Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of the Department of Defense.
“Instead of addressing legitimate concerns about his qualifications, Pete Hegseth has repeatedly deflected tough questions and failed to demonstrate he has the experience or temperament required for this critical position. We need steady and accountable leadership to lead the world’s best fighting forces. Pete Hegseth should not be that leader.”
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Kristi Noem to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:
“The Trump administration’s immigration policies – from ending asylum as we know it to targeting DREAMers, TPS recipients, and U.S. citizen children of immigrants – won’t make Nevadans any safer. We need commonsense border security and real solutions to crack down on drug and human trafficking, not political games. Kristi Noem’s embrace of President Trump’s chaotic agenda will hurt Nevada communities, and I cannot support her confirmation.”
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street on Fox Business to discuss energy policy, the Senate confirmation process, reconciliation and tax cuts.
Audio and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.
[embedded content]
VIDEO
On Trump’s actions to unleash American energy:
‘I might say about all the actions [President Trump has] taken in the first 48 hours [in office] is like a tornado going through Washington, D.C. This town needs a shakeup, and I think he’s doing it.
“For decades I’ve always said, ‘The best energy program is all of the above.’ That means all the fossil fuels we need, all the alternative energy we can have, conservation and nuclear. And I think [Trump’s] headed in that right direction. It’s going to have a very strong ripple effect through the entire economy…
“Every service, every product that we buy has an energy component to it. When we have cheaper energy, we’re going to see cheaper prices paid for almost everything.”
On the confirmation process:
“If [Democrats] don’t agree to unanimous consent to bring a nomination up, you’ve got to have a separate vote to bring it up, and then you have unlimited debate. You have to have 51 votes to stop debate, and even after you have 51 votes to stop debate, then there’s 30 hours of debate possible afterwards. If people don’t yield back that time, that stretches out most nominees to a two- or three-day process…
“This president has a popular mandate and an electoral mandate [that] he’s got to deliver [on]. The Democrats should realize that and let the cabinet people get in place, so this mandate can get underway very quickly. Until you get those cabinet people in their positions, this town doesn’t move as quickly as it otherwise would.”
On reconciliation:
“If we have two big, beautiful bills, [President Trump] will still use the same adjectives, only one number will change. We’re going to get the job done either way. I saw the President on Fox News [with Sean Hannity], and he did make clear that he likes one bill, but he says — ‘One bill or two bills, as long as we get the job done, i’s ok with him’… Our meeting at the White House with the House and Senate Republican leadership [this week] was a very productive meeting, and helps move things along very well. And so I’m very hopeful that we’re going to be able to get this mandate delivered very quickly.”
On renewing the 2017 Trump tax cuts:
“I think the tax extensions will take a little longer. Of course, we in the Senate have to wait until the House passes a bill, that’s the way the Constitution [approaches] tax legislation. But we’re not going to sit around and wait for the House. Going way back to September, anticipating a big Trump victory, we set up six working groups within the Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee, and we’re well along on the goals that we want to accomplish in the Senate bill.”
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Kristi Noem as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in a vote of 59- 34.
A statement from Secretary Noem on her confirmation is below:
“As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure. One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system.
“The Trump Administration will once-again empower our brave men and women in law enforcement to do their jobs and remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs from our country. We will fully equip our intelligence and law enforcement to detect and prevent terror threats and will deliver rapid assistance and disaster relief to Americans in crisis.
“I thank President Trump and the US Senate for their trust in me. Together, we will ensure that the United States, once again, is a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come.”
Prior to her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Noem served as South Dakota’s 33rd Governor and first ever female governor. A rancher, farmer, and small business owner, Noem served in the South Dakota legislature for years and was later elected to serve as South Dakota’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Headline: US Senate Confirms Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security
ASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Kristi Noem as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in a vote of 59- 34. A statement from Secretary Noem on her confirmation is below: “As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure. One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system. “The Trump Administration will once-again empower our brave men and women in law enforcement to do their jobs and remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs from our country. We will fully equip our intelligence and law enforcement to detect and prevent terror threats and will deliver rapid assistance and disaster relief to Americans in crisis. “I thank President Trump and the US Senate for their trust in me. Together, we will ensure that the United States, once again, is a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come.” Prior to her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Noem served as South Dakota’s 33rd Governor and first ever female governor. A rancher, farmer, and small business owner, Noem served in the South Dakota legislature for years and was later elected to serve as South Dakota’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“On November 5, the American people sent a resounding message – the open border policies of the Biden-Harris administration were a failure and have led them to feel unsafe in their own communities,” Senator Capito said. “We need someone at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security who is going to faithfully execute the law and secure our borders, while balancing the broad responsibilities of DHS that encompass cybersecurity, disaster relief and recovery, and air and coastal security. I believe that Kristi Noem is the person to do it. Having served with Governor Noem in the House of Representatives, I have seen firsthand her tenacity and strength, and I look forward to working with her and the Trump administration make America safe again.”
