WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement joined the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control in announcing sanctions against Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez, a prominent leader of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, March 18. Hernandez Perez has coordinated smuggling operations with members of the violent, U.S.-sanctioned drug trafficking group La Linea and engaged in criminal activity tied to some of the most reprehensible acts in recent history, including the 2019 murders of nine American citizens, six of them children, in the Mexican state of Sonora. The Lopez HSO is a Guatemala-based transnational criminal organization responsible for smuggling thousands of migrants from Guatemala, through Mexico, and into the United States.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations El Paso special agents, along with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners, initiated an operation against the Lopez HSO in 2023 that spanned three states and resulted in a series of indictments and arrests. On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico announced additional indictments against the Lopez HSO and a La Linea cartel member who has assisted in the organization’s human smuggling operations across Mexico and into the United States. La Linea, also known as the Juarez Cartel, was most recently designated pursuant to Treasury’s counternarcotics authorities in 2021.
“ICE is committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations that exploit vulnerable individuals and jeopardize border security,” said ICE HSI acting Executive Associate Director Robert Hammer. “These sanctions, targeting a key leader of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization responsible for orchestrating the illegal smuggling of thousands of migrants across the U.S. Southern Border, hold accountable those who profit from human trafficking and other illicit activities, while reinforcing our efforts to safeguard the security and integrity of our communities.”
Hernandez Perez coordinated with La Linea to bring illegal aliens into the United States. The Lopez HSO smuggled illegal aliens from Guatemala to the United States via Mexico. The organization has primarily smuggled illegal aliens to New Mexico, Arizona, and California but also has run operations through parts of Texas and transported illegal aliens to Virginia and other states far from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Members of the Lopez HSO, including Hernandez Perez, have exploited the U.S. financial system with their criminal activity, utilizing U.S. banks to receive and issue payments as part of their human smuggling operations. The Lopez HSO is believed to have generated between $104 million and $416 million in illicit proceeds from their human smuggling activities between September 2020 and 2023, charging smuggled persons between $13,000 and $16,000 each.
This sanctions reflect a whole-of-government effort to counter the smuggling illegal aliens into the United States, which included collaboration between ICE HSI El Paso Field Office, the ICE HSI Human Smuggling Unit, OFAC, the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force program.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Future Swirl founder Maddalena Eastbrook at her pop-up van.
Future Swirl is a Canberra-based start-up whipping up a storm in the ice-cream world.
Founder Maddi Easterbrook wanted to challenge the popular coconut, almond and soy-based ice-creams that dominate the dairy free alternatives market, with an oat milk soft-serve.
A hugely successful summer season with a pop-up van in Braddon showed Maddi that her idea had real potential.
“We opened Summernats weekend in Braddon and I was blown away by the response,” said Maddi.
“It was by far our best weekend during that January to May period in the van. It was really reaffirming. I thought the Summernats demographic would not be my audience, but we had so many converts and repeat customers over that weekend who turned into oat milk soft-serve lovers! It showed me there’s a lot of potential for us to grow.”
That experience paved the way for Maddi to secure an Innovation Connect (ICON) grant from the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN).
CBRIN receives funding from the ACT Government to support entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups—like Future Swirl—in Canberra. It offers business support, programs, grants and access to networks of other entrepreneurs.
“The idea [for the ICON grant] was to take that soft-serve, which you can only get when I’m selling at markets in the van, and bring it to independent grocers in Canberra and straight to our customers in take home tubs.
“I received matched funding for $30,000,” Maddi said. “I contributed $30,000 myself and bought machinery to scale the business and work on product development.
“With that money I can move manufacturing out of the pop-up van and into a premises.”
The take home tubs are being manufactured at the Centre for Entrepreneurial Technology (CEAT) at ANU. CEAT is another ACT Government grant-funded spin out from the Priority Investment Program.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking of applying for an ICON grant to do it,” she said.
“I was nervous about pitching my idea against people developing AI and high-tech solutions.
“But plant-based food alternatives are a growing and global industry, valued at nearly $5 billion and it’s expected to reach just over $100 billion by 2030. Being a vegan myself, I’m in a unique position to create a product that I would want to eat, rather than multi-nationals that are producing because there is a gap in the market.
“CBRIN could see my product has the capacity to scale and succeed.”
