GALVESTON, Texas – A Southeast Texas man who previously worked as a martial arts and gymnastics instructor pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child sexual abuse materials Feb. 3 following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pearland Police Department, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Franklin Joseph Perkins, a 41-year-old resident of Alvin, Texas, who previously worked at the Kuk Sool Won martial arts studio and Gulf Coast Gymnastics in Alvin pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to receipt and possession of child sexual abuse materials.
“With today’s conviction we have removed a dangerous predator from the community who presented a significant threat to the safety of our children,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “By receiving and possessing child sexual abuse materials, Mr. Perkins contributed to the revictimization of the minors who were abused to produce the materials. Thanks to the outstanding support that we receive from our law enforcement partners and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, we were able to expose this vile predator for who he is and ensure he never again serves in a position of trust.”
The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified law enforcement that they had received a tip indicating that a user with a Google account had uploaded files possibly depicting child sexual abuse material onto their servers. Following that alert, authorities were able to link Perkins to the account and determined he had been using various Google accounts and his cell phone to receive and possess child pornography.
Perkins will remain in custody pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for April 15. At that time, he faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years for receiving child sexual abuse materials and up to 10 years for possessing it. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine, as well as a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Trafficking Act, up to a $35,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act, and mandatory restitution in an amount of no less than $3,000 per victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo, Carrie Wirsing and Colton Turner are prosecuting the case.
For more news and information on HSI’s efforts to investigate child exploitation and other transnational criminal activity in Southeast Texas, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIHouston.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah gymnastics coach and owner of USA Gymnastics World pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, Jacobs, beginning on a date unknown and continuing until March 2023, transported a minor from Utah to other states including Florida and Texas as his gymnastics coach. During this time, he placed a hidden camera in the minor’s hotel room and bathroom to produce child sexual abuse materials. Jacobs further admitted that all electronic devices seized pursuant to a search warrant served in March 2023 were used to further participate in the production of child sexual abuse materials.
As stated in court documents, a USA Gymnastics World employee discovered a hidden camera twice in a unisex restroom at the facility and contacted police. A subsequent investigation recovered approximately 120 video files of victims in the restroom. Approximately 40 videos showed Jacobs setting up the cameras in his home and at USA Gymnastics World.
Jacobs is scheduled to be sentenced August 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Woods Cross Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Kaysville Police Department, Clearfield Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Davis County Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Picture this: UConn basketball season, 1975. You purchase your tickets for 50 cents apiece and head to the old fieldhouse, not yet knowing the glory of Gampel Pavilion. You and your date hit it off, and the rest is history!
For Cecily and Joe DiPiro, this is where their love story started. Their time at UConn began as freshmen in the School of Pharmacy, eager to dive into their passion. The following year, in January of 1975, they met while working at Yale New Haven Hospital. Amid conversation at the hospital, they realized they were in a few of the same classes together (nothing sparks love like organic chemistry). A month later, they were in that old fieldhouse on their first date. Cecily even has the ticket stub to prove it.
Over the next few years, Cecily and Joe’s passion grew as they fell in love with UConn. Their fondest memories include being proud members of AZO, a Professional Pharmaceutical Fraternity, and the Student Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP). In addition to their pharmacy coursework, Cecily and Joe cheered on the Huskies during hockey games, skied down Horsebarn Hill when a small ski slope was still in operation, enjoyed the campus creamery, and embraced the UConn social scene, finding time to party amidst their busy schedules. During their time at UConn, Cecily and Joe were put in charge of a Beerfest, where they convinced faculty members to pour beer while raising money for the 1978 yearbook. They also went on a trip to Eli Lilly, riding a bus for 15 hours with their classmates to Indianapolis, where they received a two-day tour of the company.
Cecily and Joe DiPiro
After their late-night study sessions and Beer Fests at UConn were over and Cecily and Joe graduated, they went into separate residency programs. Joe went to the University of Kentucky for his residency and Pharm.D. while Cecily went to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. After a year in each of their residency programs, they tied the knot while continuing their passion for pharmacy. Cecily worked as a hospital pharmacist at UK Medical Center until Joe graduated, and then they moved to the Augusta, GA area. Joe worked for the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, while Cecily was a hospital pharmacist at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital. She spent most of her career as a hospital pharmacist, and in later years, worked as a diabetes coach and as a grants manager for the SC Pharmacy Association. Joe held leadership roles as Dean of South Carolina College of Pharmacy from 2005 to 2014 and Dean of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Pharmacy from 2014 to 2022. The pair also worked on several writing projects together. While busy with their professional careers, Joe and Cecily found time to raise their three children, one of whom is a pharmacist, and now are blessed with eight healthy and active grandchildren!
Cecily and Joe DiPiro
After retiring from their successful careers, Cecily and Joe have found time to appreciate the connections they made early on in their lives at UConn’s School of Pharmacy. Looking back, they hold a special place in their hearts for the camaraderie they felt with their classmates and faculty during their journey at the School. Back in the ‘70s, when many UConn students would venture home on the weekends, the couple and their classmates would stay on campus and have the library to themselves, forming study groups and offering each other support and encouragement. “Our classmates were our day-to-day family,” says Cecily, reminiscing about heading to the old library with the Gold Dome roof to study with classmates. Joe added, “If you didn’t show up to class, they’d have the notes.” There might have been more than just studying at the old library, as Joe and Cecily recall four or five other couples in their class who eventually got married.
Although they haven’t been back to campus in several years, Cecily and Joe will always feel connected to their UConn family. Through exchanging Christmas cards or reconnecting in person at UConn reunions, they find ways to stay connected to their Husky roots, remembering the love they fostered for pharmacy and each other here at Storrs.
Bill and Erica Baker: From Lab Partners to Life Partners
Fast forward about twenty years from Cecily and Joe’s time at the UConn School of Pharmacy, and this is where Bill and Erica’s love story begins. Both attending E.O Smith High School near UConn, they began their story as lab partners in their senior year during advanced biology. They quickly realized they shared a common goal of attending UConn to pursue pharmacy. From running around the UConn campus during high school gym class to attending sporting events in the ‘80s long before they enrolled, Bill and Erica were excited to deepen the kinship they had felt with the university while growing up.
Bill and Erica Baker Celebrating Bill’s Graduation
The following year, now at UConn as commuter students, the couple made it official. Bill says their relationship grew naturally, bonding over the same Pre-Pharmacy classes and spending time at each other’s houses after class. During their sophomore year, Bill and Erica joined UConn’s professional pharmacy fraternity AZO and remained active members in the following years, and Bill now serves as the faculty advisor for the organization. Throughout their time at UConn, Bill and Erica developed their own friend groups, creating a strong network of friends and study partners. They continued their passion for pharmacy and gained experience, with Bill working at Walgreens and Erica in a hospital pharmacy. Despite being busy with their professional and academic careers, Bill and Erica found time to enjoy campus-wide events like Spring Weekend and concerts at Jorgensen. They also took part in classic UConn traditions, such as attending basketball games at Gampel.
Bill and Erica Celebrating Erica’s Graduation
Bill and Erica’s biggest relationship challenge came toward the end of their time at the School when Bill graduated in 2002 while Erica had one more year to complete. When Bill graduated, he accepted a post-pharmacy traineeship in Hartford. During this time, he lived with Erica, who was finishing up her last year at UConn. A month after Erica graduated in 2003, they married and moved to Delaware. Coordinating a wedding and a big move while Bill was employed and Erica was still finishing her degree was a challenge, but it was something the couple overcame. They eventually settled in Delaware, where Erica got a post-grad job. Despite the challenge, the couple felt relieved when they chose similar career paths, both wanting to work in a hospitalsetting so their schedules would align.
Bill and Erica Baker Present Day
Now a faculty member, Bill strives to appreciate the opportunities he has as a UConn professor. He’s especially grateful for what he can give back to UConn: ‘The honor of being here, and giving back to the school and community that has meant so much to me.’ With three young children, Bill and Erica remain busy with their professional and personal lives but always make time to support their Husky family through watching and attending basketball and football games. Bill urges current UConn students in the School of Pharmacy to take every opportunity they are given, make connections, and never get too overwhelmed: ‘Obviously, you want to enjoy yourself.’
“We went to school here,” says Bill “We lived elsewhere for a period of time. And then now we’re back here.”Once a Husky, always a Husky!”
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Most Reverend Monsignor Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary and Administrator of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), as Archbishop. He has given him the titular see of Zella.Samuele Sangalli was born in Lecco (Italy) on September 10, 1967. He entered the seminary of the Archdiocese of Milan at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest on 8 June 1996 in the Archdiocese of Milan by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini.First as a deacon and then as a priest, from 1992 to 1997 he was spiritual director of the “Alleluia” community for the rehabilitation of addicts, run by the Camillian Fathers in Milan. During the same period, he taught Catholic religion at the “Liceo Classico B. Zucchi” in Monza and was a pastoral assistant in the parish of “Beata Vergine Assunta” in Bruzzano (Milan).From 1997 to 1999 he held the role of Parish Vicar in the Parish of Santa Maria del Rosario, in Milan.With the mandate of the Superiors, from 1992 to 2006 he was a Member, with the Jesuit Fathers, of the team of spiritual assistants of the Ignatian movement of CVX (Communities of Christian Life). In 2000 he was a Visiting Scholar at the Faculty for Divinity of the University of Cambridge (UK) and collaborated in the local Catholic parish of “Our Lady and the English Martyrs”.After moving to Rome in 2001, he was spiritual director at Villa Nazareth College until 2009.Based on the spiritual journey he took with some young university students from Villa Nazareth and the subsequent encounter with young people and families he met while teaching at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the “LUISS Guido Carli” in Rome, he founded the Oikia community in 2010. From 2004 to 2012 he worked first with the young people of Villa Nazareth and then with the Oikia community on feast days in the parish of “S. Benedetto” in the Ostiense area of Rome.He has been a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem since 2005 and a member of the Franciscan Secular Order since 2014.He is currently an Associate Lecturer at the Institute of Anthropology, and Director of the “Sinderesi” School of training for active citizenship at the Alberto Hurtado Center, of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is also a professor of the free courses on professional Ethics at the Faculty of Law and Global Governance through Interreligious Dialogue at the Faculty of Political Science of the “LUISS Guido Carli” University in Rome.Already an official of the Congregation for Bishops, Samuele Sangalli was appointed by Pope Francis on April 25, 2023 as Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches. On October 1, 2024 (See Fides, 1/10/2024) the Pope appointed him as Adjunct Secretary with the role of head of the administration of the aforementioned Dicastery, in the same Section. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 6/2/2025)
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Brands airing Super Bowl ads have a lot riding on their investments – roughly US$7 million for a 30-second spot for the 2025 big game. So there’s a lot of pressure to get things right.
In my advertising classes, I often tell students that a commercial that’s controversial or disliked in the moment shouldn’t necessarily be considered a failure. In fact, enragement drives engagement. So if one of the goals of advertising is to keep the brand top of mind for consumers, a hated Super Bowl ad still accomplishes at least one goal. Think of the now-infamous Pepsi ad where Kendall Jenner “solves racism” with a can of Pepsi. Or all those raunchy GoDaddy ads that everyone rolled their eyes at, but the company kept running, year after year.
Instead, a true advertising face-plant is an ad that’s both tone-deaf and completely forgettable – so dull, off-putting or confusing that when a brand completely switches up its strategy, you almost don’t remember the massive blunder that compelled it to change course in the first place. Almost.
So with this definition in mind, here are my submissions for five of the biggest Super Bowl advertising flops.
1. General Motors, 2007
Should viewers care about a ‘depressed’ robot?
A GM robot gets so depressed after getting fired that it jumps off a bridge to end its own existence.
How endearing.
The ad for the then-struggling automaker, which aired during Super Bowl 41 between the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, features a robot that struggles with depression and existential angst after learning its services are no longer needed on the assembly line.
The robot questions its meaning and purpose and tries to combine dark humor and social commentary about the monotony of work and the inevitability of technological progress. But it ends up missing the mark for a few reasons.
Suicide is pretty bleak for a Super Bowl spot, and mental health, in general, is a sensitive topic. There was little effort made to connect the spot to core GM brand values, which include inspiring “passion and loyalty” and “serving and improving communities.”
The bizarre ad wasn’t funny and didn’t make much sense, either.
Sometimes I try to imagine the meetings at ad agencies where ideas for clients are batted around:
“We need to promote this new app that lets families get products like smoothies at slightly discounted prices.”