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NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG), relating to the proposed merger with Omnicom Group Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Interpublic shareholders will own 39.4% of the combined company.
Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTS), relating to the proposed merger with Lucero Energy Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, Vitesse stockholders are expected to own approximately 80% of the Company and Lucero shareholders are expected to own 20%.
Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVTE), relating to a proposed merger with Jade Biosciences. Under the terms of the agreement, pre-merger Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company, while pre-merger Jade stockholders are expected to own approximately 98.4% of the combined entity.
Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (NASDAQ:MHLD), relating to the proposed merger with Kestrel Group LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, each issued and outstanding common share of Maiden will be converted into the right to receive one common share in the combined company.
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Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday without interrupting its operations in the country at a time heightened security concerns.
The UN mission in DR Congo, MONUSCO, is relocating administrative staff and others in North Kivu that can continue performing their duties from elsewhere in response to the deteriorating security situation and intensifying hostilities involving the non-State armed group M23, a Rwandan-backed movement fighting against the Congolese Government.
“This precautionary measure safeguards staff safety while ensuring the UN’s vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted,” MONUSCO said in a statement.
“This transfer does not affect the UN’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu.”
Situation worsening
The area has seen a repeated resurgence of non-State armed groups in the past. Clashes between the M23 and Congolese Government troops intensified earlier this month.
According to news agencies, combatants from M23 killed the military governor of North Kivu on Thursday as the general was inspecting the border.
Some 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu since the beginning of this year alone, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
On Friday, the UN agency’s chief of office in Goma, Abdoulaye Barry, told UN News in an exclusive interview that the situation is becoming increasingly unsafe for both civilians and aid teams.
A camp for displaced people in North Kivu in DR Congo.
Essential staff remain on the ground
Essential UN personnel are remaining on the ground, sustaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter and protection for vulnerable communities.
At the same time, the UN is working closely with humanitarian partners and national authorities to ensure lifesaving assistance reaches those most in need and prevent any threat against civilians.
The temporary relocation of staff will be reassessed based on the evolution of the security situation, with the aim of fully restoring the presence as soon as conditions allow.
“The United Nations reaffirms its deep commitment to the people of North Kivu,” the UN mission said.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the fighting, noting that the conflict has taken a devastating toll on the Congolese and the entire region.
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a St. Francois County man who stole firearms and other items from a farm and home store in Potosi, Missouri to 77 months in prison.
Judge Autrey also ordered Gregory Snyder, 46, to pay $11,484 in restitution for the stolen items.
On Sept. 19, 2021, Snyder hid in the store, emerging after closing time. He stole power tools, camping gear and 13 guns, including eight rifles and five shotguns. Snyder loaded the guns and some of the other stolen goods in his car, and then took them to a river in eastern Washington County. He returned early the next morning for more, but by then, Potosi Police Department officers had spotted evidence of the burglary. They stopped and questioned Snyder, who no longer had the stolen goods in his car. They arrested Snyder later that day.
Snyder, of Bismarck, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in August to theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of body armor by a violent felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Potosi Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Nino Przulj prosecuted the case.
Two of the shotguns have been recovered. Anyone with information about the rest of the stolen firearms is asked to contact the ATF at 314-768-3120 or online at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips or the Potosi Police at 573-438-5468.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
WASHINGTON – Senator Amy Klobuchar issued the following statement on reports that inspectors general from multiple federal agencies have been dismissed:
“Independent inspectors general are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the federal government—as well as to preventing improper political influence or favoritism. It is alarming that President Trump is firing inspectors general from agencies across the federal government, including the Department of Agriculture, removing critical checks on his power. Now more than ever the responsibility will fall to Congress to conduct oversight and ensure these agencies are working for the American people, not special interests.”
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“It was marvellous to see the huge turnouts at today’s Farmers’ Protest over the Government’s punitive death tax on family farms.
“I attended the Ballymena protest in which over 300 tractors took part. It was great to see the determination among farmers to keep the pressure on the government over this vital issue.
“I will continue the fight on their behalf despite the size of the government’s majority, believing that in the end this ruinous policy is unsustainable. With farmers united across the United Kingdom on the issue, the government must be made to continue to feel the pressure until they retreat from burying family farms under the weight of their greedy death taxes.”
It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.
The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.
o We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.
o We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.
o We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.
All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.
I have committed my life to warfighters and their families. Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time. Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.
Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!
At this sombre occasion, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Dear Friends,
This year marks eighty years since the end of the Holocaust.
The history of the Holocaust is one of total moral collapse, dehumanisation, complicity, and unimaginable atrocities. But amidst all the horror, there are also stories of humanity, and of courage.
I think of those victims who resisted Nazi brutality and supported one another with kindness and solidarity. I think of those survivors who have told their stories to the world, including Rabbi Schneier and others present today. We owe you — and the children of survivors who made sure those stories lived on – a profound debt of gratitude. And I think of those noble people of conscience who may not have been targeted by the Nazis but were so horrified by what they saw that they felt compelled to act.
That includes a number of diplomats who used their power to save lives. They were from a variety of countries, including many represented here today.
