Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Free speech rules to protect academic freedom come into force
New legal duties on universities and colleges come into force, as government delivers Plan for Change to restore integrity of higher education.
Students, academics and external speakers at universities in England will have their freedom of speech protected by robust new laws coming into force today (Friday 1 August).
Under the strengthened rules introduced by this government, universities must actively promote academic freedom, ensuring campuses are places where robust discussion can take place without fear of censorship of students, staff or external speakers expressing lawful opinions.
Universities will also be banned from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of campus misconduct, protecting vulnerable individuals who may have faced harassment, abuse or sexual assault.
If lawful free speech is silenced the Office for Students (OfS) can investigate, and can take action if universities are found to have failed to protect free speech rights.
The OfS’ director for free speech and academic freedom has warned institutions that flout the new rules could face record penalties, after the University of Sussex was given a landmark £585,000 fine for its failure to uphold free speech in March. Arif Ahmed said future fines could be higher.
These robust protections deliver on the government’s Plan for Change by restoring the integrity of our universities as rigorous centres of intellectual debate, recognising them as a key driver for delivering growth and opportunity across the country.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:
Academic freedom is non-negotiable in our world-leading institutions, and we will not tolerate the silencing of academics or students who voice legitimate views.
These strengthened protections make this explicitly clear in law, and the record fine already handed down by the OfS has put universities on notice that they must comply or face the consequences.
Through our Plan for Change we are restoring our world class universities as engines of growth, opportunity and innovation, and fostering a culture of free enquiry and academic freedom is at the heart of that.
In future a new OfS complaints scheme will ensure academics, external speakers and staff can trigger investigations that could lead to fines if their free speech is not protected. Students will have their free speech complaints considered through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.
The legislation will also ensure student unions are subject to new rules, by holding universities accountable for their activities.
The Education Secretary has previously announced that elements of the Act that could have saddled universities with disproportionate legal costs will be removed, as they would have rendered the rules unworkable.
Jewish community organisations had also raised fears the tort might lead some providers to unduly prioritise speech which is hateful or degrading over the interests of those who are at risk of being harassed and intimidated.
Overseas transparency measures contained in the Act will remain under review while the government assesses the impact of the recently-introduced Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.
The Office for Students already has powers to require information in response to concerns about free speech or academic freedom, including issues related to suspected foreign interference and funding.
class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order:
Section 1. Background. In Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), I found that conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States that has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States. I declared a national emergency with respect to that threat, and to deal with that threat, I imposed additional ad valorem duties that I deemed necessary and appropriate.
I have received additional information and recommendations from various senior officials on, among other things, the continued lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships and the impact of foreign trading partners’ disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports, the domestic manufacturing base, critical supply chains, and the defense industrial base. I also have received additional information and recommendations on foreign relations, economic, and national security matters, including the status of trade negotiations, efforts to retaliate against the United States for its actions to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257, and efforts to align with the United States on economic and national security matters.
For example, some trading partners have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade and security commitments with the United States, thus signaling their sincere intentions to permanently remedy the trade barriers that have contributed to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257, and to align with the United States on economic and national security matters. Other trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters. There are also some trading partners that have failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to take adequate steps to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters.
After considering the information and recommendations that I have recently received, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 by imposing additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners at the rates set forth in Annex I to this order, subject to all applicable exceptions set forth in Executive Order 14257, as amended, in lieu of the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed on goods of such trading partners in Executive Order 14257, as amended.
Sec. 2. Tariff Modifications. (a) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) shall be modified as provided in Annex II to this order. These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.
(b) Certain foreign trading partners identified in Annex I to this order have agreed to, or are on the verge of concluding, meaningful trade and security agreements with the United States. Goods of those trading partners will remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties provided in Annex I to this order until such time as those agreements are concluded, and I issue subsequent orders memorializing the terms of those agreements.
(c) As provided in Annex I to this order, the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable to any good of the European Union is determined by the good’s current ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 (General) of the HTSUS (“Column 1 Duty Rate”). For a good of the European Union with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is less than 15 percent, the sum of its Column 1 Duty Rate and the additional ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to this order shall be 15 percent. For a good of the European Union with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is at least 15 percent, the additional ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to this order shall be zero.
(d) Goods of any foreign trading partner that is not listed in Annex I to this order will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 10 percent pursuant to the terms of Executive Order 14257, as amended, unless otherwise expressly provided. This rate shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order.
(e) The HTSUS shall also be modified by continuing to suspend headings 9903.01.43 through 9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64 through 9903.01.76, and subdivisions (v)(xiii)(1)–(9) and (11)‑(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, until the effective date of the modifications provided in Annex II to this order. Upon the effective date of the modifications provided in Annex II to this order, to facilitate implementation of the rates of duty provided in Annex I to this order, headings 9903.01.43 through 9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64 through 9903.01.76, which are organized by rate of duty, and subdivisions (v)(xiii) (1)-(9) and (11)-(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be terminated as to future entries and replaced by the new trading partner-specific headings provided in Annex II to this order.
(f) Excluding the changes set forth in subsections (a) through (d) of this section, the terms of Executive Order 14257, as amended, shall continue to apply.
(g) Nothing in this order shall be construed to alter or otherwise affect Executive Order 14298 of May 12, 2025 (Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates To Reflect Discussions With the People’s Republic of China).
(h) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Chair of the United States International Trade Commission, shall determine whether any additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary to effectuate this order and may make such modifications through notice in the Federal Register.
Sec. 3. Transshipment. (a) An article determined by CBP to have been transshipped to evade applicable duties under section 2 of this order shall be subject to (i) an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 40 percent, in lieu of the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable under section 2 of this order to goods of the country of origin, (ii) any other applicable or appropriate fine or penalty, including those assessed under 19 U.S.C. 1592, and (iii) any other United States duties, fees, taxes, exactions, or charges applicable to goods of the country of origin. CBP shall not allow, consistent with applicable law, for mitigation or remission of the penalties assessed on imports found to be transshipped to evade applicable duties.
(b) The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of CBP, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall publish every 6 months a list of countries and specific facilities used in circumvention schemes, to inform public procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.
Sec. 4. Implementation. The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Chair of the International Trade Commission, are directed and authorized to take all necessary actions to implement and effectuate this order, consistent with applicable law, including through temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices in the Federal Register and by adopting rules, regulations, or guidance, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to implement this order. Each executive department and agency shall take all appropriate measures within its authority to implement this order.
Sec. 5. Monitoring and Recommendations. (a) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall monitor the circumstances involving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 and shall regularly consult on such circumstances with any senior official they deem appropriate. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall also inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate that a foreign trading partner has taken adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.
(b) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with any senior official they deem appropriate, shall recommend to me any necessary additional action if this action is not effective in resolving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.
(c) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in coordination with the appropriate senior officials, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should a foreign trading partner fail to take adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 or should a foreign trading partner retaliate against the United States in response to the actions taken to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 or any subsequent order issued to address that emergency.
Sec. 6. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision of this order to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected.
Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 31, 2025.