“OK, how about this: It starts as a Tibetan tourism ad. Then it takes a dark turn and suggests that Tibet is about to be wiped off the map. That’s when our client’s product gets introduced: We tell viewers that before Tibetan culture goes extinct, they should try fish curry, like these 200 people in Chicago who saved $15 at a Himalayan restaurant using Groupon.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh – and let’s have the narrator be a white guy with long sideburns.”
I have no idea how this one avoided the cutting-room floor.
3. Nationwide Insurance, 2015
Another death on the docket.
The insurance company used a strange mix of heartbreak and guilt-tripping to try to entice viewers to buy its policies during Super Bowl 49.
The ad features a young boy narrating in a somber tone, listing all of the milestones he’ll miss because he’s dead: learning to ride a bike, travel the world, get married.
The twist is that the cause of his death is an accident. That’s where Nationwide comes in: They offer life insurance to help offset tragedies. But wait – insurance doesn’t prevent tragedies. It merely provides compensation to “replace” what you lost. Both the morbid tone and twist were bizarre.
Exploiting tragedies in advertisements is generally not going to win people over. I can’t imagine how it would feel to be a parent who’s lost a child and see this TV ad.
4. Audi, 2020
Everything everywhere all at once.
Can a “Game of Thrones” star join forces with Disney while highlighting the importance of sustainability to create an ad for … Audi?
In the minute-long spot, Masie Williams, who plays Arya Stark on “Game of Thrones,” belts out the lyrics to “Let It Go,” the hit single from Disney’s “Frozen.” As she drives, pedestrians join her in song. At the end of the ad, Audi announces that they are finally making an electric car.
The ad seems to be about “letting go” of fossil fuel dependence – the gas sign yells it, car dealership yells it, mechanics yell it – almost two decades after the first major electric car hit the market.
Was it meant to be empowering? Funny? Inspirational? It tried to do a little bit of everything, leaving viewers grasping and gasping. Not to mention the song “Let It Go” had come out seven years prior, which made the whole production seem even more dated.
5. Just For Feet, 1999
A company-cratering advertisement.
Close your eyes.
Imagine an ad that’s racist and confusing.
Imagine an ad in which the main character is disappointed to receive the product being advertised.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Just For Feet’s “Kenyan Runner” Super Bowl ad.
The ad depicts a barefoot Kenyan runner sprinting across a rugged landscape as a group of white men in military SUVs tracks him down as if on a hunting expedition.
After they eventually catch him, they forcibly drug him by offering a mysterious beverage. The runner drinks it, collapses and wakes up to find that he is now wearing a pair of Just For Feet sneakers. He looks confused and distressed, as if he’d been violated.
Bizarre and unsettling, indeed. Just For Feet filed for bankruptcy less than a year later.
Matthew Pittman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sylvie Ayimpam, Chercheur à l’IMAf et Chargée de cours, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)
In the two Congos, there’s a cultural movement by the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Sape), known as “sapeurs”, who blend fashion, culture and social resistance. Though it was rooted primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo, the movement is now spreading worldwide, through Congolese migration.
Sape is far more than a fashion trend. Here are five key things to know about this movement.
1. The history of Sape
Sape emerged during the colonial era, first in Brazzaville and later in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa), when young Congolese began adopting and reinterpreting the clothing style of colonisers. This movement was not merely about fashion. It served as a way for people to express their self-worth and respectability in a context where it had been denied or diminished. Over time, it also became a subtle, yet powerful, form of resistance against colonial domination.
Members of Sape movement.Junior D. Kannah/AFP via Getty Images)
This process continued after independence. It became a symbol of resistance to dictatorship, particularly under the regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now DR Congo). He advocated for the rejection of western clothing in favour of traditional attire, but Sape persisted as a counter-cultural statement.
The movement expanded to Europe with Congolese migration, in the 1970s and 1980s, where sapeurs reinterpreted European fashion — often incorporating vibrant colours and eccentric details — turning style into a tool of subversion. From the outset, it drew on diverse influences, including European culture, but transformed them to create a distinctly Congolese style.
By adopting the clothes of the colonialists, young Congolese appropriated symbols of power and social status, while hijacking them to assert their own identity. Sape thus became a means of uplifting the value of Congolese culture under imposed cultural domination.
2. The rules of Sape
Sape is often compared to 19th-century European dandyism – a 19th-century fashion trend that emerged in England for men who aspired to refinement and elegance. Sapeurs, with their designer clothes, bold colours and preoccupation with sartorial elegance, embody a modern, African version of this tradition.
For them, Sape is more than just a way of dressing. It is a philosophy based on several fundamental principles: an expression of identity, the quest for excellence or refinement and cultural and social resistance.
“Sapology” imposes strict rules. These include respecting the colour trilogy – which stipulates that no outfit should feature more than three different colors (to ensure harmony and avoid discordant colour combinations), maintain rigorous clothing hygiene, and commit to constant elegance. For sapeurs, appearance is a powerful way to make an impression and stand out in an environment often defined by hardship.
Elegance in dress isn’t just about wearing expensive clothes, it also extends to behaviour. Sapeurs have a particular attitude – they use sophisticated language and refined gestures, and maintain an attitude of courtesy and respect. Some of their public posturing echoes that of European dandies, like a specific gait, often slightly stooped with crisscrossing steps, used to highlight the details of their attire, such as clothing seams, shoes and socks. Their way of moving and speaking is just as important as the clothes they wear.
This performative aspect makes Sape a true living spectacle. At gatherings of sapeurs, participants compete in elegance and creativity, strutting as if on a runway. This transforms the streets where they gather into an open stage where everyone can express themselves and showcase their style.
3. Expansion via the diaspora
The Sape movement isn’t confined to the streets of Brazzaville and Kinshasa. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, spreading first within the Congolese diaspora in Paris. It then expanded to other European cities where these migrants reside, such as Brussels. The movement has even reached American cities, like New York and Montreal.
For Congolese living in western countries, Sape is a way of reconnecting with their roots and asserting their identity, in often challenging circumstances. It enables these members of the diaspora to create a positive identity at a time when discrimination and social precariousness are commonplace.
In Europe’s major cities, Sape serves as a way to resist social invisibility. Congolese migrants, often pushed to the margins of society, use Sape to make themselves visible, drawing attention to their presence and asserting their place by wearing flamboyant costumes.
Sape is therefore a form of social protest, a way of defying the expectations of the host society.
4. The role of music
A key factor in the success and global recognition of the Sape movement is its strong connection to Congolese popular music.
Artists like Papa Wemba and Aurlus Mabélé have played crucial roles in promoting “the Sape”. They incorporated its aesthetic into their public personas and performances. In France and Belgium, Papa Wemba’s concerts became major events for the Congolese community. These concerts provided an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the Sape movement.
The late singer Papa Wemba played an important role in promoting Sape.STR/AFP via Getty Images
Congolese popular music has served as a vehicle for spreading the Sape ideals, popularising this lifestyle as a symbol of success.
Within the world of Congolese popular music, Sape has risen to the status of a religion – Kitendi, the “religion of fabric”. This religion has its pope, high priests, priests, priestesses, and countless devoted followers.
Papa Wemba, often referred to as the “King of Sape”, was a charismatic figure who masterfully combined music and fashion to craft a powerful cultural identity. Every outfit he wore was meticulously selected to embody the elegance and prestige of Sape.
By wearing clothes from prestigious brands, Papa Wemba made Sape a symbol of success for many young Congolese. He also contributed to the export of Sape beyond African borders.
5. Preserving the dignity of the poor
Sape is marked by an interesting paradox: it combines luxury clothing and a flamboyant lifestyle with often precarious living conditions. For many sapeurs, elegance is a goal that takes precedence over material comfort. Sapeurs invest a large part of their income in designer clothes, sometimes to the detriment of their daily quality of life. This sacrifice is seen as necessary to maintain their status within the sapeur community.
Sapeurs.Patrick Kovarik/AFP via Getty Images
For sapeurs, visibility and recognition are paramount. An invisible “sapeur”, they say, ceases to be a “sapeur”. This highlights the movement’s complexity.
Sapeurs view themselves as kings without crowns, street aristocrats who use their appearance to challenge conventional ideas of wealth and status. Through Sape, they subvert traditional social hierarchies, emphasising that elegance and personal worth are not solely tied to economic means. Instead, these qualities are defined by one’s ability to stand out through style, creativity and charisma.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HARBIN, Feb. 6 — In Harbin, the capital city of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang Province, there is a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
Here, towering ice structures mimicking landmarks from across Asia, cheers from super-long ice slides, and the breathtaking view from a giant Ferris wheel attracted over 610,000 visitors during this year’s eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which ended Tuesday.
Near the entrance of the Harbin Ice-Snow World, an iconic winter attraction, a row of giant red characters stands out: “Snow and ice are also valuable assets.”
This statement, first made by Chinese President Xi Jinping about nine years ago, has reshaped the country’s ice-and-snow sector and spurred the stellar growth of related industries.
In March 2016, when taking part in a group discussion with Heilongjiang lawmakers at the annual national legislative session, Xi stressed the importance of leveraging the province’s winter resources. “Clear waters and green mountains are valuable assets, and so are Heilongjiang’s ice and snow,” he said.
Bordering frigid Siberia, Heilongjiang is known for its freezing temperatures and ample snowfall in winter. With winter temperatures sometimes dropping below minus 30 degrees Celsius, the provincial capital Harbin is dubbed China’s “ice city.”
Guided by Xi’s vision, the province has made sustained efforts to turn itself into a world-class winter tourist destination. Last year, Harbin alone welcomed 179 million visitors, with tourism revenue reaching 231.42 billion yuan (about 32 billion U.S. dollars), both rising over 30 percent year on year.
The 9th Asian Winter Games, set to open here on Friday, presents the latest opportunity to cement Harbin’s “ice city” reputation. Notably, winter sports and tourism are also gaining momentum across China.
Driven by policy support and increased demand, the number of ice-and-snow tourists in China is expected to reach 520 million in the 2024-2025 winter season, with revenue likely to exceed 630 billion yuan, according to the latest report by the China Tourism Academy.
300 MILLION PEOPLE IN WINTER SPORTS
Xi has identified China’s ice-and-snow sector as both a key economic driver and a vital means of promoting public fitness. A passionate sports enthusiast, he closely follows the development of winter sports.
The primary goal of hosting the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was to “engage 300 million people in ice-and-snow sports” and promote the leapfrog development of winter sports in the country, Xi told International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in 2014.
Before Beijing 2022, he conducted five on-site inspections across different competition zones in Beijing and the adjacent Hebei Province, meeting with athletes, construction workers and venue operators.
“The ultimate goal of building a sporting powerhouse and a healthy China is to strengthen the people’s fitness, which is also an essential part of China’s endeavors to build a modern socialist country in all respects,” Xi said.
The goal of “300 million people in winter sports” is now a reality, thanks to the promotion and popularization of ice-and-snow sports.
“This year, our facility has seen a greater number of people hitting the ice, with a year-on-year growth of about 15 percent,” said Meng Qingyou, who teaches skating at a winter sports center in Harbin.
Across the province, well-equipped facilities and professional coaching at ski resorts have drawn in new entrants from across the country.
In the city of Shuangyashan, a popular ski resort offers 14 trails of varying difficulty levels, catering to both novices and seasoned ski enthusiasts.
“This is my first time skiing,” said Zhao Dezhou, a tourist from east China’s Jiangsu Province. “At first, I was really nervous, but with the coach’s patient guidance, I can now glide freely across the snow and fully enjoy the thrill of this winter sport!”
Even in snow-scarce regions of the country, more people are embracing indoor ice-and-snow sports. According to a recent industry report, six of the world’s top 10 indoor ski resorts are in China, located in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.
ICE-AND-SNOW ECONOMY
Beiji Village is nestled at the northernmost tip of China in the city of Mohe, Heilongjiang. As one of the coldest villages in China, Beiji endures an average temperature of below zero for over seven months a year.
This agricultural and fishing village was named a national top-level scenic spot in 2015, attracting an increasing number of visitors to experience its unique scenery and extreme cold.
“The tourism resources here are truly exceptional,” said Xi at the village during an inspection tour in September 2023. He stepped into villager Shi Ruijuan’s homestay and talked with the locals.
