Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
CNC AFO runs half marathon for charity
PC Scott Taylor, based at Harwell, ran the Reading Half Marathon and raised an outstanding £1,970 for the charity Building for the Future.
PC Scott Taylor and his daughter, Rosie.
Scott ran the race in honour of his daughter, Rosie, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and global developmental delay at the age of three.
Speaking about the event and his motivations, Scott said: “We utilise a charity called Building for the Future Wokingham – Play, Support & Therapy which is a fantastic resource for children and parents of children with additional needs, offering a safe place for children to play at various playgroups and events across the year.
“Personally, going to these events as a single dad is quite daunting but the staff (all volunteers) went out of their way to make me feel welcome. So, I thought what better motivation than to raise money for something close to my heart that Rosie loves also.
“Unfortunately, I fell ill two days before the race, but after all the effort I had put into training and more importantly all the money I had raised, I didn’t want to let anyone down so I had to push on.
“I had my daughter Rosie cheering me on at about 12k which made all the effort worth it by itself. As parents of autistic children will know getting eye contact and engagement from them can be difficult, so the smile and look and acknowledgement I got from her meant a lot and pushed me on to the end.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government steps in to back British business in changing world
The Chancellor announces a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing.
British businesses across the country have today been given further stability and certainty with access to new support through a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing as the world enters a new era of global trade.
The new package will give UK Export Finance (UKEF) the power to expand financing support for British businesses by £20 billion, with small businesses also able to access loans of up to £2 million through the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme.
Thousands of companies are expected to benefit from the move, including those directly affected by tariffs – with iconic British brands like Rolls Royce through to local businesses like Alicat Workboats previously benefitting from similar programmes.
Today’s boost reaffirms government’s commitment to free and open trade, and means an £80 billion boost for businesses, meaning they can access government-backed finance and support to grow their presence both domestically and overseas, create new jobs and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.
New measures come as prime minister goes further and faster to boost growth, working in partnership with business to deliver it.
This week alone has seen swift and decisive action from the government to protect UK businesses and workers by:
Taking action to keep British Steel operating, saving thousands of jobs
Increasing flexibility on the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to help British carmakers
Cutting the red tape that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector
Investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service
Backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:
The world is changing, which is why it is more important than ever to back our world-leading businesses and support them to navigate the challenges ahead.
Today’s announcement will do that just, with thousands of businesses right across the country set to benefit.
We are going further and faster to boost growth, but we cannot do it alone. Only by working with businesses will we achieve our Plan for Change and put more money into people’s pockets.
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:
Our message to British business is clear – we’ve got your back. This package, backed by the British Business Bank and UKEF, will be a crucial shot in the arm to exporters and small firms looking to trade around the world.
Within a changing world, we need to adapt, and as part of our Plan for Change, this Government is responding. These changes will help to boost growth support jobs and supercharge thousands of businesses across all four corners of the country.
UKEF will also offer businesses partial loan guarantees through more flexible uses of its Export Development Guarantee, helping to mitigate the impact of new tariffs and associated economic uncertainty. Of the £80 billion, up to £10 billion will be allocated to ensure that businesses significantly impacted in the short term by the current situation have access to the finance they need to grow.
The British Business Bank will also expand its Growth Guarantee Scheme by £500 million, which will provide vital finance for smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. This scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee against loans or other types of finance, enabling lenders to support smaller businesses that would struggle to obtain financing through traditional means – and has so far enabled more than £2.1 billion of lending.
This comes on top of £1 billion of funding for British Business Bank programmes for this financial year, confirmed at Autumn Budget 2024. This includes additional support for smaller housebuilders through the ENABLE Build programme, funding for Start Up Loans and additional funding for three equity programmes supporting innovative high growth businesses
This week, the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary also took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in order to strengthen ties between the two countries. In addition to India, the UK is negotiating trade deals with partners including the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland, which will give businesses more opportunities than ever before to expand into new markets.
First Minister John Swinney has announced he will bring forward the Scottish Government’s legislative programme to ensure the country is as prepared as possible to secure its future in the face of the uncertainty facing the global economy.
Speaking during a press conference at Bute House, the First Minister announced the Programme for Government will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
It will set out the actions the Scottish Government will take to ensure resilience and deliver on the four core priorities to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, tackle the climate emergency and ensure high quality and sustainable public services.
The First Minister also set out plans to immediately begin work with key partners in the business community and trade unions to map out the actions required in Scotland, and the UK as a whole, to respond to emerging economic challenges and ensure the needs of the devolved nations are at the heart of UK decision-making.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“I know that this is a time of great uncertainty for people, that many families and businesses are worried about what global events will mean for them.
“We face yet another storm, after almost two decades of knocks and challenges – the financial crisis, austerity, Brexit, Covid, the energy price spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the subsequent inflation spike. Each has weakened us in some way, but none has defeated us.
“The Programme for Government will be laser-focused on delivery. It will set out what I believe my government can and will deliver for the people of Scotland over the coming year.
“The economic headwinds are blowing strong across the Atlantic and they demand a response that is both immediate and measured. My Programme for Government will set out what practical steps we will take to strengthen our response to those headwinds and ensure Scottish business and our economy is positioned well to create jobs and grow the economy.
“I want to make sure the UK Government understands where we need them to do much more to protect Scotland’s economic interests. As a result, I will be bringing together our key partners in the business community and the trades union movement on Wednesday to map out the actions we can take, here in Scotland, and which can be complemented across the UK, to respond to the emerging economic realities. That work will influence my government’s approach, and I want it to shape the response at a UK level into the bargain.
“A Scotland that is wealthier, fairer, more resilient – that is my ambition. I want people feeling more confident about the future and more secure in the midst of the uncertainties, because they have a government that is fighting Scotland’s corner.
“A government that is bringing people together, so that our response to the challenges we face is rooted in a Scotland that is united, prepared and determined, a Scotland confident in its ability to, once again, weather the storm and come out of that storm a great deal stronger.”
Background
The first roundtable with the business community and trade unions to determine the actions required to ensure the resilience of Scotland’s economy will be held on Wednesday 16 April 2025.
Cyprus and the UK are set to collaborate more closely on space activities following a successful bilateral event held in Nicosia on 27-28 March.
The first Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event brought together representatives from the space sectors and governments of both countries, with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).
The Cypriot Government used the event to announce its intention to join ESA as an Associate Member, a move which could unlock further growth in its space sector and greater collaboration with other ESA member states such as the UK.
Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency, said:
There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to add a new dimension to the UK’s strong partnership with Cyprus. This has never been more important, with space firmly established as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental protection and national security.
That’s why Cyprus has been working with ESA and growing its space sector to great effect over recent years, and we are looking forward to working very closely with them in the future.
Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said:
The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well as among delegations is encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction.
We are especially grateful for the UK’s continued support of our efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem, a highly revolving and rapidly changing environment in a vastly changing world.
The event featured a number of working sessions on topics including regulation, the development of space strategies, commercial development and future missions and opportunities within ESA.
Cypriot universities and companies shared information on national space projects in areas such as Earth observation, satellite research and digital infrastructure. Ten UK space companies, alongside fourteen Cypriot entities, delivered presentations on their growing capabilities, while ESA representatives explained the potential funding programmes that could support future joint UK-Cyprus initiatives.
The UK is a founding member of ESA, which currently has 23 member states. In addition, Cyprus is one of four countries with a cooperation agreement with ESA, signed in 2016, aiming to achieve Associate Membership in ESA by 2026.
The UK Space Agency will host a reciprocal visit by the Cypriot government, academics and companies later this year, and both countries will work together to map existing capabilities and identify areas for future collaboration.
Consultation on recovering costs for water company enforcement
Environment Agency launches consultation on cost recovery for water company enforcement activities.
Following the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Environment Agency is now able to recover additional costs associated with regulating the water industry. This includes the cost of existing and new enforcement activities which were previously funded by government Grant in Aid.
The proposals – set out in a consultation seeking views from the industry, campaigners and members of the public – will see a levy on water companies.
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:
The Water (Special Measures) Act was a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.
The increased regulatory powers introduced by this legislation, including cost recovery for our enforcement work, will allow us to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.
Alongside these reforms, we are undertaking the biggest ever transformation to the way we regulate the water industry. By investing in people, training and digital assets, we are ensuring water companies better meet the needs of both people and the environment, now and in the future.
The consultation proposes a new levy to raise on certain water discharge activities and is designed to recover costs associated with the Environment Agency’s enforcement work directly from water companies. These cost recovery powers are set out under the Water (Special Measures) Act and all activities will be in line with the Environment Agency’s enforcement and sanctions policy.
The consultation will run until 26 May, and the new charging scheme to be finalised and implemented this summer.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
We promised that polluters would pay for the damage they cause to our waterways.
That’s why we’re making sure water companies – not regulators – bear the cost of enforcement action taken in response to their failings.
Through the Water (Special Measures) Act water bosses could face imprisonment for lawbreaking and regulators now have new powers to ban undeserved bonuses and bring automatic and severe penalties against polluters.
Today’s consultation takes us closer to shaping a water sector that delivers real and lasting improvements for customers and the environment as part of our Plan for Change.
New Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee named, as three board members reappointed
A series of appointments and reappointments have been made to the Board of the Environment Agency.
Jon Watts has been appointed as a Non-Executive Board Member, as well as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. His appointment began on 1 April 2025 and will run for three years until 31 March 2028. The Committee provides essential scrutiny, challenge, and oversight of the Environment Agency’s risk controls and governance.
Furthermore, Stewart Davies, Lilli Matson, and Ines Faden da Silva have been reappointed as board members for second terms, all of which commenced on 1 February 2025 and will run for eighteen months until 1 July 2026. Ines Faden da Silva has also been appointed as the new Deputy Chair of the Board. All appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The Environment Agency would like to thank Judith Batchelar, Robert Gould, and John Lelliott for their exemplary service and commitment as they step down from the Board.
