Source:
This bill would amend the Anzac Day Act 1966 to cover conflicts and persons who have served New Zealand in past or future times of war or in warlike conflicts that are not currently covered by the Act.
Tell the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee what you think
Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Thursday, 22 May 2025.
For more details about the bill:
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee staff
fadt@parliament.govt.nz
Source:
The attached Incoming Government Brief for the mental health portfolio outlines the mental health sector’s priorities for the Albanese Government in the first 100 days and first year, as well as the ongoing reforms the sector is keen to see the government continue to deliver.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 20/05/2025
The ACT Government is delivering the health infrastructure our growing city needs with construction beginning on the Watson Health Precinct redevelopment.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the renewed Watson Health Precinct will enable delivery of better health services for young people and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Canberra.
The upgrades will provide new purpose-built facilities to support alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services, as well as residential mental health care for young people.
The precinct will also expand to include a new residential rehabilitation facility specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – designed, constructed and operated by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
Minister Stephen-Smith welcomed the milestone as a key step toward delivering a modern, inclusive and culturally safe environment that will support recovery and wellbeing.
“With new and upgraded facilities, the Watson Health Precinct will continue to provide live-in alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services for young people through the Ted Noffs Foundation, alongside residential care for young people experiencing mental health challenges, provided by Marymead CatholicCare,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The establishment of a residential alcohol and other drug facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fills a service gap in the ACT and increases culturally appropriate treatment options in the territory.
“Winnunga Nimmityjah has led the design of this new facility and will also be responsible for its construction and operation. This partnership ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally safe and appropriate care to support their recovery journey.”
The ACT Government has worked closely with each organisation to ensure the new infrastructure meets the unique needs of their clients and supports their critical work.
“Community health organisations play a vital and trusted role in delivering these essential services for the Canberra community. The upgraded facilities will enable our community partners to provide a welcoming, secure and inclusive environment that will support positive clinical and therapeutic outcomes,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The ACT Government committed $49 million in the 2023-24 ACT Budget to upgrade the Watson Health Precinct to support these vital community organisations to continue delivering essential health services to young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
The ACT Government is making record investments in public healthcare to ensure Canberrans can access the right care, when and where they need it.
You can find out more about the government’s health projects at builtforcbr.act.gov.au/projects/health.
Quotes attributable to Julie Tongs, CEO at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services:
“The new residential rehabilitation facility is designed to support the need for both cultural and therapeutic programs specifically designed indoor and outdoor spaces to allow for a holistic approach for all programs to be deliver seamlessly.”
Quotes attributable to Anne Kirwan, CEO at Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn:
“At STEPS, (Supporting Young People through early intervention and prevention strategies) we know that a young person’s environment plays a vital role in their mental health recovery. We’re thrilled about the ACT Government’s multi-million dollar investment into youth services at The Watson site. This redevelopment will allow us to create a welcoming, therapeutic space surrounded by nature and designed with the comforts of home where young people can feel safe, supported, and empowered to work towards their wellbeing goals.”
Quotes attributable to Lachlan Dean, National Programs Manager at Ted Noffs Foundation:
“Seeking support for drug and alcohol treatment is a massive step for any young person to undertake. Having a space that is designed and created to allow for young people to feel safe, comfortable and promotes treatment removes one barrier to young people accessing support. We welcome the ACT Government’s commitment to improve the treatment options for young people in the ACT.”
– Statement ends –
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
When considering trustee resolutions in the lead up to 30 June, it’s important for trustees of family trusts who have made a Family Trust Election (FTE), or entities with an Interposed Entity Election (IEE) to:
This is critical to help lower the risk of any FTDT liabilities arising.
Once a valid FTE or IEE is made, it’s important to be mindful of who the specified individual is (for each election). This is because there is a strict legal definition of family group, and it’s based on who the members of the ‘specified individual’s’ family group are. Often in private groups, there may be multiple family trusts with different specified individuals (which means there will be differences in who is in the ‘family groups’). There may have also been expansion of the business with new entities or changes in family members (e.g. if there was a divorce). While the election is in effect, FTDT will apply if any distributions are made outside the family group. FTDT is a 47% tax, payable by a trustee, director, or partner.
To ensure you don’t trigger FTDT liabilities, before making distributions, trustees should:
Trustees should review this information on an annual basis and keep these elections front of mind when administering their tax affairs.
The Commissioner has no discretion to ignore the application of FTDT, cannot limit the period FTDT applies and has no power to extend the time to revoke or vary elections.
If you’ve not made an FTE or IEE before, or are considering making one at the end of the financial year, it’s important to consider both the current and future impacts of making the election. While the concessions from making elections can be advantageous, there can be future limitations, constraints and potentially significant financial impacts for the private group for generations to come.
We’re seeing an increase in FTDT issues due to inadequate record keeping, succession planning, intergenerational expansion of businesses and evolving private groups. We encourage trustees and their advisers to review now.
If you’re unsure about any matters related to FTE or IEEs you should speak to your registered tax agent.
Resources
Web content:
We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.
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Source:
Media Release
Organisation: Finance and Expenditure Committee
For release: 21 May 2025
Have your say on Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill
The Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
This bill is one of three that the Finance and Expenditure Committee is considering related to financial services. The other two bills are the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill and the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill.
Please take care to upload your submission on the relevant bill.
Financial dispute resolution is a free way for consumers to resolve disputes with their bank, insurer, KiwiSaver provider, or other financial service provider. This bill would make two changes to financial dispute resolution. The changes aim to ensure:
Tell the Finance and Expenditure Committee what you think:
Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
For more details about the bill:
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Finance and Expenditure Committee Staff
fe@parliament.govt.nz
Source:
Media Release
Organisation: Finance and Expenditure Committee
For release: 21 May 2025
Have your say on Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill
The Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
This bill is one of three that the Finance and Expenditure Committee is considering related to financial services. The other two bills are the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill.
Please take care to upload your submission on the relevant bill.
The bill would:
Tell the Finance and Expenditure Committee what you think:
Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
For more details about the bill:
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Finance and Expenditure Committee Staff
fe@parliament.govt.nz
Source:
Media Release
Organisation: Finance and Expenditure Committee
For release: 21 May 2025
Have your say on Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill
The Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
This bill is one of three that the Finance and Expenditure Committee is considering related to financial services. The other two bills are the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill and the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill.
Please take care to upload your submission on the relevant bill.
This bill would:
Tell the Finance and Expenditure Committee what you think:
Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
For more details about the bill:
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Finance and Expenditure Committee Staff
fe@parliament.govt.nz
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Minsk, May 21 /Xinhua/ — The one-China principle cannot be challenged, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 cannot be distorted, Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said in an article published in the SB. Belarus Segodnya newspaper on Monday.
He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Taiwan. The return of Taiwan to China is an important part of the results of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order.
“I have noticed that recently, some countries have been distorting and challenging UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, spreading absurd claims such as that the resolution ‘does not confirm, equate or reflect the consensus on the one-China principle’, and rekindling the so-called ‘undefined status of Taiwan’ theory, thereby attempting to undermine the legal basis of the one-China principle. Such rhetoric, like the attempts of some countries to deny the enormous contribution of the Soviet people, including the Belarusian people, to World War II, not only distorts historical facts, but also openly challenges the authority of the UN and the post-war world order. This is extremely absurd and dangerous,” Zhang Wenchuan notes in his article.