Maddi’s oat milk soft-serve is also filling a much-needed gap in the food allergen market. Her soft-serve is nut free, dairy free and soy free.
“It was amazing to see children who had never eaten a soft-serve or ice-cream before, sitting in the park enjoying their first taste in their 10 or 12 years of life,” Maddi said.
“My desire to start Future Swirl came from being vegan and being passionate about sustainability and plant-based food being the best way for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. But meeting this need in the food allergen market has been an added bonus.
“It’s pretty great seeing the joy of a kid eating an soft-serve in the park! And soft-serves are very nostalgic.”
Future Swirl’s signature and most popular vanilla and chocolate oat milk based soft-serve.
As for what’s next for Future Swirl, Maddi is preparing to bring her take home tubs to Canberrans but also has her eyes set on the Sydney and Melbourne market.
CBRIN’s ICON grants are currently open and close on 11 September.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Professor Leonie Quinn, Canberra Brain Cancer Collaborative Lead and Research and Innovation Fund recipient
Canberra Brain Cancer Collaborative has created Canberra’s first Brain Cancer Biobank.
Headed by Professor Leonie Quinn and her team, the collaborative has been able to develop this with a $300,000 grant awarded in the 2022 Research Innovation Fundround.
The biobank stores brain cancer biospecimens and genomic data from patients treated at Canberra Hospital.
It contributes to Brain Cancer Biobanking Australia – a virtual biobank hub that allows researchers around the country to access brain cancer tissue, samples and data.
The information gathered by the biobank enables researchers at ANU’s John Curtin School of Medical Research to create 3D bio-printed ‘mini brains’.
This allows them to analyse how tumours grow and respond to treatment, and to trial new therapeutic drugs tailored to each patient. It is hoped this will help develop new cancer treatments and improve clinical care.
“The ACT Health Research Innovation Fund has provided us with an exciting opportunity to explore the complex environment where brain cancer occurs and ultimately develop new treatments,” Professor Quinn, Canberra Brain Cancer Collaborative Lead and Research and Innovation Fund recipient, said.
“The biobank will enable more personalised treatments, which are critical to improving survival rates and quality of life for people diagnosed with the disease. It will secure the ACT as a health research hub and improve the clinical experience of cancer patients around Australia.”
The Research and Innovation Fund is guided by Better Together: A strategic plan for research in the ACT health system 2022-2030.
Five fellowships through the Research Innovation Fund2023 have recently been announced, supporting early and mid-career Canberra health researchers.
The diverse research projects selected include enhancing post-diagnostic care for dementia patients, supporting community response to voluntary assisted dying, and studying allergies and immunodeficienciesof patients in the ACT.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Final designs have been released for the new Franklin fenced dog park.
Final designs have been released for the new fenced dog park in Franklin.
The new park provides another option for Gungahlin residents to exercise and socialise their dogs off-leash.
Located in the open area on the corner of Nullarbor Avenue and Oodgeroo Avenue, dogs will enjoy an agility area and an irrigated grass area perfect for playing fetch.
The design also includes a picnic shelter, drinking fountain, seating, an accessible loop park, bike rails and a gravel carpark.
Work is now underway to find a construction contractor for the new park. Once selected, construction will begin.
Franklin Dog Park final design.
Franklin dog park location map.
More information on the project can be found on the City Services website: cityservices.act.gov.au
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Dr Lubna Alam from ALO Enlightened Women Inc, winner of the ACT Outstanding Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion award.
The ACT Multicultural Awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations that continue to make Canberra a welcoming and inclusive city.
The 2023 recipients were awarded across five categories for their commitment in working towards a vibrant, diverse community, and to realising the benefits of this diversity in real ways.
ACT Multicultural Individual Champion: Mijica Rose Lus Rose supports multicultural communities in the ACT in a range of ways such as the Aurosokwo project, which included a range of activities from creating care packs, book drives, and medical outreach, to collaborating with local charities and organisations.
ACT Community Organisation (Multicultural Champion): ALO Enlightened Women Inc ALO has made an important impact on the lives of hundreds of multicultural community members, in particular vulnerable migrant and refugee women, through its range of programs and services.
ACT Multicultural Arts, Media or Culture: Radio Manpasand Since its beginning in 2004, Radio Manpasand’s commitment to serving the Indian and subcontinental movement is evident through its long-standing and impactful presence on the airwaves and beyond.