ANNEX I
Countries and Territories
Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted
Afghanistan
15%
Algeria
30%
Angola
15%
Bangladesh
20%
Bolivia
15%
Bosnia and Herzegovina
30%
Botswana
15%
Brazil
10%
Brunei
25%
Cambodia
19%
Cameroon
15%
Chad
15%
Costa Rica
15%
Côte d`Ivoire
15%
Democratic Republic of the Congo
15%
Ecuador
15%
Equatorial Guinea
15%
European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate[1] > 15%
0%
European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate < 15%
15% minus Column 1 Duty Rate
Falkland Islands
10%
Fiji
15%
Ghana
15%
Guyana
15%
Iceland
15%
India
25%
Indonesia
19%
Iraq
35%
Israel
15%
Japan
15%
Jordan
15%
Kazakhstan
25%
Laos
40%
Lesotho
15%
Libya
30%
Liechtenstein
15%
Madagascar
15%
Malawi
15%
Malaysia
19%
Mauritius
15%
Moldova
25%
Mozambique
15%
Myanmar (Burma)
40%
Namibia
15%
Nauru
15%
New Zealand
15%
Nicaragua
18%
Nigeria
15%
North Macedonia
15%
Norway
15%
Pakistan
19%
Papua New Guinea
15%
Philippines
19%
Serbia
35%
South Africa
30%
South Korea
15%
Sri Lanka
20%
Switzerland
39%
Syria
41%
Taiwan
20%
Thailand
19%
Trinidad and Tobago
15%
Tunisia
25%
Turkey
15%
Uganda
15%
United Kingdom
10%
Vanuatu
15%
Venezuela
15%
Vietnam
20%
Zambia
15%
Zimbabwe
15%
[1] For purposes of this Executive Order and its Annexes, “Column 1 Duty Rate” means the ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1-General of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
ANNEX II
Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of the executive order, excluding the day the executive order is signed, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is modified as follows:
Heading 9903.01.25 of the HTSUS shall be amended by deleting the article description and by inserting “Articles the product of any country, except for products described in headings 9903.01.26–9903.01.33, 9903.02.02–9903.02.71, and 9903.96.01, and except as provided for in headings 9903.01.34 and 9903.02.01, as provided for in subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter . . . . . . .” in lieu thereof; and
Headings 9903.01.43–9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64–9903.01.76 and corresponding subdivisions (v)(xiii)(1)–(9) and (11)–(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS are hereby terminated as to any future entries.
Subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be amended by:
Deleting “and 9903.01.43–9903.01.76” each place that it appears and inserting “9903.01.63, and 9903.02.01–9903.02.71” in lieu thereof;
Inserting the following new subdivision in numerical sequence at the end of subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2:
“As provided in headings 9903.02.19 and 9903.02.20, for any good of the European Union subject to a specific or compound rate of duty under column 1-General, the ad valorem equivalent rate of duty of such good shall be determined by dividing the amount of duty payable under column 1-General by the customs value of the good. For example, if a good were subject to a specific duty of 50 cents per kilogram, and one kilogram of the good were entered with a customs value of $10, then the ad valorem equivalent rate of duty would be obtained by dividing 50 cents by $10, yielding 5 percent.”
The following new headings shall be inserted in numerical sequence, with the material in the new heading inserted in the columns of the HTSUS labeled “Heading/Subheading”, “Article Description”, “Rates of Duty 1-General”, “Rates of Duty 1-Special”, and “Rates of Duty 2”, respectively:
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 — Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin announced on Thursday a comprehensive plan by the Chinese government to enhance football development through a series of strategic measures, including the establishment of national and regional youth training centers.
Speaking at China’s national football development conference, Shen emphasized the critical focus on nurturing a robust national youth football system. This initiative aims to expedite the construction of youth training centers at all levels, promote football education within schools, and cultivate high-level coaching talent.
Shen also highlighted other key initiatives, such as launching pilot programs in major football cities and western regions of China, fostering healthy development of professional leagues, and enhancing international exchanges. These efforts will be introduced progressively.
In addition, Shen said the Chinese government is committed to increasing support for football in China and is also maintaining rigorous disciplinary inspection and anti-corruption measures within the industry.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 — A State Council executive meeting on Thursday called for consolidating and boosting the momentum of economic recovery in the second half of the year.
The meeting, presided over by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, studied and implemented the guiding principles of an important speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on the current economic situation and arrangements for economic work in the second half of 2025.
The meeting emphasized the need to develop a good understanding of the CPC Central Committee’s scientific judgment of the economic situation, and to further enhance the sense of mission and responsibility in doing good economic work in the second half.
Targeting annual development goals and tasks, more efforts should be made to boost the effectiveness of macro policies, stimulate the endogenous power of economic development, and better coordinate development and security, the meeting said.
It also reviewed and approved a document on boosting the large-scale commercial application of artificial intelligence, arranged the implementation of interest subsidy policies for personal consumption loans and lending for service sector business entities, and discussed and approved in principle a draft law on the protection and quality improvement of arable land.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China to work with all member states to complete preparations in final phase for SCO Tianjin summit: spokesperson
BEIJING, July 31 — China will work with all the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to complete the preparations in the final phase for the SCO Tianjin summit, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said here on Thursday.
Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to introduce the work China has done as SCO rotating chair and the preparations that have been made for the SCO Tianjin summit.
Guo said since China took over the SCO rotating chairmanship in July last year, China has acted on the slogan “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move,” and made solid progress in work as the SCO chair.
He summarized the positive progress and outcomes China achieved from three aspects.
First, cooperation in all sectors has been deepened. China has hosted over 100 events as the SCO chair, and nearly half are institutional events, covering multiple areas such as politics, security, military, economy and trade, investment, energy, education, connectivity, technological innovation, green industry, digital economy and people-to-people exchanges. These events helped SCO countries increase solidarity and mutual trust, enhanced mutual learning and achieved mutually beneficial and win-win results.
Second, the mechanisms of the organization have been improved. China has worked with all member states to advance reform and innovation in various aspects such as the deliberation mechanism, cooperation pattern and permanent bodies, to ensure smoother and more efficient operation of the organization. Parties are accelerating the consultations regarding the establishment of a comprehensive center for dealing with security threats and challenges, an information security center, a center for fighting transnational organized crime and a counternarcotics center, to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and security and to build a new paradigm for regional security cooperation.
Third, stronger commitment was made to the “Shanghai Spirit.” The SCO has spoken up to uphold justice on major international and regional issues, firmly upheld the multilateral trading system and strongly condemned the abuse of armed force, sending a strong message of the SCO for safeguarding peace and justice. China, together with SCO member states, has actively carried out exchanges and dialogues among political parties, media and think tanks, giving people a better understanding of the “Shanghai Spirit” and bringing the big family of the SCO closer.
Guo said that one month later, the SCO summit will be held in China’s Tianjin, adding that leaders of over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations will gather together for the summit.
“This will be the largest summit since the establishment of the SCO, and the culmination of China’s work as the SCO chair,” the spokesperson said.
Noting that the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held not long ago has made full political preparations for this summit, Guo said China will work with all member states to complete the preparations in the final phase, accumulate positive outcomes in areas such as security, development, livelihood and mechanisms, to hold a friendly and united summit with fruitful results.
Guo said the Tianjin summit will guide the SCO to enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring more solidarity, coordination, vitality and contribution, and build a closer SCO community with a shared future.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 — China has broken new ground in work related to veterans and martyrs affairs during the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025, Minister of Veterans Affairs Pei Jinjia said at a news conference on Thursday.
In 2022, China issued the first national-level special plan in the field of veterans’ affairs to bolster services and support for retired servicemen. Efforts in employment assistance, training, and rights protection have achieved the expected outcomes since the introduction of the plan, Pei said.
IMPROVING JOB SUPPORT
During the five-year period, China has rolled out a series of regulations and policies to support the employment of retired military personnel and broaden their career opportunities.