The diplomat particularly emphasized that the historical context and legal facts of Taiwan’s belonging to China since ancient times are obvious. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan has been an integral part of China’s territory since time immemorial, which has long been a historical fact and international consensus.
He also pointed out in the article that UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved the issue of who is the legitimate representative of China, which strengthened the international community’s commitment to the one-China principle. This resolution completely and finally secured China’s sole place in the UN from the political, legal and procedural points of view, and completely excluded any questions about the so-called “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”. Challenging UNGA Resolution 2758 is tantamount to challenging the post-World War II world order and the authority of the UN.
“Any action that challenges UNGA Resolution 2758 is not only a challenge to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also a challenge to the authority of the UN and the international order established after World War II, and a flagrant reversal of history. Not only will 1.4 billion Chinese never agree with this, but all people around the world who defend truth and peace will also not support it,” the diplomat emphasized.
“China and Belarus are all-weather and comprehensive strategic partners. Both sides unswervingly and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major issues, jointly safeguard the results of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order, and unite against all vile acts aimed at distorting the truth and history. China and Belarus will continue to uphold historical justice, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly advance the great cause of building a community with a shared future for mankind,” Zhang Wenchuan concluded. -0-
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)
(Washington, DC) — U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) was presented with the 2025 Statesmanship Award by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) in a ceremony tonight in Washington, D.C.
In presenting the prestigious award to Case, the FMC said: “U.S. Representative Ed Case, who has the rare distinction of being both a current Member and a former Member, is a leader on issues ranging from education to environmental protection and more, bringing his collaborative and collegial approach to often-difficult debates as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations and otherwise.
“He exemplifies a pragmatic and productive approach to legislating that FMC considers essential for the nation’s success.”
Case was joined in receiving this year’s award by U.S. Representative Young Kim (R-CA, and a graduate of St. Andrews Priory (now St. Andrews Schools) in Honolulu), and U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
On receiving the award, Case said: “I’m deeply honored and somewhat embarrassed to receive this award, as there are a number of my House colleagues who deserve it.
“I have always believed as they do that our representative democracy relies absolutely on inclusion and responsiveness to real citizen concerns with real practical problem solving. That is the only approach that will lead us out of this disturbing time to deep national division and polarization and validate to the rest of our world that democracy remains the best path forward.
“It doesn’t mean that we ignore deep policy disagreements and debates and make the tough decisions when required. But it does mean that we must consciously and constantly work to strengthen the institutions and ability of our government to solve them.
The FMC (https://www.usafmc.org/) was founded over a half century ago and, at some 800 members today, is a “bipartisan, nonprofit, voluntary alliance of former United States Senators and Representatives, advocating for representative democracy at home and abroad.”
Its annual Statesmanship Award is given to Members who have demonstrated a life-long dedication to solutions-based governing, respectful debate, and placing the interests of citizens above politics.
Case served as U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007, following which he continued his involvement with Congress on various FMC efforts. He was re-elected to the U.S. House in 2018 and is now serving his sixth full term in the House. He has served on the House Committee on Appropriations since his return to Congress, currently on the Subcommittees on Defense and on Homeland Security. Among other activities, he serves as Vice Chair of the House Problem Solvers Caucus (https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/), a bipartisan group of Members of Congress -evenly split between Republicans and Democrats – committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.
###
Attachments: Pictures of U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Young Kim at tonight’s Statesmanship Awards ceremony, along with the Award to Case.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG, May 20 — China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday announced nine projects to be implemented by the city’s working group on developing tourist hotspots.
The nine projects to be implemented are: Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism, Victoria Park Bazaar, Creating a Pink Trumpet Tree Garden, Featured community: In-depth travel in Old Town Central, Featured community: In-depth travel in Kowloon City, Disciplinary Services Pioneer Tours, Opening of the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, “Four Peaks” Tourism, and Revistalizing the Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier.
The hotspots span across the territory, underlining the concept of “tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong.” There are indoor and outdoor hotspots, locales for visits and explorations, as well as places for enjoying the ecology and scenery.
Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, said that new travel patterns and tourists’ preferences increasingly value hotspots with unique features that are part of the flavor of Hong Kong. The nine projects will bring tourists new experiences that are more in-depth and fascinating.
The HKSAR government proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to set up a Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, aiming to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity to enhance the travel experience for tourists.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned.
Lammy said in a statement in the House of Commons, lower house of the British parliament, that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is “morally wrong, unjustifiable, and it needs to stop.”
Lammy said he thinks all lawmakers “should be able to utterly condemn the Israeli government’s denial of food to hungry children.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as “utterly intolerable,” and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Addressing the parliament, Starmer said, “The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable,” and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are “horrified by the escalation from Israel.” He said an “immediate ceasefire” remains “the only way to free the hostages.”
He also reaffirmed Britain’s opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate,” Starmer said. “We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve.”
Britain, France and Canada said on Monday in a joint statement that “if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid,” they will take further concrete actions.
Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 3,300 people and injured over 9,350, according to the Gaza-based health authorities.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would allow the entry of a “minimal and basic” quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent “images of mass starvation.” Later, five UN aid trucks entered Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom border crossing on Monday after undergoing security inspections.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The 78th World Health Assembly is held in Geneva, Switzerland, May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), adopted the global pandemic agreement on Tuesday.
The “pandemic agreement” proposes the establishment of a series of new platforms and mechanisms aimed at comprehensively reforming the existing systems for pandemic surveillance, prevention, and response. It seeks to promote research and equitable sharing of pandemic-related products, adjust the production and distribution order of such products, and further improve the global public health governance system, with a particular focus on addressing fairness challenges in international health development.
WHO member states, meeting on Monday in Committee A of the WHA, approved a resolution calling for adoption of the pandemic agreement. According to a press release on the WHO website, the resolution outlines several steps to advance global preparedness and pave the way for the agreement’s implementation.
It includes the launch of a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the agreement that would establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group. The result of this process will be considered at next year’s WHA. Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the pandemic agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies.
Following the adoption of the agreement, the Chinese delegation told Xinhua that China has been actively engaged in the agreement negotiation process. Guided by the vision of building a global community of health for all, China has upheld true multilateralism, advocated for greater solidarity and cooperation among countries, and supported the WHO in playing its central coordinating role.
The Chinese delegation also noted that China has worked with all parties to improve the global health governance system and strengthen global capacity for prevention, preparedness, and response. On technical issues such as pandemic prevention and surveillance, China maintained a science-based approach, put forward constructive textual proposals, and actively contributed to the drafting process, playing an important role in promoting consensus among member states.
In addition, China, along with countries including Brazil, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, actively responded to the legitimate concerns of developing countries regarding equitable access to health products under the framework of the Group for Equity. These efforts demonstrated China’s image as a responsible major country.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the assembly that “the WHO pandemic agreement will run among the most significant achievements in the history of this organization and of global health,” underscoring that it places humanity in a stronger position than ever before to prepare for and respond to pandemics.
In November 2021, a special session of the WHA established an intergovernmental negotiating body tasked with drafting a pandemic agreement under the WHO framework to enhance global capacities for pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
On April 16 this year, the WHO announced that, following more than three years of intensive negotiations, member states had reached a consensus on the draft text of the agreement, which was then submitted for consideration at the 78th session.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva on Tuesday urged the United States to end its politicization of COVID-19 origins tracing and stop exerting pressure on international organizations.