ACT Outstanding Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion: Dr Lubna Alam Dr Alam is a co-founder of ALO Enlightened Women Inc., supporting and empowering vulnerable migrant women through the organisation. She is greatly involved in the wider multicultural community, providing assistance and leadership to support an inclusive society.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Domenic Mico OAM For the past 50 years, Mr Mico has and continues to be deeply connected with the multicultural and arts communities in the ACT. As the former Artistic Director of the National Multicultural Festival, he was instrumental in the event’s development. He is also the former Director of the Tuggeranong Arts Centre and was involved in many other cultural and artistic events and programs in the community.
In addition to the winners listed above, six Highly Commended award recipients were recognised.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Skykraft’s Air Traffic Management satellites take off from California in June this year on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
A Canberra-based company is taking their satellites to space and notching up world first achievements in both the space industry and the global air navigation sector.
Skykraft is developing a constellation of more than 200 satellites in low-earth orbit to provide global Air Traffic Management (ATM) services from space.
These services will provide surveillance and communication capabilities for air traffic control, especially over remote or oceanic regions not covered by ground-based infrastructure.
In 2018-19 Skykraft applied for and won $1 million dollars in matched funding from the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program (PIP). PIP grants foster innovation and collaboration between, industry, research institutions and universities to solve industry needs.
Skykraft was established in 2017 as a spin-off from The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra. Skykraft’s CEO, Dr Michael Frater, said funding early on from the ACT Government was the financial boost they needed to get things off the ground.
“The confidence from receiving the PIP funding, rather than being drip-fed small grants, created a big shift for us. It gave us the ability to build our team and focus on developing our product,” he said.
Skykraft’s recent successful trial of space-based voice communications in the Very High Frequency (VHF) aviation band demonstrated the feasibility of satellite communication directly with aircraft using existing equipment. This use of satellites in place of ground-based radio systems will allow global real-time communications between pilots and air traffic controllers for the first time.
“We are proud to have taken another step to bringing this world-first capability to market,” said Dr Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft.
“VHF voice and data communication that covers the entire extent of an aircraft’s journey is the missing piece for Air Traffic Management and will unlock efficiency gains globally.”
Skykraft’s satellite manufacturing facility in Canberra is the centre for the design, build and operation of the more than 200 satellites that will make up the constellation providing space-based ATM services, which will commence operations in 2025.
This constellation will be maintained with a regular five-year satellite replenishment cycle. It will support a sustainable space manufacturing capability in the nation’s capital producing 40-50 satellites annually.
“Our manufacturing capability provides long-term employment for Canberrans in the advanced manufacturing sector,” Dr Frater said. “We’re also creating opportunities for companies from the Canberra region to input to the manufacturing process, with suppliers in Queanbeyan, Wodonga and Newcastle.”
In 2023, Skykraft put 10 satellites into space across two launches, more than tripling the total mass of Australian manufactured space objects ever placed in orbit.
Skykraft will continue this rapid pace as they deploy the full satellite constellation to deliver their ATM service globally.
The ACT Government’s PIP grant is currently open until 31 October 2023.
For more information visit the PIP website: act.gov.au/pip
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A pre-design artist’s impression of the South Tuggeranong health centre.
The new South Tuggeranong health centre will be built in Conder.
Services at the centre will be designed to meet local needs and will provide residents in South Tuggeranong with more health services, closer to home.
This new facility is the first of four new health centres for the ACT, with another three coming to the Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.
They will provide localised multidisciplinary care with a focus on preventive care and advice, early intervention, and the management of chronic illness.
In the 2023-24 Budget, the ACT Government committed $16.6 million over four years to design and construct a new community-based facility in South Tuggeranong, and to plan the sites and early design for community-based health centres in the Inner South and North Gungahlin.
The new health centre will be part of this commitment to plan and build a health care system that can grow with the Canberra community.
It will be designed to have the flexibility to cater to different services.
It will also bring together skilled, multidisciplinary professionals with state-of-the-art technology and quality infrastructure.
The location in Conder was identified following a 2022 feasibility study.
It provides good connections for the community, being close to arterial roads, having good access to public transport routes and accessible car parking.
It is also close to other existing health facilities and services nearby, such as general practice, pharmacy, imaging, pathology, allied health and dental.
Having access to care closer to home will also reduce the need for South Tuggeranong residents to go to hospital for treatment and appointments.