One important example from my own country, Portugal, is Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Stationed in Bordeaux, as the Nazis approached in 1940, Sr. Sousa Mendes faced crowds desperate for visas out of France.
The orders of the Portuguese Government were clear. The infamous “Circular 14” had been issued, denying visas for refugees’ safe passage to Portugal – with Jews named specifically. Sr. Sousa Mendes decided to disobey, and worked quite literally day and night to issue thousands of visas, saving countless lives.
The government punished Sr. Sousa Mendes for his defiance. He died in poverty, after being expelled from the diplomatic corps without pension. But his extraordinary efforts have not been forgotten. In 1966, he was recognised as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, and, last year, I was pleased to support the opening of a museum in his honour in Portugal.
In these days of global turmoil, rising antisemitism, and growing hate towards many communities, it is vital that we remember the stories of people like Sr. Sousa Mendes, who used their power for good in the worst of times. They remind us that it is our duty – individually and collectively – to stand with humanity and against bigotry and discrimination.
In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the United Nations has launched an Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. We have long worked to combat this evil, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach program. This new Plan builds on that work, and the insights of people like Rabbi Schneier, to recommend ways the United Nations system will further enhance efforts to combat antisemitism.
This goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust. We will never waiver in the fight for a world that promotes and protects the human rights of all.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 59 to 34, the United States Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) voted in support of her nomination. Noem and Cramer served in the U.S. House of Representatives together for three terms. The South Dakota Governor asked Cramer to serve as her Senate “Sherpa,” helping her navigate the confirmation process.
“Kristi Noem is tough and determined, and the right person to implement President Trump’s number one promise to the American people,” said Cramer. “We need her leadership now more than ever to crack down on illegal immigration, stop the devastating flow of drugs, secure our borders, and restore safety to communities across the nation. I applaud the Senate for swiftly confirming her nomination, and I look forward to working with my friend and fellow Dakotan to Make America Safe Again.”
Cramer joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune in introducing Noem during the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, advocating for her qualifications and experience. In his introduction Cramer said, “Securing the homeland is our first Constitutional priority. It is the number one priority of the voters, and it is the top priority for President Trump. Naturally, he asked the toughest, smartest, most capable protector he knows, Kristi Noem, to lead DHS. She’s a rancher, mom, and grandmother from the prairies who knows how to protect her own.”
Last week, Noem’s nomination passed out of committee with a 13-2 vote. During her confirmation hearing, Cramer highlighted the overwhelming support for Noem’s leadership, pointing to letters of endorsement from key stakeholders, including leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe located in North Dakota and South Dakota, who emphasized the importance of her commitment to strengthening national security and community safety.
At this sombre occasion, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Dear Friends,
This year marks eighty years since the end of the Holocaust.
The history of the Holocaust is one of total moral collapse, dehumanisation, complicity, and unimaginable atrocities. But amidst all the horror, there are also stories of humanity, and of courage.
I think of those victims who resisted Nazi brutality and supported one another with kindness and solidarity. I think of those survivors who have told their stories to the world, including Rabbi Schneier and others present today. We owe you — and the children of survivors who made sure those stories lived on – a profound debt of gratitude. And I think of those noble people of conscience who may not have been targeted by the Nazis but were so horrified by what they saw that they felt compelled to act.
That includes a number of diplomats who used their power to save lives. They were from a variety of countries, including many represented here today.
One important example from my own country, Portugal, is Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Stationed in Bordeaux, as the Nazis approached in 1940, Sr. Sousa Mendes faced crowds desperate for visas out of France.
The orders of the Portuguese Government were clear. The infamous “Circular 14” had been issued, denying visas for refugees’ safe passage to Portugal – with Jews named specifically. Sr. Sousa Mendes decided to disobey, and worked quite literally day and night to issue thousands of visas, saving countless lives.
The government punished Sr. Sousa Mendes for his defiance. He died in poverty, after being expelled from the diplomatic corps without pension. But his extraordinary efforts have not been forgotten. In 1966, he was recognised as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, and, last year, I was pleased to support the opening of a museum in his honour in Portugal.
In these days of global turmoil, rising antisemitism, and growing hate towards many communities, it is vital that we remember the stories of people like Sr. Sousa Mendes, who used their power for good in the worst of times. They remind us that it is our duty – individually and collectively – to stand with humanity and against bigotry and discrimination.
In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the United Nations has launched an Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. We have long worked to combat this evil, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach program. This new Plan builds on that work, and the insights of people like Rabbi Schneier, to recommend ways the United Nations system will further enhance efforts to combat antisemitism.
This goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust. We will never waiver in the fight for a world that promotes and protects the human rights of all.
Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in some damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.
Staff continue to be on site carrying out health and safety inspections and providing services from early this morning. Teams from across all Council services have been meeting and co-ordinating efforts throughout the weekend and this work will continue over the coming days.
The health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority and for that reason we would encourage the public to be patient and to expect some delays to services.