In response to the groundless remarks made by the U.S. delegation at the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), the spokesperson said it is astonishing that the United States — a country that once announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) — is now baselessly attacking countries that have consistently stepped up support for the organization. The United States has evidently lost its basic sense of right and wrong. China has always offered selfless support, instead of so-called undue influence, to the WHO, the spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson stressed that since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has shared information and the genetic sequence of the virus with the international community at the earliest possible time. It has also provided medical supplies and financial assistance to the WHO and 153 countries, including the United States. This reflects China’s commitment to safeguarding the common good of all humanity.
China supports scientific origins tracing led by the WHO and has invited WHO expert teams to China multiple times for joint studies. These efforts resulted in the authoritative scientific conclusion that a lab leak of COVID-19 from China is “extremely unlikely,” demonstrating China’s openness and transparency on the issue, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson pointed out that certain countries, in an attempt to cover up their own poor pandemic response, have resorted to smearing others. Such political manipulation of pandemic issues is disgraceful and doomed to fail. The United States still owes the international community a convincing explanation for the concerns raised by various parties about the origins and handling of the pandemic on its own territory.
China urges the United States to share its early case data with the WHO and be transparent about Fort Detrick and its network of overseas biological laboratories. The United States should stop political manipulation over COVID-19 origins tracing and cease pressuring international organizations, the spokesperson stated.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.
TORONTO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O2Gold Inc. (NEX:OTGO.H) (“O2Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an additional update on its pending acquisition of a gold mining exploration property in Quebec through the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Quebec Aur Ltd. (the “Target”) pursuant to a share exchange agreement entered into by the Company with the Target and its shareholders dated April 15, 2024, as amended November 14, 2024 (the “Acquisition”).
The Company received an extension from the TSX Venture Exchange to close its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing of 14 million units and 16 million flow-through common shares for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1.5 million (the “Offering”). The Company now has until June 23, 2025, to close the Offering, which, for clarity, shall not be for less than aggregate gross proceeds of $1.5 million.
The parties are working diligently to complete the remaining legal formalities in relation to the Acquisition, which is now expected to close in mid-2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. The Acquisition is more fully described in the Company’s press releases dated April 15, 2024, April 23, 2024, April 24, 2024, May 30, 2024, and August 23, 2024, as well as the Company’s management information circular (the “Circular”) which was mailed to shareholders of record as of August 26, 2024. The Offering is more fully described in the Company’s press release dated April 8, 2025. The press releases and Circular are available under O2Gold’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
About O2Gold
O2Gold is a mineral exploration company.
For additional information, please contact:
Scott Moore, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (416) 861-1685
Email: smoore@miningsm.com
Regulatory Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering and Acquisition, including closing conditions and timing, and other matters related thereto. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future mineral prices and market demand; accidents, labour disputes and shortages and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
From 1 July 2025, the ATO will pay super on government-funded Parental Leave Pay – known as a Paid Parental Leave Super Contribution (PPLSC). To be eligible, each person must receive Parental Leave Pay from Services Australia for a child born or adopted from 1 July 2025. PPLSC is:
We’ll pay the first PPLSC in the 2026–27 financial year.
If Parental Leave Pay is shared with another person, a superannuation contribution will be paid to each person’s superannuation fund, based on their portion of the Parental Leave Pay.
It’s important that an eligible person:
For more information about PPLSC, visit ato.gov.au/PPLSC
Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Guests attend the listing ceremony of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in south China’s Hong Kong, May 20, 2025. CATL was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, with the stock code 3750. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) on Tuesday listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with shares surging over 10 percent at market opening.
CATL announced allocation results showing that, before the exercise of the overallotment option, the Hong Kong public offering was oversubscribed by about 150.2 times, raising a total of approximately 35.66 billion HK dollars (4.55 billion U.S. dollars), with net proceeds of 35.33 billion HK dollars after deducting listing expenses.
On its listing day, CATL opened at 296 HK dollars, rising 12.55 percent from its offering price of 263 HK dollars. By midday, it traded at 307.6 HK dollars, up 16.96 percent, with a turnover exceeding 5.7 billion HK dollars.
Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said at the listing ceremony that CATL’s listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange can accelerate its global strategic expansion.
Leveraging Hong Kong financing to support international growth is set to be a trend for mainland enterprises in export development, marking a new milestone in Hong Kong’s role in serving national development strategies, Chan added.
Bonnie Chan, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), said that in terms of funds raised, CATL’s IPO is the largest in Hong Kong in recent years and the biggest globally so far this year. This demonstrated the depth of the Hong Kong market and its solid fundamentals in supporting large-scale financing projects.
CATL is an innovative new energy technology company, primarily engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of EV batteries and energy storage system batteries. It is already listed on the A-share market. (1 U.S. dollar equals 7.82 HK dollars)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The momentum generated by government policies aimed at stabilizing foreign investment, combined with the rapid growth of green and artificial intelligence-driven economies, will deliver strong tailwinds for foreign companies in China this year, said foreign business executives.
With rising global economic headwinds and uncertainty over United States’ trade policies, many global enterprises are opting to consolidate their presence in China, with plans to maintain or expand investment.
China’s stable and business-friendly environment supported a modest rebound in foreign direct investment in March, with actual FDI inflows into the Chinese mainland increasing by 13.2 percent year-on-year, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.
Marelli Holdings Co Ltd, a Saitama, Japan-headquartered multinational automotive parts manufacturer with more than 50 manufacturing facilities across the world, will expand its engineering team from 800 to 1,000 in China over the next three years.
“Many opportunities arise from Chinese automakers’ rapid shift toward electrification and intelligence, especially in the form of software-defined vehicles, which are setting new benchmarks for speed, scale and innovation,” said David Slump, the group’s president and CEO.
With China and the US agreeing to de-escalate trade tensions last week, Slump said that these two countries are major markets for Marelli.
“We are closely monitoring and assessing the situation, and are committed to minimizing any impact on our operations and customers,” said Slump. He added that the company is already exporting advanced products and solutions from China to other markets, including Europe, Mexico and Southeast Asia.
Also upbeat about the Chinese market, British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced in March an investment of $2.5 billion to establish in Beijing its sixth global strategic R&D center, and further expand its biotech innovation partnerships and local manufacturing capabilities.
The new facility will advance early-stage research and clinical development and will be enabled by a new AI and data science laboratory.
Susan Galbraith, executive vice-president, oncology R&D, Astra-Zeneca, said that having two of its six global strategic R&D centers in China reflects the group’s confidence in China’s world-class biomedical innovation ecosystem and reinforces the nation’s critical role in its global R&D strategy.
Ji Wenhua, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies, which is part of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that China’s well-developed industrial bases, strong supply chain resilience and policy emphasis on innovation continue to make it an attractive destination for global capital.
According to China’s 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment, the country will support pilot regions in effectively implementing opening-up policies related to areas such as value-added telecommunication, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, providing whole-journey services for foreign-invested projects in these sectors.
The action plan also supports foreign businesses to participate in China’s new industrialization, with a focus on high-tech fields. Global capital has been welcomed in service sectors such as elderly care, culture and tourism, sports, healthcare, vocational education and finance.