A tender has recently been released to progress the design of the health centre in South Tuggeranong. The clinical services and design will be finalised in consultation with clinicians, consumers and the local community before the project progresses to the development application stage, which is expected in the first half of 2024.
There will also be upcoming opportunities for local residents to have their say on health centres coming to the Inner South and North Gungahlin.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Transport Canberra and City Services’ electric operational vehicles were displayed at King Edward Terrace on Thursday.
ACT Government electric operational vehicles were displayed at King Edward Terrace on Thursday, ahead of World EV Day on 9 September.
While most Canberrans would be familiar with the territory’s electric buses, they may have been surprised to also see electric mowers, a street sweeper, excavator, tipper truck and mini-bus.
Transport Canberra and City Services’ growing electric fleet demonstrates the ACT Government’s commitment to achieve zero net emissions from government operations by 2040.
Next year, these vehicles will be joined by an electric litter collection truck, which will replace a diesel utility vehicle. Another 94 electric buses are also set to be added to the fleet over coming years.
The bus transition, combined with the introduction of light rail, means 20 per cent of overall public transport trips in Canberra are powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.
The addition of electric buses to Canberra roads is having an impact on Transport Canberra staff, as well as the environment.
Trainer Assessor Jeff works in bus operations, carrying out licence upgrades and in-house training.
This includes showing bus drivers how to operate the new vehicles.
“After extensive familiarisation training at the beginning of the year, I then spent the first initial six weeks teaching drivers how to work the electric buses. Within that six weeks I drove over 200 kilometres just in the Tuggeranong depot training staff, before handing the training over to my colleagues to continue the education,” he said.
To Jeff, the buses present both a big and little change. “Someone asked me how to describe it once and I said they are wonderfully normal.
“They have lots of power, they go very well compared to diesel buses. They are like any new car, it’s always nice to drive something that’s brand new. They go very nicely, they drive and steer like any other bus and are quite comfortable,” he said.
In addition to buses and maintenance vehicles, Transport Canberra and City Services is also ensuring all newly leased government passenger vehicles are zero emissions where fit for purpose.
The target is to transition the entire passenger fleet to zero emission by 2025.
World EV Day presents a great time to showcase the electric vehicles in Transport Canberra and City Services’ fleet and highlight what’s next for the transition.
In its fourth year, World EV Day helps to unite companies, individuals, governments and others for a day of announcements that continue to propel e-mobility around the world.
More information on World EV day can be found online at WorldEVday.org
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Comparing energy suppliers and carefully reviewing your bills are key steps in becoming an informed consumer.
Ongoing cost of living pressures continue to impact household budgets.
With all Canberrans trying to make their dollars stretch further, here are some tips that may help you become a savvy consumer and save some money along the way.
Set up a realistic budget
Shop around
Read and keep paperwork in relation to purchases
Look after your receipts
Know your consumer guarantee rights and when you’re entitled to a refund, repair or replacement
If something goes wrong with a purchase, talk to the business and describe the problem and explain how you would like them to fix it.
Considering unit pricing is one way to help you budget and save while grocery shopping.
Unit pricing at supermarkets shows not just the cost of a product, but the value of that product as a cost per standard unit of measurement. This is usually displayed on shelf labels.
Unit pricing allows you to compare the cost of grocery products quickly and accurately – for example between brands, specials and package sizes, between packaged and unpackaged, or between fresh and frozen.
Other tips to help you get the most out of your grocery shopping
Meal plan and check what you’ve got in your cupboards, fridge and freezer before going shopping, so you use up things before they go out of date
Write a shopping list
Choose in season fruit and vegetables
Shop around for the best prices
Try supermarket or home brands.
Review your memberships and subscription services
Whether it’s a gym membership, newspaper subscription, streaming service or food delivery service you’re signed up to, it pays to review your memberships regularly. These small monthly costs can soon add up.
Before signing up to a new subscription, make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions and are aware of any ongoing fees before clicking through online.
When reviewing membership and subscription services consider:
What services do I use?
Is there a better deal or a cheaper plan?
Is there a low-cost alternative?
Can I rotate through subscriptions?
Look for the best deal before filling up
Feeling the pinch at the petrol bowser? Doing a little research before you fill up might help save you money.