Biographies
Jon Watts
Jon is a finance leader with a career spanning global businesses and the third sector. Jon is a trustee of the Eden Trust and chair of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee. He has held senior leadership roles, including regional Chief Financial Officer of Unilever Latin America, Director of Finance and Control at SABMiller, and as global Chief Financial Officer for Save the Children and for the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. He currently advises foundations and NGOs on organisational capability and resilience.
Stewart Davies
Stewart is Chair of OPRL Ltd, which serves over 900 companies across the packaging cycle, collaborating to drive circularity and a transformation in packaging resource efficiency. He is founding Chair of the Bradford Sustainable Development Partnership. Stewart’s prior career was as an executive in regulated industries, including petrochemicals, steel, cement and waste management. He has served as Chair of the Environmental Services Association and as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Innovate UK.
Lilli Matson
Lilli has worked for Transport for London since 2006, currently as Chief Officer of Safety, Health & Environment, where she leads initiatives to enhance safety and environmental performance across London’s transport network. Previously, Lilli was a member of the UK Government’s Commission for Integrated Transport and ran her own transport consultancy, leading major projects on sustainable transport for a range of clients.
Ines Faden da Silva
Ines Faden da Silva is a part-time consultant at Tideway London, the company delivering London’s super sewer. She is a Committee Member of the Transition Pathway Initiative and Member of the Expert Panel for Accounting for Sustainability. Prior to Tideway, Ines worked for Citigroup where she advised and arranged financing for infrastructure and energy projects and later managed a portfolio of structured assets.
Notes for Editors
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife, and supports sustainable development. It is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
The Environment Agency Board currently comprises a Chair and eight members.
Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to France: Sir Thomas Drew KCMG
Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic.
Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic in succession to Dame Menna Rawlings DCMG CVO. Sir Tom will take up his appointment in August 2025.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Thomas Drew
Year
Role
2020 to 2024
FCDO, Director General, Defence and Intelligence
2020 to 2024
Trustee, British Council
2016 to 2019
Islamabad, British High Commissioner
2015
McKinsey and Company, Visiting Fellow (on secondment)
2012 to 2014
FCO, Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2010 to 2012
FCO, Director, National Security
2008 to 2010
Home Office, Director, Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism
2006 to 2008
Islamabad, Political Counsellor
2004 to 2006
FCO, Europe Directorate, Head of Enlargement and South-East Europe Group
2002 to 2004
FCO, Europe Directorate, Head of Intergovernmental Conference Unit
Stephanie Rock, ABC Age Friendly Officer and David Hammerton – Chair of ABC Seniors Network, launch the Spring edition of the ABC Seniors Newsletter.
With Spring well and truly underway, the latest edition of the ABC Seniors Newsletter has a host of advice and activities to help you make the most of the longer days.
The colourful publication also focuses on the recent ABC Seniors Network (ABCSN) consultation event at Craigavon Civic Centre to gather feedback on the draft Programme for Government 2025-2027, which provided an important opportunity for people aged 50+ to engage with and provide input on the government’s proposed plans for the coming years.
For those keen to exercise their grey matter, there are crosswords and riddles, and you can also test your culinary skills with new recipes in the regular feature ‘Margaret’s Cookery Corner’.
Details of activities, including story-telling, creative writing and IT classes, which are being hosted by local libraries across the ABC Borough in the coming weeks, are also in the Newsletter.
A calendar will help you participate in the ‘Walk This May’ campaign organised by the Southern Trust. A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended in the physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64. Residents can also find details of the weekly Chatty Walks which take place in the borough.
The Alzheimer’s Society has put together helpful guidance and support for those families impacted by dementia, in an extensive feature for the ABC Seniors Newsletter.
If you would like to receive a copy of the ABC Seniors Newsletter you can call Stephanie on 07825 010630 or send an email to
Council receives analysis of Constitutional Change Engagement
14 April 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council has published a detailed independent analysis of the engagement that was carried out in 2023 relating to the issue of Constitutional Change and its implications for the Council area and the North West.
The engagement was carried out following a notice of motion agreed by Council and members of the public, and other stakeholders were invited to inform themselves on the issue of constitutional change and give their views, experiences and research relating to Constitutional Change and the implications for the Derry and Strabane Council area. The engagement process was carried out over a four-month period and the results of the findings have been collated and independently analysed by Professor Mark Slevin of Ulster University, and are now available for the public to read via the Council website at – Unity-Thematic_Analysis-(1-1-2025).pdfUnity-Thematic_Analysis-(1-1-2025).pdf
A total of 242 responses were received as part of the public consultation exercise that were subsequently screened and categorised into subthemes with commentary used as supporting evidence to capture the diverse perspectives and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall exercise. The outcome of the analysis highlighted that while there is a wide range of perspectives on constitutional change, the majority of views expressed in the survey were positive.
Professor Slevin in his report said: “While most participants supported reunification as a means to promote equality, economic growth, and governance reform, other expressed concerns about economic stability, identity preservation and political instability.”
Professor Slevin said the findings emphasised the need for careful planning, inclusive dialogue and a transparent process such as a Citizens Assembly, to accurately address the aspirations and fears of everyone. He said participants in the engagement exercise stressed the need for lessons to be learned from the Brexit process and for all voices and views to be heard. He said participants were of the view that “to create a fair and stable transition process, detailed planning, economic analysis and social inclusion needed to be prioritised.”
The five themes identified in the analysis was – Support for Irish Unity; Economic and Infrastructural Development; Governance and Political Reform; Social Justice and Historical Grievances and Concerns and Opposition to Change.
Under the first theme of Support for Irish Unity many participants expressed support for Irish unity referencing potential economic, social and cultural benefits with many viewing it as an opportunity to address inequalities that some have seen to be caused by partition. Some participants viewed it as an opportunity to restore Ireland’s position within the European union and to create new and effective governance structures, with some saying it was a pathway towards fairness, equality and sovereignty, whilst highlighting the need for inclusivity and democratic planning to ensure a successful transition process.
The second theme of Economic and Infrastructural Development emerged as a very central theme in the engagement process with many participants arguing that Irish unity would go some way towards addressing economic deficiencies created by partition and the duplication of services and would improve current infrastructure and transport, attract international investment and streamline governance.
Many of the participants in the engagement process expressed their dissatisfaction with the political structure under Stormont and Westminster and were of the view that a united Ireland would provide better governance, accountability and policy-making under the third theme of Governance and Political Reform while under the Social Justice and Historical Grievances theme, the need for social justice and for historical grievances to be acknowledged, was highlighted. Many respondents cited systematic inequalities in education, access to employment and healthcare, as well as a legacy of discrimination as issues that could be addressed as part of Constitutional Change.
Under the theme of Concerns and Opposition to Change a few respondents expressed concerns about the impact on economic stability, identity preservation and political instability. Unionist perspectives were a recurring theme with some participants opposing change outright while others highlighting the need for inclusive planning and dialogue to address fears and opposition to any constitutional change.
Professor Slevin in his conclusion of the analysis report cautioned on the limitations of the engagement exercise saying that the sampling of those taking part was opportunistic and self-selecting and for that reason the views expressed could not be generalised to the wider population. He said: “The nature of the issued being explored may have impacted on who chose to engage with the survey, and how they answered. The study was qualitative in nature, and this means that themes can be identified but their overall significance and importance cannot be assessed.”
It was agreed at the March meeting of Full Council that the results of the Engagement would be made public for the public to access via the website at – https://www.derrystrabane.com/Constitutional-Change
It was also agreed at the meeting that representative organisations would be invited to attend further meetings of the Unity Working Group, that was set up for elected members to discuss this issue, and that a third tranche of engagement with the community would be considered, subject to a further report with details and costings.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Denis Manturov took part in the plenary session of the Russian-Indonesian business forum “Russia-Indonesia: Partnership Strategy”.
First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Chairman of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation Denis Manturov arrived at the head of the Russian delegation to Indonesia (Jakarta). The working visit is taking place in the year of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia and will last two days.
On the first day of the visit, Denis Manturov took part in the plenary session of the Russian-Indonesian business forum “Russia – Indonesia: Partnership Strategy”. The forum participants discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, industry, agriculture, energy, transport, tourism and creative industries. The forum was organized by the Roscongress Foundation jointly with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Despite the difficult geopolitical situation, cooperation between Russia and Indonesia has continued to strengthen in recent years. “Work between our countries in all areas has not stopped. During this time, our trade turnover has increased significantly, to $4.3 billion last year,” Denis Manturov noted.
The First Deputy Prime Minister noted that today Russia is implementing the tasks of ensuring technological sovereignty. First of all, in high-tech industries: transport engineering, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, space and other areas. At the same time, Russia is open to cooperation with reliable foreign partners, in particular with Indonesia. This concerns cooperation both in the trade and economic sphere, including energy, and in humanitarian areas.
“I believe that today we have a favorable moment amidst global uncertainty – this moment has arrived, and it is especially felt in today’s business forum and discussions. The next step is to strengthen our trade. Yes, the volume of trade between our countries has increased by 30%, but this is not enough, we need more. And as President Prabowo instructed me, it is necessary to finalize the free trade agreement with the EAEU so that through it, it will facilitate the trade that both Indonesia and Russia need,” said Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Negotiations on a free trade agreement are underway, and I hope that the agreement will be signed by the end of the year. You know about the initiative of the United States of America to significantly increase foreign trade tariffs, this could give additional impetus to speed up the signing of the agreement,” Denis Manturov said, answering a question from Indonesian media after the session.
“The Russia-Indonesia Business Forum, which brought together more than 500 entrepreneurs and government officials, became a platform for open and trusting dialogue between the government, business, and society of the two countries,” noted Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Board and Director of the Roscongress Foundation.
At the end of the plenary session of the forum, the First Deputy Prime Minister invited his Indonesian colleagues to take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum and the Innoprom International Industrial Exhibition.
In the afternoon, Denis Manturov visited the Indonesian Badminton Association. Badminton is a national sport in Indonesia, and special attention is paid to its development here. Representatives of the Russian and Indonesian badminton associations told Denis Manturov about their plans for cooperation. Also during the visit, the best athletes of the Indonesian team demonstrated their skills during exhibition performances and held several friendly matches with members of the Russian delegation.