As part of its strategy to strengthen operations in China, US express transportation service provider FedEx Corp announced in mid-May that it would enhance its international export services from Shanghai.
The cutoff times for same-day outbound shipments from Shanghai to Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, India and Africa will be further extended.
The foreign trade value of foreign-invested businesses reached 4.1 trillion yuan ($567.51 billion) in China between January and April, up 1.9 percent year-on-year, accounting for 29 percent of China’s total foreign trade value, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed.
In the meantime, Jiangsu province, a major hub for foreign-invested companies, recorded 864.25 billion yuan in foreign trade value, up 7.2 percent year-on-year, according to Nanjing Customs.
Source: Team effort to rescue teens
New analysis from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi shows that the health service is likely to be underfunded by between $1.2bn to $2bn at the Budget.
“We have examined the spending decisions and announcements of the Minister of Health over the past few months. These demonstrate a pattern of making a new service promise but not providing any new funding for that new service,” said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.
“That means the commitments have to be paid out of the existing budget, which is already under huge pressure. These sneaky cuts add up to $1.2bn across 4 years.
“At Budget 2024 the government provided $1.370bn for cost pressures. This has been calculated by the Treasury as simply covering the cost of existing services. The $1.2bn of new spending are all new services on top. If they come from the ‘cost pressure’ payment above, that acts as a direct cut to existing health services.
“Assuming the Treasury cost pressure costs are right, health needs $1.713bn just to stand still at Budget 2025 in direct new funding – and likely a figure closer to $2bn once the unknown costs are added.
“If this money is coming from pay equity funding, it would be the equivalent of those low-income health workers paying for the new service themselves.
“In opposition, National said that it would “prioritise increases in funding for health and education to account for inflation.” The government now appears to be robbing the very funding set aside for inflation in health to pay for its new priorities, breaking their pre-election promise,” said Renney.
| New Announcements | ||
| Commitment | Annual Amount ($m) | |
| After Hours Care | 41 | |
| Cancer Medicines | 151 | |
| Hawkes Bay Endoscopy | 0.4 | |
| GP Practices | 95 | |
| Private Sector Support[1] | 50 | |
| Practice Nurses | 6 | |
| 343.4 | 4-year total ($m) 1,223.80 | |
The government has also made the following announcements and has not provided any costing information with those announcements. These costs are likely in the hundreds of millions, but we simply have no current idea about if the government will provide any further resources for them.
Unknown
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Senator Reverend Warnock Encourages Atlanta Business, Civic Leaders to Continue Putting Service Over Self in Remarks to Rotary Club of Atlanta
Senator Reverend Warnock encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty
The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from various non-profit and small business leaders across the Atlanta region
Established in 1913, the Rotary Club of Atlanta has grown to be one of the most influential business and civic clubs in the world
ICYMI from Saporta Report: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock: ‘Uncertainty is never a friend of business’
Watch Senator Reverend Warnock’s remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta HERE
Atlanta, GA – In remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA)encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty.
“As an alum of Head Start, as an alum of Upward Bound, another federal program called Trio that put a kid in housing projects on a college campus every summer so that I could know that I belonged there, as someone who’s been a beneficiary of Pell grants and low-interest student loans. I’m fighting for that kid on Cape Street, and every variation of that kid in rural communities all across our state. And so in this moral moment, I hope that we will recommit ourselves to standing in the best of the Rotarian spirit of service over self. It’s the reason why I’m deeply concerned about much of what is happening right now. I am worried about our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Metro Chamber, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Ideas United, and various non-profit and small business leaders representing industries across the Atlanta region.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock greeting constituents and local business and civic leaders
After greeting constituents, the Senator was recognized by the Club’s Board Chair John Yates with a personalized poem he authored highlighting Senator Warnock’s commitment to service for all Georgians. The Senator was introduced by Program Chair and CEO of Ideas United David Roemer ahead of his keynote remarks, where the Senator discussed the detrimental effects of policy unpredictability on businesses and his concerns about tariffs impacts on Georgia small businesses and consumers. Senator Warnock encouraged business leaders to advocate for common-sense leadership and to be unafraid in using their voices to call out the danger and damage Washington politicians pose to Georgia workers and families.
“Like many of you, I’m very concerned about these tariffs. I haven’t met anybody yet who’s excited about it. I talked to business leaders. They are worried. I was down in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia a couple of weeks ago meeting with leaders at the port. […] And while there I was talking to leaders and farmers and small businesses, and they feel the uncertainty. One gentleman involved with beekeeping and honey paid more than $25,000 in tariffs on his last import. He’s a small business owner. He doesn’t get to just move something around and be okay for the next quarter. He could lose his business. He does not know what he is going to do. He does not want to pass that cost on to the consumer, but understandably, he does not want to eat those costs himself. We’re hearing stories like that across Metro Atlanta, where business owners and leaders are left scratching their heads because the math ain’t mathing,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
“They cannot plan in this uncertain, unpredictable environment. […] And so this is such an important moment for business leaders to stand up, to raise your voices, to use your influence in the ways that you can. Now, I’m not naive. I know that when you’re running a business, you want to stay as far from politics as you can. I don’t blame you. But there comes a moment when that which is so fundamental to opportunity and possibility is at stake that we have to raise our voices. We have to use our influence in the same way to stand up and fight for tax cuts, stand up and fight for immigration policy that makes good business sense,” Senator Reverend Warnock continued.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock gives remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta
Additionally, Senator Warnock reflected on his new report that uplifts the success of the clean energy tax credits he helped put into law and propelled Georgia to the forefront of our nation’s clean energy economy, but which are now under threat as Washington Republicans seek to scale back these clean energy jobs and investments.
“According to my report, in Georgia, nearly all the new [clean energy] investments and the new jobs are in counties outside of Metro Atlanta. Nationwide analyzes show that the vast majority of projects announced following the passage of these clean energy tax credits. Over three and four projects have gone to House districts currently held by Republicans. But this is especially true in Georgia. […] This is good news for Georgia, and to undermine it does not make good sense, it’s hard to defend that. The data is clear, and so my colleagues have a decision to make about who they will fight for and what they believe in. Who will they support? But this I do know: uncertainty is never a friend of business, right? It’s hard to know where they invest. You’re not certain about what’s going to happen along the supply chain, it’s hard to know that you should continue to lean in and invest in a clean energy future in Georgia if the Congress can simply undo two years later what it decided to do two years ago, right at the moment that we’re beginning to make progress,”said Senator Reverend Warnock.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock participates in a fireside chat with Program Chair and Ideas United CEO David Roemer
Following his remarks, the Senator participated in a fireside chat conversation with David Roemer and fielded questions from members of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Senator Warnock closed by reiterating his service to all Georgians is rooted in his mission to see America win by making sure every child has a chance, and the next kid growing up in public housing or relying on low-interest loans for an education knows that anything is possible in America.
“It’s our job to tell our children that in America anything is possible,” Senator Reverend Warnock said in closing.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
“In the wake of the Bybit hack, it is essential that the United States redouble its efforts to prevent North Korean crypto theft.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the committee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting information on efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea.