Veterans are playing an increasingly important role in the country’s economic and social development, said Vice Minister of Veterans Affairs Xu Yao at the press conference.
China has provided job placements to over 250,000 demobilized officers and veterans since 2021, Xu said, adding that more efforts will be made to expand job opportunities and streamline placement procedures for veterans.
According to Sheng Baochen, an official from the ministry’s employment and entrepreneurship department, more than 50,000 job fairs have been held, helping over 1.4 million veterans secure employment opportunities.
The ministry has guided localities to establish 1,988 business incubation bases to support veterans in business startups nationwide over the past five years, Sheng said.
Approximately 370,000 veterans now serve as officials of villages and communities, more than 14,800 have become teachers in primary and secondary schools, and over 18,000 have joined China’s national comprehensive fire and rescue teams, he added.
ENHANCING VETERAN SERVICES
Pei also highlighted the ministry’s strong focus on improving the construction of service centers in the past five years.
Efforts have been made to ensure nationwide coverage of veteran services through a six-tiered network of service centers and stations, extending from the national level to villages and communities, with a total of 610,000 units established so far, Pei said.
In addition, service delivery has been streamlined through the development of mobile apps tailored for veterans, and this digital approach has enhanced service efficiency and improved overall service quality, Pei added.
Veteran affairs coordinators have been recognized by the government as a new occupation, he said, referring to personnel working at veterans service centers and stations handling tasks such as policy consultation, employment and entrepreneurship support, and rights protection for veterans.
“The continuous improvement of veteran service centers and stations and their work standards has brought closer ties between veterans and the Party and government,” Pei said.
HONORING FALLEN HEROES
From 2021 to 2025, China took back home the remains of 265 soldiers of the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) who died in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) and honored them with solemn burial ceremonies.
According to Pei, DNA samples from the returned remains of 981 CPV soldiers and DNA samples of over 1,300 family members of martyrs have been collected, forming a refined, dynamic database.
Additionally, China has set up a center for searching and identifying fallen soldiers’ remains, along with a national DNA laboratory for the identification of the remains of martyrs.
Pei also highlighted that the country has identified burial sites or found relatives for 7,000 fallen soldiers.
This achievement was made possible through a public service platform launched by the ministry, which encourages and guides public participation in such search efforts, he noted.
The ministry is committed to strengthening the preservation and utilization of martyr memorials, said Chen Erwei, an official with the ministry, at the press conference.
Furthermore, China plans to unveil new national-level memorials, historical sites, and a list of prominent heroes from the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), Chen said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
People visit Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot
Updated: August 1, 2025 07:26Xinhua
People visit Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People visit Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
CALGARY, Alberta, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of cutting-edge radio frequency (“RF”) power-to-heat technologies targeting process heat for critical minerals, amine regeneration (for carbon capture and other applications), and enhanced oil production, announces that the Company closed the first tranche of the non-brokered private placement of units (the “Units”) that it previously announced on June 30, 2025 (the “Private Placement”) and distributed a total of 7,913,342 Units, at a price of $0.10 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of $791,334.20. It is anticipated that one or more subsequent tranches of the Private Placement will be closed in due course.
Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder of the Warrant to acquire one Common Share, at an exercise price of $0.20, which will expire which will expire 24 months from the date of issuance. If the Common Shares trade at a closing price at or greater than $0.30 per Common Share for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days, Acceleware may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof, and in such case, the Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which such notice is given by Acceleware.
The Common Shares issued in connection with the Private Placement, the Warrants, and any Common Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants will be subject to a four-month hold period which will expire on December 2, 2025 in accordance with applicable securities legislation. There were no finders’ fees or commissions paid in connection with the Private Placement.
The Company expects to use the proceeds of the Private Placement to fund a portion of the Company’s RF XL 2.0 redeployment plan, to advance commercialization of new RF heating applications, including critical minerals applications and amine regeneration applications including carbon capture, and for general corporate purposes.
Insiders of the Company purchased a total of 1,300,000 Units under the Private Placement, which is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). Acceleware relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 based on a determination that the fair market value of the Private Placement does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. No new insiders and no control persons were created in connection with the Private Placement.
About Acceleware
Acceleware is an advanced electromagnetic heating company with cutting-edge RF power-to-heat solutions for large industrial applications. The Company’s technologies provide an opportunity to electrify and decarbonize industrial process heat applications while reducing costs.
The Company is working to use its patented and field proven Clean Tech Inverter to materially improve the efficiency of amine regeneration, and has partnered with a consortium of world-class potash partners seeking to decarbonize drying of potash ore and other critical minerals. Acceleware is actively developing other process heat applications and partnerships for RF heating.
Acceleware’s RF XL is a patented low-cost, low-carbon RF thermal enhanced oil production technology for heavy oil that is materially different from any enhanced recovery technique used today.
Acceleware is a public company listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “AXE”.
Cautionary Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as “will”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “expects” and similar expressions, as they relate to Acceleware, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Acceleware with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Acceleware’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain information and statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, which reflects Acceleware’s current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to the use of proceeds under the Private Placement; the anticipated completion of any additional tranches of the Private Placement; the receipt of applicable approvals and exemptions (including the Company’s board of directors, shareholders, and regulatory approvals including approval of the TSXV) relating to any additional tranches of the Private Placement, the statutory hold periods applicable to the Units and; the anticipated participation by insiders in the Private Placement.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the availability of investment capital and other funding; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for technology and project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing and adopting new technologies; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; change in demand for technologies to be offered by the Company; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities and/or shareholders, as applicable; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. For a more fulsome list of risk factors please see the Company’s December 31, 2024, year-end Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) available on SEDAR+ atwww.sedarplus.ca.
Management of the Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking statements provided in this release to provide shareholders with a more complete perspective on the Company’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
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For more information:
Geoff Clark Tel: +1 (403) 249-9099 geoff.clark@acceleware.com
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signed construction contracts with two alliances to build the new Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance, with construction set to get underway this spring.
“The Government is committed to delivering safe new roading infrastructure that helps boost economic growth and productivity, improves resilience, reduces travel times, and supporting much needed housing. The 24km Ōtaki to north of Levin project is critical for Kāpiti and Horowhenua and is a step forward for these priorities,” Mr Bishop says.
“The existing Kāpiti Highway currently sees up to 19,500 vehicle movements per day. Once completed, those travelling on the new Ōtaki to north of Levin Highway will experience significantly improved journey times, with up to 15-minute travel time savings for trips from Ōtaki to north of Levin, and 6 minutes for trips from Ōtaki to Levin.
“The two alliance teams will each deliver a section of the new highway and associated works, with Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor focused south of the Ohau River, and Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon focused to the north.
“Ōtaki to north of Levin is one of the final stages of the Wellington Northern Corridor, started by the previous National Government in 2013. Its completion will improve safety by shifting heavy traffic out of local town centres, making regional freight trips more efficient and making it easier for locals to get around. It will also unlock new opportunities for housing and urban development.
“We know how important this project is to the region, and I appreciate that patience of local communities, road users, and freight operators while we took the necessary time to get this project across the line. Both alliances are cooperating across the project to ensure it is delivered smoothly and efficiently, and I look forward to being on site in the next few months to turn the first sod and kick off construction.”
In preparation for the start of construction, the alliance teams are underway with other site establishment works, including fencing, building demolition and relocations, establishing site accesses and construction roads, and setting up environmental controls. The site office on Tararua Road is now complete.
The new road is expected to be open to traffic before the end of 2029.