Denis Manturov also attended a gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia. Russian and Indonesian artists and creative groups took part in it.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Hong Kong teams participating in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva won about 300 prizes, including two Grand Awards, seven Special Awards, about 55 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury and about 80 Gold Medals.
In particular, the Prize of the Republic & Canton of Geneva, one of the Grand Awards, went to the “Two-Phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation” jointly developed by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). This prize represents a governmental level of honour and recognition, marking the first time for departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to receive this prestigious award.
The CAD-EMSD innovation provides a highly efficient heat dissipation capability for the CAD’s high-performance air traffic control tower simulator by immersing heat-generating computer components into a sealed container filled with a non-conductive cooling liquid. Heat dissipation is achieved through the vaporisation of the cooling liquid, providing a more efficient energy saving system with an extended equipment life time compared with traditional air cooling.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Police Force’s “Scameter Series” won another Gold Award named the International Press Prize.
The Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety, also jointly developed by CAD and EMSD, won the Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury prize at the exhibition.
Furthermore, local public research and development (R&D) institutes, including the Productivity Council, the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute as well as the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, also achieved outstanding results at the Edison Awards 2025, winning a total of four Gold Awards and three Silver Awards.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong congratulated the Hong Kong teams on their remarkable achievements.
He said: “I am proud of the number of international awards received by Hong Kong teams. This is not only a significant recognition of Hong Kong’s achievements in scientific research, but also highlights Hong Kong’s strong innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities as well as our rich pool of talent.
“The achievements of the Hong Kong teams on the global stage further solidify our position in the I&T landscape in the world. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to invest resources and strive to build Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
We hope you will join us in May for the next offering of our Orientation to Legal Research webinar focusing on U.S. federal statutes, and an Orientation to Law Library Collections (OLLC) webinar, which will feature the Alaska State Court Law Library as part of our 50 State Law Libraries Outreach Project. The 50 State Law Libraries Outreach Project aims to strengthen the ties between the Law Library of Congress and state law libraries by sharing information about our collections, products, and services with one another and with the public. Susan Falk, state law librarian, will present from the Alaska State Court Law Library during the webinar. The Law Library will also offer a Lunch and Learn webinar, which will focus on public international law and the general principles of law as they relate to international law. We hope you will join us for these upcoming webinars in May!
An Orientation to Legal Research: U.S. Federal Statutes
Content: This webinar is designed to give a basic introduction to legal sources and research techniques. This entry in the series provides an overview of U.S. statutory and legislative research, including information about how to find and use the U.S. Code, the U.S. Statutes at Large, and U.S. federal bills and resolutions.
Instructor: Jason Zarin. Jason is a legal reference specialist at the Law Library. Jason has a B.A. in economics from Tufts University, an M.A. in economics from UCLA, a J.D. from the University of Southern California, an LL.M. in taxation from Georgetown University, and a Master of Science in information systems from the University of Texas at Austin.
Register here.
An Orientation to Law Library Collections Webinar Featuring the Alaska State Court Law Library
Content: This webinar will feature a special appearance by law librarians from the Alaska State Court Law Library as part of the State Law Libraries Outreach Project. The purpose of the State Law Libraries Outreach Project is to strengthen the ties between the Law Library of Congress and state law libraries by sharing information about our collections, products, and services with one another and with the public. This project involves providing a guest spot for state law librarians, or their designees, to discuss the collections and services they offer during our Orientation to Law Library Collections Webinars.
Instructor: Sarah Friedman. Sarah Friedman is a legal reference librarian at the Law Library of Congress. Sarah holds a B.A. in English literature and criticism from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law.
Register here.
Flyer announcing the Lunch and Learn webinar titled, An Overview of Public International Law. Created by Taylor Gulatsi.
A Lunch and Learn Webinar: An Overview of Public International Law
Content: This entry in the series provides an introduction to treaty practice and international conventions, international customary law and its relationship to international law, general principles of law as they relate to international law, and a final category covering other evidence for international law. The presentation also briefly discusses the inclusion of international governmental organizations, such as the United Nations, within the framework of international law.
Instructor: Louis Myers. Louis Myers holds a B.A. in history from Kent State University, a J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law, and an M.L.I.S. from Kent State University.
Register here.
To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, has successfully closed the previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 4,724,412 shares of common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $30 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The offering closed on April 11, 2025.
“We believe this financing positions Red Cat for significant growth in the drone industry focused on aerospace and defense technologies, establishing Red Cat as one of the fastest growing drone companies based in the United States,” said Jeff Thompson, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat.
Red Cat remains focused in the near term on driving growth through being the previously announced sole winner of the U.S. Army Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record and will continue to grow sales of its Black Widow, Edge 130 and FANG product offerings and invest in new product offerings.
Red Cat is reiterating its calendar 2025 guidance of $80-120 million, driven by military contracts and strategic partnerships, including the recently announced partnership with Palantir Technologies, which integrates Palantir’s Visual Navigation (VNav) and Warp Speed manufacturing operating system.
Red Cat continues to hire strategic talent, most recently adding Christian Koji Ericson as CFO, previously with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Shawn Webb as President of FlightWave Aerospace, leveraging his 25 years of aerospace and defense experience, including a leadership role at AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV), to enhance the company’s military drone production capabilities.
The Company intends to use net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital.
Northland Capital Markets acted as the exclusive placement agent and Ladenburg Thalmann served as financial advisor for the transaction.
The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283242), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 11, 2024. A final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the registered direct offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Additionally, when available, electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained from Northland Securities, Inc., 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, MN.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.
Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing of the offering and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offerings, and our intended use of proceeds from the offering. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-KT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
To live together in social communities, people create and maintain expectations about what is normal and what is not. Sometimes things can fall outside the range of normal and people are OK with it. You might have a neighbor who likes to wear Revolutionary War-era costumes on their evening walks around the neighborhood. Their behavior seems weird to you, but you consider it an instance of everyone’s freedom to express themselves.
But other times something seems not only abnormal but also unacceptable. In this case, people take active steps to squelch what feels unfair, inappropriate, bad or deviant. Things that people think are morally abnormal – aberrant behavior, transgressions, violations of their most sacred values – are viewed as highly threatening and necessary to shut down, with force if necessary. Most people would find a neighbor who purposefully starves and tortures their dogs morally repugnant. That neighbor would need to be stopped and would deserve to be punished.
A decade of researchin my psychology lab and others’ demonstrates that people struggle to express tolerance for different moral values – for instance, about sexual orientation, helping the poor, being a stay-at-home mother and so on.
In study after study, people are less willing to help, share with, date, be roommates with and even work for people who have different moral values. Even children and adolescents express more willingness to shun and punish moral transgressors than people who do something personally obnoxious or offensive but not immoral.
When asked to talk with a stranger who they know disagrees with them, people will turn their bodies away more and move farther away when the disagreement involves a moral rather than personal disagreement. And they are more willing to condone using violence against someone who doesn’t share their morals.
In other words, when it is clear that people you see as your peers – members of your community – disagree with each other, you recognize the need for continued respectful discussion. It automatically tones down the natural tendency toward intolerance for moral views that differ from your own.
Splintering off into polarized groups
While perceived disagreement within a community appears to function as a corrective to intolerance, the opposite is also true: Consensus is a powerful trigger of intolerance. When most of the community agrees that something is morally bad, then those who disagree are viewed as outliers and labeled as “deviant.” Intolerance becomes not only justified but is seen as necessary.
But how is consensus reached? In diverse, democratic societies like ours − where people are allowed to form their own opinions − there are two ways this might happen.
The democratic ideal is that over time, through shared discussion and reflection, people eventually come to an agreement or compromise. Once a sense of consensus – or close enough – has been reached, group members can be confident that those who continue to disagree can be safely ignored or no longer tolerated.
More often, though, consensus is achieved when the disagreement becomes strong enough to fracture communities into multiple, smaller “issue-position” groups. Here’s an example.
Consider a controversial issue, such as abortion. Two people may agree that terminating a pregnancy is something that causes harm but also falls within women’s reproductive autonomy. Yet, at the same time, they may disagree – one prioritizes discouraging abortions whenever possible, while the other prioritizes the freedom to make that choice.
Over time, the two people encounter others whose views are more extreme. Because the two resonate more with different sides of the issue, they find themselves pulled in opposite directions, eventually becoming more at odds with each other.
At the community level, when more extreme views grow strong enough and gain enough traction with enough people, it activates new group identities. Where once there was a community of people who disagreed with one another about abortion, there are now two smaller, distinct and separate communities of pro-lifers and pro-choicers.
What is problematic is that issue-position groups, by definition, create consensus, signaling to their members that they, and not the other group, have got things right.
One prominent example in the United States is that people are more likely than they were in the past to experience politics as not just about disagreement on various political values and approaches to governance but as opposing groups. Being liberal or conservative is an identity that puts one group in opposition to the other. And only one side can be “right” and “moral.”
At least in these group-identity-fueled contexts, people can lose sight of the fact that they are all Americans, even going so far as to assert that their smaller group represents the only “true” or “real” Americans.
The proliferation of issue-position groups is made easier by the ability to quickly find and connect with people who share your views via the internet and social media. Many Americans don’t actively participate in civic life within the larger groups they’re a part of, such as their neighborhood or city, where they would naturally encounter a diversity of opinions. People have less practice sharing their views and making room for those who disagree.
In contrast, it’s easy, especially online, to find like-minded communities to join and feel validated. This is made even easier by the algorithms employed by search engines and social media apps that prioritize showing content that reflects and reinforces your beliefs, values, activities and practices and shields you from those who are different – unless presenting them as things to disparage and hate.
This process can accelerate movement toward extreme issue-position groups and identities. As online algorithms begin taking people down different paths, the likelihood that they will find themselves ultimately with more extreme attitudes becomes more probable and more rapidly accomplished.
Reengaging with your broader communities
How can people combat this dangerous trend?