In February, the Lazarus Group, a hacker syndicate backed by the North Korean government, stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. In the letter, the senators warn the attack marks a dangerous escalation in North Korea’s use of crypto theft to evade sanctions and fund its weapons programs — a direct threat to U.S. national security and global stability.
“In the wake of this attack—the ‘largest crypto theft of all time’—we write to request information regarding your efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea,” wrote the senators.
They continued: “North Korea relies on cryptocurrency theft to subvert U.S.-led international sanctions and to undermine the security of the United States and our Indo-Pacific allies… These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs. Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe.”
The senators press the agencies on how they are responding to the evolving tactics of North Korean hackers and what tools they need to prevent future attacks. This comes as Senate Republicans attempt to advance the GENIUS Act — legislation that, as currently drafted, would dramatically expand the stablecoin market with few guardrails and inadequate national security protections. A vote on the bill could come as early as later today.
Full text of the letter follows:
Dear Secretary Bessent and Attorney General Bondi:
On February 21, 2025, the Lazarus Group, a hacker syndicate backed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. In the wake of this attack—the “largest crypto theft of all time”—we write to request information regarding your efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea.
North Korea relies on cryptocurrency theft to subvert U.S.-led international sanctions and to undermine the security of the United States and our Indo-Pacific allies. The Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community for 2025 states that “North Korea is funding its military development—allowing it to pose greater risks to the United States—and economic initiatives by stealing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in cryptocurrency from the United States and other victims.” Between 2017 and 2023, North Korea stole an estimated $3 billion in crypto hacks, laundering tokens through crypto mixers to effectively mask their origins before funneling the proceeds back to Pyongyang. These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs. Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe.
In recent years, North Korean hackers have shifted from simplistic crypto theft schemes to more sophisticated tactics. Typically, these attacks center around variations of social engineering schemes, designed to exploit vulnerabilities in tech and crypto companies. Hackers have increasingly found ways to infiltrate crypto firms, often faking credentials, resumes, and documents and disguising themselves as American or foreign nationals eligible for work. According to reports, “[t]hey have pretended to be Canadian IT workers, government officials and freelance Japanese blockchain developers. They will conduct video interviews to get a job, or …masquerade as potential employers.” In addition, hackers have relied on “phishing and supply chain attacks, and…infrastructure hacks which involve private key or seed phrase compromises.”
The Bybit hack reflects a further escalation in North Korea’s ability to execute complex crypto theft schemes. In the attack, hackers pulled approximately $1.5 billion from a “cold” crypto storage wallet—a “piece of hardware…kept mostly isolated from online networks” that, prior to the attack, were “considered to be almost impervious to attacks.”10 According to experts, the attack suggests that “North Korea has either expanded its money laundering infrastructure or that underground financial networks, particularly in China, have enhanced their capacity to absorb and process illicit funds.”11 The hack is expected to have significant impacts on the crypto industry and leaves companies scrambling to bolster cybersecurity. Specifically, “staving off North Korean thefts will likely require much higher spending by crypto exchanges.”
In the wake of the Bybit hack, it is essential that the United States redouble its efforts to prevent North Korean crypto theft. To better understand the scope of North Korea’s reliance on the theft of crypto to evade sanctions and finance its weapons programs and the steps the administration is taking to address this urgent national security concern, we ask that you respond to the following questions by June 2, 2025:
1. Please describe the steps your agency is taking to address threats to U.S. national security posed by North Korea’s theft of cryptocurrency to earn revenue and bypass sanctions.
2. What additional steps, if any, does your agency plan to take in the wake of the Bybit attack to bolster efforts to prevent North Korean cryptocurrency theft?
3. What are the biggest challenges your agency faces in combatting North Korean cryptocurrency theft? What steps can Congress take to bolster and support enforcement efforts to prevent future crypto theft?
Sincerely,
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
READ MORE — CNN: After NIH staffing cuts, cancer patient in clinical trial worries she may lose crucial time; Washington Post: NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it.
Senator Murray: “If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
****FROM TODAY – WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s exchange with RFK Jr.***
***FROM LAST WEEK –WATCH: Senator Murray rebuts Secretary Kennedy’s claims about her constituent, Natalie***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s outburst during today’s Senate Appropriations hearing, where Secretary Kennedy repeatedly lied, dodged Senator Murray’s questions, and made a number of totally unfounded allegations, in particular relating to Senator Murray’s constituent, Natalie, who is suffering from Stage Four colorectal cancer and whose care was delayed as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing cuts across HHS. Senator Murray brought up Natalie’s story to Secretary Kennedy at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing last week; additional background on that exchange is below.
At the appropriations hearing today, Secretary Kennedy claimed to Senator Murray: “You told me two or three days ago, four days ago that we had cut a clinical trial in your state and it turned out what you said turned out to be completely untrue and you knew it was not true because you corresponded.” This was not at all what Senator Murray suggested or what happened. At the HELP hearing on May 14th, Senator Murray laid out how Natalie’s treatment in a trial at the NIH Clinical Center had been delayed by the staffing cuts, according to her doctors at NIH, and then she asked Secretary Kennedy directly how many staff were cut from the NIH’s Clinical Center. Video and transcript of their initial exchange on May 14th is HERE. A full transcript of their exchange today is available HERE.
“RFK Jr. is a shameless liar and a dangerous conspiracy theorist—he should have never been confirmed. As much as he lies and deflects, I’m not going to stop holding him accountable for the real harm he is inflicting on people in this country.
“Natalie’s care has been complicated, but here’s what’s not: her NIH doctor told her twice that her care was explicitly delayed due to NIH staffing cuts—specifically, that she would have to wait eight weeks rather than four to have her cells re-infused. On the question of credibility, I will trust an NIH doctor over an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist every day.
“After an initial contact with RFK Jr.’s office last Wednesday, it was complete radio silence with no answers until about an hour before today’s hearing. It should not take me raising this issue with RFK Jr. face-to-face to make sure NIH is working the way it’s supposed to.
“I still have no answer about how many NIH clinical staff have been fired. I still have no answer why Natalie was told by her NIH doctor that her care was being delayed due to staffing cuts. For weeks, my staff has been demanding answers about agency staffing cuts.
“Meanwhile, my staff has been in constant touch over the past three weeks with dedicated career staff at NIH and FDA—the same people the Trump administration is trying to push out the door—to address Natalie’s case. But it has been no thanks to RFK Jr. or HHS political leadership.”
“If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
__________________________________
At last week’s HELP Committee hearing with Secretary Kennedy, Murray grilled Kennedy on the Trump administration’s moves to slash staff and block funding at the National Institute of Health (NIH), and laid out how is affecting one of her constituents, Natalie Phelps of Washington state: “One of my constituents, Natalie Phelps—a mom of two from Bainbridge Island in Washington state. She has been fighting aggressive Stage Four colorectal cancer for nearly five years now. Her best hope now is a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center. She flew out to the NIH just a few weeks ago for her first appointment, and her care team wanted her to come back in four weeks to start treatment. But because of the thoughtless, mass firing of thousands of critical employees across NIH and HHS that you have carried out, Natalie’s doctors at that clinical center have told her that they have no choice but to delay her treatment by an additional four weeks. Now, an extra four weeks may not sound like a long time but, I will tell you, for Stage Four cancer patients like Natalie, this could mean the difference between life and death.” Video of the full exchange between Senator Murray and Secretary Kennedy is available HERE.