Notes to Editor:
Ōtaki to north of Levin is a crucial part of the Wellington northern corridor started by the previous National Government in 2013. It builds on the success of Transmission Gully, and the Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki Roads of National Significance.
Over the last year the alliances have operated under interim agreements as developed design and project costings have been carried out, with a strong focus on delivering on the project outcomes in an affordable way.
In June, the NZTA Board confirmed additional funding for the project, enabling the project to progress, and including some features from the earlier concept design.
21km of the new highway is four-laned, with the northernmost 3km, beyond the State Highway 57 (SH57) traffic split, being two lanes.
At the southern connection with Peka Peka 2 Ōtaki (PP2Ō), northbound traffic will be able to exit the new highway, and southbound traffic will be able to join the northern end of PP2Ō, to continue south.
A grade-separated interchange at Tararua Road, in Levin, will enable northbound and southbound traffic to leave or join the new highway, and local traffic continue uninterrupted
Large roundabouts at SH57 and the northern end of Ō2NL will transition traffic from the modern highway to the regional state highway network beyond.
In addition to the local road connection at Manakau Heights, local roads connect under or over the new highway at South Manakau Road, North Manakau Road, Kuku East Road, Muhunoa East Road and Queen Street East.
A north-south shared user path provides walking and cycling facilities between local communities.
The new road was approved for tolling in December 2024
ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2025– More than 3,200 IAM Union District 837 members at Boeing in the St. Louis area will vote on a modified offer from the company on Sunday, Aug. 3 beginning at 10 a.m. CT. A strike would begin at midnight on Monday, Aug. 4 if the modified offer is rejected.
Changes in Boeing’s modified offer:
Alternative Workweek Schedule (AWS) Proposal Withdrawn: Current contractual overtime policies remain unchanged.
Pay Enhancements: Added an annual 50 cent per hour additive for employees at max.
Retirement: Full $10 pension multiplier increase in Year 1, instead of $5 each in Years 2 and 3 for pension-eligible members. You must retire after January 1, 2026 to receive the $10.
The modified offer does not change proposed 20% wage increases, the $5,000 ratification bonus, vacation or sick leave, or healthcare.
This vote follows members’overwhelming rejectionof Boeing’s earlier proposal on Sunday, July 27.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org|@IAM_Union
The post IAM Union District 837 Members at Boeing Defense in St. Louis to Vote on Modified Contract Offer appeared first on IAM Union.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malachi Mustango, 36th Airlift Squadron resource advisor, and Staff Sgt. Danaie Lloyd, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron inventory inspection supervisor NCOIC, received certificates of appreciation from the Okutama Fire Station, Tokyo Fire Department, July 30, in recognition of their lifesaving actions in rescuing a local national.
At the request of the government of the Philippines, U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) are working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide urgent lifesaving support to communities affected by typhoons, tropical storms, and the Southwest Monsoon. The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to allies and partners during times of need.
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Funds to construct training facility for air transport of infectious disease patients, replace hospital water heating systems, upgrade operating room equipment
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced she advanced $18 million in funding to support improvements and modernizations of health care facilities in Nebraska. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act, which now awaits consideration on the Senate Floor.
“Nebraskans deserve modernized and efficient hospitals and emergency care systems as they face ongoing health challenges. The $18 million I advanced for Nebraska through my position on the Appropriations Committee is a good step to help fulfill the mission of delivering quality care to secure better health outcomes for the people of this state,”Fischer said. Funding advanced by Fischer:
$12,000,000 for the University of Nebraska Medical Center to construct a training facility for air transport of infectious disease patients
$3,500,000 to the City of O’Neill to replace the boiler and water heating systems at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital
$2,500,000 to upgrade operating room equipment at the Community Healthcare System in Friend
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Funding for U.S. Strategic Command, 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing – located at Offutt Air Force Base
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced she advanced over $200 million for key national and Nebraska-based defense programs, including U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing – located at Offutt Air Force Base – in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Defense Appropriations Bill. The bill now awaits consideration on the Senate floor. “The first duty of Congress is to defend the nation, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee and Armed Services Committee, I’m working to ensure our nation is equipped to fulfill that mission. That’s why I advanced critical funding for projects that will boost U.S. Strategic Command, the 55th Wing, and the 557th Weather Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, including critical defense programs our nation relies upon to keep our people safe,”Fischer said. Key provisions secured by Fischer include:
STRATCOM:
$15 million for STRATCOM’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) Enterprise Center’s Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) program
$11 million to expand and improve STRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s network sensor demonstration
$9 million to test and evaluate advanced electromagnetic warfare technologies
55th Wing:
$20 million to improve alternate position, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems onto the RC-135 fleet
557th Weather Wing:
$1 million to mitigate security risks as the 557th Weather Wing transfers its data processing operations to cloud-based services
$1 million to improve 557th Weather Wing’s sensing and modeling capabilities to support emerging missions in the stratosphere
University of Nebraska:
$3 million to enable the University of Nebraska Medical Center to work with the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to build contingency plans for extreme health events
$3 million for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to develop an Automated Resuscitation Catheter (ARCA)
Other Provisions:
$30 million above the President’s budget request for APEX accelerator programs
$60 million above the President’s budget request to procure additional MH-139 helicopters to monitor and defend Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) missile fields
$50 million above the President’s budget request to stabilize the industrial base for missile components
$47.5 million above the President’s budget request to support U.S.-Israel Emerging Technology Cooperation to meet the challenges of the future battlefield
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) proposed the Senate remaining in session into the month of August or changing Senate rules if Democrats persist in their extreme and unprecedented obstruction of President Trump’s nominees. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“I don’t believe, Mr. President, that the Senate should leave town without ensuring that President Trump has his nominees and his team in place.”
“We find ourselves really in an unprecedented situation where Democrats, rather than picking and choosing the nominees they choose to object to, have simply chosen to object to all of them, forcing us to burn a lot of valuable floor time that we could be using for other more constructive purposes, and delaying President Trump, who after all, won the election last November, the team he’s entitled to govern and carry out his policies.”
“What our Democratic colleagues are saying is, we will agree to no confirmation votes on Trump nominees during his second term.”
“Many of these nominees – I think roughly 30 of them – are Senate-confirmed nominees to serve as an ambassador in our embassies around the world.”
“I don’t have to remind all of us that the world has become a much more dangerous place and, the idea that the United States would not have a Senate-confirmed ambassador in these embassies around the world is simply shooting ourselves in the foot.”
“China and Russia and our other adversaries, they certainly have their ambassadors working in each of those countries to further their interests, but the idea that the United States would be absent because Senate Democrats simply refuse to confirm these ambassadors is really beyond the pale.”
“What we’re talking about really are rank-and-file people, who are confirmed by a vote of the Senate.”
“I personally believe that we should change the law and not require Senate confirmation for many of these positions.”
“The Democrats simply are mindlessly obstructing the confirmation of these non-controversial, really apolitical nominees.”
“If we can’t reach some sort of negotiated outcome that is satisfactory to President Trump, then we need to either stay here or change the Senate rules.”
“Senate Democrats are the ones that brought us to where we are today, and they’re the ones responsible for the blame.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) reintroduced the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, which would modernize weather radio equipment to enhance the reliability of emergency communications during severe weather and bolster the nationwide accessibility of critical warnings.