Noting the importance of the tourism sector in achieving high-quality development, Xi urged policy support to ensure that the distinctive snow-and-ice resources generate more income for local people.
In the past, the harsh cold and remote location drove many locals to leave Beiji. Nowadays, however, the very same factors are drawing tourists from far and wide. With ice-and-snow tourism gaining popularity in recent years, ice skating, skiing and fun activities like splashing water to create ice crystals have become big draws of the village.
“Tourists used to come mainly in summer, but now we get plenty of visitors in winter too,” said Shi, adding that she had never expected the bitter cold to become a major tourism attraction.
Shi has run the homestay business for more than a decade. “Previously, it was hard to make even 10,000 yuan a year. Now, we have visitors all year round, and during peak season I can earn over 10,000 yuan in just a week,” she said.
With its booming ice-and-snow tourism, northeast China as a whole has gained fresh appeal. Once known as the country’s rustbelt, the region has long struggled with a painful economic transition and talent outflows.
“Revitalizing northeast China” has been a recurring theme evident in Xi’s multiple inspection tours. In 2023, he stressed efforts to focus on developing the ice-and-snow economy as a new growth driver by promoting a full industrial chain of ice-and-snow sports, culture, equipment and tourism.
Under Xi’s guidance, the ice-and-snow boom has spread from northeast China to the entire country, fostering a new national growth engine.
Located in northwest China’s Xinjiang, Altay Prefecture is developing its reputation as a top skiing destination. In the 2023-2024 snow season, Altay welcomed about 4.89 million tourist visits, with tourism revenue totaling 5.1 billion yuan. It drove about half of the growth in terms of both tourist visits and revenue in Xinjiang last season.
Southwestern provinces, such as Yunnan and Sichuan, are also leveraging their unique plateau ice-and-snow resources, as well as their proximity to Southeast Asia, to attract tourists.
Peng Fuwei, a senior official of the National Development and Reform Commission, noted that the sector has formed a “dual-engine” structure, with winter manufacturing and services leading the way.
“China now produces a comprehensive range of winter sports equipment, from personal gear to high-end snowmaking machines and snow groomers. In 2023, winter equipment sales reached about 22 billion yuan,” he said.
The country aims to boost its ice-and-snow economy as a new source of growth, targeting an economic scale of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, according to guidelines released by the State Council last year.
The Defense Media Activity (DMA) and the American Forces Network (AFN) invite overseas audiences to enjoy the military network’s full-day coverage of America’s most watched sporting event, the Super Bowl, beginning this Sunday, February 9.
With the generous support of the National Football League (NFL), AFN will air Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, live on its global television and radio services for U.S. military audiences serving around the world and at sea.
AFN will live-stream the Super Bowl on its video streaming platform, AFN Now®. The game will also be available as video-on-demand shortly after the live broadcast.
AFN Super Bowl events and pregame coverage begin Sunday, Feb. 9, at 9 a.m., Central European Time (CET), and at 5 p.m., Japan/Korea Time (JKT), all on AFN|sports.
AFN live coverage of Super Bowl LIX begins Monday, Feb. 10, at 12:30 a.m., CET, and 8:30 a.m., JKT, on AFN|sports.
AFN radio will provide extensive live and pre-game coverage on AFN Fans, available on your satellite decoder, and streaming on AFN Go.
Viewers are invited to have fun and interact during the game using #SB59AFN and #SuperBowlAFN on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
AFN|sports will repeat the Super Bowl on Feb. 10, in Europe, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., CET. In Japan/Korea, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., JKT, and again, Feb. 11, at 3 a.m., JKT.
For overseas military audiences who may have missed the 2025 NFC and AFC Championship Games, AFN will also rebroadcast the Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs games on Saturday, Feb. 8, starting at 9 a.m., CET, and 5 p.m., JKT.
The AFN|family channel will be airing an annual family favorite, Puppy Bowl XXI, Feb. 10, at 4 p.m., CET/JKT. Returning for its 21st year, the beloved Puppy Bowl is TV’s original and longest running call-to-adoption event. Puppy players from Team Ruff and Team Fluff take to the Puppy Bowl stadium to win the “Lombarky” trophy.
AFN audiences are encouraged to prepare for the Super Bowl by downloading the AFN Now app ahead of the game and registering so they can enjoy the experience from kick off to the trophy presentation. The AFN Now app is available from the Google Play or Apple App store and is available to service members, families, and retirees living overseas. It is available on Google and Apple devices, Amazon Fire, Roku, and select smart TVs with app functionality.
It is recommended that those who have AFN Now get ready for the big game by ensuring it is up to date with the latest version.
Since launching two years ago, AFN Now has proven to be highly innovative and has seen record-breaking growth. The military streaming service now has more than 100,000 subscribers worldwide and has seen over one million hours watched. AFN Now continues to be popular with military audiences worldwide for its extensive content and flexible viewing schedules. Sports enthusiasts say they appreciate the option of watching live events or at their convenience as video-on-demand.
The AFN Now app is free to download and provides audiences with convenient access to their favorite AFN entertainment, news, and sports programming. The app is easy to download, and users can register at https://afn-now.myafn.mil/. The AFN Now Help Desk is manned around the clock to provide support. They can be reached at DMA.AFNnow.Help@mail.mil.
For a full listing of all Super Bowl themed shows airing on AFN TV, go to “MyAFN” for television schedules, which is located at https://myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil. Or, for any additional questions, please contact the American Forces Network at dma.march.afn.list.affrel@mail.mil.
AFN’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX builds on its eight decades of service to U.S. forces worldwide, dating back to 1943, and further underscores the military network’s dedication to its motto, “We Bring You Home.”
NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RentRedi, the fastest-growing all-in-one property management software that makes renting easy for both landlords and renters, has been named to HousingWire’s 2025 Tech100 Real Estate list. The award recognizes RentRedi as one of the most innovative and impactful companies transforming the real estate industry by driving efficiency and accessibility to the renting process, and reshaping how landlords and real estate investors operate and serve their tenants.
“We are honored to be endorsed as a top technology in real estate by HousingWire,” said RentRedi Co-founder and CEO Ryan Barone. “This award validates RentRedi’s efforts to provide convenience and ease of use, helping real estate investors grow their rental businesses by removing the time constraints and geographic barriers of property management for landlords, while also improving the lives of their tenants.”
RentRedi’s comprehensive online and mobile app enables landlords to manage their properties remotely from anywhere in the world using their phone or any mobile or desktop computer by automating everything that goes into managing a rental property, from listings, tenant screening, and lease signing to rent collection, 24/7 maintenance coordination, and accounting. Landlords who use RentRedi have more time to spend on high value activities such as nurturing tenant relationships, investing in home improvement projects, and scouting new investment opportunities to grow their rental businesses.
Scaling with RentRedi not only requires less effort, but also less cost, because RentRedi offers unique flat pricing subscriptions that do not increase as investors scale their portfolios. Landlords can add an unlimited number of properties, units, tenants, and users to their account with no increase to their subscription rate. Other perks and benefits, specifically accelerated 2-day funding and same-day settlements, are also included in RentRedi’s flat rate pricing and do not require a premium subscription—an industry-first feature.
Although RentRedi caters to independent landlords, it was initially conceived as a tenant app, and many features continue to be specifically designed with tenants in mind. For example, RentRedi offers a Credit Boost feature that enables tenants (or their landlords) to report on-time payments to all three credit bureaus so that they can boost their credit scores. RentRedi also offers tenants the option to set up automatic payments, purchase renters insurance, and take advantage of special perks and discounts to hundreds of local and national companies from groceries and home decor to storage and pet insurance.
“Technology is at the core of progress in the housing industry,” said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media. “The companies recognized in this year’s Tech100 awards are leading innovation and delivering real-world impact to drive faster and more efficient processes.”
RentRedi’s impact on the rental industry is proven and backed by data. According to data collected between January 2020 and August 2024, units with at least one tenant using RentRedi’s autopay feature reported on-time rent payments 99% of the time. The success of RentRedi’s tenant screening feature has also been quantified, showing that tenants who underwent tenant screening via the RentRedi platform paid rent on time about 90% of the time.
Furthermore, RentRedi data shows that landlords are likely to see a 13% jump in on-time rent payments when using the RentRedi Credit Boost feature. Rental units with tenants who have “poor” to “fair” credit scores (in the 300-669 range) yield on-time rent payments at a rate of 93% when using the credit-boosting feature.
Now in its 6th year, HousingWire’s Tech100 Real Estate program provides a trusted resource for real estate professionals, showcasing the industry’s top technology providers. The award recognizes companies like RentRedi that are solving real-world challenges, delivering cutting-edge solutions, and helping real estate professionals navigate an evolving market.
About RentRedi
RentRedi offers an award-winning, comprehensive property management platform that simplifies the renting process for landlords and renters by automating and streamlining processes. Landlords can quickly grow their rental businesses by using RentRedi’s all-in-one web and mobile app to collect rent, list and market vacancies, find and screen tenants, sign leases, and manage maintenance and accounting. Tenants enjoy the convenience and benefits of RentRedi’s easy-to-use mobile app that allows them to pay rent, set up auto-pay, build credit by reporting rent payments to all three major credit bureaus, prequalify and sign leases, and submit 24/7 maintenance requests.
Founded in 2016, RentRedi is VC-backed and a proven leader in the PropTech market. The company ranks No. 180 on the Inc. 5000 list and No. 12 on the Inc. 5000 Regionals list. It was also named an Inc. Power Partner in 2023 and 2024, and to Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech list in 2024, and to HousingWire’s Tech100 list in 2025. To date, RentRedi has more than $28 billion in assets under management with nearly 200,000 landlords and tenants using the platform. The company partners with technology leaders such as Zillow, TransUnion, Experian, Equifax, Realtor.com, Lessen, Thumbtack, Plaid, and Stripe to create the best customer experience possible. For more information visit RentRedi.com.
In the two Congos, there’s a cultural movement by the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Sape), known as “sapeurs”, who blend fashion, culture and social resistance. Though it was rooted primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo, the movement is now spreading worldwide, through Congolese migration.
Sape is far more than a fashion trend. Here are five key things to know about this movement.
1. The history of Sape
Sape emerged during the colonial era, first in Brazzaville and later in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa), when young Congolese began adopting and reinterpreting the clothing style of colonisers. This movement was not merely about fashion. It served as a way for people to express their self-worth and respectability in a context where it had been denied or diminished. Over time, it also became a subtle, yet powerful, form of resistance against colonial domination.
This process continued after independence. It became a symbol of resistance to dictatorship, particularly under the regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now DR Congo). He advocated for the rejection of western clothing in favour of traditional attire, but Sape persisted as a counter-cultural statement.
The movement expanded to Europe with Congolese migration, in the 1970s and 1980s, where sapeurs reinterpreted European fashion — often incorporating vibrant colours and eccentric details — turning style into a tool of subversion. From the outset, it drew on diverse influences, including European culture, but transformed them to create a distinctly Congolese style.
By adopting the clothes of the colonialists, young Congolese appropriated symbols of power and social status, while hijacking them to assert their own identity. Sape thus became a means of uplifting the value of Congolese culture under imposed cultural domination.
2. The rules of Sape
Sape is often compared to 19th-century European dandyism – a 19th-century fashion trend that emerged in England for men who aspired to refinement and elegance. Sapeurs, with their designer clothes, bold colours and preoccupation with sartorial elegance, embody a modern, African version of this tradition.
For them, Sape is more than just a way of dressing. It is a philosophy based on several fundamental principles: an expression of identity, the quest for excellence or refinement and cultural and social resistance.
“Sapology” imposes strict rules. These include respecting the colour trilogy – which stipulates that no outfit should feature more than three different colors (to ensure harmony and avoid discordant colour combinations), maintain rigorous clothing hygiene, and commit to constant elegance. For sapeurs, appearance is a powerful way to make an impression and stand out in an environment often defined by hardship.
Elegance in dress isn’t just about wearing expensive clothes, it also extends to behaviour. Sapeurs have a particular attitude – they use sophisticated language and refined gestures, and maintain an attitude of courtesy and respect. Some of their public posturing echoes that of European dandies, like a specific gait, often slightly stooped with crisscrossing steps, used to highlight the details of their attire, such as clothing seams, shoes and socks. Their way of moving and speaking is just as important as the clothes they wear.
This performative aspect makes Sape a true living spectacle. At gatherings of sapeurs, participants compete in elegance and creativity, strutting as if on a runway. This transforms the streets where they gather into an open stage where everyone can express themselves and showcase their style.