Later in the hearing, Secretary Kennedy asserted that Natalie was ineligible for her clinical trial and called her story a “canard,” saying: “Senator Murray had raised the issue of a constituent of hers who she said had been denied a place in a clinical trial in Washington due to the RIF. We’ve been able to run down that case. The patient was medically ineligible for that trial. It had nothing to do with the RIF. And NIH has been trying to get her into another clinical trial, but none of our clinical trials have been shut down because of the RIF. That was a canard.”
Senator Murray returned to the hearing to respond directly to Secretary Kennedy: “Secretary Kennedy came back and said my constituent, who I spoke about earlier, [her care] was not delayed by staffing cuts. First off, she is already enrolled in that clinical trial. It’s not a question of eligibility—the issue, as I stated clearly, was the delay in care that she got. And what you stated, Secretary Kennedy, is not true.”
“I spoke with Natalie, actually, last night. She asked her NIH doctor directly why, when she was informed of the delay, and her doctor at NIH said very plainly TWICE: her care was delayed because of staffing cuts. And Mr. Chairman, I think it’s important for the record to show, my staff has put in inquiries with HHS leadership and they’ve been unresponsive so far.And, just to make clear, this is just one case of many. But those are the facts,” Senator Murray said.
Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments.
Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
Senator Murray’s opening remarks at today’s hearing, as delivered, are below:
“Secretary Kennedy—things are not going well. It is clear what you are doing across HHS is devastating to children, families, seniors, and the millions of Americans HHS programs support.
“You were required to send us an operating plan detailing how you’re spending funds that Congress provided for programs families rely on. You sent us what you titled the ‘Hill Version,’ which had over 530 asterisks in place of funding levels.
“Mr. Secretary, we need the real version with actual funding levels. This committee needs to know how you are spending taxpayer dollars right now—and what programs you’re cutting and eliminating.
“You are blocking billions in funding that Congress appropriated from going out the door, including $3 billion at NIH, and $1 billion in Head Start and $3 billion in child care funding alone.
“And that’s on top of all of the other funding you’ve illegally ripped away: $11 billion from state and local health departments, $1 billion supporting local substance use and mental health programs, and $66 million in Title X funds for cancer screenings, birth control, and preventive care.
“You are dismantling HHS, throwing away generations of investments in our health care system and firing critical employees. We’re talking about the people who administer Head Start, LIHEAP, and Meals on Wheels. Or entire teams working on preventing chronic disease and Alzheimer’s, tracking IVF success rates and safety, maternal health, and much more.
“On top of all of this, you propose a budget with truly devastating cuts that would leave America sicker and weaker.
“But you’re not waiting to see whether Congress approves that budget proposal. This administration is starting to unilaterally implement it right now—in defiance of Congress and the laws we have passed. If you aren’t already, you are sprinting down the road of illegally impounding billions in funding, through intentional action and through incompetence.
“To my colleagues on this dais: We heard several weeks ago, what we risk by ceding American leadership on biomedical research. If we bless these staffing and funding cuts across HHS, that means deciding we are comfortable with China leading the future development of every drug, device, and vaccine. The supply chain challenges we faced during the pandemic will be the new normal. Our access to the latest treatments and cures will depend on other countries.
“It’s time to stand up and assert Congress’ authority. This Committee has dedicated itself in a bipartisan manner over decades to make sure we are the global leader in research and development. And now all of us know this administration is setting us back where it may take decades to regain that position.
“If we don’t, decades of scientific breakthroughs and medical discovery—and the bipartisan work to support them—risks being burned to the ground, and it will be very hard to rebuild.”
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
GREAT FALLS – A Texas man who failed to register as a sex offender was found guilty by a federal judge today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a bench trial, Tracy Allen Reilly, 60, was found guilty of failure to register as a sex offender. Reilly faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for October 1, 2025. Reilly will remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in 1995, Tracy Allen Reilly was convicted in Texas of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to 20 years in custody. He discharged from custody in 2014 and was instructed to register as a sexual offender for the duration of his life. In July 2018, Reilly was convicted of another felony in Texas for violating sex offender registration. After he was released from custody on that sentence, Reilly signed additional registration forms in 2022 and in June of 2023.
Reilly moved to Montana sometime in the fall of 2023. Before he moved, he was informed he would be required to register as a sex offender in Montana. Once in Montana, Reilly camped on federal land around Homestake Lake in Jefferson County. In October 2023, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office contacted Reilly and advised him he was required to register as a sex offender.
In November 2023, an officer with the U.S. Forest Service was patrolling the Homestake area and made contact with Reilly. The officer learned Reilly was a non-compliant sex offender, and when the officer again encountered Reilly in January 2024, he told Reilly he needed to register. Reilly never registered as a sex offender in Montana.
On November 6, 2024, the Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Reilly with failure to register as a sex offender, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). Reilly was arrested in December 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Higher Education Loan Authority of Missouri (MOHELA) joins the state and nation in mourning the passing of Governor Christopher “Kit” Bond, who died on May 13, 2025, at the age of 86. Governor Bond’s visionary leadership and enduring commitment to public service were instrumental in the creation of MOHELA, which he signed into law in 1981.
As a dedicated public servant, Kit Bond recognized the transformative power of education. The establishment of MOHELA reflected a bold commitment to expanding access to higher education for Missouri students. Over the past four decades, MOHELA has helped millions of students and families manage the cost of college, thanks to the foundation Governor Bond laid.
“Governor Bond’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of MOHELA,” said Scott Giles, Executive Director and CEO of MOHELA. “His belief in the importance of education and opportunity continues to guide our mission every day. We are forever grateful for his leadership and vision.”
Governor Bond’s distinguished career included two terms as Missouri’s governor and four terms in the U.S. Senate. He was widely respected for his bipartisan approach and his work on issues ranging from education and infrastructure to national security and economic development. Further, Governor Bond was noteworthy for fighting for the interests and improving the lives of Missourians.
MOHELA extends its deepest condolences to Governor Bond’s family and loved ones. His legacy lives on in the students we serve and the futures we help build.
About MOHELA
MOHELA is a non-profit, governmental corporation with 40 years of experience and a track record of providing exceptional customer service to the borrowers it serves. MOHELA plays an essential role in the student loan ecosystem, providing support and assistance for around 9 million borrowers.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
QUEBEC CITY, Canada, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an AI-powered software company recognized for its innovation in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD), today provided an update regarding its discussions with its lenders under the amended and restated financing offer dated as of April 5, 2023 with Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec (“Desjardins” and the financing offer, as amended, the “Desjardins Credit Facility”) and the bridge financing offer dated as of August 16, 2024 with the initial bridge lenders and certain members of management and the board of directors (collectively, the “Bridge Lenders”, and the financing offer, the “Bridge Facility”). While the Company continues to be in active discussions with Desjardins and its Bridge Lenders, it has not reached an agreement providing for additional financing for the Company or relief from the minimum cash, equity financing and process plan covenants contained in the Desjardins Credit Facility and Bridge Facility.