The legislation expands coverage for areas with poor or no cellular service, amplifies non-weather emergency messages, and provides additional transmitters for areas with weak or nonexistent cell service and broadband coverage. Additionally, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop standards for flash flood emergency alert systems within the 100-year floodplain. This will enhance emergency preparedness for communities without mobile broadband access, state and local emergency warning systems, or satellite coverage.
Sen. Cruz said, “The flooding in Central Texas has been absolutely heartbreaking, and we continue to lift up all those affected in prayer. Texans are strong and resourceful, but when disaster is about to strike, there has to be multiple, reliable ways to notify those who are in harm’s way. While the Hill Country flood investigation continues, we do know that some people did not receive the warnings because of a lack of cell phone coverage. I am grateful to join Ranking Member Cantwell in introducing this legislation to modernize early warning systems and ensure that every American, especially those in areas with poor or no cellular service, aren’t kept in the dark when it matters the most. This legislation is about protecting our communities and saving lives, and I urge Congress to pass it quickly.”
Sen. Cantwell said, “NOAA Weather Radio is our nation’s weather infrastructure that broadcasts 24/7 to keep people informed with immediate, reliable weather information, including timely weather alerts. This bill helps to upgrade the system with the best technology and communications systems, replacing copper with fiber to reach more people, especially in rural areas. It also directs NIST to develop standards for better warning technology and makes sure NOAA keeps its weather scientist and forecast jobs fully staffed.”
The NOAA Weather Radio Act is cosponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jerry Moran (R–Kan.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).
Sen. Schatz said, “The Weather Radio Network’s ability to broadcast emergency warnings across remote areas, even when power or cell networks fail, is essential to protecting lives in Hawai‘i. This bill will help modernize the system so that communities in Hawai‘i and across the country have access to reliable, timely, and accurate emergency information.”
Sen. Moran said, “Recent severe weather across the country is a grave reminder of the need for a modernized emergency weather alert system. This legislation would improve alert systems in rural parts of the country with limited access to mobile broadband service, emergency warning systems or satellite coverage. It incorporates part of my legislation, the FORECAST Act, to protect critical National Weather Service employees from federal hiring freezes. It is essential that weather forecasting offices in every corner of the nation remain staffed so Kansans and all Americans have access to accurate, life-saving, 24/7 forecasting coverage.”
Read the full text of the bill here.
BACKGROUND
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains a network of over 750 NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) stations, which includes more than 1000 transmitters covering all 50 states and the U.S. territories. NWR broadcasts weather information, including emergency weather alerts and local hazard information from the nearest National Weather Service office, playing a critical role in protecting lives and property. Local news stations often urge citizens to incorporate NWR as part of their emergency preparedness plan during severe weather.
When disaster strikes, every second counts. Although the public often relies on cell phones, computers, and cable service to receive hazard warnings and communication, radio is often the primary source of information in rural and remote regions of the country where cell and internet service are lacking. Americans can buy NOAA Weather Radios for as little as $10. Even in urban areas with cell coverage, power outages triggered by severe weather events, such as a thunderstorm or a tornado, can disrupt cell and internet communications, making radio one of the few reliable options.
Sens. Cantwell and Cruz previously introduced this bill in May 2023, and it advanced out of the Senate in December 2023.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s Chen Yuxi captured her fourth world title in the women’s 10-meter platform, while Romania’s David Popovici delivered a historic swim in the men’s 100-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships on Thursday.
Chen, who led both the preliminary and semifinal rounds, secured gold with a score of 430.50 points. Germany’s Pauline Alexandra Pfeif earned silver with 367.10 points, while 15-year-old Chinese diver Xie Peiling took bronze with 358.20 in her world championships debut.
Chen Yuxi of China kisses the medal after the awarding ceremony for the women’s 10m platform final of diving at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Luo Yuan)
“Every world championship holds a special place in my memory,” Chen said. “This time, under physical strain and the challenge of maintaining form, I was still able to deliver a 430-point performance. I’m very satisfied.”
Chinese swimmers added two bronze medals on the fifth day of competition. In the women’s 50-meter backstroke final, Wan Letian finished third in 27.30 seconds, behind American swimmers Katharine Berkoff and Regan Smith, who claimed gold and silver, respectively.
“I’ve overcome a mental hurdle,” Wan said. “I wasn’t very confident before, but standing on the podium at an international event has given me courage and helped me identify areas for improvement. I hope to go further in future competitions.”
In the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay final, the Chinese team of Liu Yaxin, Yang Peiqi, Yu Yiting and Li Bingjie finished third behind Australia and the United States. Li, who previously won silver in the 200m and 400m freestyle, anchored the final leg.
“This was my first time swimming the anchor leg,” Li said. “My teammates swam really well, so I just wanted to fight for the best possible result.”
The men’s 100-meter freestyle final was one of the most anticipated races of the day. Popovici clocked a blistering 46.51 seconds, setting a new championship record and securing gold. Jack Alexy of the United States took silver, and Australia’s Kyle Chalmers earned bronze.
Popovici’s time is the second-fastest ever in the event, just behind the world record of 46.40 seconds set by China’s Pan Zhanle at the Paris Olympics.
“I’d give myself a 10 tonight,” Popovici said. “I’m not the kind of person who usually says something is perfect, but I think today really was.”
In the men’s 200-meter individual medley final, France’s Leon Marchand, who broke the world record in the semifinals, won gold in 1:53.68. Shaine Casas of the U.S. took silver, and Hungary’s Hubert Kos earned bronze. China’s Wang Shun, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, finished seventh.
Reflecting on his eighth appearance at the world championships since 2011, Wang noted the rise in competition. “Especially at this edition, you can feel the level has risen a lot – perhaps because everyone refocused after the Olympics.”
Canada’s Summer McIntosh set a new championship record in the women’s 200-meter butterfly, winning gold in 2:01.99. Regan Smith of the U.S. and Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers rounded out the podium. China’s Yu Zidi narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth.
In semifinal action, Qin Haiyang advanced to the men’s 200-meter breaststroke final with the eighth-fastest time. Teammate Dong Zhihao finished 15th and did not advance. In the women’s 100-meter freestyle, Cheng Yujie qualified for the final with the fifth-fastest time; Wu Qingfeng placed 15th. In the women’s 200-meter breaststroke, Lyu Qinyao finished 10th and did not move on. Yu Jingming did not advance from the men’s 200-meter backstroke heats.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)
Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s global tariffs, which are set to take effect on August 1.
“Americans have made it crystal clear that lowering prices is their top concern. President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to break their promise to address the affordability crisis in our country and instead are focused on giving massive handouts to billionaires that are paid for by families who work hard every day.
“Regardless of how many of Trump’s tariffs go into effect tomorrow, the on-again, off-again whiplash makes it harder for small businesses to manufacture and sell products and for families to afford necessities like groceries, prescription drugs, and energy bills. Businesses cannot grow this way and families cannot get ahead. Every day, Republicans’ continued silence is costing their constituents.”
Volcano Watch — Distant versus local earthquakes and tsunami response times in Hawaii
Earthquakes and tsunamis in the news over the past few days are a reminder that we live on a dynamic planet with different hazards and associated response times. While tsunamis generated by large, distant earthquakes take hours to traverse the Pacific Ocean, it is important to remember that local earthquakes can also generate tsunamis—but with much less warning.
Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological SurveyHawaiian Volcano Observatoryscientists and affiliates.