As we continue to work with partner agencies work to assess and remedy damage caused by Storm Éowyn members of the public should exercise caution when close to obvious debris and damage, including power lines. The public are also advised to take note of further yellow weather warnings in place over the weekend relating to winds, snow and ice and to take the appropriate measures to keep them and their property safe. Please follow the Met Office for updates.
Bin collections
Refuse Collection crews are out working today servicing bins that were missed from Fridaydq. For any bins not emptied today the advice is to make contact with our Customer Services Team on 028 71 374107 on Monday morning or by email at refuse&[email protected] and arrangements will be made to have them emptied as soon as possible.
Cemeteries and outdoor sites
The City Cemetery, Ballyoan, Altnagelvin and Strabane Cemeteries are all open to the public. Users are strongly advised to take due care and attention at all facilities both for fallen trees and for slippy pathways. The public are urged not to visit historical sites. Our staff are on site to clear all main arterial routes at our facilities as a priority.
Recycling Centres
All of our recycling centres, with the exception of Plumbridge, are open.
Leisure Centres
All Council Leisure centres are open as normal.
Community Assistance
All of our Leisure Centres are open and available to the public who are without power or water and who require assistance with heat, tea/coffee and phone charging and shower facilities. We have extended the opening hours at Templemore, Melvin and Derg Valley Leisure Centre to 10pm tonight, Saturday.
Tomorrow Sunday, Templemore, Foyle Arena and Melvin will be open from 9am – 6pm while Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres will open from 1pm – 6pm
Council facilities
The Guildhall, Tower Museum and the Alley Theatre are open and operating as normal.
Street cleansing
Our street cleansing teams have been out and about from this early morning servicing the city and towns and working with grounds maintenance teams to make sure Council facilities are safe to access.
Grass pitches
All Council grass pitches and 3g pitches will remain closed for the weekend. User groups are being contacted.
Parks and play parks
Ongoing health and safety inspections are ongoing today to get as many of our parks, play areas and greenways open to the public. There are several trees down at the Bay Road and Strathfoyle greenways and a number of other parks, we have teams out on site carrying out clearance and repair works. The public are asked to avoid areas where there are trees and to take due care and attention as there may be debris or fallen branches etc.
Again, the public are asked to be patient and expect some delays to opening of facilities after the storm to allow these checks and possible clean-up work to be carried out.
Looking ahead
Please take note of further weather warnings in place over the weekend including a YELLOW warning for SNOW & ICE for Northern Ireland between 1800hrs on Saturday 25th and 1000hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts and a YELLOW warning for WIND for Northern Ireland between 1000hrs and 1900hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts
Strong winds affecting Northern Ireland, potentially disrupting transport and infrastructure
“Today the world celebrates as President Trump secured the release of four more Israeli hostages who were, for far too long, held against their will by Hamas in horrific conditions. The United States will continue with its great partner Israel to push for the release of all remaining hostages and the pursuit of peace throughout the region.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In connection with a murder and wounding case happened in Yuen Long on January 22, Police further arrested two 22-year-old men for murder and wounding, and a 20-year-old woman for conspiracy to wounding in Tin Shui Wai, Tsing Yi and Yuen Long respectively yesterday (January 24).
In the murder and wounding case, a 24-year-old man died and a 28-year-old man was injured.
Together with the arrests made earlier, Police arrested a total of eight men and one woman, aged 19 to 27. Among them, Police today (January 25) laid holding charges against the 20-year-old man and the 22-year-old man each with one count of murder and one count of wounding. The 20-year-old man was also laid holding charges with one count of driving without a valid license and one count of driving without third party insurance. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts in the morning of January 27.
Besides, the four male arrestees, aged 22 to 26, were released on bail and are required to report back to Police in late February. The 20-year-old female arrestee is being detained for further enquiries.
For the two men who had been charged earlier, the case was mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts this morning.
Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3356.
With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, the Government’s principal officials started travelling to all 18 districts throughout the city today to visit different families for four consecutive days and distribute blessing bags in celebration of the festival.
The year-end caring visits in 18 districts are co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department.
Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, accompanied by representatives from the District Services & Community Care Team, visited singleton elderly households living in Oi Man Estate, Ho Man Tin to learn more about their daily lives, wishing them a healthy and happy Year of the Snake.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited an elderly family and an ethnic minority family living on Oak Street in Tai Kok Tsui and Reclamation Street in Mong Kok respectively to understand their daily lives and needs.
Additionally, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui visited grassroots families and elderly people living in Yat Tung (l) Estate, Tung Chung.
Meanwhile, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee visited singleton and doubleton elderly households living in Wah Fu Estate, Southern District.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin prices stabilizing around $100,000, analysts predict a high-volatility phase in the market. To help traders seize this opportunity, BexBack Exchange introduces an exceptional promotional package: a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading. Plus, with a No KYC policy, BexBack ensures a private and seamless trading experience.