3. Expansion via the diaspora
The Sape movement isn’t confined to the streets of Brazzaville and Kinshasa. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, spreading first within the Congolese diaspora in Paris. It then expanded to other European cities where these migrants reside, such as Brussels. The movement has even reached American cities, like New York and Montreal.
For Congolese living in western countries, Sape is a way of reconnecting with their roots and asserting their identity, in often challenging circumstances. It enables these members of the diaspora to create a positive identity at a time when discrimination and social precariousness are commonplace.
In Europe’s major cities, Sape serves as a way to resist social invisibility. Congolese migrants, often pushed to the margins of society, use Sape to make themselves visible, drawing attention to their presence and asserting their place by wearing flamboyant costumes.
Sape is therefore a form of social protest, a way of defying the expectations of the host society.
4. The role of music
A key factor in the success and global recognition of the Sape movement is its strong connection to Congolese popular music.
Artists like Papa Wemba and Aurlus Mabélé have played crucial roles in promoting “the Sape”. They incorporated its aesthetic into their public personas and performances. In France and Belgium, Papa Wemba’s concerts became major events for the Congolese community. These concerts provided an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the Sape movement.
Congolese popular music has served as a vehicle for spreading the Sape ideals, popularising this lifestyle as a symbol of success.
Within the world of Congolese popular music, Sape has risen to the status of a religion – Kitendi, the “religion of fabric”. This religion has its pope, high priests, priests, priestesses, and countless devoted followers.
Papa Wemba, often referred to as the “King of Sape”, was a charismatic figure who masterfully combined music and fashion to craft a powerful cultural identity. Every outfit he wore was meticulously selected to embody the elegance and prestige of Sape.
By wearing clothes from prestigious brands, Papa Wemba made Sape a symbol of success for many young Congolese. He also contributed to the export of Sape beyond African borders.
5. Preserving the dignity of the poor
Sape is marked by an interesting paradox: it combines luxury clothing and a flamboyant lifestyle with often precarious living conditions. For many sapeurs, elegance is a goal that takes precedence over material comfort. Sapeurs invest a large part of their income in designer clothes, sometimes to the detriment of their daily quality of life. This sacrifice is seen as necessary to maintain their status within the sapeur community.
For sapeurs, visibility and recognition are paramount. An invisible “sapeur”, they say, ceases to be a “sapeur”. This highlights the movement’s complexity.
Sapeurs view themselves as kings without crowns, street aristocrats who use their appearance to challenge conventional ideas of wealth and status. Through Sape, they subvert traditional social hierarchies, emphasising that elegance and personal worth are not solely tied to economic means. Instead, these qualities are defined by one’s ability to stand out through style, creativity and charisma.
Sylvie Ayimpam does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Brands airing Super Bowl ads have a lot riding on their investments – roughly US$7 million for a 30-second spot for the 2025 big game. So there’s a lot of pressure to get things right.
In my advertising classes, I often tell students that a commercial that’s controversial or disliked in the moment shouldn’t necessarily be considered a failure. In fact, enragement drives engagement. So if one of the goals of advertising is to keep the brand top of mind for consumers, a hated Super Bowl ad still accomplishes at least one goal. Think of the now-infamous Pepsi ad where Kendall Jenner “solves racism” with a can of Pepsi. Or all those raunchy GoDaddy ads that everyone rolled their eyes at, but the company kept running, year after year.
Instead, a true advertising face-plant is an ad that’s both tone-deaf and completely forgettable – so dull, off-putting or confusing that when a brand completely switches up its strategy, you almost don’t remember the massive blunder that compelled it to change course in the first place. Almost.
So with this definition in mind, here are my submissions for five of the biggest Super Bowl advertising flops.
1. General Motors, 2007
Should viewers care about a ‘depressed’ robot?
A GM robot gets so depressed after getting fired that it jumps off a bridge to end its own existence.
How endearing.
The ad for the then-struggling automaker, which aired during Super Bowl 41 between the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, features a robot that struggles with depression and existential angst after learning its services are no longer needed on the assembly line.
The robot questions its meaning and purpose and tries to combine dark humor and social commentary about the monotony of work and the inevitability of technological progress. But it ends up missing the mark for a few reasons.
Suicide is pretty bleak for a Super Bowl spot, and mental health, in general, is a sensitive topic. There was little effort made to connect the spot to core GM brand values, which include inspiring “passion and loyalty” and “serving and improving communities.”
The bizarre ad wasn’t funny and didn’t make much sense, either.
Sometimes I try to imagine the meetings at ad agencies where ideas for clients are batted around:
“We need to promote this new app that lets families get products like smoothies at slightly discounted prices.”
“OK, how about this: It starts as a Tibetan tourism ad. Then it takes a dark turn and suggests that Tibet is about to be wiped off the map. That’s when our client’s product gets introduced: We tell viewers that before Tibetan culture goes extinct, they should try fish curry, like these 200 people in Chicago who saved $15 at a Himalayan restaurant using Groupon.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh – and let’s have the narrator be a white guy with long sideburns.”
I have no idea how this one avoided the cutting-room floor.
3. Nationwide Insurance, 2015
Another death on the docket.
The insurance company used a strange mix of heartbreak and guilt-tripping to try to entice viewers to buy its policies during Super Bowl 49.
The ad features a young boy narrating in a somber tone, listing all of the milestones he’ll miss because he’s dead: learning to ride a bike, travel the world, get married.
The twist is that the cause of his death is an accident. That’s where Nationwide comes in: They offer life insurance to help offset tragedies. But wait – insurance doesn’t prevent tragedies. It merely provides compensation to “replace” what you lost. Both the morbid tone and twist were bizarre.
Exploiting tragedies in advertisements is generally not going to win people over. I can’t imagine how it would feel to be a parent who’s lost a child and see this TV ad.
4. Audi, 2020
Everything everywhere all at once.
Can a “Game of Thrones” star join forces with Disney while highlighting the importance of sustainability to create an ad for … Audi?
In the minute-long spot, Masie Williams, who plays Arya Stark on “Game of Thrones,” belts out the lyrics to “Let It Go,” the hit single from Disney’s “Frozen.” As she drives, pedestrians join her in song. At the end of the ad, Audi announces that they are finally making an electric car.
The ad seems to be about “letting go” of fossil fuel dependence – the gas sign yells it, car dealership yells it, mechanics yell it – almost two decades after the first major electric car hit the market.
Was it meant to be empowering? Funny? Inspirational? It tried to do a little bit of everything, leaving viewers grasping and gasping. Not to mention the song “Let It Go” had come out seven years prior, which made the whole production seem even more dated.
5. Just For Feet, 1999
A company-cratering advertisement.
Close your eyes.
Imagine an ad that’s racist and confusing.
Imagine an ad in which the main character is disappointed to receive the product being advertised.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Just For Feet’s “Kenyan Runner” Super Bowl ad.
The ad depicts a barefoot Kenyan runner sprinting across a rugged landscape as a group of white men in military SUVs tracks him down as if on a hunting expedition.
After they eventually catch him, they forcibly drug him by offering a mysterious beverage. The runner drinks it, collapses and wakes up to find that he is now wearing a pair of Just For Feet sneakers. He looks confused and distressed, as if he’d been violated.
Bizarre and unsettling, indeed. Just For Feet filed for bankruptcy less than a year later.
Matthew Pittman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
If you live in the Philadelphia or Kansas City metro areas, congratulations: The fact that your city made it to the Super Bowl translates to about $200 extra in your pocket.
That’s right – whether the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs win the big game on Feb. 9, both cities have scored an economic victory. Research shows that making the playoffs alone is enough to boost personal incomes in the region. And if your team wins, you and your city will get an even bigger boost.
This windfall isn’t coming from increased merchandise sales, as you might expect. Instead, the key driver is happiness. A successful season lifts fans’ moods, which leads – indirectly – to greater spending and productivity.
In a study using data from the late 20th century and early 21st century, we found that when a team goes from zero to 11 wins – the typical number needed to make the playoffs – its home region sees an average per-person income rise by about US$200 over the year, adjusted for inflation. We also found that winning the Super Bowl was associated with a $33 bonus, again adjusted for inflation.
When you multiply $200 by the 6 million people who live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the 2 million in the Kansas City region, it comes out to a whole lot of money overall.
It’s about happiness, not jerseys
If you’ve ever been to a Super Bowl parade, you might assume that the income boost is linked to people spending more on team-related merchandise. But research shows that professional sports teams usually have a small impact on local incomes.
Even hosting the Super Bowl doesn’t seem to do that much: Our research shows that people are better off economically if their local team wins the Super Bowl than if their local area hosts one.
So if people aren’t spending more directly on the team, something else must be going on. Our work pointed to two possible explanations – both having to do with happiness.
First, we hypothesized that happier people tend to spend more. And when people spend more, that money is returned to the population through wages, so people’s incomes rise. The key here is that people are spending more on everything, not just things associated with the sports teams.
Since the football season usually finishes in December, it could be that happy parents who are fans of the local NFL team are spending more on Christmas gifts for their kids. With the Super Bowl stretching later into the winter, loved ones might get nicer flower bouquets and more chocolate for Valentine’s Day when the local team wins the Super Bowl.
Happy people – like Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, left, celebrating his team’s Super Bowl win on Feb. 11, 2024 – tend to spend more. Steph Chambers/Getty Images
The other possible path is through increased productivity. Psychology research has found that happier people are more productive. So as the season progresses and the home team keeps winning, it stands to reason that people in the area will go into work happy and work harder.
Previous research backs up this idea. For example, a 2011 study found that when the home team in Washington performs better, federal regulators are more productive. In places where private businesses dominate the local economy – which is to say, most of the rest of the U.S. – an increase in productivity would lead companies to be more profitable, which could lead to locals having higher earnings. Even nonfans see benefits when their neighbors are happier, spending more and working harder.
No matter how the Super Bowl turns out, both the Philadelphia and Kansas City metropolitan areas have already won, as both fans and nonfans in each region stand to benefit from higher incomes.
Michael Davis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Liverpool City Council is to introduce a ‘Football Match Parking Zone’ around Everton FC’s new stadium, at Bramley-Moore Dock.
A raft of new parking measures are to be implemented surrounding the 52,888 seater stadium, similar to what is already in place around Goodison Park and Anfield.
More than 4,000 residents and 3,000 businesses are now being invited to apply for the relevant parking permits ahead of the zone going live under an Experimental Traffic Road Order (ETRO) to coincide with the historic first test game at the £500m venue later this month.
The ETRO will run for up to 18 months and during that period will then be reviewed by the Council’s Transport and Highways team.
Residents will be able to apply for a permit for each vehicle registered at their address, plus one visitor permit, for which there will be no fee. Businesses will be charged an annual fee of £50 per vehicle, up to a maximum of 10.
The focus of the proposed parking zone covers the area within a 30-minute walk of Everton Stadium, which is serviced by the city’s historic “Dock Road”, and will encompass the surrounding Ten Streets district, into the city centre and up to Great Homer Street in Everton.
New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Great Homer Street area
New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Ten Streets and Love Lane areas
New industrial parking zone south of Boundary Street
New industrial parking zone north of Boundary Street
The overall aim of the new Parking Zone is to reduce congestion, improve air quality and safety to and from the stadium. The proposals have also been designed to complement the planned modernisation of parking across the city centre.
The Council’s Transport and Highways team has already begun the process of installing new signage ahead of Everton’s first “test match” at the waterfront stadium, situated within Liverpool Waters, which will be held on Monday, 17 February.
(For more information, Frequently Asked Questions, Have Your Say on the zone and to see detailed maps on the various areas with the zone – please go here.)
Liverpool City Council has invested more than £20m in the highways infrastructure around Bramley-Moore Dock, including a permanent segregated cycle lane running from the city centre up to Liverpool’s northern border at Bootle in Sefton, which passes right in front of the new stadium.
The Council is also working with Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on a new town bid which which would see for than 10,000 new homes, with community infrastructure, from the city centre, around the new stadium, and north into Bootle and Walton.
• The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is also working with Merseyrail, Network Rail and Everton FC on the development of a new crowd management zone and an additional entrance at Sandhills station. The aim is to primarily support fans and event goers accessing public transport on their way to and from the new stadium.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “Everton Stadium is going to be transformational especially for the surrounding Ten Streets district and the wider Kirkdale community.
