deployment was a test of our readiness, and our Sailors exceeded every expectation,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, Spruance. “Facing advanced missile threats and attack drones in a high-stakes environment, they demonstrated exceptional tactical precision and a war fighter mindset. From identifying incoming threats to controlling aircraft to executing flawless missile engagements, our crew neutralized every danger with unwavering focus and discipline.”
ABECSG initially deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment, highlighted by the first-ever U.S.-Italy multi-large deck event (MLDE) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group held in the Indo-Pacific on Aug. 9, 2024.
The strike group was ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to bolster U.S. military force posture in the Middle East, deter regional escalation, degrade Houthi capabilities, defend U.S. forces, and again sailed alongside our Italian allies and other partners to promote security, stability and prosperity. Assigned destroyers of the ABECSG, to include Spruance, were essential to providing a layer of defense to U.S. forces and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels and partner nations transiting in international waterways like the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
The destroyers worked alongside U.S. Central Command forces in successfully repelling multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks during transits of the Bab el-Mandeb strait. During the transits, the destroyers were attacked by one-way attack uncrewed Aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles which were successfully engaged and defeated. The vessels were not damaged and no personnel were hurt. The ships were well prepared, supported, and the well-trained Sailors successfully defended the ship.
“I am so proud of our team. Our Sailors met every challenge on this deployment with professional excellence. Sailors displayed the highest levels of teamwork, adaptability, and courage—qualities that make our Navy the finest in the world,” said Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, executive officer, Spruance. “There is no other group of Sailors who have more grit and tenacity for mission success, and they proved it.”
Throughout deployment, Spruance traveled 37,200 nautical miles, conducted 12 replenishments-at-sea, 28 sea and anchor details, Anti-Submarine Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC) controlled over 800 hours of rotary air wing control and the Air Intercept Controllers (AIC) controlled 50 live runs with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and U.S. Air Force assets. Spruance also achieved 36 re-enlistments, 37 advancements and seven officer promotions. Spruance Sailors were awarded the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Expeditionary Medal and Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for their actions in the Bab el-Mandeb.
Spruance was led by their commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, executive officer, Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, and Command Master Chief Kurtiss Vervynckt.
The ABECSG is the most capable CSG comprised of the air wing of the future, the most advance Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121) as Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander, and the Arleigh Burke destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, representing more than 6,000 Sailors, deployed from their homeports of San Diego and Pearl Harbor since July 2024.
Deploying units of the strike group include the flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), DESRON 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and Frank E. Petersen Jr. While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, assigned to DESRON 21, USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) returned to its homeport, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.
As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: United States Navy
Aircraft with PRGBs that currently meets or exceeds a predetermined flight-hour threshold will resume flights in accordance with controls instituted in the March 2024 interim flight clearance (IFC).
A new IFC, containing additional risk mitigation controls, has been issued to address aircraft with PRGBs below the flight-hour threshold. These controls will remain in place until the aircraft’s PRGBs are upgraded, or the predetermined threshold is exceeded.
NAVAIR collaborated with the Navy, Air Force Special Operations Command and the Marine Corps to implement the bulletin and IFC.
Due to operational security concerns, the specifics of the V-22 flight-hour threshold, number of aircraft affected and additional flight controls will not be released.
NAVAIR remains committed to transparency and safety regarding all V-22 operations. The V-22 plays an integral role in supporting our nation’s defense. Returning these vital assets to flight is critical to supporting our nation’s interests.
NAVAIR continuously monitors data and trends from all aircraft platforms to provide service members the safest, most reliable aircraft possible.
Source: United States Navy
After 15 locks, four Great Lakes, three port visits, and over 2,500 nautical miles traveled, USS Beloit (LCS 29) and her mighty crew at last arrived in the Atlantic Ocean, continuing her transit to its future homeport, Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
The road to make it to the Atlantic Ocean included months of preparation from the crew. In less than two months after moving onboard in August, the crew certified in several mission areas required to safely operate and get underway including: Search and Rescue, Navigation, Damage Control, Communications and Engineering.
“The Beloit Badger crew are some of the best Sailors I have served with. They are resilient, strong, flexible and dedicated, and I am blessed to be their Commanding Officer. Almost everything we have done in the past five months has been ‘high risk’ and ‘first time’, but that’s what makes us so unique,” said Cmdr. LeAndra Kissinger, Beloit’s commanding officer. We work hard, pray hard, and lean on each other as a team. We truly are a family, and when a family wants to accomplish a mission, it’s hard to stop them.”