On July 29, 2025 at 1:24 p.m. HST, a magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. A tsunami warning was issued for the State of Hawaii at 2:43 p.m. HST, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a forecast for the first waves of a tsunami to arrive on Hawaiian shores a few minutes after 7:00 p.m. HST. With hours to prepare for the eventual arrival of tsunami waves, sirens sounded and cell phones received multiple alarms as coastal areas were evacuated. As PTWC modeled, tsunami waves began moving through the Hawaiian Islands after 7:00 p.m. HST and had a maximum measurement of 1.7 meters (5.7 feet) in Kahului, Maui. There was ultimately no significant damage in Hawaii and the warning was cancelled just before 11:00 p.m. HST.
Large distant earthquakes in the past have generated tsunamis that caused significant damage and deaths in Hawaii. In 1946, a magnitude-7.9 Aleutian Islands, Alaska earthquake generated a tsunami that killed 159 people in the State of Hawaii, with a maximum wave run-up height of 16 meters (55 feet) measured at Pololū Valley on the Island of Hawaiʻi. In 1960, a magnitude-9.5 earthquake in Chile, South America generated a tsunami that killed 66 people in Hilo, with a maximum wave run-up height of 10.6 m (35 feet). Then in 2011, the magnitude-9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake generated a tsunami with maximum wave heights of about 3.6 m (12 feet) in Hawaii. Though there was significant damage in Hawaii from the Tohoku tsunami, there were no deaths locally.
Improved earthquake detection and tsunami monitoring, along with streamlined emergency communication techniques—such as the text alarms sent in Hawaii on July 29—reduce the risk of people being injured or killed by tsunamis. Another important factor is the response time; tsunami waves generated by distant earthquakes take hours to reach the Hawaiian Islands, which gives people time to evacuate vulnerable areas. Local tsunamis, however, do not need to travel far to reach our shores, which leaves residents and emergency management agencies a much shorter time to respond.
Large fault slips along the bases of Hawaiian volcanoes have historically produced damaging earthquakes that generated local tsunamis, and they will certainly do so again in the future. These events leave residents little time to evacuate to safety. Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i have modeled that a tsunami generated from the south flank of the Island of Hawai‘i can wrap around and reach Hilo Bay 4–5 minutes after the earthquake, before propagating through the Hawaiian Islands in less than an hour.
In 1868, an estimated magnitude-7.9 earthquake occurred beneath Mauna Loa volcano in the District of Kaʻū. It caused landslides and a local tsunami that affected the entire south coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi, killing nearly 100 people. In 1975, a magnitude-7.2 earthquake beneath the south flank of Kīlauea volcano generated a tsunami with maximum wave run-up heights of about 14 meters (47 feet). Two people were killed and many more were injured. Even the magnitude-6.9 earthquake beneath Kīlauea in 2018 generated a small local tsunami with a maximum wave height of 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in Hilo.
A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist measures a scarp that formed on the south flank of Kīlauea during the magnitude-7.2 earthquake in 1975. In this area, near Poliokeawe Pali in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the scarp is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) high. USGS photo by P. Lipman.
During these large local earthquakes, the southeast part of the Island of Hawaiʻi—called the Hilina Slump, with its toe beneath the ocean surface—shifts to the southeast and downwards. As this part of the island moves, it displaces ocean water, generating the damaging tsunamis that quickly inundate local shores.
If you are near the shore in Hawaii, be aware of your surroundings. If you feel strong shaking from a large earthquake, remember that the time you have to respond before the tsunami arrives could be minutes. Receding water could be a sign of an impending tsunami wave to follow. Do not wait for sirens or cell phone alarms, because the tsunami could occur before there is time for those alerts to be sent. Immediately head for higher ground, and wait for emergency management agencies to sound the all-clear before returning to the shoreline.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.
Episode 29 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater occurred on July 20. Summit region inflation since the end of episode 29, along with persistent tremor, suggests that another episode is possible. Current inflation data indicate that episode 30 is likely to start between July 31 and August 3. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
What you need to know:While National Guard soldiers were unlawfully federalized by the President to await mission orders in the Los Angeles area, between May and June, there was a 57% drop in fentanyl pounds seized from those same soldiers who were pulled from their vital public safety assignments.
Los Angeles, California – While President Trump comes to the realization that his unlawful deployment of the military in Los Angeles has been unnecessary and deeply unpopular, there has been asignificant dropin the reported fentanyl seizures by California National Guard members.
Between May and June, there was a57% decrease in reported pounds of fentanyl seizedat ports of entry along the border by CalGuard’s Counterdrug Task Force. In June, only 260 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized.
Donald Trump and Stephen Miller took the National Guard off of essential public safety assignments to fulfill a sick power grab within California communities. The federal government has created chaos in our economy and society with its twisted authoritarian tactics. The time for each and every single soldier to come home — and go back to work — now.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics.CalGuard’s servicemembersdedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles – leaving their highly specialized positions unfilled. The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide.
Guardsmembers are demobilizing
Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are expected to go home soon. So far,4,700 soldiers have demobilized or begun demobilizing. The President should allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers. Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles.
Police off the streets, teachers out of classrooms
Of the 4,000 National Guard members sent to Los Angeles under Trump’s order, their servicemembers have been pulled fromessential civilian dutiessuch as medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.
Economic impact of this political theater
After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting towork in the private sector in California decreasedby 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Governor Newsomrecently metwith local restaurant owners in the City of Bell and faith leaders in Downey to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.
Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.
Massarrests, detentions and deportationsin California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant workers, undocumented and those losing lawful status under the Trump administration, would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs.Undocumentedimmigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.
End the power grab now
Community leaders, public officials, veterans and others agree – the federal government’s actions in California not only have a chilling effect on the state’s society and economy, but also continue to undermine the valuable contributions from members of the military while in and out of uniform.
Republican and Democratic former governors agree—Trump’s federalization violates the critical balance between state and federal government. Recently, abipartisan group of 25 former governorsfiled a brief in support ofNewsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard.
Retiredfour-star admirals and generalsand former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard.Several veterans and veteran rights’ groupscame together to decry Trump’s militarization of California.
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What you need to know:While National Guard soldiers were unlawfully federalized by the President to await mission orders in the Los Angeles area, between May and June, there was a 57% drop in fentanyl pounds seized from those same soldiers who were pulled from their vital public safety assignments.
Los Angeles, California – While President Trump comes to the realization that his unlawful deployment of the military in Los Angeles has been unnecessary and deeply unpopular, there has been asignificant dropin the reported fentanyl seizures by California National Guard members.
Between May and June, there was a57% decrease in reported pounds of fentanyl seizedat ports of entry along the border by CalGuard’s Counterdrug Task Force. In June, only 260 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized.
Donald Trump and Stephen Miller took the National Guard off of essential public safety assignments to fulfill a sick power grab within California communities. The federal government has created chaos in our economy and society with its twisted authoritarian tactics. The time for each and every single soldier to come home — and go back to work — now.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics.CalGuard’s servicemembersdedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles – leaving their highly specialized positions unfilled. The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide.
Guardsmembers are demobilizing
Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are expected to go home soon. So far,4,700 soldiers have demobilized or begun demobilizing. The President should allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers. Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles.
Police off the streets, teachers out of classrooms
Of the 4,000 National Guard members sent to Los Angeles under Trump’s order, their servicemembers have been pulled fromessential civilian dutiessuch as medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.
Economic impact of this political theater
After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting towork in the private sector in California decreasedby 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Governor Newsomrecently metwith local restaurant owners in the City of Bell and faith leaders in Downey to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.
Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.
Massarrests, detentions and deportationsin California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant workers, undocumented and those losing lawful status under the Trump administration, would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs.Undocumentedimmigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.