“As well as the economic benefit, the vast volume of people the stadium will attract – and how they arrive and depart – needs to be carefully managed.
“The North Docks area has never had to cope with such large numbers of people in such concentrated time periods, but fortunately the city has the experience and knowledge thanks to Goodison Park and Anfield. By creating this new match day parking zone, we’ll be looking to adopt and incorporate those controls which so effectively move tens of thousands on a weekly basis.
“Bramley-Moore Dock is also a unique location given its very close proximity to the city centre and the fact the surrounding transport infrastructure is well developed. There’s more to be done but all the partners are talking to make those improvements.
“We’ll also be looking to encourage as many active travel options as possible for those attending the games or other events there, which is a win-win for everyone in terms of managing congestion and air quality and promoting healthy habits.
“There’s lots of residents and businesses, as well as Everton fans, who will be affected by this new zone and thanks to their feedback we’ve been able to formulate a plan which accommodates their needs.”
EPFO Achieves Historic Milestone of Settling Over 5 Crore Claims in FY 2024-25: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Auto Claim Settlements Doubles to 1.87 Crore Claims in FY 2024-25 Compared to 89.52 Lakh Claims in FY 2023-24
97.18% of Member Profile Corrections Have Been Self-Approved By Members
Only 8% of Transfer Claims Now Require Member and Employer Attestation
Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 4:46PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today announced that the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has achieved a historic milestone by crossing the 5 crore claims settlement mark for the first time in its history. In the financial year 2024-25, EPFO has processed over 5.08 crore claims amounting to Rs. 2,05,932.49 crore, surpassing the 4.45 crore claims worth Rs. 1,82,838.28 crore settled in the previous financial year 2023-24.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that this remarkable achievement has been made possible due to a series of transformative reforms initiated by EPFO to enhance claim settlement processes and reduce grievances among members. “We have implemented key measures, including an increase in the ceiling and categories of auto-settled claims, simplified member profile changes, streamlined PF transfers, and improved KYC compliance ratios. These reforms have significantly improved the efficiency of EPFO,” he stated.
A major enabler for faster claim processing has been the auto-claim settlement mechanism, ensuring that claims are settled within three days of submission. Dr. Mandaviya noted that the impact of this reform is evident, with auto claim settlements doubling to 1.87 crore claims in the current financial year, compared to 89.52 lakh auto claims processed during the entire FY 2023-24.
Similarly, reforms in the PF transfer claim submission process have streamlined the workflow significantly. Since the introduction of a simplified transfer claim application, only 8% of transfer claims now require member and employer attestation. Notably, 48% of claims are submitted directly by members without employer intervention, while 44% of transfer requests are generated automatically.
Dr. Mandaviya further emphasized the impact of member profile correction reforms. “Since the introduction of the simplified procedure, approximately 97.18% of member profile corrections have been self-approved by members, with only 1% requiring employer approval, and office intervention has been reduced to just 0.4%. Further, the rejection cases have dropped to 1.11% by the employer and 0.21% by the regional office, reflecting the effectiveness of the streamlined processes and reduced procedural bottlenecks in claim settlements”, Union Minister stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing ease of access for EPFO members, Dr. Mandaviya underscored that the organization will continue to leverage technology and process simplification to ensure a seamless and efficient service experience. “These reforms have not only accelerated the claim settlement process but have also contributed to minimizing member grievances, further strengthening trust in EPFO,” he added.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) announced today (February 6) the appointment and reappointment of members to the new-term Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Committee for a period of two years from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027.
A spokesperson for the CSTB said that the reappointed and newly appointed members are all leaders from the arts and cultural and related sectors. The CSTB looks forward to their valuable advice to attract mega arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong. Appreciation was extended to the outgoing member, Professor Eric Yim Chi-ming, for his support and contribution to the Mega ACE Committee.
The membership of the Mega ACE Committee with effect from February 1 is as follows:
Chairman ———— Dr Adrian Cheng Chi-kong
Vice-Chairman ——————- Mrs Helen Chan
Members ———– Ms Ann Au Chor-kwan Ms Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan Mr William Fong Yuen-ming* Dr Evelyn Lam Ho-yi* Mr Lo Bing-chung* Mr Wesley Ng Pui-sun Mr Ng Sui-wan (Ng Yu) Ms Yolanda Ng Yuen-ting Ms Joyce Tam Joy-yee* Mr Paul Yeung Kwok-leung
* New appointees
The CSTB launched the Mega ACE Fund in April 2023. The Mega ACE Fund aims to attract and support international and large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong, with a view to fostering Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Mega ACE Committee advises the Government on strategies to attract mega arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong, and on the operation of the Mega ACE Fund. It also assesses applications under the Mega ACE Fund for the Government’s approval.
Further to the CSTB’s announcement on details of the enhancement of the Mega ACE Fund’s operation and its application arrangement on November 30, 2024, the new application mechanism officially took effect on January 1, 2025. For more information and the application form, please visit www.cstb.gov.hk/en/councils-boards-and-committees/mega-arts-and-cultural-events-committee.html.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates North East Investment Roadshow in Chennai Minister Scindia invites Chennai to join the transformative journey of the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ region as it charts its path to becoming a leading engine of India’s growth.
The roadshow hosted by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region aims to attract investment for the development of North East India.
Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 9:29AM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai today. The roadshow evoked strong interest from potential investors who are eager to explore opportunities in the North Eastern States. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region & Ministry of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, alongwith Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, senior officials from MDoNER, North Eastern Council and North Eastern States.
Hon’ble Minister, MDoNER mentioned that Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized North East as India’s Asthalakshmi, a key economic asset poised for rapid industrialization. He highlighted the major development initiatives in the infrastructure sector that have taken place in the North Eastern Region under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister during the last 10 years, inter-alia, including expanding air, road and rail connectivity, waterways etc. Hon’ble Minister MDoNER stated that each of the eight states of the North East embodies unique strengths, resources and opportunities, making this region an invaluable asset in India’s growth story. From its rich cultural diversity to its natural beauty and strategic location, the North Eastern Region holds immense potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also positions the North Eastern Region as a gateway to South East Asian countries, aligning perfectly with India’s Act East Policy. He also highlighted the potential of North Eastern States in various sectors such as Tourism & hospitality, Agri and allied industries, healthcare, entertainment & sports, infrastructure & logistics, IT & ITeS, Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts, energy etc. He assured investors that the region’s youth, high literacy rates, and abundant natural resources make it an ideal destination for investment. Hon’ble Minister expressed his admiration for Chennai, calling it a “thriving IT powerhouse and a cradle of economic growth for India”. He acknowledged the city’s rich heritage, cutting-edge technology, and robust industrial ecosystem, drawing parallels between Chennai’s potential and North East India’s emerging economic landscape. Highlighting the North East India’s strengths in agriculture, food processing, tourism, and manufacturing, he urged Chennai’s entrepreneurs to invest in these sectors. He also underlined that North East holds 38% of India’s bamboo resources which offers great opportunity to furniture industry of Chennai. Further, the large untapped hydrocarbon reserves and hydropower generation potential of the North Eastern Region waiting to be harnessed. In his concluding remarks he invited investors to the North Eastern Region and play a key role in shaping the future of the region.
Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Govt. of Mizoram in his address highlighted Mizoram’s immense investment opportunities despite being a small state with a population of just 11 lakh. He stated that with 55% of its land under horticulture, Mizoram produces GI-tagged ginger and chillies, along with mandarin oranges, papaya, and dragon fruit, offering significant potential in agriculture and food processing. The State is rich in bamboo cultivation, which still remains largely untapped. He also underlined that Mizoram is also positioning itself as a sports powerhouse and is aligned with India’s 2036 Olympic vision. Mizoram has also produced top sportspersons, therefore, the sports sector has great potential for investment. He also urged investors to explore other sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, food processing etc. for investment in the State of Mizoram.
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER in his address highlighted the immense investment potential of the North East, calling it a hub of innovation, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity. With breathtaking landscapes and a thriving tourism sector, the region has become increasingly attractive for investors. He highlighted that over the last 10 years, connectivity of the region has been transformed whether it is road, rail, air, water, and digital. The region’s economic growth has outpaced the national average, making it an ideal destination for businesses. Further, the North Eastern States have tailored, attractive policies aligned with the Central Government to encourage investment. He informed that Government has identified eight tourism sites to be developed as model tourist destinations across each of the North Eastern States through PPP mode. He also underlined that IT & ITeS sector is growing faster in the North Eastern Region. Further, the agriculture and allied sectors offers unique products with immense economic potential. He stated that UNNATI scheme launched by Government of India provides attractive incentives for investment in the North Eastern Region. He also mentioned that with trilateral highways and the Kaladan project, the North East is set to become a key hub for medical tourism, catering to over 60 million people from neighbouring countries. The single-window system across the North Eastern States ensures ease of doing business. He urged the investors to visit, explore, and partner in North East India’s transformation.
Shri Shantanu, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, in his address on advantage North East and Opportunities for Investment and Trade emphasized that North Eastern Region has rich untapped potential. He informed that during the last 10 years there is a remarkable improvement in connectivity to the North Eastern Region whether it’s air, rail, road or waterways. Over the past decade, the government has successfully completed numerous pending projects, benefiting local communities and millions of people through various schemes/initiatives. He stated that North East Region’s enabling infrastructure, strategic connectivity, higher working age population and an english-speaking workforce, makes it ideal for businesses targeting Southeast Asian markets. He also highlighted the opportunities in the region in various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey.
The representative of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, gave a detailed presentation on the UNNATI Scheme, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and associated incentives. He underlined that the UNNATI Scheme aims to boost industrialisation and economic growth in North East India. The scheme offers incentives to attract investors and manufacturing companies, supports the ‘Act East Policy,’ and promotes domestic manufacturing and services to reduce import dependence and enhance exports.
Senior officials representing the North Eastern States shared actionable insights about the emerging opportunities across various sectors. The Chennai roadshow drew strong participation from industry leaders, further reinforcing the investment appeal of North East India. The event also featured several B2G meetings, providing investors with a platform to discuss their investment plans in the North Eastern Region.
The Chennai roadshow concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing keen interest in exploring collaborative ventures in the North Eastern Region. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region. The event marked another milestone in a series of successful roadshows across India and showcased the untapped potential of North East India.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai today. The roadshow evoked strong interest from potential investors who are eager to explore opportunities in the North Eastern States. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region & Ministry of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, alongwith Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, senior officials from MDoNER, North Eastern Council and North Eastern States.
Hon’ble Minister, MDoNER mentioned that Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized North East as India’s Asthalakshmi, a key economic asset poised for rapid industrialization. He highlighted the major development initiatives in the infrastructure sector that have taken place in the North Eastern Region under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister during the last 10 years, inter-alia, including expanding air, road and rail connectivity, waterways etc. Hon’ble Minister MDoNER stated that each of the eight states of the North East embodies unique strengths, resources and opportunities, making this region an invaluable asset in India’s growth story. From its rich cultural diversity to its natural beauty and strategic location, the North Eastern Region holds immense potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also positions the North Eastern Region as a gateway to South East Asian countries, aligning perfectly with India’s Act East Policy. He also highlighted the potential of North Eastern States in various sectors such as Tourism & hospitality, Agri and allied industries, healthcare, entertainment & sports, infrastructure & logistics, IT & ITeS, Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts, energy etc. He assured investors that the region’s youth, high literacy rates, and abundant natural resources make it an ideal destination for investment. Hon’ble Minister expressed his admiration for Chennai, calling it a “thriving IT powerhouse and a cradle of economic growth for India”. He acknowledged the city’s rich heritage, cutting-edge technology, and robust industrial ecosystem, drawing parallels between Chennai’s potential and North East India’s emerging economic landscape. Highlighting the North East India’s strengths in agriculture, food processing, tourism, and manufacturing, he urged Chennai’s entrepreneurs to invest in these sectors. He also underlined that North East holds 38% of India’s bamboo resources which offers great opportunity to furniture industry of Chennai. Further, the large untapped hydrocarbon reserves and hydropower generation potential of the North Eastern Region waiting to be harnessed. In his concluding remarks he invited investors to the North Eastern Region and play a key role in shaping the future of the region.
Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Govt. of Mizoram in his address highlighted Mizoram’s immense investment opportunities despite being a small state with a population of just 11 lakh. He stated that with 55% of its land under horticulture, Mizoram produces GI-tagged ginger and chillies, along with mandarin oranges, papaya, and dragon fruit, offering significant potential in agriculture and food processing. The State is rich in bamboo cultivation, which still remains largely untapped. He also underlined that Mizoram is also positioning itself as a sports powerhouse and is aligned with India’s 2036 Olympic vision. Mizoram has also produced top sportspersons, therefore, the sports sector has great potential for investment. He also urged investors to explore other sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, food processing etc. for investment in the State of Mizoram.
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER in his address highlighted the immense investment potential of the North East, calling it a hub of innovation, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity. With breathtaking landscapes and a thriving tourism sector, the region has become increasingly attractive for investors. He highlighted that over the last 10 years, connectivity of the region has been transformed whether it is road, rail, air, water, and digital. The region’s economic growth has outpaced the national average, making it an ideal destination for businesses. Further, the North Eastern States have tailored, attractive policies aligned with the Central Government to encourage investment. He informed that Government has identified eight tourism sites to be developed as model tourist destinations across each of the North Eastern States through PPP mode. He also underlined that IT & ITeS sector is growing faster in the North Eastern Region. Further, the agriculture and allied sectors offers unique products with immense economic potential. He stated that UNNATI scheme launched by Government of India provides attractive incentives for investment in the North Eastern Region. He also mentioned that with trilateral highways and the Kaladan project, the North East is set to become a key hub for medical tourism, catering to over 60 million people from neighbouring countries. The single-window system across the North Eastern States ensures ease of doing business. He urged the investors to visit, explore, and partner in North East India’s transformation.
Shri Shantanu, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, in his address on advantage North East and Opportunities for Investment and Trade emphasized that North Eastern Region has rich untapped potential. He informed that during the last 10 years there is a remarkable improvement in connectivity to the North Eastern Region whether it’s air, rail, road or waterways. Over the past decade, the government has successfully completed numerous pending projects, benefiting local communities and millions of people through various schemes/initiatives. He stated that North East Region’s enabling infrastructure, strategic connectivity, higher working age population and an english-speaking workforce, makes it ideal for businesses targeting Southeast Asian markets. He also highlighted the opportunities in the region in various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey.
The representative of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, gave a detailed presentation on the UNNATI Scheme, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and associated incentives. He underlined that the UNNATI Scheme aims to boost industrialisation and economic growth in North East India. The scheme offers incentives to attract investors and manufacturing companies, supports the ‘Act East Policy,’ and promotes domestic manufacturing and services to reduce import dependence and enhance exports.
Senior officials representing the North Eastern States shared actionable insights about the emerging opportunities across various sectors. The Chennai roadshow drew strong participation from industry leaders, further reinforcing the investment appeal of North East India. The event also featured several B2G meetings, providing investors with a platform to discuss their investment plans in the North Eastern Region.
The Chennai roadshow concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing keen interest in exploring collaborative ventures in the North Eastern Region. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region. The event marked another milestone in a series of successful roadshows across India and showcased the untapped potential of North East India.
This February half term Portsmouth children can play football, skate, scoot, enjoy musical theatre and more completely free of charge, thanks to Portsmouth City Council’s Holiday Sessions.
The free sessions are running from Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February, but hurry as places are limited.
They’re open to all children aged from 6-18 living in PO1-PO6, with some sessions for ages 6-18. They are especially aimed at low-income families who are struggling with increased cost of living who may otherwise not be able to afford such activities.
Nutritious meals/snacks are provided on all days, with free transport included in many of the events.
The council is putting on the activities through its Household Support Fund, funded by the UK Government.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“Our holiday activity schemes have been a big success, they’re a great way for kids to meet and have fun getting active.
“They’re open to all Portsmouth children, though we especially want to appeal to families who would otherwise struggle to pay for their children to enjoy half term club activities.”
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society has announced that it has appointed Vanessa Reed as its new Chief Executive. She will take up the position on 2 June 2025.
Vanessa will lead one of the most important music organisations in the UK, comprising the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, and an extensive learning and community programme. She succeeds Michael Eakin as Chief Executive who retires at the end of March 2025 after 16 years in the role.
Vanessa Reed is an award-winning music executive with more than 16 years’ experience as CEO of national music organisations in the UK and the US. Since 2019, she has been President and CEO of New Music USA, a New York based national resource which supports music creation and performance across the US. In this role, Vanessa has launched an array of new initiatives including Amplifying Voices which unites over 45 US orchestras in the co-commissioning of new work and major jazz and film scoring programs which address inequities in the music industry in collaboration with leading US artists. In the US, Vanessa has also been advisor to the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter.
Before the move to New York, Vanessa was CEO at PRS Foundation in London where she repositioned the Foundation as a pioneering international force, leading new initiatives which demonstrate her advocacy for music across a range of genres. This includes the New Music Biennial which won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s best festival award in 2012, and the global Keychange gender equity movement which has been supported by over 650 festivals and music organisations around the world, and recognised through multiple awards, including Classical Next’s Innovation Award.
Vanessa served as Board member of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic between 2016 and 2019, was an Ambassador for the University of Liverpool and collaborated with Liverpool City Council to support emerging musicians. Her love for Liverpool stems from her father who studied law at Liverpool University in the 60’s, loved the Philharmonic Hall, and inspired her and her family to support one of the city’s football teams. She is married to a Liverpudlian – FACT founder, Eddie Berg.
Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive-designate, says: I am thrilled and honoured to be the first woman appointed to the role of Chief Executive at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. This unique organisation is very close to my heart and Liverpool is my favourite UK city. Every time I’ve seen the Orchestra perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall I’ve been blown away by the quality of the players and the warmth of local audiences. I’m inspired by Liverpool Philharmonic’s mission to transform lives through music and I’m a longstanding fan of its three-way commitment to the orchestra, venues and learning programmes which reach over 100,000 young people every year.
My goal is to ensure that we, as one of the world’s oldest music societies, continue to evolve and thrive as we embark on our next imaginative chapter. This includes serving more of the city region’s musicians and young people through the planned “Abbey Road of the North” studios and tapping into Liverpool’s international brand for the benefit of our orchestra, led by our dynamic Chief Conductor, Domingo Hindoyan. I can’t wait to join Domingo and the Liverpool Philharmonic’s outstanding musicians, staff, board, and supporters to make all of this happen and to enjoy lots of live music in Liverpool with the audiences we welcome to our performances.
Louise Shepherd CBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Reed as our new Chief Executive. She brings outstanding international experience in the music sector, and in encouraging, supporting and growing new musical voices, artists and audiences. She knows Liverpool Philharmonic and the city well, having served on our board between 2016-2019 and has a real passion for the work we do and the role we play within our local community, and as a nationally and internationally important orchestra and music organisation. She is a strategic and creative leader who, with our brilliant team, will take Liverpool Philharmonic forward and continue to grow the quality, ambition and reach of our work.”
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is one of the UK’s most important cultural institutions, not only for its incredible annual programme of events, but also the vital role it plays in music education and community engagement – inspiring young musicians and making music as accessible as possible. This year marks the tenth anniversary of our UNESCO City of Music status, and Vanessa’s appointment seems incredibly fitting. Michael Eakin will be a hard act to follow, but Vanessa’s credentials can only enhance the vibrancy of this much-loved organisation and boost its global reputation for musical excellence.”
Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture & Major Events, Liverpool City Council, says: “Vanessa’s appointment will be transformative for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. She is a visionary leader who has had an indelible impact on the music industry in America.
Vanessa not only brings with her a whole wealth of knowledge and passion, but she understands this sector and is committed to elevating it where she can, promoting gender equity and diversity at every level. We’re really keen to explore links with New York, and in doing so take the Philharmonic – and the city – to exciting new frontiers. Michael has been a wonderful ambassador for Liverpool and has been a leading civic figure – a role which Vanessa is sure to embrace, and in doing so, will make the city culturally richer.”
Liverpool City Council is to introduce a ‘Football Match Parking Zone’ around Everton FC’s new stadium, at Bramley-Moore Dock.
A raft of new parking measures are to be implemented surrounding the 52,888 seater stadium, similar to what is already in place around Goodison Park and Anfield.
More than 4,000 residents and 3,000 businesses are now being invited to apply for the relevant parking permits ahead of the zone going live under an Experimental Traffic Road Order (ETRO) to coincide with the historic first test game at the £500m venue later this month.
The ETRO will run for up to 18 months and during that period will then be reviewed by the Council’s Transport and Highways team.
Residents will be able to apply for a permit for each vehicle registered at their address, plus one visitor permit, for which there will be no fee. Businesses will be charged an annual fee of £50 per vehicle, up to a maximum of 10.
The focus of the proposed parking zone covers the area within a 30-minute walk of Everton Stadium, which is serviced by the city’s historic “Dock Road”, and will encompass the surrounding Ten Streets district, into the city centre and up to Great Homer Street in Everton.
New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Great Homer Street area
New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Ten Streets and Love Lane areas
New industrial parking zone south of Boundary Street
New industrial parking zone north of Boundary Street
The overall aim of the new Parking Zone is to reduce congestion, improve air quality and safety to and from the stadium. The proposals have also been designed to complement the planned modernisation of parking across the city centre.
The Council’s Transport and Highways team has already begun the process of installing new signage ahead of Everton’s first “test match” at the waterfront stadium, situated within Liverpool Waters, which will be held on Monday, 17 February.
Liverpool City Council has invested more than £20m in the highways infrastructure around Bramley-Moore Dock, including a permanent segregated cycle lane running from the city centre up to Liverpool’s northern border at Bootle in Sefton, which passes right in front of the new stadium.
The Council is also working with Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on a new town bid which which would see for than 10,000 new homes, with community infrastructure, from the city centre, around the new stadium, and north into Bootle and Walton.
• The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is also working with Merseyrail, Network Rail and Everton FC on the development of a new crowd management zone and an additional entrance at Sandhills station. The aim is to primarily support fans and event goers accessing public transport on their way to and from the new stadium.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “Everton Stadium is going to be transformational especially for the surrounding Ten Streets district and the wider Kirkdale community.
“As well as the economic benefit, the vast volume of people the stadium will attract – and how they arrive and depart – needs to be carefully managed.
“The North Docks area has never had to cope with such large numbers of people in such concentrated time periods, but fortunately the city has the experience and knowledge thanks to Goodison Park and Anfield. By creating this new match day parking zone, we’ll be looking to adopt and incorporate those controls which so effectively move tens of thousands on a weekly basis.
“Bramley-Moore Dock is also a unique location given its very close proximity to the city centre and the fact the surrounding transport infrastructure is well developed. There’s more to be done but all the partners are talking to make those improvements.
“We’ll also be looking to encourage as many active travel options as possible for those attending the games or other events there, which is a win-win for everyone in terms of managing congestion and air quality and promoting healthy habits.
“There’s lots of residents and businesses, as well as Everton fans, who will be affected by this new zone and thanks to their feedback we’ve been able to formulate a plan which accommodates their needs.”
The latest Deloitte’s Crane Survey, which looks at construction activity in four UK cities, has found Birmingham has had another record-breaking year.
Both residential and student residential sectors hit new highs despite a challenging economic backdrop.
As with previous years, the residential sector led the way with 3,180 homes completed in 2024. 2,242 bedspaces are currently under construction in the student residential sector, both the highest amount recorded in the history of the Birmingham Crane Survey.
The Birmingham Crane Survey is part of Deloitte’s Regional Crane Survey series, which monitors construction activity within four UK cities, across a range of sectors including office, residential, hotels, retail, education and student accommodation. Across all surveys – Belfast, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester – 47 new construction starts were recorded in 2024 compared to 63 in 2023.
For the first time in its 23-year history, the latest Birmingham Crane Survey has expanded its boundaries to to align with the definition of the city centre as set out in the council’s Our Future City Framework.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham continues to attract investors, and as the Crane Survey makes clear, we’re building new homes and creating jobs for our young and growing population. Our challenge is to lever the investment that is flowing into our city and ensure that success for Birmingham means success for the people of Birmingham.
“Our Future City Framework 2045, which was approved last year, outlines how we will continue to deliver much-needed growth to boost the lives and life chances of our citizens.”
Managing Director Joanne Roney added: “Birmingham is going from strength to strength, with both public and private sector investment. Our Future City Framework will shape the next 20 years of development, delivering unprecedented levels of new jobs, homes and green space.”