For one, you can get off social media and back into your communities, welcoming opportunities to interact with the complex diversity they contain. And even when online, you can take intentional steps to “burst” the alogrithms, actively finding ways to connect with people who are not like you and ideas with which you may not agree.
Most importantly, you can always take a step back from the impulse toward intolerance and humbly remember our shared humanity. Even looking into another’s eyes without words can activate compassion and remind you that we are all ultimately members of the same global community.
Jen Cole Wright is affiliated with the Charleston Climate Coalition, a 501c3 that advocates for a livable climate in the Lowcountry.
Samsung Electronics America today announced the new Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, enterprise-ready devices designed to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, high-intensity work environments. Continuing the legacy of Samsung’s ruggedized devices, these latest Pro models are versatile, optimized and secure — delivering enhanced durability,1 steady performance, and optimized workflows to empower frontline workers, from the office to the field and beyond.
With 5G connectivity,2 an upgraded processor, and increased memory, the XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro offer enhanced mobility and reliability. The XCover7 Pro features a powerful new stereo speaker system with anti-feedback technology, which minimizes unwanted audio loops for clearer communication. Both devices offer enhanced battery capacity, with the XCover7 Pro equipped with a 4,350mAh battery for longer usage, while the Tab Active5 Pro comes with a 10,100mAh battery set designed to support demanding workflows. The Tab Active5 Pro also supports Dual Hot-Swap battery functionality, allowing workers to replace batteries3 without powering down their device and ensuring seamless operation even when battery levels are low.
With the ruggedized smartphone market expected to reach 4.46 million units and the ruggedized tablet market projected to hit 1.89 million units by 2028,4 these devices can be increasingly essential in industries such as retail, government, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. Reliable, high-performing, and durable, they can be critical for ensuring seamless operations in any work environment.
“At Samsung, we understand that frontline professionals need technology that adapts to their fast-paced and demanding work environments,” said Jerry Park, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro combine ruggedized durability, enterprise-grade security, seamless connectivity, and intuitive AI-driven features to help businesses operate efficiently in harsh conditions while maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MACAO, April 14 — The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will make efforts to open a new chapter through strengthening coordination mechanisms, said the SAR’s chief executive Sam Hou Fai on Monday while delivering the 2025 fiscal year policy address.
In his first policy address, Sam pointed out that enhancing coordination mechanisms is a key measure for the new administration to deepen administrative reform and improve governance capacity.
The new SAR government, he noted, will adopt a proactive and responsible attitude, along with a pragmatic and efficient work style, to resolutely address issues of inaction, passive behavior, and failure to act in accordance with the law.
He said that the SAR government has established six leadership groups and working groups to coordinate the advancement of major cross-sectoral affairs. These include the leadership group for public administration reform, the leadership group for promoting the construction of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao deep cooperation zone, and the legal coordination working group.
Going forward, more cross-sector and interdepartmental coordination mechanisms will be established to break down administrative barriers, promote efficient collaboration across departments, and enhance overall coordination with the aim of improving efficiency and ensuring the smooth advancement of various reform measures and governance initiatives.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Shawn Monper, 32, a resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with making threats to assault and murder President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
“I want to applaud the outstanding and courageous investigative work of the FBI and the Butler Township Police Department, who thankfully identified and apprehended this individual before he could carry out his threats against President Trump’s life and the lives of other innocent Americans,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Rest assured that whenever and wherever threats of assassination or mass violence occur, this Department of Justice will find, arrest, and prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law and seek the maximum appropriate punishment.”
According to the federal criminal complaint, on April 8, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Section (NTOS) received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by user “Mr Satan.” Federal agents determined that the threatening statements occurred between January 15, 2025, and April 5, 2025. The subsequent federal investigation affirmed that the internet activity associated with “Mr Satan” corresponded with Shawn Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The investigation further established that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit shortly following President Trump’s inauguration. In February 2025, Monper commented using his “Mr Satan” account: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” Further, in March 2025, Monper commented using his account: “Eventually im going to do a mass shooting.” One week later, Monper commented: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.”
The criminal complaint identified the following threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents:
February 17, 2025: “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way. Remember, we are the majority, MAGA is a minority of the country, and by the time its time to make the move, they will be weakened, many will be crushed by these policies, and they will want revenge too. American Revolution 2.0”
March 4, 2025: “im going to assassinate him myself.” This threat was made in a YouTube video titled “Live: Trump’s address to Congress.”
March 18, 2025: “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them.”
April 1, 2025: “If I see an armed ice agent, I will consider it a domestic terrorist, and an active shooter and open fire on them.”
On April 9, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Butler Township Police Department, arrested Monper on the federal criminal complaint. On April 10, 2025, Monper was ordered detained pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 1:00 pm.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Butler Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint against Monper.
A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MONTCLAIR, N.J., April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 180 Degree Capital Corp. (NASDAQ: TURN) (“180 Degree Capital”) provided the following update regarding its portfolio company holdings during the first quarter of 2025.
“As we mentioned in our press release on March 24, 2025, that noted the filing of our preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus, Q1 2025 has been positive for a number of portfolio holdings,” said Kevin M. Rendino, Chief Executive Officer of 180 Degree Capital. “Our preliminary net asset value per share (“NAV”) as of March 31, 2025, of $4.42, is the result of strong performance from our public investments that outperformed the Russell Microcap Index by approximately 1900bps offset by expenses related to our proposed all-stock merger with Mount Logan Capital, Inc. (the “Business Combination”). On a relative basis, our gross total return of +4.5% compares favorably to the –14.4% total return for the Russell Microcap Index.1 The difference between our gross total return and our net total return, or change in NAV, of -4.7% was primarily the result of expenses related to our Business Combination and included almost $300,000 in additional professional fees resulting from the public efforts to derail our proposed Business Combination. Our day-to-day operating expenses declined by over 30% from Q1 2024.”
Mr. Rendino continued, “We are certainly open and interested in the perspectives of our shareholders and are always available to speak with any and every shareholder. That said, we would prefer to allocate our capital to efforts to grow our NAV rather than adding unnecessary expense to this proposed Business Combination. While the direct merger-related expenses incurred in Q1 2025 were material, we continue to believe that this investment will result in significant future value creation for 180 Degree Capital shareholders through their material ownership of the merged company. We believe the capabilities of Mount Logan will greatly advance our ability to provide more comprehensive solutions to public companies, and we remain fully convinced that this is the right path for value creation for 180 Degree Capital’s shareholders.”
Daniel Wolfe, President of 180 Degree Capital added, “Along with providing this preliminary NAV as of March 31, 2025, we thought it would also be useful to note the performance of our individual portfolio companies in the quarter. Q1 2025 provided a lot of positive momentum, overall, in our efforts on the investment front to build maximum net asset value for 180 Degree Capital shareholders as we head into our proposed Business Combination with Mount Logan Capital. As Kevin noted above, our gross total return during Q1 2025 that was approximately 1900 basis points above the benchmark represents extraordinary gross performance for us. Q2 2025 has started off with significant headwinds resulting from the potential impacts of tariffs and increases in the probability of a recession. While our largest investments have little to no direct exposure to the proposed or implemented tariffs, they are not immune to potential collateral impacts, including a recession and/or material declines in consumer spending. Even with these headwinds, as of the close of the public markets on April 11, 2025, our estimated gross and net total return in 2025 continues to be approximately 1800bps and 1000bps ahead of the Russell Microcap Index.1 As always, we are laser-focused on our resolve to navigate these uncertain times and set a floor for potential future value creation for our collective shareholders.”
Exited Positions:
Intevac, Inc. (IVAC) – On February 13, 2025, IVAC announced it entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Seagate Technology Holdings plc. The acquisition closed on March 31, 2025. In addition to the acquisition price of $4.00 per share, IVAC issued aggregate distributions to shareholders of an additional $0.102 per share. The total proceeds of $4.102 per share was a 20.6% premium to the closing price of IVAC on December 31, 2024, and increased NAV by $0.07.
Brightcove, Inc. (BCOV) – On February 4, 2025, Bending Spoons completed its acquisition of BCOV for $4.45 per share, or a 2.3% premium to the closing price of BCOV on December 31, 2024, and increased NAV by 0.01.
Ongoing Positions (Largest to Smallest by Value):
Potbelly Corporation (PBPB) – While PBPB reported Q4 2024 results that beat guidance and analyst estimates, Q1 2025 guidance included negative comps that were weaker than analyst estimates due to inclement weather in January and February in key market areas in the Midwest, DC and Texas. Weeks in Q1 2025 with no weather impact showed year-over-year growth in comps, and without inclement weather, PBPB believed comps for Q1 would have been positive. March comps were communicated to be back on track with positive comps. Even with the weather-related headwinds in Q1 2025, PBPB’s full-year 2025 guidance included comps to increase between 1.5-2.5% and EBITDA was in-line with estimates. PBPB expects to open at least 38 stores this year, with about 85% of that number being franchised shops. PBPB’s stock price increased from $9.42 on December 31, 2024, to $9.51 on March 31, 2025, or +1.0%, and increased NAV by $0.01.
Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (SNCR) – SNCR reported results for Q4 2024 that exceeded all analyst estimates. Guidance for 2025 included strong EBITDA and free cash flow generation enabled by increasing gross margins and continued subscriber growth amongst its largest customers. SNCR also reported progress towards the receipt of an expected $28 million plus interest tax refund from the IRS. SNCR’s stock price increased from $9.60 on December 31, 2024, to $10.89 on March 31, 2025, or +13.4%, and increased NAV by $0.12.2
Ascent Industries Co. (ACNT) – ACNT’s Q4 2024 results showed continued improvement in operating efficiency led to dramatic improvements in GM, EBITDA and profitability. The unlock of working capital and inventory led to an increase in cash on hand from $8m to $16m. ACNT also renegotiated a major chemical contract that, when combined with other operational improvements is currently expected to more than offset continued soft demand in the chemicals market—the recovery of which ACNT currently expects to H2 2025 or 2026. On March 12, 2025, ACNT announced the sale of its Bristol Metals subsidiary for $45 million as part of its continued effort to become a pure-play chemicals business. ACNT’s stock price increased from $11.18 on December 31, 2024, to $12.66 on March 31, 2025, or +13.2%, and increased NAV by $0.06.
comScore, Inc. (SCOR) – SCOR reported Q4 2024 results that included a return to top-line growth and meaningful EBITDA growth. Growth was strongest in its cross-platform and activation businesses at approximately 20%+, and such growth rate is currently expected to continue and potentially expand in 2025. In January 2025, SCOR announced a revised data licensing agreement with Charter that saves a minimum of $35 million over the remaining life of the data contract. Additionally, SCOR secured additional debt capital from Blue Torch to enable investment in growing businesses. SCOR’s stock price increased from $5.84 on December 31, 2024, to $6.87 on March 31, 2025, or +17.6%, and increased NAV by $0.04.