While a lot of factors can influence the price you pay for fuel, a quick look at a petrol price app or website before you fill up can help you compare and save.
Have a look at the list of fuel price reporting apps and websites available.
When it comes to paying utilities or renewing annual insurances beware of paying a ‘loyalty or lazy tax’.
A loyalty tax refers to the practice of businesses offering lower rates or premiums to new customers while charging higher rates or premiums to long-term customers, who have been loyal to a company or institution for many years.
Consider comparison websites
It pays to shop around and compare premiums with other providers to ensure you’re getting the best product, premium or policy based on your circumstances.
To compare energy suppliers and make sure you’re getting the best deal, you can use the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy website.
Using comparison websites can be helpful but they have limitations and may not cover all your options. ASIC’s Moneysmart website has tips on using comparison websites.
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with regular payments like gas, electricity and phone, visit Moneysmart for steps you can take to sort things out.
You can also call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Visit ASIC’s Moneysmart website
ASIC’s Moneysmart website contains tips, tools and resources to help you manage your money, reduce your debt and plan for your future.
It also has information on budgeting, reducing living costs and getting help if you need it.
Find support
Do you know what concessions, rebates and other supports are available to Canberrans from the ACT Government? See what you might be eligible for.
If you require emergency support or financial assistance, you can find contact details for a range of support services on the Australian Government website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Artist’s impression of improved Tuggeranong Foreshore.
Work has kicked off on improvements along Tuggeranong Foreshore.
Upgrades to the foreshore between Reed Street South and Tuggeranong Town Park follow completed upgrades in recent years to Anketell Street, the laneways and pedestrian and cyclist improvements.
Upgrades the Tuggeranong Foreshore include:
improving the Tuggeranong Town Park playground with new play equipment and picnic spots
upgrading the existing Tuggeranong Town Park toilet with new, accessible features
improving the accessibility and safety of the foreshore path network, including path widening, removal of obstacles, new seating and upgrading lighting
renovation of the existing boardwalk to improve safety and accessibility
skate park works to address safety issues and rideability, such as minor resurfacing and replacement of damaged ramp surfaces.
There were more than 657 ideas from the local community during the feedback period last year. The upgrades will improve connections in and around the town centre, improve public access and safety and encourage the community to spend more time in public spaces.
Seven work zones will be set up to allow as much area as possible to remain open as work is carried out. A staging program is available online showing the anticipated start dates of each work zone.
The improvements to Tuggeranong Foreshore are expected to be completed by mid-2024.
More information about the project can be found on the Built for CBR website: builtforcbr.act.gov.au
To learn more about Canberra’s largest urban infrastructure improvement program, please visit the City Services website: cityservices.act.gov.au/bettersuburbs
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
The defendants defrauded CARES Act and other programs out of more than $4.8 million
PROVIDENCE – Four Florida residents convicted in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for executing one of the largest schemes in the country to defraud Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act programs, including in Rhode Island, have been sentenced to federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Court documents illustrate that the defendants defrauded various federally funded programs of more than $4.8 million.
Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The schemes involved obtaining and using stolen personal identifying information to submit fraudulent applications to multiple state unemployment agencies, including the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and to submit fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, for pandemic-related benefits made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Additionally, the defendants submitted fraudulent applications in the names of other persons to federal and state agencies to obtain tax refunds, stimulus payments, and disaster relief funds and loans.
The scheme also involved using the stolen personal identifying information to open bank accounts that were used to receive, deposit, and transfer fraudulently obtained government benefits and payments and to obtain debit cards for the fraudulently opened bank that were used to withdraw the fraudulently obtained funds.
U.S. District Court Judge Mellisa R. DuBose sentenced
Tony Mertile 33, of Miramar, FL, identified in court documents as the leader of the conspiracy, to a term of 72 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Junior Mertile, 35,of Pembroke Pines, FL, to a term of 54 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Allen Bien-Aime, 33, of Lehigh Acres, FL, to a term of imprisonment of 48 months to be followed by three years of supervised release;
James Legerme, 33, of Sunrise, FL, to a term of imprisonment of 48 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release; and
In accordance with signed plea agreements filed with the court, the government moved to forfeit a total of $4,857,191 in funds, or $1,214,294.75 from each defendant, that constitutes proceeds of the conspiracy. The defendants have also forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of Rolex watches and assorted jewelry, and over $1.1 million dollar in cash seized from the residences of Tony Mertile, Junior Mertile, and James Legerme at the time of their arrests. Each defendant is also jointly and several liable for $4,456,927.36 in restitution to be paid to agencies and financial intuitions that were defrauded.