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Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
PARIS, France, January 25, 2025/APO Group/ —
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), through its subsidiary EVOSPORT, today announced a new collaboration to support youth basketball in Morocco. The collaboration marks the league’s most expansive youth basketball development programming ever in Morocco and makes UM6P an official partner of NBA Africa.
UM6P is a Moroccan university that focuses on developing solutions to specific continental and, more broadly, global challenges. The university is engaged in economic and human development and puts innovation at the forefront of African growth. In alignment with this vision, UM6P has launched EVOSPORT, its subsidiary dedicated to sports development, with the ambition of contributing to the creation of a dynamic and sustainable Moroccan and African sports ecosystem.
The collaboration between NBA Africa and UM6P will be implemented by EVOSPORT, in collaboration with Act4Community, which is a part of OCP Group’s ecosystem. Together, they will launch four Jr. NBA leagues that will reach nearly 2,000 boys and girls ages 18 and under annually in Khouribga, Gantour, Laayoune and El Jadida, as well as Morocco’s first NBA Basketball Schools in all four locations. More than 200 local coaches will also participate in Jr. NBA Coaches Workshops in each city.
The announcement was made today at a signing ceremony at UM6P France in Paris, the university’s branch in Europe, by UM6P President Hicham El Habti, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi and Basketball Africa League (BAL) President Amadou Gallo Fall.
“We have seen firsthand through our previous initiatives in Morocco that there is incredible passion for basketball across the country,” said Akamanzi. “Together with UM6P and ahead of the first BAL games in Morrocco in April, we look forward to significantly expanding our youth basketball development efforts in the country and providing opportunities for thousands of Moroccan youth to learn and play the game.”
“We are thrilled to work with NBA Africa to bring this transformative youth basketball program to Morocco,” said El Habti. “At UM6P, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and develop young minds. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and contribute to the socio-economic development of Africa. Through EVOSPORT, we are committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive and achieve their full potential.”
UM6P, as a key component of OCP Group’s ecosystem, has significantly contributed to the group’s long-standing commitment to sports development in Morocco. The collaboration with NBA Africa supports the youth targeted by the Act4Community program and reflects OCP Group’s corporate social responsibility aiming for sustainable and tangible improvements in living standards through job creation, entrepreneurship, culture and sports.
The announcement builds on NBA Africa’s and the OCP Group’s previous collaboration that has featured previous Jr. NBA leagues in the cities of Benguerir and Khouribga. NBA Africa has reached more than 100,000 Moroccan youth and coaches through youth basketball development programming to date.
LONDON, Jan. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The GameFi sector, a fusion of gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi), has emerged as a groundbreaking space within blockchain technology. Among the standout projects transforming this industry is Monsta Mash, a GameFi ecosystem that has achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising over $1 million in its presale stage. With its innovative approach and ambitious roadmap, Monsta Mash is carving its place as a leader in the GameFi landscape.
GameFi, short for “Game Finance,” merges traditional gaming elements with blockchain to offer players unique opportunities to earn real-world rewards through gameplay. Leveraging models like Play-to-Earn (P2E) and Tap-to-Earn (T2E), players can acquire cryptocurrencies or other digital assets. This combination of entertainment and financial incentives has fueled exponential growth in the sector, which is expected to reach $126.17 billion by 2032, according to market forecasts.
The Monsta Ecosystem: A GameFi Powerhouse
Monsta Mash distinguishes itself by combining action-packed gaming with blockchain technology. Built on the fast and scalable Solana network, the platform delivers an immersive gaming experience that overcomes the limitations of traditional GameFi projects. Its utility token, $MASH, is the core of this ecosystem, enabling players to convert in-game victories into tangible rewards.
The app, “Cryptids – Monsta Mash,” is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, with download milestones demonstrating its growing popularity among blockchain gaming enthusiasts. With a $0.00365 token presale price, Monsta Mash has attracted significant investor interest, including cryptocurrency whales, setting the stage for its projected price surge to $8 by the end of 2025.
The Journey Through Presale Stages
Monsta Mash’s presale journey is a testament to its potential and strong investor confidence. The platform had already secured over $1 million in funding. As it progresses through subsequent presale stages, the $MASH token price is projected to rise, offering early investors significant returns. Analysts predict $MASH will exceed $4 by mid-2025, making it one of the most promising tokens in the blockchain gaming space.
Monsta Mash’s rise reflects broader trends in the GameFi industry, which has seen remarkable growth in unique active wallets and user engagement. As blockchain gaming evolves, Monsta Mash is positioning itself as a leader by providing a blend of financial opportunity and engaging gameplay. Its innovative use of Solana’s capabilities ensures scalability and a seamless user experience, further solidifying its competitive edge over established ecosystems like Gala and The Sandbox.
Why Join the GameFi Movement with Monsta Mash?
For those eager to explore the GameFi industry, Monsta Mash offers a gateway to unparalleled opportunities. With its robust ecosystem, exciting gameplay, and the potential for financial gains, Monsta Mash invites players and investors alike to be part of the next big wave in blockchain gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or new to decentralized technology, Monsta Mash provides an accessible and rewarding entry point into the dynamic world of GameFi.