The private sector is now investing in facilities, sporting excellence and growth. Notable developments include Knighthead Capital’s investment into Birmingham City Football Club and its acquisition of 48 acres of land in Bordesley Green to deliver a new sports quarter and stadium, and Edgbaston Cricket Club’s planning application for the latest development of its masterplan, which will include a new stand and 4* hotel.
There are also a number of major developments in Digbeth including Masterchef Studios, BBC Tea Factory and Digbeth Loc.
Capgemini and Peugeot Sport renew their partnership to tackle technological and sustainable challenges in sports performance
Paris, February 6, 2025 –Capgeminihas renewed its partnership withPeugeot Sportto continue developing the 9X8 Hypercar that is competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). While enhancing the Hypercar’s performance through data with artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of the partnership, the two companies also aim to strengthen their collaboration on reducing Peugeot Sport’s carbon footprint.
Over the past two years, Capgemini teams have built a powerful data engineering platform to analyze information from both real and simulated races, as well as the associated parameters (driver, circuit, race conditions, etc.). The AI model powering the virtual sensors is tailored, compiled, and embedded in the PEUGEOT 9X8’s onboard computer to enhance decision-making and adjust the Hypercar’s behavior in real-time. Racing engineers have also significantly reduced the time required for processing and analysis—tasks that previously took a full day can now be completed in just ten minutes.
Enhancing Hypercar 9×8 performance with generative AI The next step involves leveraging generative AI to analyze temporal sensor data to identify anomalies during the extended durations of tests or races. Generative AI will also be used to capture and structure the exchanges and interactions between drivers and race engineers, which, in the endurance championship context, can last several hours. These new insights will then be correlated with race data to extract valuable information aimed at optimizing the Hypercar’s performance.
Decarbonizing motorsport Since 2022, Capgemini has been supporting Peugeot Sport, and more broadly Stellantis Motorsport, in its comprehensive decarbonization initiative, offering a proven methodology at every step of this journey. The first stage involved calculating the carbon footprint of the entire motorsport ecosystem: from vehicles on the track to parts and team logistics, as well as the organization of sporting events. Subsequently, around 30 concrete actions were identified to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with annual assessments and adjustments as needed. After several theoretical phases, practical implementation is now underway, with all action plans deployed. Key performance indicators are closely monitored to measure progress, and goals are on track to be achieved, with emissions calculations updated annually.
Examples of initiatives implemented in addition to FIA WEC’s measures include:
R&D teams adopting an eco-design approach for vehicles, incorporating environmental considerations during parts development processes and using alternative materials without compromising performance.
Supplier engagement as a key element of the roadmap. Primary suppliers are supported in their decarbonization efforts through discussions, calculation tools, and idea exchanges with the design office to optimize the entire supply chain.
Climate awareness workshops (“Climate Fresco”) held for employees to highlight the impact of daily actions.
Optimized travel arrangements, with a preference for maritime freight.
Deployment of renewable biofuel tanks (HVO-100) for the entire fleet of trucks and diesel utility vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 85% compared to fossil fuels.
“The WEC Championship is an essential discipline for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies. The visibility and prestige of the 24 Hours of Le Mans make it a key event to showcase the advancements and improvements made by all actors in motorsport. Beyond the sporting event, we play a pioneering role in sustainability by developing tomorrow’s technologies. Today, AI has become a key element of our racing strategy, confirmed by improved results at the end of the 2024 season, particularly at Fuji and Bahrain,” said Jean-Marc Finot, Senior VP of Stellantis Motorsport. “Thanks to our partnership with Capgemini, we are able to closely monitor the key decarbonization indicators to ensure we stay on track with the ambitious goals we have set for 2030. Together, we are tackling a dual challenge: sports and sustainable performance.”
“We are delighted to continue our collaboration to enhance Peugeot Sport’s performance, both in terms of sporting results and the environmental impact of motorsport, by providing the latest AI technologies and our expertise in decarbonization,” said Andrea Falleni, CEO of Capgemini in Southern Europe and Member of the Group Executive Board.
The partnership between Peugeot Sport and Capgemini is part of Capgemini’s global sports sponsorship strategy, addressing two key objectives: firstly, partnering with major brands or sporting events worldwide (such as the Rugby World Cups for men and women or the Ryder Cup) to celebrate teamwork and boldness; and secondly, leveraging its expertise to provide cutting-edge technological tools to enhance performance and fan experiences, as seen during the 37th America’s Cup in 2024.
About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion. Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com
About Peugeot Sport Since its inception, Peugeot Sport has pushed the limits of performance and innovation in motorsport. Combining technological expertise, boldness, and passion, Peugeot Sport takes on the most demanding challenges in international competitions while adopting a sustainable and responsible approach. Whether through its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) program with the PEUGEOT 9X8, its involvement in cutting-edge technology development, or its heritage marked by iconic victories, Peugeot Sport embodies French excellence in competition.
With a constant spirit of innovation, Peugeot Sport is also a key player in the energy transition, developing mobility solutions that are more environmentally friendly.
For more information, visit www.peugeot-sport.com Stay up to date with all Peugeot Sport news
Baltic Horizon Fund publishes interest rate applicable to the fund’s 5-year bonds (ISIN: EE3300003235) for the next 3-months interest period which starts on 10 February 2025. The annual interest rate applicable to the bonds for the interest period as referred above is 8% + 2.529% (EURIBOR 3-months) totaling 10.529% per annum.
The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS.
Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s Ministry of Education has issued a new guideline to strengthen the physical education workforce in primary and secondary schools and improve students’ physical fitness, officials said.
The notice, the first of its kind, aims to address shortages of physical education teachers, recruitment difficulties and the need to enhance professional competencies among educators, according to an official from the ministry’s department of teacher affairs.
Under the new rules, full-time physical education teachers will have class limits: no more than five in primary schools, six in middle schools and eight in high schools. Schools are also encouraged to hire full-time or part-time specialists in football, basketball and volleyball through various recruitment methods.
The document sets stricter qualifications for physical education teachers, requiring them to have a degree in physical education. Those without one must hold at least a national second-class athlete certificate. Specialized sports skills will be a key criterion in teacher assessments, it says.
The guideline also encourages hiring outstanding retired athletes and military personnel with teaching qualifications, with a particular focus on recruiting retired football players.
To improve professional competency, the ministry calls for optimizing the National Training Program for physical education teachers, with an emphasis on soccer, basketball, volleyball and traditional Chinese sports.
Training programs should be tailored to teachers’ capabilities and education levels. Additionally, teachers will be expected to improve their digital literacy and integrate AI technologies into their instruction.
The document also outlines measures to ensure physical education teachers receive equal treatment in evaluations, benefits and promotions compared to other subjects. After-class training, extracurricular activities and coaching for sports competitions will be included in their workload, and students’ physical health and competition results will be factored into teacher performance bonuses.
Each county should have at least one full-time coach dedicated to developing high-level school sports clubs and teams, the notice states.
. Pillen Attends President Trump’s Signing of Executive Order:No Men in Women’s Sports
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined a packed room of female athletes, senators, governors, attorney’s general and other supporters at the White House as President Donald J. Trump signed his executive order,No Men in Women’s Sports. The signing happened on the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
In August 2023, Governor Pillen became the second governor in the nation to enact aWomen’s Bill of Rights. Legislation brought by Senator Kathleen Kauth on behalf of the Governor expands on that executive order. LB89 provides protections to girls and women who compete in sports and ensures their privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms designated for use by the opposite biological sex.
Gov. Pillen said, “I signed theWomen’s Bill of Rights, which affirmed that men are men and women are women, and today, I was honored to be at the White House with President Trump as he signed hisNo Men in Women’s Sports executive order into federal law.”
The ninth Asian Winter Games runs from Feb. 7-14 in Harbin, China. Last held in 2017 in Sapporo, Japan, the competition has returned this year with about 1,300 competitors from 34 countries.
Korea’s 222-member national team has 148 athletes and 74 coaches and staff in six events: those on ice (figure, short track and speed skating), skiing (alpine, cross country, freestyle and snowboard), biathlon, curling, ice hockey and mountain skiing.
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act, a bill to eliminate the excessive regulation of firearm suppressors. The bill seeks to simplify the purchase process for law-abiding citizens and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. The SHUSH Act has garnered the support of the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
“The misinformation around silencers has led many to fear and misunderstand this valuable tool,” said Senator Marshall. “Silencers help gun owners across America protect their hearing and safely exercise their Second Amendment Right – restricting access to a safety tool for gun owners just doesn’t make sense. By treating silencers the same as any other firearm accessory, this bill will protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights and encourage safe firearm usage.”
“Despite what Hollywood may lead you to believe, silencers aren’t silent, and they aren’t just for secret agents,” said Senator Lee. “They are a vital tool for hearing protection for countless marksmen and gun enthusiasts across America, and making them prohibitively difficult to obtain is an assault on the 2nd Amendment. The SHUSH Act eliminates federal regulation of silencers and treats them as the non-lethal accessory that they are.”
Background
Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, are non-lethal firearm accessories widely used by hunters, sportsmen, and marksmen. These devices enhance safety by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast. Contrary to popular belief, they do not completely silence firearms.
Currently, the process to legally acquire a suppressor involves an extensive and burdensome procedure through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), including:
Completing two copies of ATF Form 4
Filling out ATF Form 5330.20 Certification of Compliance
Obtaining certification from a local chief law enforcement officer and two copies of fingerprints
Submitting two passport photos and a $200 check to the ATF
This approval process can take 9-12 months, making the purchase of a suppressor prohibitively complex and costly for many consumers
The SHUSH Act aims to:
Eliminate federal regulation of suppressors as firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA).
Remove existing taxes, fees, and registration requirements associated with suppressors.
Allow current or retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms with suppressors.
Preempt state regulations on the manufacture, transfer, transport, or possession of suppressors.
Strike provisions requiring mandatory minimum sentences for suppressor possession in certain cases.
Exempt suppressors from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Provide a provision for a refund of the $200 transfer tax for anyone who purchased a suppressor within two years prior to the enactment of the bill.
If passed, the SHUSH Act will work alongside the Hearing Protection Act to further deregulate suppressors and remove them from the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day by participating in several events and interviews to promote his bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Sen. Tuberville reintroduced his hallmark Title IX legislation—which is cosponsored by 37 of his colleagues—in the Senate last month. Companion legislation passed the House on a bipartisan basis in January.
Sen. Tuberville also praised President Trump for his leadership in signing an Executive Order today to protect women’s sports and restore Title IX protections for women and girls everywhere. While Senator Tuberville is grateful for President Trump’s commonsense leadership, he insists Congress has to pass his bill to ensure Title IX protections are made permanent. Sen. Tuberville discussed this earlier this week on “The Megyn Kelly Show” when he said, “A lot of people don’t realize that an Executive Order […] only lasts as long as that president’s there. So, we got some work to do. […] As you said—we’ve got to get it to the floor. John Thune told me he’s going to get it to the floor. […] If it’s not going to pass, we’ll do it again, but we’ve got to get people on the record because this is something that’s very dear to the heart of all parents across the country—and it’s dead wrong.”
When White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about this earlier today, she said, “It’s incredibly important that Congress immediately act on this priority. I think the President is really setting the tone—making this an immediate priority for this administration, just as he promised to do on the campaign trail.”
Sen. Tuberville also commemorated National Girls and Women in Sports Day by reintroducing the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to prohibit any governing body recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) from allowing men to participate in any women’s Olympic athletic events.
Tuberville Joins “The Faulkner Focus”
Sen. Tuberville joined Harris Faulkner on “The Faulkner Focus” to discuss the latest with the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, as well as his efforts to protect women’s Olympic sports.
Read an excerpt from the interview below or watch here.
FAULKNER: “This Executive Order that Trump is getting ready to put in play comes as today we recognize National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Also on this day, Senator, you are reintroducing that bill called the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. This is an effort to ensure that Trump’s protections are permanent. Tell us about it, Senator.”