RF Industries, Ltd. (RFIL) – RFIL reported strong performance in its fiscal first quarter that ended on January 31, 2025, that exceeded analyst estimates and included strong year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter growth. RFIL’s management noted improving visibility across its customer base along with demand for its higher-gross-margin products. RFIL’s management noted that improvements in its operations to date and further optimization of its manufacturing over the ensuing quarters are expected to enable RFIL to reach its goal of EBITDA margins of at least 10%. RFIL’s stock price increased from $3.91 on December 31, 2024, to $4.69 on March 31, 2025, or +19.9%, and increased NAV by $0.04.
Arena Group Holdings, Inc. (AREN) – AREN currently expects to report its Q4 2024 and full year 2024 results on or before April 15, 2025. During Q1 2025, AREN announced the appointment of Paul Edmondson as Chief Executive Officer. AREN’s stock price increased from $1.34 on December 31, 2024, to $1.73 on March 31, 2025, or +29.1%, and increased NAV by $0.04.
Lantronix, Inc. (LTRX) – While LTRX’s FYQ2 25 (CYQ4 24) report beat estimates, FYQ3 (CYQ1 25) guidance trailed consensus estimates largely because estimates had revenue from Gridspertise continuing at similar levels to first two fiscal quarters of 2025 and instead no revenue is expected in FYQ3 and Q4 2025. This was the second quarter of beat on prior quarter, but guide down on subsequent quarter, which impacted credibility of management with investors. LTRX’s core out-of-band business is doing well with high margins. Overall margins are expected to improve as low-margin Gridspertise business rolls off. Even with the below consensus guide, LTRX expects to remain adj. EPS positive and cash flow positive. LTRX’s stock price decreased from $4.12 on December 31, 2024, to $2.49 on March 31, 2025, or -39.6%, and decreased NAV by $0.11.
Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (CVGI) – While CVGI reported results in Q4 2024 and EBTIDA guidance for 2025 that exceeded analyst estimates, revenue guidance for 2025 was materially below analyst estimates due to continued expected softness in construction and agricultural equipment markets. While CVGI expects to be able pass-through tariff costs to its customers, it is possible that such uncertainty may delay or reduce customer demand. CVGI has been able to obtain covenant relief from its lenders and is proactively taking steps to refinance its outstanding term loan and ABL facilities well ahead of the term loan maturity in 2027 and to establish a new set of covenants that better align with the current state of its business. The substantial decline in CVGI’s stock price during 2024 and continuing into 2025 will likely lead to CVGI being removed from the Russell Indices. CVGI’s stock price decreased from $2.48 on December 31, 2024, to $1.15 on March 31, 2025, or -53.6%, and decreased NAV by $0.05.
New Positions:
180 Degree Capital began building new positions in three publicly traded companies during Q1 2025, that it looks forward to discussing in future communications with investors.
Mr. Wolfe concluded, “We have used, and plan to continue to actively use, the ongoing volatility in the public markets to identify and take advantage of investment opportunities that we believe can lead to appreciation in 180 Degree Capital’s net asset value ahead of our proposed Business Combination. The timing of the sales of BCOV and IVAC could not have been better as they have provided us with substantial capital to take advantage of these opportunities as they present themselves. Meanwhile, this cash provides a cushion to the impact of the volatility on our current holdings and interest income. With regard to merger-related expenses, we currently believe that a substantial portion of these expenses were front-end loaded, and as such, future merger-related expenses will be materially lower than those incurred to date. We are actively managing these and our day-to-day expenses to minimize the impact to NAV as much as possible. We look forward to further discussions with shareholders including after we update our joint preliminary proxy statement/prospectus to include the U.S. GAAP financials for Mount Logan and to our continued progress toward the planned completion of our proposed Business Combination in the ensuing months.”
About 180 Degree Capital Corp.
180 Degree Capital Corp. is a publicly traded registered closed-end fund focused on investing in and providing value-added assistance through constructive activism to what we believe are substantially undervalued small, publicly traded companies that have potential for significant turnarounds. Our goal is that the result of our constructive activism leads to a reversal in direction for the share price of these investee companies, i.e., a 180-degree turn. Detailed information about 180 Degree Capital and its holdings can be found on its website at www.180degreecapital.com.
Press Contact: Daniel B. Wolfe Robert E. Bigelow 180 Degree Capital Corp. 973-746-4500 ir@180degreecapital.com
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the agreement and plan of merger among 180 Degree Capital Corp. (“180 Degree Capital”), Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”), Yukon New Parent, Inc. (“New Mount Logan”), Polar Merger Sub, Inc., and Moose Merger Sub, LLC, dated January 16, 2025, as it may from time to time be amended, modified or supplemented (the “Merger Agreement”) that details the proposed combination of the businesses of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan and any other transactions contemplated by and pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), 180 Degree Capital intends to file with the SEC and mail to its shareholders a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”), containing a form of WHITE proxy card. In addition, the surviving Delaware corporation, New Mount Logan plans to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will register the exchange of New Mount Logan shares in the Business Combination and include the Proxy Statement and a prospectus of New Mount Logan (the “Prospectus”). The Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus) will each contain important information about 180 Degree Capital, Mount Logan, New Mount Logan, the Business Combination and related matters. SHAREHOLDERS OF 180 DEGREE CAPITAL AND MOUNT LOGAN ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS CONTAINED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT 180 DEGREE CAPITAL, MOUNT LOGAN, NEW MOUNT LOGAN, THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov and the website maintained by the Canadian securities regulators at www.sedarplus.ca. Copies of the documents filed by 180 Degree Capital are also available free of charge by accessing 180 Degree Capital’s investor relations website at https://ir.180degreecapital.com.
Certain Information Concerning the Participants
180 Degree Capital, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Business Combination. Information about 180 Degree Capital’s executive officers and directors is available in 180 Degree Capital’s Annual Report filed on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2025, and in its proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2024 Annual Meeting”), which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of 180 Degree Capital securities reported in the proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3, 4 or 5 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the 180 Degree Capital shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Proxy Statement when such document becomes available.
Mount Logan, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Mount Logan in favor of the approval of the Business Combination. Information about Mount Logan’s executive officers and directors is available in Mount Logan’s annual information form dated March 13, 2025, available on its website at https://mountlogancapital.ca/investor-relations and on SEDAR+ at https://sedarplus.ca. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of Mount Logan securities reported in Mount Logan’s annual information form have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on insider reports filed on SEDI at https://www.sedi.ca/sedi/. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the Mount Logan shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement when such document becomes available.
Non-Solicitation
This letter and the materials accompanying it are not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan, may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “would,” “forecasts,” “seeks,” “future,” “proposes,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the Business Combination involving Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital, including future financial and operating results, Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Business Combination, and other statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to future results of operations, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy, payment of dividends to shareholders of New Mount Logan, and other plans and objectives for future operations. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the ability to obtain the requisite Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital shareholder approvals; the risk that Mount Logan or 180 Degree Capital may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the Business Combination (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect New Mount Logan or the expected benefits of the Business Combination); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination; the risk that a condition to closing of the Business Combination may not be satisfied; the risk of delays in completing the Business Combination; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that synergies from the Business Combination may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that any announcement relating to the Business Combination could have adverse effects on the market price of Mount Logan’s common shares or 180 Degree Capital’s common shares; unexpected costs resulting from the Business Combination; the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the risk of litigation related to the Business Combination; the risk that the credit ratings of New Mount Logan or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the Business Combination; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Business Combination; competition, government regulation or other actions; the ability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals; risks associated with the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; changes in economic, financial, political and regulatory conditions; natural and man-made disasters; civil unrest, pandemics, and conditions that may result from legislative, regulatory, trade and policy changes; and other risks inherent in Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s businesses. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports, which 180 Degree Capital has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC and Mount Logan has filed or will file from time to time on SEDAR+.
Neither Mount Logan nor 180 Degree Capital undertakes any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Any discussion of past performance is not an indication of future results. Investing in financial markets involves a substantial degree of risk. Investors must be able to withstand a total loss of their investment. The information herein is believed to be reliable and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made, expressed or implied, with respect to the fairness, correctness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information and opinions. The references and link to the website www.180degreecapital.com and mountlogancapital.ca have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release. Neither 180 Degree Capital nor Mount Logan is responsible for the contents of third-party websites.
1. Past performance is not an indication or guarantee of future performance. Gross unrealized and realized total returns of 180 Degree Capital’s cash and securities of publicly traded companies are compounded on a quarterly basis, and intra-quarter cash flows from investments in or proceeds received from privately held investments are treated as inflows or outflows of cash available to invest or withdrawn, respectively, for the purposes of this calculation. 180 Degree Capital is an internally managed registered closed-end fund that has a portion of its assets in legacy privately held companies that are fair valued on a quarterly basis by the Valuation Committee of its Board of Directors, and 180 Degree Capital does not have an external manager that is paid fees based on assets and/or returns. Please see 180 Degree Capital’s filings with the SEC, including its 2024 Annual Report on Form N-CSR for information on its expenses and expense ratios.
2. Inclusive of restricted stock units and options for the purchase of restricted stock issued to Kevin Rendino as compensation for service on the board of directors of SNCR. All economic benefit from these securities has been assigned to 180 Degree Capital.