Don’t miss your chance to join this revolution. Dive into the Monsta Mash ecosystem today and embrace the future of gaming and finance. Visit their official website and secure your $MASH tokens before the next big leap! Use Code “MONSTA50” for an additional 50% bonus.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by “Cryptids Game”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
What is the current situation in North and South Kivu with regards to this crisis?
Since December 2024, several fronts have been opened in the two provinces to control certain key positions. In Lubero territory, in North Kivu, the conflict resumed in December with massive population displacement. It continued in Masisi territory, where intense fighting took place in January 2025, particularly for control of the town of Masisi Centre, before moving down towards South Kivu, to Minova and Numbi in Kalehe territory.
During the hostilities, the M23/AFC managed to take control of several towns. In recent days the fighting has moved closer to the provincial capital of Goma, with intense clashes in Sake, just 20 kilometres from the city. Artillery explosions can be heard regularly from Goma. Fighting is taking place on all the roads around Goma and has led to a new influx of displaced people into the city, including from some camps on the outskirts of the city where people flee towards Goma, in a situation of panic.
How is this situation affecting the population?
Unsurprisingly, the humanitarian consequences for the population are very serious. Hundreds of thousands of people have once again fled the fighting. According to the United Nations, 400,000 people have already fled since January. Tens of thousands headed for displacement sites around Goma, where more than 650,000 people were already living, exhausted by almost three years of fighting. The clashes in recent weeks have led to a new influx of people into these completely unhygienic sites where – as we have been saying for far too long – families are surviving without proper shelter and lacking everything: food, water, health care, etc.
Unfortunately, these sites are not spared from the fighting. Rockets are being fired near these camps or the health facilities where people have sought shelter. It’s appalling and unacceptable. We are also seeing a very worrying proportion of civilians among the hundreds of wounded we are helping to treat. Some are victims of stray bullets, but others are victims of the warring parties’ failure to respect certain basic rules of conflict. In Masisi, the hospital we support came under fire while more than 10,000 people were seeking shelter. Two people were hit just outside the hospital and two of our staff were injured by rocket fire. The presence of combatants or artillery positions in close proximity to health facilities and camps for internally displaced people puts lives at immediate risk. It is important for everyone to remember that even war has its rules.
What is MSF’s current response on the ground?
We are doing our utmost to maintain our regular and emergency activities, but in some areas we have had to limit the risks by reducing the size of our teams. Around Goma, for example, direct armed violence has reduced our ability to go to certain affected sites over the past two days, although we continue to supply medical facilities, help them prepare for an influx of wounded, and bring in fuel to run water pumps as soon as conditions allow. This allows these facilities to continue to function, even with a more limited presence of our teams.
In Goma itself, we continue to support the Kyeshero Hospital to treat some of the wounded and to relieve the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is on the front line treating the wounded at the Ndosho hospital. It is clear that the hospitals in Goma are completely overwhelmed by the number of wounded.
In the rest of North and South Kivu, despite the security and logistical challenges and restrictions on movement, we are maintaining our presence and continuing to treat patients, including the wounded. In three weeks, nearly 400 casualties have been treated at the Minova General Referral Hospital, the Numbi Hospital Centre and the Masisi General Referral Hospital. We are also continuing to support displaced people in more remote areas, such as Lubero, where we are also working to improve access to water in health facilities and at the Magasin site for displaced people.
Headline: Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors
Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors
LOS ANGELES – Wildfires have burned through more than 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County since January 7. Now, weather authorities are forecasting possible rain showers for the weekend. It may be a good time for residents of areas impacted by the wildfires to prepare for the hazardous by-products of fire and rain: flooding, debris flows and mudslides. Large-scale Wildfires Can Lead to Flooding and Debris Flows Where intense fires occur, soils can develop a top layer that repels water due to charred remnants of organic material. Normally, live vegetation sucks up rain, reducing runoff, but wildfires leave the ground barren. Unable to absorb the rain, the soil succumbs to flooding. The flood risk can remain elevated from two to five years. Debris flows are fast-moving slurries of material — water, rock, soil, vegetation, and even boulders and trees — that rush downhill. Mudslides flow down slopes that become saturated and collapse. Californians who live downhill or downstream from burnt areas are at the greatest risk for dangerous debris flows. Even smaller debris flows can be dangerous.What Individuals in Burn-scarred Areas Can DoPost-fire flooding can be unpredictable because surface changes from the fire are not always obvious. Wildfire survivors should learn to recognize the signs of coming flood events: soil that is crunchy to walk on; increased slope erosion; or even unusual sounds from the surrounding terrain — mudslides and debris flows can be loud. When the rain comes:With rain in the forecast, elevate your valuables to higher points in your home, pack a “go-bag” and make an exit plan.Watch where the water goes. If you see gullies, rapid flooding, debris flows or mudslides in your area, check local media for alerts and prepare to evacuate. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) actively monitors flooding activity and issues alerts when an area is at risk. Avoid debris; it can include sharp and heavy hidden objects that can cause serious injury and worse. Heed the guidance of local authorities. With flooding events come health hazards, including broken utility lines and disrupted infrastructure. Sign up for local emergency alerts.Just one inch of floodwater can cause costly damage to your home, but most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You may consider purchasing flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by FEMA. You can purchase flood insurance coverage at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period after you’ve paid the premium before the policy becomes effective. For more information about the NFIP, visit fema.gov/flood-insurance or call 877-336-2627. barbara.murien… Sat, 01/25/2025 – 13:49
A co-founder of a national Palestinian solidarity network in Aotearoa New Zealand today praised the “heroic” resilience and sacrifice of the people of Gaza in the face of Israel’s ruthless attempt to destroy the besieged enclave of more than 2 million people.