Each evolution, although involving different departments on the ship, required careful coordination and support from each division and Sailor onboard and was necessary for the crew to be able to set sail from Marinette, Wisconsin, towards the site of its commissioning ceremony in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
On November 23, the crew took the order to “man the ship and bring her to life.” Amongst thousands of onlookers, the ship made its much anticipated transition from pre-commissioned unit to United States Ship and began her sail around home.
Her commissioning festivities included a crew visit to their namesake town of Beloit, a Chairman’s dinner hosted by the Commandant, and a commissioning ceremony who’s audience was filled with veterans from many significant battles. Along the way, she stopped in Cleveland, Ohio, Quebec City, Quebec and Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Norfolk for refueling, stores replenishment and liberty for the crew.
“This crew has shown tremendous resilience in overcoming the last 4 months. Completing difficult consecutive certifications while learning a new ship and being away from family. This team made it look easy and brought a whole new meaning to the term “Beloit Proud,” said Senior Chief David Chisholm, Beloit’s Senior Enlisted Leader. “Watching them perform under pressure and overcoming every obstacle with grace shows just how awesome our team is and their readiness to face the challenges ahead after some much needed and well-deserved family time. It is an honor to be sailing with them and representing the city of Beloit.”
Capt. James Lawrence said it best, “Don’t give up the ship.” And that’s exactly what this crew did to get us home on time!” said Operation Specialist first class petty officer Ernesto Sanchez, USS Beloit’s Sailor of the Year!
With the last port fading in the rear only a few hundred nautical miles remain before Jacksonville is within view, the crew is eagerly awaiting returning to their families and friends, and ready to take on the next mission that will come their way as the Navy’s newest warship join the fleet!
LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats and is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, visit https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/lcsron2/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/comlcsron2/
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Joint statement on the situation in Afghanistan following a G7+ meeting in Geneva
Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in Geneva on December 16, 2024 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights, Representatives of the World Bank (WB) and of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also participated in the meeting as observers.
The Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan:
Expressed grave concern over the Taliban’s decisions in December 2024 to ban women and girls from attending public and private medical training institutions; and expressed concern that this new ban will have devastating consequences for all Afghans, especially mothers and infants – both born and unborn, both boys and girls – and will further destabilize an already fragile healthcare system. These decisions, which come on the back of the Taliban’s “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice” announced in August 2024, expand upon the already over 80 repressive, discriminatory edicts aimed at excluding Afghan women and girls from education, public and economic life. We call for the immediate reversal of these unacceptable practices and policies.
Noted with grave concern recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the region, as well as the continuing threat terrorism poses to security and stability in Afghanistan; and acknowledged the Taliban actions to tackle terrorist threats from ISIS-K, while recalling the need for the Taliban to pursue actions to tackle terrorist threats, in accordance with Resolution 2593 of the United Nations Security Council and underscoring that some terrorist groups still reside safely inside Afghanistan and are able to plan and carry-out internal and cross-border terrorist strikes.
Underscored that achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan requires a credible and inclusive national dialogue leading to a constitutional order with a representative and inclusive political system, as well as accountable political leaders and the State of Afghanistan meeting its international obligations.
Emphasized the need for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2721 (2023), which took positive note of the UN’s independent assessment prepared pursuant to UNSCR 2679 (2023), encouraged member states and all other relevant stakeholders to consider implementation of its recommendations and requested the UN Secretary General to appoint a Special Envoy for Afghanistan to take forward a process between Afghan stakeholders and the international community for long term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Commended the work of the United Nations, including the UN-led Doha Process, and recognized the important and specific work of UNAMA, UN agencies present in the country, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the many international and local NGOs and other humanitarian actors that continue to support the people of Afghanistan through ongoing social and humanitarian crisis.
Reaffirmed that international NGOs are indispensable to humanitarian work in Afghanistan; and reinforced the importance of a united humanitarian response that includes representation from UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and other humanitarian actors.
Highlighted the necessity to continue helping Afghans who are suffering in the ongoing humanitarian crisis with appropriate consideration for vulnerable populations, including women and women-led households, children and members of ethnic and religious minority communities.