The case was jointly prosecuted in U.S. District Court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise M. Barton and Stacey A. Erickson and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General John M. Moreira, Chief of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Rhode Island State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, with substantial assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service, and United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
Acting United States Attorney Bloom, FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General thank the Miami Division of the FBI, the Fort Myers Resident Agency of the FBI Tampa Division, the FBI’s Complex Financial Crimes Unit, and the U.S. Marshal Service in Florida for their assistance at the time the defendants were arrested and detained in Florida.
Acting United States Attorney Bloom also extends her gratitude to prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida and the Southern District of Florida for their assistance.
Rhode Islanders who believe their personal identification has been stolen and used to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits from the RIDLT are urged to contact the Rhode Island State Police at financialcrimes@risp.gov or the FBI Providence office at (401) 272-8310.
Court documents showed that Harding was a heroin supplier in Birmingham who was introduced to a conspirator from Baldwin County, Alabama, by another conspirator in Birmingham. As a result of the introduction, ounces of heroin were transported from Birmingham to Daphne, Alabama, where they were distributed to local heroin dealers. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) obtained a court-authorized wiretap on two of the local conspirators and identified Harding as the primary supplier for heroin. One of the drug shipments being discussed by the conspirators in the monitored phone calls was intercepted on I-65 in Baldwin County by Baldwin County sheriff’s deputies. The deputies seized approximately 205 grams of heroin hidden in the trunk of a rental car. The driver of the car, identified as Quantis Clark, was arrested and indicted separately. Clark pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances during June of 2019. He was sentenced on August 30, 2022, to five years imprisonment.
When FBI agents involved in the Baldwin County investigation were preparing to arrest Harding in Birmingham, they discovered that Homeland Security agents and Alabama Law Enforcement agents were also investigating Harding on drug charges. In September of 2019, a search warrant was executed on Harding’s Birmingham residence and agents seized eight firearms, two kilograms of heroin, and additional amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. In October of 2019, Harding was arrested on the indictment returned in the Southern District of Alabama.
Court documents also showed that Harding occupied a leadership role in the drug conspiracy. Court documents further showed that Harding had a long and significant criminal history with prior felony convictions spanning four decades. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed the 365-month sentence at the sentencing hearing on March 19. The judge ordered that the prison sentence will be followed by a four-year term of supervised release. Harding will undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse. The judge also imposed a special condition that the probation office may search Harding’s person or property upon a showing of reasonable suspicion that he is in violation of any of the conditions of his supervision. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered that Harding pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The FBI, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, the Foley Police Department, the Daphne Police Department, Gulf Shores Police Department and the Bay Minette Police Department, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office all participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organization that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Through Opportunity Now, Colorado has distributed nearly $90 million to grant recipients across the state to expand workforce development, create career pathways, and connect Coloradans with in-demand careers
DENVER — Governor Polis visited Opportunity Now grantee CrossPurpose to see firsthand how Opportunity Now investments are strengthening Colorado’s workforce and creating new career pathways for Coloradans. In 2024, CrossPurpose received $1.86 million in Opportunity Now grants to support initiatives that are equipping individuals with professional certifications and pre-apprenticeships that expand access to in-demand, good-paying jobs.
“It’s great to see Opportunity Now grants in action helping Coloradans gain new skills to join our state’s growing workforce, and support our booming economy. Partners like CrossPurpose are important for continuing Colorado’s work to invest in workforce opportunities that help people and businesses now and in the future,” said Gov. Polis.
Yesterday, Gov. Polis toured CrossPurpose’s facilities in Denver meeting with members of the organization who help to provide Coloradans with the skills needed to secure high-paying, in-demand jobs. CrossPurpose provides coaching, case management, and workforce training in high-demand fields like healthcare, skilled trades, and transportation to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic gain employment and achieve economic stability. By partnering with industry, CrossPurpose connects graduates with employers while offering ongoing upskilling and financial planning support to ensure long-term success.
Gov. Polis’ visit followed the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summit held earlier this week in the Denver region, one of a series of summits bringing together industry and education leaders focused on connecting Coloradans to good-paying jobs and meeting the needs of regions’ employers.