Speaking at the first solidarity rally in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau since the fragile ceasefire came into force last Sunday, Janfrie Wakim of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) also paid tribute to New Zealand protesters who have supported the Palestine cause for the 68th week.
“Thank you all for coming to this rally — the first since 7 October 2023 when no bombs are dropping on Gaza,” she declared.
“The ceasefire in Gaza is fragile but let’s celebrate the success of the resistance, the resilience, and the fortitude — the sumud [steadfastness] — of the heroic Palestinian people.
“Israel has failed. It has not achieved its aims — in the longest war [15 weeks] in its history — even with $40 billion in aid from the United States. It has failed to depopulate the north of Gaza, it has a crumbling economy, and 1 million Israelis [out if 9 million] have left already.”
Wakim said that the resistance and success in defeating Israel’s “deadly objectives” had come at a “terrible cost”.
“We mourn those with families here and in Gaza and now in the West Bank who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives — 47,000 people killed, 18,000 of them children, thousands unaccounted for in the rubble and over 100,000 injured.
Grieving for journalists, humanitarian workers “We grieve for but salute the journalists and the humanitarian workers who have been murdered serving humanity.”
Janfrie Wakim speaking at today’s Palestine rally in Tamaki Makaurau. Video: APR
She said the genocide had been enabled by the wealthiest countries in the world and the Western media — “including our own with few exceptions”.
“Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel would not have been able to commit its atrocities,” Wakim said.
“And now while we celebrate the ceasefire there’s been an escalation on the West Bank — air strikes, drones, snipers, ethnic cleansing in Jenin with homes and infrastructure being demolished.
“Checkpoints have doubled to over 900 — sealing off communities. And still the Palestinians resist.
“And we must too. Solidarity. Unity of purpose is all important. Bury egos. Let humanity triumph.”
Palestinian liberation advocate Janfrie Wakim . . . “Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel could not have been able to commit its atrocities.” Image: David Robie/APR
90-year-old supporter During her short speech, Wakim introduced to the crowd the first Palestinian she had met in New Zealand, Ghazi Dassouki, who is now aged 90.
She met him at a Continuing Education seminar at the University of Auckland in 1986 that addressed the topic of “The Palestine Question”. It shocked the establishment of the time with Zionist complaints and intimidation of staff which prevented any similar academic event until 2006.
Wakim called for justice for the Palestinians.
“Freedom from occupation. Liberation from apartheid. And peace at last after 76 years of subjugation and oppression by Israel and its allies,” she said
She called on supporters to listen to what was being suggested for local action — “do what suits your situation and energy. Our task is to persist, as Howard Zinn put it”.
“When we organise with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress,” she said.
“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
Introduced to the Auckland protest crowd today . . . Ghazi Dassouki, who is now aged 90.
As a symbol for peace and justice in Palestine, slices of water melon and dates were handed out to the crowd.
Calls to block NZ visits by IDF soldiers Among many nationwide rallies across Aotearoa New Zealand this weekend, were many calls for the government to suspend entry to the country from soldiers in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
“New Zealand should not be providing rest and recreation for Israeli soldiers fresh from the genocide in Gaza,” said PSNA national chair John Minto.
“We wouldn’t allow Russian soldiers to come here for rest and recreation from the invasion of Ukraine so why would we accept soldiers from the genocidal, apartheid state of Israel?”
As well as the working holiday visa, since 2019 Israelis have been able to enter New Zealand for three months without needing a visa at all.
This visa-waiver is used by Israeli soldiers for “rest and recreation” from the genocide in Gaza.
Minto stressed that IDF soldiers had killed at least 47,000 Palestinians — 70 percent of them women and children.
“All these red flags for genocide have been visible for months but the government is still giving the green light to those involved in war crimes to enter New Zealand,” Minto said.
Last month, PSNA again wrote to the government asking for the suspension of travel to New Zealand for all Israeli soldiers and reservists.
Meanwhile, 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails have been set free under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Seventy of them will be deported to countries in the region, reports Al Jazeera.
Masses of people have congregated in Ramallah, celebrating the return of the released Palestinian prisoners.
A huge crowd waved Palestinian flags, shouted slogans and captured the joyful scene with their phones and live footage shows.