SINGAPORE, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) (“CURRENC” or the “Company”), a fintech pioneer empowering financial institutions worldwide with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced that it will report its full year 2024 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Management will hold a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
A live webcast of this conference call will be available at https://investors.currencgroup.com. A replay of the conference call will be available at the same link above.
About CURRENC Group Inc. CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered Agents designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.
Mr President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Mr Mayor, Rector, Distinguished Authorities, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the organizers of the Festival of Economics – the Autonomous Province of Trento, Trentino Marketing, and the 24 Ore Group – as well as to the Fondazione Caritro, which graciously hosts us today, for their invitation to take part in this inaugural event.
The exhibition we are opening today offers a preview of the future Money Museum, whose permanent home will be in Rome, on Via Nazionale.
The Adventure of Money is a journey through five thousand years of history, a journey in which economics, society, politics and technology converge. It is a narrative that traces the evolution of the major monetary and financial phenomena, with the aim of making accessible a heritage often perceived as distant or obscure.
The past helps us understand the present better. Tools, technologies and objects now obsolete continue to speak to us: they reveal how societies have sought to meet needs that, in their essence, remain with us today.
The gold coins displayed here, for example, tell stories spanning centuries: bearing the likeness of emperors, recounting the economic might of cities such as Florence, or the maritime exploits of Venice.
Were we to melt them all down, we would be left with a single, modest ingot, and yet their value far exceeds the precious metal they contain. That added value stems from the trust that the issuing institutions were able to inspire – a trust that transformed simple metal discs into stable, recognized and widely accepted instruments of exchange.
From a certain point in history – illustrated with clarity throughout this exhibition – trust in money ceased to rest only on the material of which it was made or on the authority of the sovereign who issued it.
Over time, the foundation of trust in money shifted – from metal and monarch to the prudent governance of central banks, whose role is to preserve price stability, ensure the soundness of financial systems, and maintain public confidence. This remains the guiding purpose of the Bank of Italy and the entire European System of Central Banks. The decision to devote an exhibition – and soon a museum – to the history of money and finance is part of a broader financial education initiative, aimed at providing citizens with the tools to navigate complex areas such as payments, credit and the management of personal savings.
Money and finance are often viewed as technical, remote, even dry subjects. Precisely for this reason, the exhibition – and the museum that will follow – employs narrative techniques and immersive technologies, to make even the most intricate concepts accessible and to spark curiosity, especially among younger generations.
In the long historical development of payment instruments over time, there have been relatively few major milestones, yet each has marked a profound transformation. From minted coinage – often in precious metals – we moved to the banknote, first convertible, then purely fiduciary, and finally to modern electronic payment systems. Each of these transitions accompanied pivotal moments in economic history, contributing to ever greater speed, safety and efficiency in transactions.
Yet innovation continues. Today’s payment instruments, though highly advanced, still have limitations.
It is within this context that the ambitious European project of the digital euro takes shape: a digital form of central bank money, free of charge, accessible to all, privacy-protective, and anchored to the stable value of physical cash. This innovation will not replace current banknotes, but will complement them, thus expanding our options and strengthening our monetary system.
In this sense, The Adventure of Money is more than just the title of an exhibition. It is the thread that connects a millenary history – one that continues to evolve and, today in Trento, links itself to new generations and new horizons.
Two timeless pieces of wisdom were inscribed on the ancient walls of Apollo’s temple at Delphi: “Know yourself” and “Nothing in excess.”
These words were meant as philosophical guidance, but they evoke what a banking supervisor might advise today: “know your risks and don’t engage in excessive risk-taking!”
Risk-taking is intrinsic to banking – it’s what allows capital to be allocated and innovation to flourish. Yet, history has repeatedly shown us the dire consequences of losing sight of those Delphic maxims. Risk is a constant in finance, but the nature of that risk – and the task of managing it – has grown ever more complex in the 2,500 years since those words were carved in stone.
Technological progress has accelerated not only the pace at which we operate, but also the speed at which risks spread through the financial system. Artificial intelligence has the potential to rapidly and profoundly transform not just finance, but the broader economy and society as a whole too. Cyber risk is now easily a top priority for modern risk managers. Crypto-assets, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies may all transform the payments and banking landscape, reshaping how value is exchanged, how financial services are delivered, and even how monetary policy is transmitted.
Climate and nature-related risks are on the rise and a declining global commitment to mitigate and adapt to these climate risks could lead to more physical and transition risks in the future.
Globalisation has made the world more interconnected, contributing to economic prosperity, but it has also made it easier for risks to spread throughout the system. Because globalisation thrives on predictability and trust, it inherently relies on internationally agreed rules to provide stability, fairness and a level playing field. Yet, in recent years, rising geopolitical fragmentation has been putting pressure on these very rules and the institutions that uphold them.
Thank you very much for inviting me to speak here today. Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union comes at time of exceptional uncertainty. The global economy is under strain from heightened geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and financial market volatility. Within Europe, this is adding to the pressure to revive growth and deepen the integration of the Single Market. Poland’s economic history holds important lessons, having made the transition from a centrally planned economy four decades ago to being a fully-fledged member of the EU for two decades.
I would like to focus on banking integration, one of the banking union’s main objectives and a key component of Poland’s economic transformation. Although more than ten years have passed since the banking union was established, its objectives could not be more relevant today. The banking union has clearly delivered in terms of providing better, more harmonised supervision, a stronger regulatory framework and a resolution regime. European banks have proven to be resilient to recent shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis and the banking market turmoil of March 2023. Better regulation and supervision have made a significant contribution to this, as has policy support for the real economy.
Yet hopes that the banking union would lead to closer integration of banking markets across Europe have not fully materialised. Cross-border mergers have remained relatively rare, about 75% of banks’ lending portfolios are invested in their home markets, and few banks have truly European business models.
Promotion of the Single Market for banking services by removing barriers to integration would offer many benefits. This would allow for better diversification of risks and better use of scale and scope. Banks could develop European strategies as a response to the digitalisation of financial services. Recent reports on the European economy stress the need to strengthen productivity by harnessing the Single Market’s scale, improving access to equity finance, reforming the labour market and implementing structural reforms. Consumers would benefit from these measures, which would also help to promote growth. Although these reports focus mainly on the real economy, similar factors are at play in the banking sector.
A leaked “working paper” on New Caledonia’s future political status is causing concern on the local stage and has prompted a “clarification” from the French government’s Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.
Details of the document, which was supposed to remain confidential, have been widely circulated online over the past few days.
Valls said earlier the confidentiality of the document was supposed to ensure expected results of ongoing talks would not be jeopardised.
However, following the leak, Valls said in a release on Friday that, for the time being, it was nothing more than a “working paper”.
The document results from earlier rounds of talks when Valls was in Nouméa during his previous trips in February and March 2025.
Valls is due to return to New Caledonia on April 29 for another round of talks and possibly “negotiations” and more political talks are ongoing behind closed doors.
French Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls (front left) greets the New Caledonian territorial President Alcide Ponga (right) as Senator Georges Naturel looks on during his arrival for a military honours ceremony in Nouméa in February. Image: AFP/RNZ Pacific
He has denied that it can be regarded as a “unilateral proposal” from Paris.
The latest roundtable session was on Friday, April 11, held remotely via a video conference between Valls in Paris and all political stakeholders (both pro-France and pro-independence parties) in Nouméa.
All tendencies across the political spectrum have reaffirmed their strong and sometimes “non-negotiable” respective stances.
Parties opposed to independence, who regard New Caledonia as being part of France, have consistently maintained that the results of the latest three referendums on self-determination — held in 2018, 2020 and 2021 — should be respected. They reject the notion of independence.
The last referendum in December 2021 was, however, largely boycotted by the pro-independence movement and indigenous Kanak voters.
On the pro-independence side, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS, dominated by the Union Calédonienne) is announcing a “convention” on April 26 — just three days before Valls’s return — to decide on whether it should now fully engage in negotiations proper.
In a news conference last week, the FLNKS was critical of the French-suggested approach, saying it would only commit if they “see the benefits” and that the document was “patronising”.
Two other pro-independence parties — the PALIKA (Kanak Liberation Party) and the UPM (Union Progressiste en Mélanésie) — have distanced themselves from the FLNKS, which they see as too radical under Union Calédonienne’s influence and dominance) and hold a more moderate view.
PALIKA held a general meeting late last week to reaffirm that, while they too were regarding the path to sovereignty as their paramount goal, they were already committed to participating in future “negotiations” since “all topics have been taken into account” (in the working document).
They are favour an “independence association” pathway.
Carefully chosen words In his release on Friday, Valls said the main pillars of future negotiations were articulated around the themes of:
“democracy and the rule of law”, a “decolonisation process”, the right to self-determination, a future “fundamental law” that would seal New Caledonia’s future status (and would then, if locally approved, be ratified by French Parliament and later included in the French Constitution);
the powers of New Caledonia’s three provinces (including on tax and revenue collection matters); and
a future New Caledonia citizenship (and its conditions of eligibility) with the associated definition of who meets the requirements to vote at local elections.
Citizenship On acquiring New Caledonia citizenship, a consensus seems to emerge on the minimum time of residence: it would be “10 to 15” years with other criteria such as an “exam” to ascertain the candidate’s knowledge and respect of cultural “values and specificities”.
Every person born in New Caledonia, children and spouses of qualified citizens, would also automatically qualify for New Caledonia’s citizenship.
Power-sharing On power-sharing, the draft also touches on the “sovereign” powers (international relations, defence, law and order, justice, currency) which would remain within the French realm, but in a stronger association for New Caledonia.
All other powers, regarded as “non-sovereign”, would remain under direct control of New Caledonia as they have already been transferred, gradually, to New Caledonia, over the past 27 years, under the Nouméa Accord.
New Caledonia would also be consulted on all negotiations related to the Pacific islands region and would get representation at European Union level.
Local diplomats would also be trained under France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Under the Nouméa Accord, the training process was already initiated more than 10 years ago with New Caledonian representatives appointed and hosted at French embassies in the region — Fiji, New Zealand, Australia.