In an effort to preserve cash and afford the Company additional time to pursue discussions with its lenders, the Company also announced a reduction of its workforce through temporary layoffs of approximately 138 individuals, in all of its locations and across all departments within the organization, representing approximately 95% of the Company’s total workforce. Such measure will provide the Company with additional time to continue to actively evaluate potential alternatives relating to a restructuring of its obligations, a sale of the business or certain of its assets, strategic investments and/or any other alternatives, including seeking creditor protection under the Companies’ Credit Arrangement Act. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in pursuing and implementing any such alternatives, nor any assurance as to the outcome or timing of any such alternatives.
About LeddarTech
A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.
LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 190 patent applications (112 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.
Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s selection by the OEM referred to above, anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics, as well as expectations regarding the anticipated performance, adoption and commercialization of its products. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, our ability to continue to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards following our transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market, as well as: (i) the risk that LeddarTech and the OEM referred to above are unable to agree to final terms in definitive agreements; (ii) the volume of future orders (if any) from this OEM, actual revenue derived from expected orders, and timing of revenue, if any; (iii) our ability to timely access sufficient capital and financing on favorable terms or at all; (iv) our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, including our ability to enter into any forbearance agreements, waivers or amendments with, or obtain other relief from, our lenders as needed; (v) our ability to execute on our business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; (vi) our ability to successfully commercialize our product offering at scale, whether through the collaboration agreement with Texas Instruments, a collaboration with a Tier 2 supplier or otherwise; (vii) changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs and plans; (viii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (ix) our ability to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (x) potential adverse changes to relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings; (xiii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:
Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.
Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com
Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.
LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”
Source: Samsung
Samsung Electronics today announced the addition of new pieces from Disney’s iconic portfolio to the Samsung Art Store,1 offering TV users worldwide a stunning new way to enjoy beloved visuals from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic — all in crystal-clear 4K resolution.
“We’re thrilled to expand our collaboration with Disney to offer their most beloved artwork to our global community of Art Store users,” said Heeyeong Ahn, Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By offering a diverse range of artistic content that transcends genres and generations, we aim to enrich the everyday lives of our users with art.”
The new Disney Collection transforms living rooms into immersive digital galleries, featuring classic and contemporary works that celebrate storytelling, adventure and the beauty of our planet. From the heartwarming tales of Disney princesses from films like “The Little Mermaid,” “Snow White,” and “Tangled” to the legendary “Star Wars saga” and the breathtaking wildlife of “Planet Earth,” the collection also offers fans a chance to discover new favorites — all through the lens of stunning digital art.
Samsung Art Store, a global digital art subscription platform available on Samsung TVs, now offers over 3,500 curated artworks from more than 800 artists and 70 world-class galleries and museums. First launched in 2017 with The Frame, the Art Store experience is now available on 2025 Samsung AI-powered Neo QLED and QLED TVs,2 giving more viewers access to premium art in 4K resolution.
In addition to this latest Disney collaboration, users can easily enjoy masterpieces from world-renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée d’Orsay, as well as a variety of contemporary and modern artworks showcased at Art Basel, from the comfort of their homes. The service also includes curated selections handpicked by professional art experts on a monthly basis, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
For more information, visit www.samsung.com.
1 The Disney Collection is now available in selected countries across Asia, North America (including the United States and Canada), and Europe, where the Samsung Art Store is supported.
2 For models Q7F and above.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday called Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s proposal of cross-Strait dialogue “on equal terms” a hypocritical gesture attempting to revive dialogue based on his new “two states” theory.
“Only by recognizing the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China will cross-Strait dialogue and consultation have a basis to resume,” said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, when commenting on a speech made by Lai and his media interviews on Tuesday.
Lai’s recent remarks repeated his separatist stance and underlined his desire to achieve his aims by force and with the support of external actors, Chen said.
Lai has hyped the so-called “mainland threat,” incited cross-Strait confrontation and advanced economic decoupling measures, Chen added.
Only by ceasing separatist provocations can cross-Strait relations improve, and only through enhanced exchanges and cooperation can tension across the Strait ease, Chen said.
He reiterated that nothing Lai does can alter the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, nor can it hinder the historical trend toward national reunification.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the mainland’s commitment to upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and opposing all forms of separatist activities and external interference.
“On the basis of the one-China principle, we are willing to engage with all political parties, groups and individuals in Taiwan to discuss political issues between the two sides and other matters related to advancing the process of national reunification,” he said.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
British Parking Association will develop and run the ‘national parking platform’, providing drivers with a more flexible parking experience.
Drivers are set to benefit from simpler parking nationwide, as industry delivers a ‘one app fits all’ parking platform at no cost to the taxpayer, following government-backed trials.
The government has today (21 May 2025) confirmed that, following successful collaboration with the sector, the British Parking Association will now take forward the development and running of the National Parking Platform (NPP).
The platform will enable drivers to pay for parking in all participating car parks on their preferred app – ending the scramble to download multiple apps and encouraging a more flexible parking experience. The government intervened to make sure it can be delivered by a consortium of industry leaders, including Ringo, JustPark and PayByPhone and led by the British Parking Association (BPA).
Currently, drivers face inconsistent parking rules, clunky user experiences and unnecessary barriers to something that should be simple. The National Parking Platform fixes this, connecting participating car parks to a shared platform, through which drivers can pay using any approved app – cutting confusion, reducing the chance of fines and opening up the parking market to fairer competition.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said:
This government is on the side of drivers and dedicated to giving everyone simpler, more flexible parking. I’m delighted that this fantastic project is being taken on by the parking sector with no extra cost to taxpayers.
This is public infrastructure done right: built by government, shaped with councils and now delivered by the sector that knows it best, at a time where we’re investing a record £1.6 billion through our Plan for Change, to mend our pothole-ridden roads that damage cars and £4.8 billion to deliver new road infrastructure that will better connect people.
The new agreement will see the parking sector working with councils to run the platform on a not-for-profit basis. It will operate under clear terms to ensure transparency, sustainability, and public value. The government will maintain oversight of the platform by monitoring the sector’s compliance with these terms.
So far, the platform has been rolled out in 10 local authorities and now handles over half a million transactions a month. Today’s announcement means drivers nationwide will benefit from a simpler, more seamless experience.
Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive, said:
Today’s announcement marks the result of 6 years of dedicated work by our parking sector to make paying for parking easier. We’ve strongly supported the National Parking Platform from the start, so we’re thrilled with this outcome and excited to collaborate with the Department for Transport and the new NPP company to create a better parking experience for all drivers.
As part of their next steps, the new consortium will be onboarding more local authorities imminently to ensure that easier, simpler parking is rolled out to more drivers as soon as possible.
This announcement comes as the government invests £1.6 billion to tackle the scourge of potholes and deliver national renewal through investment in vital infrastructure that will drive growth and put more money in working people’s pockets and deliver the Plan for Change.
Roads media enquiries
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878
Switchboard 0300 330 3000
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Grangemouth workers receive ‘training guarantee’ to benefit from clean energy jobs.
Over 260 workers have received 1:1 skills support from Forth Valley College to support their transition into new, high-skilled jobs, with 184 workers already beginning training
signals swift delivery of the Prime Minister’s commitment to a ‘training guarantee’ to secure a future for workers, as part of the Plan for Change
Energy Secretary and Energy Minister join Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy in first Grangemouth Investment Taskforce meeting today to discuss securing private investment and a long-term future for Grangemouth – backed by £200 million from the UK government, and £25 million from the Scottish Government
Petroineos refinery workers at Grangemouth are being actively supported through the Prime Minister’s commitment to a ‘training guarantee’ to help secure new well-paid work, as part of the UK and Scottish Governments’ pledge to secure a future for those affected by the closure of the oil refinery.