The release came after Palestinian fighters earlier handed over four female Israeli soldiers who had been held in Gaza to the International Red Cross in Palestine Square.
The smiling and waving soldiers appeared to be in good health and were in high spirits.
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
January 24, 2025
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense:
“Pete Hegseth is woefully unqualified to serve as the Secretary of Defense. His history of misconduct is disqualifying on its own, and his personal beliefs on the role of women in combat and the laws of war are an insult to our men and women in uniform. Pete Hegseth’s main qualification for this job is his commitment to pursuing a brazenly political agenda at the behest of President Trump and his confirmation will come at a serious cost to U.S. national security.”
NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plume Network, the first full-stack L1 RWA Chain, announced today a major expansion of its cross-chain ecosystem with the planned deployment of SkyLink across 16 blockchain networks. This development comes at a crucial time as Real World Assets (RWAs) have doubled in total on-chain value in the past year to almost $17 billion, emerging as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Web3.
Plume Network’s SkyLink, an interoperability solution for secure, cross-chain RWA yield distribution, will launch with an initial cohort of networks including Solana, Movement, Injective, Omni Network, Zircuit, Ape Chain, Core, Polyhedra, Gravity by Galxe, Merlin, Xion, Rome, Echelon, D3, Hemi, and Memento.
Users on these networks now have permissionless access to institutional-grade RWA yields, streamed directly to their wallets via SkyLink’s mirrored YieldTokens. The solution leverages LayerZero’s SyncPools for seamless omnichain functionality.
Notably, the mirrored tokens introduced by SkyLink ensure that total value locked (TVL) remains securely on the original chain, maintaining liquidity and bolstering the value of each network.
“The growth of the RWA sector depends on the collaborative efforts of diverse blockchain ecosystems, each contributing unique strengths to build a robust cross-chain infrastructure,” said Teddy Pornprinya, Co-founder of Plume Network. “By aligning with these networks, we’re establishing the foundation for an interoperable RWA landscape where institutional-grade yields are easily accessible across any chain or rollup.”
With traditional markets worth over $100 trillion in commodities, bonds, and stocks representing an enormous tokenization opportunity, this expansion addresses a key market need: while RWA tokenization has shown remarkable growth, the ability to distribute yields across different blockchain ecosystems has remained fragmented.
SkyLink’s integration with LayerZero enables unified pools with cross-chain mint and burn functions, allowing seamless issuance and redemption of YieldTokens across multiple chains while preserving Plume’s asset custody and compliance infrastructure.
The integration enables:
Continuous yield streaming across any supported blockchain network
Permissionless access to institutional-grade RWA yields
Native composability for yield-bearing tokens across DeFi applications
Unified compliance and security standards across all chains
“Looking ahead to 2025, we believe multi-chain interoperability will be crucial in unlocking the next phase of RWA adoption,” added Jason Meng, Head of Business Development at Plume Network. “Our goal is to make Plume the hub for cross-chain RWAfi yield distribution, supporting the growing demand for real world asset exposure in DeFi. We are actively seeking to integrate new networks to expand this ecosystem further.”
About Plume
Plume Network is the first full-stack L1 RWA Chain and ecosystem purpose-built for Real World Asset Finance (RWAfi), enabling the rapid adoption and demand-driven integration of real world assets. With 180+ projects building on the network, Plume offers a composable, EVM-compatible environment for onboarding and managing diverse real world assets. Coupled with an end-to-end tokenization engine and a network of financial infrastructure partners, Plume simplifies asset onboarding and enables seamless DeFi integration for RWAs so anyone can tokenize real world assets, distribute them globally, and make them useful for native crypto users.
Your full name: Shukyee Ma Position: CSO Email: shukyee@plumenetwork.xyz
Disclaimer: This content is provided by “Plume Network”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Dundee City Council is providing an update on its services on Saturday (Jan 25) following a day of disruption due to Storm Eowyn on Friday.
Families are being advised that all local authority nursery, primary and secondary schools are preparing to open as normal on Monday January 27.
Some damage has been reported at Grove Academy which means that the swim and sport centre operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Work will be carried out over the weekend so that Grove Academy opens on Monday as normal.
Saturday operating arrangements are in place for Council services and buildings, and council buildings will open as usual on Monday.
Any changes to the above arrangements will be shared via our social media channels.
Re-arranged waste collections will also be put in place from Monday after services were stood down on Friday.
These are:
Grey bin (general waste) collections that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now be collected on Monday January 27.
Any bulky uplifts that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now be uplifted on Monday January 27.
Blue bin (paper/cardboard) collections that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now take place on Wednesday January 29
Burgundy bin (metals, plastics, cartons) and food waste collections will be uplifted at the next scheduled pick-up day.
Commercial waste (including recycling) collections will also be uplifted at the next scheduled date.
Baldovie & Riverside Household Waste Recycling centres re-opened on Saturday.
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for the city on Saturday.
For the latest updates on all our services, please visit our Storm Éowyn page.
Updates will also be posted on our social media channels, including Facebook and X.