A local “strategic committee” would also be set up on defence matters.
However, despite long-time FLNKS demands, this would not allow for a seat at the United Nations.
In terms of currency, the present French Pacific Francs (CFP, XPF) would be abolished for a new currency that would remain pegged to the Euro, provided France’s other two Pacific territories (French Polynesia, Wallis-and-Futuna — which are also using the CFP) agree.
Reinforced provincial powers A new proposal, in terms of reinforced provincial powers, would be to grant each of New Caledonia’s three provinces (North, South and Loyalty Islands) the capacity — currently held by New Caledonia’s government — to generate and collect its own taxes.
Each province would then re-distribute their collected tax revenues to the central government and municipalities.
This is also reported to be a sensitive point during the talks, since about 80 percent of New Caledonia’s wealth is located in the Southern Province, which also generates more than 90 percent of all of New Caledonia’s tax revenues.
This is perceived as a concession to pro-France parties, which are calling for an “internal federation” model for New Caledonia, a prospect strongly opposed by pro-independence parties who are denouncing what they liken to some kind of “partition” for the French Pacific dependency.
In the currently discussed project, the representation at the Congress (Parliament) of New Caledonia would be revised among the three provinces to better reflect their respective weight according to demographic changes.
The representation would be re-assessed and possibly modified after each population census.
Under the proposed text, New Caledonia’s government would remain based on the notion of “collegiality”.
Future referendum — no more just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to independence The current working paper, on the right to self-determination, suggests that any future referendum on self-determination no longer has a specified deadline, but should take place after a “stabilisation and reconstruction” phase.
It would no longer ask the binary question of “yes” or “no” to independence and full sovereignty, but rather seek the approval of a “comprehensive project”.
To activate a referendum, the approval of at least three fifths of New Caledonia’s 54-seat Congress would be needed.
The Congress’s current makeup, almost equally split in two between pro-France and pro-independence parties, this 3/5th threshold could only be found if there is a consensual vote beyond party lines.
Some of the FLNKS’s earlier demands, like having its president Christian Téin (elected in absentia in August 2024 ) part of the talks, now seem to have been dropped.
Téin was arrested in June 2024 for alleged involvement in the May 2024 insurrectional riots that caused 14 dead (including two French gendarmes), hundreds of injured, thousands of jobless and the destruction of several hundred businesses for a total estimated damage of 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.3 billion).
Four days after his arrest, Téin was transferred from New Caledonia to mainland France.
Although he is still remanded in custody pending his trial (for alleged involvement in organised criminal-related acts), his case was recently transferred from the jurisdiction of judges in Nouméa to mainland France magistrates.
Union Calédonienne president and pro-independence front man Emmanuel Tjibaou told public broadcaster NC la 1ère yesterday he was in regular contact with Téin from his jail in Mulhouse (northeastern France).
Another recent development that could also be perceived as a concession to the FLNKS is that last week, France announced the replacement of French High commissioner Louis Le Franc, France’s representative and man in charge in Nouméa during last year’s riots.
‘We are facing a decisive moment’, says Valls Valls said he remained hopeful that despite “all positions remaining at present still far from each other . . . evolutions are still possible”.
“I reaffirm the (French) State’s full commitment to pursue this approach, in the spirit of the Matignon and Nouméa Accords (signed respectively in 1988 and 1998) to build together a united, appeased and prosperous New Caledonia,” Valls concluded.
“We are facing a decisive moment for the future of New Caledonia, which is confronted with a particularly grave economic and social situation. Civil peace remains fragile.”
The much sought-after agreement, which has been at the centre of political talks since they resumed in early 2025 after a three-year hiatus, is supposed to replace the Nouméa Accord from 1998.
The 1998 pact, which outlines the notion of gradual transfer of sovereign powers from France to new Caledonia, but also the notion of “common destiny”, stipulates that after three referendums on self-determination resulting in a majority of “no”, then the political partners are to meet and “discuss the situation thus created”.
Determination, anxiety and hope On all sides of the political landscape, ahead of any outcome for the crucial talks, the current atmosphere is a mix of determination, anxiety and hope, with a touch of disillusionment.
The pro-independence movement’s Emmanuel Tjibaou has to manage a sometimes radical base.
He told NC la 1ère that the main objective remained “the path to sovereignty”.
Within the pro-France camp, there is also defiance towards Vall’s approach and expected results.
Among their ranks, one lingering angst, founded or not, is to see an agreement being concluded that would not respond to their expectations of New Caledonia remaining part of France.
This worst-case scenario, in their view, would bring back sad memories of Algeria’s pre-independence process decades ago.
On 4 June 1958, in the midst of its war against Algeria’s National Liberation Front (FLN), French President General De Gaulle, while on a visit to Algiers, shouted a resounding “Je vous ai compris!” (“I have understood you”) to a crowd of cheering pro-France and French Algerians who were convinced at the time that their voice had been heard in favour of French Algeria.
On 19 March 1962, after years of a bloody war, the Evian Accords were signed, paving the way for Algeria’s independence on July 3.
“I had to take precautions, I had to proceed progressively and this is how we made it”, De Gaulle explained to the French daily Le Monde in 1966.
In the meantime, in an atmosphere of fear and violence, an estimated 700,000 French citizens from Algeria were “repatriated” by boat to mainland France.
As an alternative posed to French nationals at the time, FLN’s slogan was “la valise ou le cercueil” (“the suitcase or the coffin”).
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Upcoming rains and aid cuts could further hamper humanitarian efforts and push millions of people to famine
As Sudan’s conflict enters its third year, massive displacement and fighting are spilling over into neighbouring countries, worsening the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The looming rainy season, combined with aid cuts by the US and other key donors, will severely hamper humanitarian efforts putting millions of lives at risk, a new Oxfam report warned today.
Sudan’s brutal conflict has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. More than 12.7 million people —nearly one-third of the population— have been forced to flee their homes, including 3.7 million to neighbouring countries. One in two Sudanese is hungry. Five areas in the country are already experiencing famine, and nearly eight million more people are at risk of starvation.
The upcoming rains could turn roads to mud, and trigger the collapse of vital bridges, cutting off entire areas and communities from essential aid and services. This period coincides with the annual lean season, when food insecurity already peaks.
The Oxfam report –The Unravelling of the World’s Largest Humanitarian Disaster: From the Sahel to the Red Sea–published jointly with humanitarian organisations responding to the Sudan crisis, highlights the staggering human cost of the Sudan conflict. It warns that the crisisis now spilling over neighbouringSouth Sudan and Chad, where humanitarian needs are already dire.
Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Oxfam in Africa Director, said:
“We are already witnessing clashes between armed groups from South Sudan and Sudan. This volatile situation is simmering like a volcano ready to erupt any minute. Unless the fighting stops and the humanitarian crisis is addressed, the situation could quickly turn into a full-blown regional catastrophe.”
Two of the host countries, South Sudan and Chad, are already among the world’s poorest countries. They grapple with ongoing conflict, food insecurity, and climate shocks, leaving them ill-equipped to manage the crisis.
“We are already witnessing clashes between armed groups from South Sudan and Sudan. This volatile situation is simmering like a volcano ready to erupt any minute. Unless the fighting stops and the humanitarian crisis is addressed, the situation could quickly turn into a full-blown regional catastrophe.”
Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Oxfam in Africa Director
Oxfam International
In South Sudan, the arrival of people fleeing Sudan’s conflict has put more pressure on already scarce resources, which is deepening local tensions and threatening the fragile peace South Sudan has struggled to maintain.
Nadia, a mother of five-year-old son Ismail who fled and is now sheltering in Renk, South Sudan, after soldiers killed her husband and two children says: “The war took everything. We left with nothing but the clothes on our backs. Here, we are safe from bullets, but there is no food, we are dying of hunger.”
The report also found that 17 million children in Sudan are out of school, while 65 percent of refugee children in Chad lack access to education — heightening risks of child labour, marriage, trafficking, and recruitment by armed groups.
Forthe first time in the history of modern humanitarian response, a single country –Sudan – reaches over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Yet,despite the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis, international support is falling severely short. Only 10 percent of this year’s UN appeal for Sudan has been met to date.
The recent suspension of approximately $64 million USAID funding for Chad and South Sudan in 2025 has also dealt a severe blow to lifesaving efforts. In 2024, the U.S. was the largest donor to both countries.
“Turning a blind eye to this crisis would not only be a profound political and moral failure, but a failure of our core humanity. Without immediate injection of funds, millions of people will simply die of starvation or disease,” added N’Zi-Hassane.
The report urges all warring parties to halt fighting and prioritize diplomacy, in order to forge an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
For some people, protests don’t seem like rational and responsible forms of political participation in a democratic system. According to the latest World Values Survey (2017-2022), 28.6 per cent of Canadians and 27.7 per cent of Americans said they’d would never, under any circumstances, attend a peaceful demonstration.
Yet citizens often lack opportunities to influence government decisions outside of voting during elections, leaving them feeling powerless about the direction of their elected government.
Some argue that citizens should email, call or write letters to political leaders, but these individualistic activities are easily ignored because they occur behind closed doors. The visibility of protests, combined with a large turnout, helps raise awareness of issues among other citizens and political leaders.
Protests serve a critical function in a democratic system — they offer a collective and visible method for citizens to express their political views. These events can attract millions of people — many more than the number of respondents to public opinion polls or attendees at government public consultation events.
Perceptions of effectiveness
When deciding whether to participate in a march or demonstration, anger, grievances and discontent are important, but these sentiments alone are insufficient to motivate people to act.
Instead, citizens must interpret their experiences as unjust or unfair to feel compelled to participate in a protest. Likewise, people must believe that the protest will be effective in influencing political leaders.
Across the four countries, the averages were similar, based on the five-point scale ranging from “not at all” to “a great deal.” And those who believed that protests were effective were far more likely to report having participated in a march or demonstration in the past 12 months compared to those who did not view protests as effective.
Who protests and why?