The government took swift action to protect workers after Petroineos confirmed their plans to close the refinery, including announcing up to £10 million to provide new skills support that will help the site’s workers into good clean energy jobs, as well as supporting new energy projects in the region. This also included a commitment from the Prime Minister in February to deliver a “training guarantee”.
This guarantee is now being delivered, with 184 out of 300 workers having now engaged in retraining activity with the majority of the remaining workforce registered for training.
Workers have been offered a wide range of training opportunities, including renewable energy upskilling courses and wind turbine engineering courses, paid for and supported by the UK and Scottish Governments. This will provide them with the vital skills needed to secure new jobs, including in the clean energy sector – which currently supports more than 42,000 jobs in Scotland.
Every Petroineos worker affected by the decision to close the oil refinery has now been provided the opportunity for 1:1 interviews with careers specialists at Forth Valley College.
These will help identify their skills, qualifications and training needs to create a programme of bespoke courses that will ensure their smooth transition into new roles – supporting the next generation of good jobs and driving economic growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
It comes as the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin and Energy Minister Michael Shanks join the Office for Investment, Scottish Enterprise, National Wealth Fund and Scottish National Investment Bank for the inaugural Grangemouth Investment Taskforce meeting today where they will discuss securing private investment in the future of the site – with 66 enquiries received so far.
Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said:
The workforce at Grangemouth is highly skilled with significant transferrable experience which our training commitment recognises by providing tailored support for workers into new employment opportunities.
As well as continuing to work to secure the site’s long-term industrial future, we want to ensure no worker is left behind and that they are equipped with the skills they need to secure good jobs. This is our Plan for Change in action.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said:
The Scottish Government’s immediate focus has rightly been on supporting workers who have lost their jobs. We committed up to £450,000 to ensure that they are supported and assisted to secure other employment and to contribute their valuable skills to Scotland’s green economy.
That is why we are also working to secure Grangemouth’s role in that future and create an investible industrial strategy for the site. It’s clear that real progress is being made on the findings from Project Willow. We are working closely with Scottish Enterprise – who are already assessing nearly 70 inquiries aligned to the full range of technologies set out in the report – and we are determined to ensure we realise the full potential for the site’s transformation.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:
We know this is a worrying time for workers and their families at Grangemouth. I am pleased more than 260 highly skilled workers have already received support from Forth Valley College thanks to funding from the UK government as part of the £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal package.
By offering bespoke training in renewable energy and wind turbine engineering, we’re not just supporting individual workers but also helping Scotland lead the way in clean energy jobs. We are determined that Grangemouth will have a green energy future and have committed £200 million through the National Wealth Fund toward that.
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said:
The College continues to work extremely hard to make sure that all the Petroineos employees affected by the refinery closure, are able to access the support they need as they begin their transition into new training, careers and jobs.
We are making learning work in our Forth Valley communities and beyond, and we want to assure everyone that we will continue to be there for them as they take the next steps in their careers and their studies.
Steven Bell, former Hazardous Areas Technician at Petroineos Grangemouth Refinery, said:
The support I received from Forth Valley College with retraining during the redundancy process has been exceptional.
From my 1:1 meetings discussing courses that I would be interested in and what my future career path might be, right through to getting booked onto the courses I had selected, nothing was too much trouble.
All in all, I can say I am absolutely delighted with what Forth Valley College have provided for me during this process.
The training support has helped workers enter new employment. For example, former Hazardous Areas Technician Steven Bell took part in a range of courses that enabled him to renew his Electricians Grade Card, as well as courses in working in hazardous areas which will support him in his new role as a Compliance Supervisor with a company involved in the pharmaceutical and distillery sector.
It follows the publication of a feasibility report ‘Project Willow’ that provided nine proposals for Grangemouth, backed by £200 million from the UK government and £25 million from the Scottish Government, which will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
The report sets out various options for the site, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040. This will help to grow the economy and deliver on both governments’ shared ambition to secure a long-term future for Grangemouth – with Scottish Enterprise already receiving a high level of interest from potential investors.
The UK government is unlocking Scotland’s clean energy potential and recently awarded £55.7 million to the Port of Cromarty Firth to develop and manufacture new floating offshore wind farms in Scotland. It has also launched a Skills Passport to support oil and gas workers to identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
New partnership reinforces the Agency’s commitment to housing and regeneration across the South West
Eamonn Boylan, CEO of Homes England and Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
Homes England and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) have today signed a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) in support of delivering locally-led housing and regeneration ambitions in the region.
The partnership, announced today at UKREiiF, a national investment conference, signals a long-term commitment to deliver locally-led goals and unlocks new opportunities for investment and delivery across the Mayoral Combined Authority region. Homes England and the MCA will work on a shared plan to accelerate growth in the West of England while advancing their existing partnership projects, like Bristol Temple Quarter, with a renewed focus.
Bristol Temple Quarter is one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, centred around a revitalised Bristol Temple Meads station, a grade I listed building. The ambitious programme aims to deliver 10,000 new homes, 22,000 new jobs, and improved sustainable infrastructure and public spaces across 135 hectares of brownfield land in central Bristol. It’s already an example of a project that thrives through public sector partnerships: jointly led by Bristol City Council, Homes England, the MCA, and chair Lyn Garner, the development is backed by £95 million of government support.
During the last financial year, Homes England provided £700,000 of funding support to schemes across the MCA and its constituent authorities, with future funding for new projects planned following the announcement of the Strategic Place Partnership.
Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:
Our new Strategic Place Partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region. We’ll work side-by-side with the Mayoral Combined Authority through our strengthened partnership to deliver ambitious housing and regeneration programmes that speak to regional priorities.
The Agency now has eight Strategic Place Partnerships with various Mayoral Authorities across England, with each partnership clearly focused on the goal of empowering local leaders to drive growth in their own communities, supported by Homes England.
Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said:
Across the West of England, we must invest to tackle the housing crisis and regenerate brownfield land. This new Strategic Place Partnership will ultimately help us build more affordable homes for local people.
Working with Homes England and local council leaders to deliver the right homes in the right places, with the services and infrastructure that people need and deserve.
I am determined to improve our transport links to help get the West of England moving – whether it’s better buses or five new train stations in three years – and connect new homes to jobs and opportunities, culture and leisure, and nature.
Alongside Bristol Temple Quarter, Homes England and the MCA will accelerate delivery on key projects including the West Innovation Arc, with South Gloucestershire Council. The Arc will be integral to the emerging West of England Local Growth Plan.
Working alongside Bath & North East Somerset Council, Homes England and the MCA are already supporting the acquisition of strategic land and planning work to unlock up to 6,000 new homes along the Bristol to Bath strategic growth corridor. Following £8 million of initial investment from the MCA, Homes England has committed £36 million into brownfield sites in central Bath to deliver a further 1,000 homes.
We are the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, and we’re here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and grow.
We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.
Learn more about us: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-england/about
Press Office Contact Details
Email: media@homesengland.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 874 8262
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN JOSE — Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.
For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.
During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, Calif. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.
In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.
Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.
Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green and Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.