Looked forward to deepening engagement with neighbouring countries and other countries of the region on a joint response to the developing situation in Afghanistan, including countering potential threats such as terrorism and illegal migration to regional security and stability emanating from Afghanistan; commended the efforts of Muslim-majority countries and the OIC in engaging with the Taliban on women’s and girls’ rights and welcomed the leadership they have demonstrated on issues such as access to education and encouraged them to continue their active engagement on these and related issues.
Expressed their appreciation to Switzerland for organizing these consultations and hosting the meeting; and looked forward to this Group of Special Envoys and Representatives meeting again in the near future.
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Published 20 December 2024
Source: United States Department of Defense
The Defense Department released the 2025 Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance (CONUS COLA) rates today, and will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. In 2025, $51 million will be paid to approximately 61,000 service members stationed within CONUS.
CONUS COLA is a supplemental allowance designed to help offset higher prices in the highest-cost locations in CONUS that exceed the average costs within the CONUS. Rates can increase, decrease, or remain the same, depending upon the non-housing prices in a duty location as compared to non-housing prices in average CONUS.
By law, a contractor provides the Department civilian cost data from each military housing area (MHA) and non-MHA for the following categories: transportation, goods and services, federal income taxes, sales taxes, and miscellaneous expenses. Data is adjusted to account for Basic Allowance for Subsistence, an allowance meant to offset the costs for a member’s meals, day care subsidies, and for cost savings gained from shopping at commissaries and exchanges. This information is compared to the same cost data for average CONUS, which serves as a benchmark; the resulting ratio is called an index.
By law, a CONUS COLA rate is only prescribed when the index meets a certain threshold above the CONUS average. For 2025, the costs for non-housing types of goods and services in a particular location must be at least 7 percent more expensive than average CONUS costs to qualify for a CONUS COLA payment. An index above 107 percent would qualify for CONUS COLA (e.g., a location that is 10 percent more expensive would qualify for a 3 percent COLA index).
This year, 10 MHAs will begin receiving CONUS COLA; 6 MHAs will receive an increase in CONUS COLA; 3 MHAs will receive a decrease in CONUS COLA and 4 MHAs will no longer receive CONUS COLA.
For non-MHA areas (non-metropolitan counties), 25 counties will gain CONUS COLA, 1 county will receive a decrease in CONUS COLA and 51 counties will lose CONUS COLA.
Military housing areas with the highest CONUS COLA rates:
New York City, NY 8%
Humboldt County, CA 5%
San Francisco, CA 5%
Military housing area with the largest decrease:
New York City, NY 13% to 8%
Military housing area with the largest increase:
Humboldt County, CA 0% to 5%
The total amount of CONUS COLA a Service member receives varies based on geographic duty location, pay grade, years of service, and dependency status. Payments per CONUS COLA percentage point range from $35 to $60 per month for members with dependents, and from $27 to $46 per month for members without dependents. Service members can calculate their CONUS COLA rate at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/CONUS-COLA-Rate-Lookup/.
Additional information about CONUS COLA can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (VISCEU) has charged four people with drug offences after a search warrant was executed at a home in South Berwick.
On December 6, VISCEU with the assistance of Kings District RCMP, Kentville Police and the Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia (CISNS) executed a search warrant at a home on Buchanan Rd., as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
At the home, police safely arrested four people then located and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, scales, cellphones, firearms, cash and stolen property.
Scott Graham, 51, of Berwick; Jessie Jones, 35, of Waterville; and Theresa Atwell, 59, and Josh Jackson, 33, both from Cambridge, have been charged with:
Atwell was also charged with Possession Contrary to Order, and Jackson was also charged with Failure to Comply with Probation Order.
All four were released by the Court on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court on February 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.
Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.
File # 2024-1779565
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
RALEIGH, N.C. – Michael Lynn Russell, a 62-year-old resident of Fuquay-Varina, has been sentenced to 120 months in prison after being arrested twice for trafficking methamphetamine. Russell pled guilty on October 8, 2024.
“This sentencing reflects the commitment of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department to protecting our community from the devastating impact of methamphetamine trafficking. We are grateful for the collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office, the DEA, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and our dedicated officers who worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice. Let this serve as a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal drug activity in Fuquay-Varina,” said Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Tim Smith.