End the power grab now
Community leaders, public officials, veterans and others agree – the federal government’s actions in California not only have a chilling effect on the state’s society and economy, but also continue to undermine the valuable contributions from members of the military while in and out of uniform.
Republican and Democratic former governors agree—Trump’s federalization violates the critical balance between state and federal government. Recently, abipartisan group of 25 former governorsfiled a brief in support ofNewsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard.
Retiredfour-star admirals and generalsand former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard.Several veterans and veteran rights’ groupscame together to decry Trump’s militarization of California.
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This serial criminal entered the U.S. illegally and was released into the country under the Biden Administration
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released additional information on Nicol Alexandra Contreras-Suarez, a transgender criminal illegal alien from Colombia who is charged with the rape of a minor and stalking in New York. Contreras-Suarez had a preliminary criminal hearing in New York City this week. His next court hearing before the New York Supreme Court is scheduled for September 10, 2025.
Contreras-Suarez, a biological male that presents as a woman, is scheduled to appear before a criminal court judge for charges of first-degree rape of a child less than 17 and stalking.
This horrific and preventable crime illustrates the consequences of the Biden administration’s catch and release and sanctuary policies.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested Contreras-Suarez for illegally entering the United States in San Ysidro, California in March of 2023 and released him into the country. This criminal illegal alien then went on to commit heinous crimes in American communities.
Contreras-Suarez was arrested by Medford Police Department in Massachusetts for armed robbery, prostitution, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Due to local sanctuary policies, this criminal illegal alien was then released to terrorize more Americans.
“This creep should’ve never been released into our country,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to the failed sanctuary policies and Biden’s open-border agenda, this serial criminal was freed to prey on innocent American children – but that ends now. ICE will not allow predators like Contreras-Suarez to terrorize American citizens.”
ICE lodged an immigration detainer with Manhattan Central Booking on February 13, 2025. Contreras-Suarez remains in custody at Rikers Island in New York until his next court hearing.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Yerevan, July 31 /Xinhua/ — The opening of the exhibition “Mountains and Rivers of China” took place at the Yerevan History Museum on Thursday. It features 40 unique works by one of the most prominent representatives of the new Chinese xylography of the 20th century, Shao Keping.
Shao Keping’s works, through the power of visual storytelling, allow visitors to experience the depth and vitality of Chinese artistic heritage.
The exhibition is organized in cooperation with the Ningbo Museum in China, in accordance with a memorandum signed last year, and will run until September 24. Visitors were greeted in a video message by Zhang Liang, director of the Ningbo Museum, who noted that the current event is not only an important step in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, but also a successful example of cultural interaction.
Sun Ni, Executive Secretary of the Armenian-Chinese Partnership Center, who attended the opening of the exhibition, emphasized that thanks to cultural ties, residents of the two countries can communicate more closely and get to know each other better.
In 2024, the exhibitions “Armenia – the Land of Noah” and “Pomegranate in Bloom” were held in the Chinese cities of Guangzhou, Xi’an and Ningbo. According to the director of the Yerevan History Museum Gevorg Orbelyan, about 120 exhibits from the museum are planned to be presented in China next year. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — The death toll from recent heavy rainfall in Beijing has risen to 44, with nine people still missing, city authorities said at a press conference on Thursday.
Beijing Vice Mayor Xia Linmao said 31 people died at a care center for the elderly in Taishitun Township, Miyun District.
The recent flooding in Beijing affected more than 300,000 residents and damaged about 24,000 homes. Heavy rainfall mainly hit the northern mountainous areas, where the infrastructure of 40 townships and townships and 312 administrative villages was seriously damaged.
According to Xia Linmao, heavy rains triggered flash floods of devastating force, aggravated by a sharp increase in water inflow from upper rivers.
From July 23 to 29, the Chinese capital was hit by prolonged and intense rainfall, which hit mountainous areas such as Miyun, Huairou, Yanqing and Pinggu districts the hardest, causing flash floods.
According to Xia Linmao, on the evening of July 26, due to sudden torrential rain, Beijing authorities immediately issued the highest level of “red” warning in the affected areas and activated the first level of emergency response, issuing alerts and safety recommendations for the population. Emergency rescue operations were promptly organized, during which 104 thousand people were evacuated. Thanks to search and rescue operations, it was possible to rescue more than 5,400 people who were trapped due to the disaster. The vice mayor added that assistance to the victims is currently ongoing.
Xia Linmao also said that 364 of the 424 damaged rural highways have been cleared so far, and all major highways are scheduled to be fully reopened to traffic by Thursday. Emergency water supply has been restored to all affected administrative villages, and electricity has been restored to 105 of the 213 villages that experienced power outages. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Minister for Courts Nicole McKee is welcoming new data showing a significant drop in sentencing adjournments in the District Court, reflecting ongoing improvements in court efficiency.
“Over the past two years, sentencing adjournments in the criminal jurisdiction have fallen from 36 to 29 per cent, resulting in nearly 2,900 fewer delayed sentencing hearings. This means more cases are proceeding as planned, freeing up court time and helping more people access timely justice,” Mrs McKee says.
Mrs McKee credits the success to the collaborative efforts of the District Court Timeliness Programme, the Sentencing Ready team supported by priority rostering, and the Prosecutions Uplift Programme.
Reducing delays benefits victims, defendants, witnesses, and their families by allowing swift justice and enabling people to move forward with their lives.
To build on this progress, new Case Review Hearing Guidelines introduced nationwide from 1 August by the Chief District Court Judge will help ensure trials proceed on schedule by confirming all parties are fully prepared.
“These guidelines provide a clear process for reviewing evidence and resolving issues before trial, improving scheduling accuracy and court efficiency. They have been piloted successfully in Auckland and Waitākere District Courts and are an important step in reducing court backlogs,” Mrs McKee says.
“With national backlogs decreasing, we are seeing real results from these collective efforts to keep our courts moving.”
Minister for Courts Nicole McKee has welcomed the rollout of an updated protocol for judge-alone trials, effective from today (1 August), aimed at further enhancing court timeliness.
“Improving court performance remains a key priority for this Government. We appreciate the judiciary and justice sector’s collaboration in refining this important protocol,” Mrs McKee says.
First introduced in 2021 and piloted in select courts in 2022, the Judge-Alone Trial (JAT) protocol has been revised with input from judges, lawyers, and justice agencies. From today, it will be implemented across all District Courts.
The protocol strengthens case readiness by introducing a registrar-led teleconference between prosecution and defence three weeks before trial. It also allows courts to start earlier to review and prioritize scheduled cases, optimizing judicial time.
This protocol supports the Chief District Court Judge’s Timely Access to Justice standard, aiming for 90 per cent of criminal cases to be resolved within set timeframes.
“Our goal is fair and timely justice for victims, defendants, witnesses, and whānau, helping communities heal and move on,” Mrs McKee says.
Thursday 31 July 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – Parliamentary leaders from some 120 countries gathered at the United Nations Office at Geneva for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, a summit convened every five years by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in partnership with the United Nations (UN).
The Conference, regarded as the world’s top parliamentary forum, was held from 29 to 31 July 2025. It gathered hundreds of participants, including 102 Speakers of Parliament, 34 Deputy Speakers, MPs, diplomats, UN officials, experts, and representatives from civil society, academia and the media.