The decision to take part in a protest involves weighing a variety of factors that may encourage or discourage participation, as well as views about the effectiveness of public protests.
People will often join if they’re asked to, and whether they’re asked to depends on their ties to others who are also interested in attending, or if they’re a member of an organization that encourages its members to attend.
This social network effect is as important, if not more important, than simply being angry or frustrated.
People who identify as left-wing are more likely to participate in marches and demonstrations. Historically, this has been true in the United States, but in contemporary research, individuals on both the right and the left sides of the political continuum participate in protest.
Rather than focusing on left vs. right, research should pay attention to political interest. Are people paying attention to current events or what’s going on in government? Political interest precedes the development of ideological views.
Furthermore, people can only form their views about the effectiveness of protest once they start paying attention to politics.
To truly understand who participates and who does not in public protests, we need to consider social connections, views about the effectiveness of protest and people’s interest in politics.
Shelley Boulianne received funding for the administration of the survey from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Patrushev visited Rostov Oblast on a working trip.
12 hours ago
During a working visit to Rostov Oblast, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting with Acting Governor Yuri Slyusar. The topics of discussion were the sowing campaign, as well as the implementation of national projects in the field of ecology and food security.
“Rostov Region is one of the strongest agricultural regions of Russia, which is traditionally among the first to begin spring field work. I ask you to ensure control over the pace of work and the provision of farmers with the means of production. In particular, equipment and mineral fertilizers. The agro-industrial complex plays a huge role in the region’s economy. According to the results of 2024, Rostov Region harvested the second largest grain crop in the country and the third largest sunflower crop,” Dmitry Patrushev noted.
The meeting discussed the participation of the Rostov Region in the events of the new national project “Technological Support for Food Security”. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the Government has allocated more than 3.5 billion rubles this year to support the agro-industrial complex and develop rural areas of the Rostov Region. The volume of gross regional product is increasing. Investments in fixed capital are growing.
During the meeting, the results of the implementation of the national project “Ecology” were also summed up. Almost 4.5 billion rubles have been sent to the region over six years. Within the framework of the national project “Ecological Well-being” until 2030, federal funding will amount to about 8 billion rubles – work will continue on creating a closed-loop economy, improving the condition of water bodies, preserving forests and other areas.
Dmitry Patrushev also got acquainted with the spring field work at one of the region’s farms. The Deputy Prime Minister checked the progress of work on the winter field and sunflower sowing. The farm specializes in the production and sale of agricultural crops (winter wheat, spring barley, peas, sunflower, oil flax). The farm widely uses seeds of domestic selection.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The government continues to work to improve the availability of primary and secondary education in the regions of Russia. 1 billion rubles will be allocated in 2025 to continue the construction of four schools in various districts of the Arkhangelsk Region. An order to this effect has been signed.
The funds from the Government’s reserve fund will support work at construction sites in the village of Gorka-Muravyevskaya in the Velsky District, the settlement of Konosha in the district of the same name, and in the cities of Nyandoma and Kargopol. It is expected that by the end of 2025, the construction readiness of schools should be at least 50%. Completion of construction is scheduled for 2026.
The work is being carried out within the framework of the state program “Education Development”.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order of April 7, 2025 No. 830-r
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order approving the Strategy of Actions in the Interests of Senior Citizens in Russia until 2030. It emphasizes the special importance of recognizing the merits and demand for the experience of older people, creating conditions for their self-realization and social activity, and also pays attention to issues of increasing the duration, standard and quality of life of such citizens, the availability of medical care and necessary services.
The document is the result of joint work of the Government, public organizations and the expert community. The key mechanisms for its implementation are defined as the new national projects “Family” and “Long and Active Life”.
The main objectives of the strategy include strengthening the value of family in society and respect for the older generation, increasing the financial security of older citizens, protecting their health and preventing diseases, introducing new methods of diagnosis and treatment, improving drug provision, extending active healthy longevity, creating conditions for realizing the personal potential of older citizens and expanding their participation in society, and developing infrastructure for a comfortable and safe life.
The document contains a number of specific measures aimed at achieving the set objectives. Thus, in order to improve the quality of life and financial well-being of senior citizens, starting in 2026, indexation of insurance pensions will be carried out twice a year – from February 1 to the consumer price index for the previous year and additionally from April 1 taking into account the income of the Social Fund for the previous year.
In addition, the strategy proposes to support entrepreneurial initiatives of senior citizens, develop forms of home-based, temporary, flexible and remote employment for them, create conditions to prevent discrimination against such citizens in the labor market and to continue their work after reaching retirement age, and develop mentoring, using their labor potential.
Within the framework of the direction dedicated to protecting the health of elderly citizens, it is planned to improve the organization of medical care and increase its availability, including at home, implement an additional set of studies aimed at determining biological age and slowing down aging, develop drugs and biologically active supplements to prevent active aging of body cells.
It is also proposed to improve preventive measures to prevent and detect diseases early, increase the coverage of medical examinations for older citizens, including by conducting them at home and ensuring continuity between medical care provided in outpatient and inpatient settings, and increase the availability of medical care for pensioners living in remote areas and rural areas, including through mobile medical teams to conduct medical examinations, medical examinations and medical observation.
A number of the strategy’s activities are aimed at raising awareness among senior citizens about the most common cases of fraud, ways to protect against it, and personal safety measures. In addition, it is proposed to increase the level of financial, digital, and legal literacy of such citizens, the availability and convenience of receiving state and municipal services in electronic form through the development of the state services portal and other state information systems.
“People should receive comprehensive assistance in all life situations,” the head of government emphasized.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The financial close for Quail Ranch includes $243 million of construction loans; COD is expected towards the end of 2025
Enlight’s three U.S. projects now under construction have a combined capacity of 1.4 FGW and are projected to generate total annual revenues of $135-140 million
TEL AVIV, Israel, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading global renewable energy platform, announces the financial close for project Quail Ranch (“Quail Ranch” or “the Project”), located near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The Company, through its U.S. subsidiary Clenera Holdings LLC, has secured $243 million in construction financing commitments for the Project.
Combining 128 MW solar generation with 400 MWh of battery storage capacity, Quail Ranch is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2025. Offtake for both generation and storage volumes is secured by a 20-year busbar PPA with the Public Service Company of New Mexico (“PNM”).
The Project is an expansion of Atrisco, which commenced commercial operation in 2024. The shared infrastructure between the two sites accelerated Quail Ranch’s development and will reduce construction and operating costs. Both projects are situated on a desert plateau at an elevation of 1,800 meters, offering optimal solar generation conditions.
Quail Ranch’s financial close joins those of Roadrunner and Country Acres, two other projects now under construction in the U.S., which have achieved a total of $1.5 billion in financing over the past four months with the same consortium of lenders. The three projects have a combined capacity of 1.4 FGW and are expected to generate annual revenues of $135-140 million and EBITDA of $100-110 million when commencing operations in 2025-2026.
The financial close was led by a consortium of four global banks, including BNP Paribas Securities Corp, Crédit Agricole, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord/LB). Upon the Project’s COD, the construction loan is expected to convert into a $120 million term loan. The Project is expected to be eligible for the Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus, and the Company anticipates finalizing a tax equity transaction during 2025.
Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight, said, “We are proud to have achieved the exceptional milestone of three significant financial closings within such a short timeframe, completing the funding for the second wave of Enlight’s U.S. projects. When operational, they will join Atrisco and Apex to generate combined annual revenues of approximately $200 million in the U.S. Quail Ranch completed its financial close after the administration announced its new tariff policy, demonstrating the project’s strength and the Company’s preparedness for this scenario.
“Additionally, Enlight is focused on advancing the development of two additional megaprojects in the western U.S. with a combined capacity of 2.6 FGW, and which are located in areas with some of the highest solar irradiation in the country. The new projects are part of the Company’s third wave in the U.S., and construction is expected to begin in the coming months.”
“I am very proud to partner with world-leading banks and complete a third major funding package this year,” said Adam Pishl, CEO and President of Clenera. “We continue to demonstrate our ability to bring high-quality projects banks remain excited about, despite market turbulence. Quail Ranch builds on our incredible success in New Mexico and will help meet the high demand for power to fuel American businesses and homes.”
About Enlight Renewable Energy
Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at www.enlightenergy.co.il.
Investor Contact
Yonah Weisz Director IR investors@enlightenergy.co.il
Erica Mannion or Mike Funari Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC +1 617 542 6180 investors@enlightenergy.co.il
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, the impact of tariffs on the cost of construction and our ability to mitigate such impact, , sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.
These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
In response to the court decision allowing deportation proceedings for Mahmoud Khalil to continue, Justin Mazzola, Deputy Director of Research at Amnesty International USA, said:
“This decision by the court sends a painfully chilling message to anyone living in the United States – under the Trump administration, free speech is only reserved for the few and not for all.
“Let’s be clear, this is a dangerous step towards further repression of freedom of expression and the right to protest for everyone in the U.S. on any issue.
“Targeting and threatening peaceful protesters and their immigration or residency status flies in the face of human rights.
“The continued targeting of immigrant students and communities – from silencing their speech to arbitrarily shackling people and sending them to cruel prisons in El Salvador without any due process – further pushes people deeper in the shadows in fear that they could be next.
“What the Trump administration has done to Mahmoud Khalil and too many other students across the country is to leverage the mass deportation machine in service of silencing dissent at home and crushing advocacy to stop the ongoing war crimes and genocide by Israel against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. At the same time, the U.S. is continuing to provide weapons to the Israeli government.
“Colleges and universities across the country should protect their students and faculty who wish to express their opinions freely without the threat of arrest, detention, and deportation by the Trump administration.
“Far too many students are now facing a similar fate. This is nothing but racism.
“While Mahmoud Khalil has been unlawfully and arbitrarily detained, including in one of the harshest ICE facilities in the country, he remains a lawful permanent resident with the rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and due process—rights that all who live in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, unquestionably have.
“Amnesty International will continue to strongly advocate for Mahmoud Khalil and all students and faculty being unjustly targeted by this administration’s racist policies.”