According to the court documents and other information review by the court, in August and September 2022, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department (FVPD) received information from a confidential source (CS1) that Russell was sourcing drug sales occurring at the Marquee Station Apartments in Fuquay-Varina. Law enforcement conducted surveillance on Russell between September 2022 and December 2022. On December 2, 2022, officers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the FVPD, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a traffic stop on Russell’s vehicle after he left a hotel. A K-9 officer then conducted an open-air sniff search of the car, which resulted in a positive alert for controlled substances.
A search of Russell resulted in the seizure of two large bundles of cash folded in half and rubber banded. A search of the vehicle revealed two scales, a meth pipe, torches, baggies, methamphetamine, Suboxone, hydrocodone and Adderall pills, cocaine, and a locked box containing U.S. currency. A total of $10,779.00 in cash was seized during the traffic stop. Russell was arrested following the traffic stop and released on a state bond.
From August 2022 through May 15, 2024, Russell was arrested twice each while possessing additional drugs. At sentencing Russell was found to be responsible for 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10 milligrams of hydrocodone, 11 dosage units of Suboxone, 150 milligrams of pure methamphetamine, 5 grams of cocaine, and 26 dosage units of Alprazolam. After each of his arrests, Russell admitted to his criminal activities to law enforcement.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief Judge Richard Myers. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Fuquay-Varina Police Department, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:24-cr-00142-M-BM.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lawson, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender has been sentenced in federal court for distributing child pornography over the internet.
Lance M. Berry, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Thursday, Dec. 19, to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Berry to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $33,000 in restitution to his victims.
On Aug. 7, 2024, Berry pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography over the internet.
Berry has a prior Ray County, Mo., conviction for the deviate sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, which requires him to register as a sex offender.
Berry admitted that he utilized a peer-to-peer file-sharing program on June 1, 2022, to make images and videos of child pornography available to other users over the internet. On that day, an undercover officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol was able to directly connect to Berry’s cell phone and download 14 videos of child pornography.
According to court documents, Berry’s cell phone contained 944 unique images of child pornography, including 19 images of sadistic or masochistic violence against a minor, and 168 images featuring infants or toddlers. There were an additional 40 videos of child pornography, which also included depictions of sadistic or masochistic violence and/or infants and toddlers.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the biennial, bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024 was advanced by the Senate. The bill contains several of U.S. Senator Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.) priorities for flood-impacted communities. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
“The Water Resources Development Act will help repair and strengthen Vermont’s flood-impacted infrastructure, protect our watersheds, and make our communities more resilient to extreme weather. Now more than ever, we need to support the Army Corps of Engineers as they work with our communities and the State to protect our communities from flooding,” said Senator Welch. “I look forward to President Biden signing this bipartisan bill, and I thank my colleagues Bernie and Becca for their partnership in getting these Vermont-focused priorities over the finish line.”
The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform vital projects including flood control, water navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Senator Welch’s priorities for Vermont in the bill include:
Lowering the Non-Federal Cost-Share of the Lake Champlain Watershed Environmental Assistance Program for Vermont: With this legislation, the cost share will be 10% non-federal for underserved communities, down from 35%. This change will make the program more affordable to the towns that most need it.
Lowering the State of Vermont Cost-Share for Work on the Waterbury, Wrightsville, and East Barre Dams: The cost share for the three dams would be lowered to roughly 7.1% non-federal, down from 35% for East Barre and Wrightsville. (This cost share adjustment was achieved for Waterbury in the 2022 WRDA reauthorization.) Wrightsville’s dam was nearly breached in the July 2023 floods, and this change will make projects on these three dams more affordable for the state of Vermont in the future.
Authorizing a New Flood Control Study of the Winooski River: This bill will authorize a new flood control study of the Winooski River watershed, which would examine how to make the Winooski River and neighboring communities along the river more resilient to future floods and other climate change-fueled natural disasters.
Reauthorizing the Aquatic Plant Control Program: The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program is valuable to Vermont’s efforts to combat the spread of water chestnut, a nonnative plant that has threatened to disrupt ecosystems and water access in Lake Champlain. Reauthorization ensures the state can continue using the program in years to come.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Media Relations
premier.media@gov.bc.ca
https://news.gov.bc.ca/31821