TUBERVILLE: “Exactly, and you know I started coaching 40 years ago—right when Title IX started. And, Harris, let me tell you something. This is the best thing that this place has ever done. It gave young girls and women a different opportunity to build on leadership and have a future. And, so, this past four years—gender has been under attack. Parents have been under attack. Education has been under attack, and it all goes back to trying to not define what a woman is, and they can’t even define that. They’re telling us right now that men can have babies. So, at the end of the day, I’m giving a speech on the floor today. Leader Thune has promised he’s gonna put this bill on the floor sooner or later. This is my third time that I’ve had this up for a vote. The Democrats don’t want anything to do with it, but I gotta feeling a lot of them are gonna change their mind. And then at three o’clock, President Trump’s going to sign the Executive Order. But as you said, if when he goes out of office, if we don’t get a Republican back in there, this will change back into the gender nonsense that these Democrats have been pushing for the last four years. We have to protect women and girls in sports. And we also have to protect women and girls in Olympic sports because we have the Olympics coming here soon. And if we don’t do that, we’re gonna see men boxing against women like we did this past summer.”
Tuberville Speaks on Senate Floor
Senator Tuberville also delivered a floor speech where he called out Democrats’ out-of-touch, woke ideology that says men can get pregnant and boys should compete in women’s sports.
Read excerpts from the speech below or watch the full speech here.
“I’m here to call for a vote on my legislation, S.9, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, that would save Title IX and save women’s sports. Today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day—that’s today. To celebrate, President Trump will sign an Executive Order this afternoon in the White House ending Democrats’ intentional destruction of Title IX and saving women’s sports.
I’m very thankful for his leadership on this. President Trump’s Executive Order will make sure women’s sports are protected for at least the next four years. But unfortunately, Executive Orders can be reversed. Congress needs to act on this to make sure the next Democrat administration, whenever it is, can’t take the same steps to destroy Title IX that the Biden administration took. For the past four years, the Biden administration waged an all-out assault on gender. Since the beginning of time, people have agreed that sex is assigned at birth and determined by God. But under the Biden administration, you had people claiming that men can get pregnant. Here on this floor, I heard that. Pure insanity.
But it didn’t stop there. They weren’t content to just erase gender norms that have been accepted for thousands and thousands of years. No. They wanted to allow transgender men to participate against women and girls in sports. This has been happening at schools all across the country. Young women have been forced to compete against men and even share locker rooms and showers. And on top of that, your taxpayer dollars are paying for this nonsense. Over the past several years under the Joe Biden administration, 900 women’s medals have gone to men. 900. That is absolutely wrong.
This one is personal for me. My first coaching job was in women’s basketball—years ago. Title IX was just starting to be implemented when I took that first job. I saw firsthand the immediate difference it made. Before Title IX, at a lot of schools, college women’s athletics didn’t really exist. Back then, there were more than 10x as many male athletes in college as female athletes. After Title IX, that quickly changed. For the first time, the young women I coached had equal access to facilities, resources, and competition. I saw these hardworking young women go on to earn college scholarships, start careers, and become leaders of our country. I still keep in touch with many of these young women today, and I’m deeply proud of them.
Looking back on it now, I wonder if they would have had the same opportunities without Title IX. Would they have had the same successes if they had had to compete against males 40 years ago? This really shouldn’t be controversial. It’s just common sense. A recent poll from the New York Times of all publications showed 79% of all Americans believe men should not compete in women’s sports. 79%.
President Trump campaigned largely on this issue. If you remember, his campaign spent nearly $20 million dollars on TV ads about the importance of keeping men out of women’s sports. So, on November 5, 2024 the American people didn’t just elect President Trump. They also decisively rejected this ridiculous notion that men can get pregnant and boys should compete against women in sports. Ridiculous. And they definitely didn’t want their tax dollars funding schools that allow boys to share locker rooms with girls.
My bill would prevent a school from receiving any federal funding if they let boys compete in women’s sports. It also defines gender [as] male and female for this purpose. I was glad to see President Trump sign an Executive Order defining gender during his first few days in office. The President also made it clear in the Executive Order that he wants Congress to take action on this as well because he understands it can go away with the sign [of] an ink pen.
That’s why today I’m also reintroducing a bill to prohibit men from competing in women’s Olympic sports because men competing against women at any level is dangerous. We are all deeply disturbed—all of us were deeply disturbed this past summer to see videos of boys and men boxing against women. You know, when I was growing up, we were taught never to hit a girl, but I guess that’s over now because of the Democrats. One study found out that males can punch up to 162% harder than females. Somebody is going to get killed or seriously injured if we don’t stop this absolute nonsense. It’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and it’s just plain wrong.
The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act will make sure men aren’t allowed to compete against women in any sport, but especially not in a violent sport like boxing. This bill will restore fairness for the American women who train their whole lives to represent our country on the world stage. Their entire lives, they train. I know we’re all looking forward to the United States hosting the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles. I hope our bill [has] been passed and signed in law long before that so we can all enjoy some healthy, safe women-against-women or men-against-men competition during those Olympics.
But this huge issue goes way beyond politics. I’ve heard from parents, student, teachers, and coaches all over the country about this. These are people who have personally seen the benefits of Title IX and are very concerned about Democrats’ attempts to take these opportunities away from women and girls.
There are countless stories of girls who have benefited from Title IX in my state of Alabama.
This includes athletes like Rachel Argent of Thorsby High School in Chilton County, Alabama. Rachel’s athletic ability and good grades drew the attention of college coaches across Alabama. […] Because of her talent and work ethic, Rachel received basketball scholarships to Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, Alabama. After [getting] her degree, she got a softball scholarship at Samford University. That scholarship […] put her on the right direction. […] She didn’t have to worry about landing a full-time job while she went to school and participated in sports. […]
After college, Rachel returned to Thorsby High School as a teacher and a coach. She wanted to give back to the school what she had gotten from Title IX. She taught Health and Physical Education for grades kindergarten to twelve. She coached girls’ softball, basketball, track, and volleyball. She made an impact on hundreds of girls across our state of Alabama. It was all made possible again by Title IX.
Rachel’s daughter, Addie, played softball, tennis, golf, and basketball at Chilton County High School. She got a gold scholarship to the University of Mobile where she graduated with a degree in Nursing. Her athletics scholarship was part of her getting a degree and becoming a nurse. There are countless other young women like Addie and Rachel across Alabama and every other state across the country. More than 50,000 young women in Alabama alone competed in high school sports this past year, 50,000. Every single one of them deserves the full benefit of fair competition.
And I’m grateful that every member of the Senate Republican leadership is a cosponsor of my Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. They’ve been very supportive. Leader Thune is a proud cosponsor of my bill, and I’m glad to have his support. Leader Thune is committed to scheduling a vote on this bill and putting every Democrat on the record on whether or not they support men competing in women’s sports. We brought this bill to the floor for a vote during the last Congress. Really, we brought it twice, and every single Democrat always voted against it. What does that tell you?
Leader Thune has not rescheduled it for a vote yet this congress. Right now, we’ve obviously got a lot of things to do with [confirming] President Trump’s cabinet. Then we get started on the reconciliation process and getting the American economy jumpstarted again. We have a lot to accomplish in the first 100 days of the Trump administration, and I hope this bill is part of that 100 days.
President Trump will sign an Executive Order again today banning men from competing in women’s sports. Let’s lock that commitment in. Let’s lock it in for young girls and women all across this country. Let’s bring this bill to the floor for a vote very soon so the Senate can send it to the President’s desk and make this permanent.
To my Senate colleagues who are on the fence about this, I would ask—do you have daughters? Do you have granddaughters? Do you have nieces? Would you want them competing against men in sports? Would you feel comfortable with them sharing a locker room with a biological male?
I’m excited to welcome my first granddaughter in a couple weeks, Rosie Grace. I would raise hell if she was forced to compete, dress, or use the same showers as men. And American taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for any schools that are allowing this to happen. The days of woke, swamp politicians running our government are over. Common sense has been restored to the White House, and Congress needs to get back to work and let President Trump work on this bill.
This isn’t about politics. This is about right and wrong. The American people have delivered a verdict. They want men out of women’s sports and women’s locker rooms.
President Trump is 100% with us on this. The time to act is now. It’s time to restore Title IX protections and save women’s sports.”
Tuberville Attends White House Executive Order Signing
Sen. Tuberville went to the White House for President Trump’s signing of an Executive Order restoring Title IX protections for women and girls everywhere. During his speech, President Trump shouted out Sen. Tuberville for all of the work he has done to champion women’s sports in Congress and throughout his coaching career.
The President also shouted out 3x Superbowl Champion Patrick Mahomes, whom Coach Tuberville recruited when he was at Texas Tech University.
“And Tommy Tuberville [is here], a great coach,” said President Trump. “You know, his quarterback was named ‘Mahomes.’ He was a great college coach and I said ‘How good was he?’ and he said, ‘You don’t wanna know how good—he made me into a great coach.’”
Tuberville Joins Kudlow from White House
Following the Executive Order signing, Sen. Tuberville joined “Kudlow” on Fox Business live from Pebble Beach at the White House.
Read excerpts from the interview below or watch here.
KUDLOW: “No more biological men in women’s sports. Wow. Big signing today by President Trump. Joining us now to talk about it is Alabama Senator, Tommy Tuberville. Senator Tuberville, good to see you, sir. Tell us about the signing. Tell us what was in the signing, if you would.”
TUBERVILLE: “Well, it’s been too long happening, Larry. It’s just unfortunate—for the last four years we’ve had to put up with this nonsense of biological boys and men participating in women’s sports. Not just in sports here, but also in the Olympics. It was a great day. Had a lot of people there [for the] Executive Order putting a stop to it, but we’ve gotta permanently do it. I’ve got a bill that’s the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act that we’ve got. Hopefully, we get it on the floor soon where we can make it permanent. There’s no reason in the world why men and boys should be able to participate in women’s [sports]. It’s just wrong, it’s dangerous. And, you know, it’s just a great day that we finally got this done.”
KUDLOW: “Senator Tuberville, you mentioned the Olympics. So, good question—how will the Olympic Committee look at this resolution? Will they abide by it? Will they fight it? What do you anticipate, sir?”
TUBERVILLE: “Well, you got to remember, Larry. This is gonna be in L.A. the next time they have it. President Trump mentioned that. The Olympic Committee, two years ago, decided to let each sport decide what they wanted to do and how they wanted to handle it. Unfortunately, boxing let men participate against the women and it was terrible—it really was. Somebody’s gonna get hurt. And so, hopefully, they come to their senses. President Trump will probably get involved in this—with the Olympic Committee, knowing him. And hopefully, we can get all men and boys banned from any kind of [women’s] sports in the Olympics. It’s just not fair.”
KUDLOW: “You know, it’s so ironic to me, Senator, politically. For all these years, going back to, I’m gonna say, Gloria Steinem in the 1970s—over 50 years. The Democratic Party said it was the party to defend women. Okay? But in recent years, as you well know, with the trans movement and so forth and biological men now being allowed to play in women’s sports, etcetera, etcetera. All of a sudden, the Democrats are in favor of that and are wrecking women’s sports and treating women athletes, female athletes incredibly unjustly? I mean, how do you figure that? Do they see the stupidity of this whole story or not?”
TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. They see it. They just won’t admit it. The problem they have, Larry, is they’ve lost the middle class. They have no support anymore. […] They’ve lost their base. They’re not going back. They’ve really gotten so far out there, Larry. You know, even the Democrats [think men shouldn’t compete in women’s sports]. A lot of Democrats voted for President Trump because of this one issue that the Democrats kept pushing.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
The American pop/rock band OneRepublic performed their chart-topping song Counting Stars at Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, Hubei province, during the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival Gala.
Wuhan served as one of the sub-venues for the Gala. The city made a spectacular appearance during the show with a mesmerizing phoenix dance performance.
Afterward, the Yellow Crane Tower reappeared with OneRepublic standing center stage. Their performance won praise, with comments highlighting the blend of Eastern and Western cultures and the spectacular view of the venue.
OneRepublic held a live concert at the Wuhan Sports Center on Jan 16. Two days before the event, they posted a video on the Chinese social media platform Weibo of them enjoying the famous local Wuhan hot dry noodles. After the show, the band expressed gratitude for the beauty and wonderful experience in the city.
Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis
February 5, 2025
Washington D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement today celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Senator Lummis joined President Donald J. Trump and others at the White House for the signing of the Executive Order: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports
“The far left’s attack on female athletes is the women’s rights issue of our time,” said Lummis. “Wyoming is home to a long list of trailblazers who have paved the way for women’s rights. On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, I celebrate our fearless female athletes and will continue to work to reverse the woke policies that threaten the safety of women and girls on the playing field.”
Read Senator Lummis’ recent op-ed with Riley Gaines in Fox News discussing the importance of protecting women’s sports.