The Conference took place amid rising global tensions and regional conflicts. After three days of debate and negotiations, the Speakers adopted a Declaration outlining the key transitions that are needed to advance peace, justice and prosperity, underpinned by a renewed commitment to deepen parliamentary engagement with the United Nations through a call for stronger and more effective multilateralism.
The Declaration highlights the need for greater collaboration and enhanced political will to tackle issues including climate change, armed conflict, economic instability and digital transformation. Parliamentary leaders underscored the view that global challenges require coordinated responses and solidarity among nations.
The Speakers also stressed the need to restore public trust in democracy and in its key institutions. The Declaration urges governments to fully integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into national policy, to tackle the rise in misinformation, and to ensure that legislation is grounded in science and evidence.
Security, the parliamentarians declared, should not be viewed solely through a military lens. Instead, they called for a broader approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity, from poverty and inequality to environmental decline.
Gender equality was a central theme, shaped in part by the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, which preceded the Conference. The Summit, co-hosted by the IPU and the Swiss Parliament, reinforced calls to put women’s empowerment and gender parity at the heart of efforts to build peace and foster innovation.
Discussions in Geneva covered the need for economic reform, with parliamentary leaders supporting a shift towards sustainable, people-centred models. The Declaration advocates for investment in the green and care sectors and calls for greater protection of vulnerable populations.
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the Conference also called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, ensuring they are governed responsibly and used peacefully, with respect for fundamental rights and for the benefit of all of society.
Quotes:
Michael Douglas, actor, activist and UN Messenger of Peace, opening the Conference, said: “When your faith is in short supply… look to [the] dreamers. To progress, and those who make it possible. Most of all: look to one another. To leaders willing to choose compromise over ego. To parliaments that act as lighthouses, amidst a tempest of authoritarianism. To legislative bodies, struggling towards inclusive democracy – but refusing to give up. And to the parliamentarians not just in here, but out there, linking arms with the people in the fight against cruelty, against corruption, against kings.”
Tulia Ackson, IPU President, said: “We are all products of our communities and of our interaction with others, starting with our parents, day after day, for our entire lives. In Africa we express this idea in one word: Ubuntu. Which roughly means: I am, because you are. Likewise, there is no such thing as a nation that can live and prosper in isolation from the rest of the world. There can be no national interest defined in total juxtaposition to what is good for the world as a whole. Now more than ever, as the world has grown smaller and more interdependent, countries need to work together to find solutions to their common problems.”
Maja Riniker, President of the National Council of Switzerland, said: “We must put gender equality at the very centre of peace and security, now. Conflicts disproportionately affecting women and girls, gender-based violence used as a weapon of war have to stop. Women must be in peace negotiations and peace processes equally with men. We must ensure they are not only present but empowered, supported and resourced to take decisions at every stage of diplomacy, conflict prevention, negotiations, and post-conflict recovery. We must also ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld and that the consequences of conflict are addressed in a gender-responsive manner.”
Tatiana Valovaya, Director General of the UN Office at Geneva, said: “The United Nations deeply values its cooperation with parliaments, which are the beating heart of democracy. Parliamentary leadership is indispensable to the multilateral system: you craft laws, shape budgets, and hold governments to account. We are very pleased that the new era for the Assembly Hall starts with this World Conference.”
Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, concluding, said: “Looking at the number of Speakers and other high-level parliamentarians who have gathered here in Geneva and spoken so passionately over the past two days about their priorities to build a better world, I am filled with a renewed hope. A renewed belief that there is a future for the multilateral system that the UN has been building for 80 years… and the IPU for 136 years. A belief that we are stronger together, that dialogue and diplomacy are better tools for solving problems than bullets and bombs, and that parliaments can play a key role in reinvigorating global cooperation.”
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also def
31 July 2025 – From supporting responsible production and consumption to promoting circularity and sustainable alternatives, trade must be part of the solution to plastic pollution, not part of the problem.
In Uttar Pradesh, India, a recycling plant processes plastic waste to be used for making polyester fibre.
The latest Global Trade Update shows that plastic production reached 436 million metric tons worldwide in 2023, with the traded value surpassing $1.1 trillion and accounting for 5% of total merchandise trade.
Despite driving global growth across industries, plastics exact a heavy toll on environmental and planetary health.
Alarmingly, 75% of plastics ever produced have become waste and mostly ended up in the world’s oceans and ecosystems.
“Peace Action Wellington completely opposes the opening of a US FBI office in Aotearoa New Zealand. The decision by the NZ government to allow a foreign country’s police force to operate here is terrifying.
This is particularly true given the authoritarian regime in power in the US and the FBI’s behaviour since Trump’s election,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.
“The FBI anti-terrorism units have been involved in numerous raids and arrests of student activists at universities across the US. These brutal investigations have nothing to do with criminal actions by anyone and everything to do with student support for Palestine.”
“The NZ government’s statement that a key area of collaboration is anti-terrorism is therefore extremely alarming. We have seen the kidnappings and deportations by US federal agents for those involved in nonviolent protests in the US. We want no US policing here.”
“The FBI is a US domestic police force. Its operation here raises very serious questions about its jurisdiction and powers here. We are concerned that FBI officers may be operating here with complete diplomatic immunity from prosecution and may be carrying firearms.”
“New Zealand’s most recent public experience with the FBI was the botched raids on Kim Dotcom’s house in 2011. What we learned from that was NZ’s intelligence agencies engaged in illegal surveillance for the FBI, and the charges brought against Dotcom were not even things that are illegal in this country. In short, the entire case, which is still going on, has been one violation of rights after another.”
“We would like to know if there are other foreign police forces operating here. We expect that there will be widespread opposition to the establishment of an FBI office.”
This year marks 80th anniversary of the Republic of Korea’s liberation. Korea.net marks this historic day in 1945 of regaining sovereignty after 35 years of Japanese colonial rule (1910-45) and achieving independence as as self-reliant country. To commemorate the noble sacrifices of the nation’s patriotic ancestors who fought for liberation, this is a look back on the history of the Republic of Korea.
SANDY, Utah, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union, in partnership with Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up for Teachers initiative, announced the 40 recipients of the inaugural Show Up for Teachers Grants. Each educator has been awarded a $1,000 grant through the Mountain America Foundation to promote creativity in the classroom and foster engaging learning environments.
Recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants across the state and selected for their innovation, commitment to education, and impact on their students and communities. Grant proposals included initiatives such as STEM enrichment tools, inclusive reading materials, and technology upgrades to better meet student needs.
“Connecting with these educators at the Show Up for Teachers Conference was a powerful reminder of the passion and innovation they bring to their classrooms,” said Sharlene Wells, senior vice president of public relations and organizational communications at Mountain America. “It was a privilege to honor 40 extraordinary teachers whose grant submissions reflected thoughtful strategy and genuine commitment. We’re proud to champion their efforts to enrich student learning and make a lasting impact across Utah.”
The grant recipients were celebrated at the Show Up for Teachers Conference on July 10, 2025, at the Mountain America Expo Center. During a special presentation, First Lady Abby Cox joined Mountain America CEO and president Sterling Nielsen honoring the winners for their dedication and passion.
In addition to the $1,000 grant, each educator also received a blanket generously donated by Minky Couture as a token of appreciation for their tireless work and lasting impact in the classroom.
The Show Up for Teachers Conference welcomed more than 2,000 educators from across Utah for a day of professional development, networking, and support. Mountain America representatives engaged with teachers through interactive activities and promotional resources.
To view a full list of grant recipients, visit macu.com/showup.
To learn more about Mountain America’s community involvement, visit macu.com/newsroom.
About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.