Opportunity Now has invested nearly $90 million distributed to 89 grant recipients statewide, funding regional partnerships between educational institutions, industry leaders, and employers to address Colorado’s workforce needs in high-demand industries. Established under HB22-1350, the initiative prioritizes key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure and construction to ensure a skilled workforce for the state’s growing economy.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
George Gomez aka Quick is a confirmed Texas Syndicate gang member. He pleaded guilty Dec. 19, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has ordered Gomez to serve 300 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The court also ordered his federal prison sentence run consecutively to his current state prison sentence. He will begin serving the 25-year sentence following completion of his state prison term of incarceration.
At the hearing, the court heard about Gomez’s extensive criminal history that began at age 17 when he was convicted of unlawful carrying of a weapon and cocaine possession. He was later convicted of possession of cocaine two more times as well as aggravated assault. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales emphasized that Gomez had committed this current offense while in prison for a drug possession charge. Furthermore, he noted that his crimes seemed be getting worse as he was now possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute and no longer simply possessing them.
Gomez was serving a 17-year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for cocaine possession when he obtained a contraband cell phone and began coordinating narcotics deals for other Texas Syndicate gang members while incarcerated.
The investigation into the Texas Syndicate led to the discovery that Gomez was facilitating the distribution of methamphetamine to local drug dealers in Corpus Christi.
Gomez was brought over from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to answer for his federal charges.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the National Guard and Texas Board of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara J. De Pena and Brittany Jensen prosecuted the case.
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned two indictments on March 19, 2025, charging a total of four Chinese nationals with possessing more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices as part of gift card tampering schemes.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Barry S. Wilkerson of the St. Matthews Police Department made the announcement.
According to the first indictment, Zhiqiang Huang and Chaoming Lin were charged with possessing more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices following their arrest on October 19, 2024. That day, Kroger security personnel observed Lin placing gift cards on the rack at a Kroger store in Louisville. Later, following a stop by St. Matthews police, Huang and Lin were found to be in possession of approximately 5,000 gifts cards. A subsequent analysis of those gift cards indicated 2,000 were likely altered.
According to the second indictment, Huixing Yu and Tianlong Chen were charged with possessing more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices following their arrest on October 19, 2024. That day, Kroger security personnel observed Chen placing gift cards on the rack at a Kroger store in Louisville. Later, following a stop by St. Matthews police, Yu and Chen were found to be in possession of approximately 650 gifts cards. A subsequent analysis of those gift cards indicated 250 were likely altered.
Gift card tampering is a form of organized retail crime. Gift card tampering involves stealing gift cards from retail stores, tampering the gift card to steal sensitive information, and then placing the gift card back into commerce at a retailer to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. When a consumer purchases the tampered gift card and loads funds onto the gift card at the point of sale, the funds are diverted and stolen.
Individuals and organizations engaged in gift card tampering often target brands that can be redeemed for goods, or items that can be easily liquidated on digital marketplaces. Large retailers are primary targets due to the high levels of consumer traffic and quick inventory turnover.
If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by HSI, FBI, and St. Matthews Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser is prosecuting this case.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
COVINGTON, Ky. – Two men, John Christopher Davis, 54, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Douglas DeAngelo Wade, 45, of Covington, Kentucky, were sentenced on Friday, to 188 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning. Each was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In addition, Davis was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and Wade was convicted of distribution of cocaine.
According to their plea agreements and other court filings, from approximately January 1, 2023, through January 26, 2024, Davis and Wade conspired with co-defendants, Terry Mitchell, Michael Labordeaux, Stephen Russ, Gregory Soard and others to knowingly distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine in Kenton County, Ky., and elsewhere. Wade was the head of the conspiracy and regularly supplied cocaine and cocaine base to Davis and others to distribute it.
Both Davis and Wade had prior drug trafficking convictions. Davis was previously convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, in 2003 and 2006 in Kenton County Circuit Court. He was additionally convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base in 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Similarly, Wade was previously convicted of distribution of over 50 grams of cocaine base in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Soard was previously sentenced to 96 months in prison in January 2025. Russ was sentenced to 105 months in prison in December 2024. Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, and Labordeaux is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9.
Under federal law, Davis and Wade must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon Davis’ release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, and Wade will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
I am delighted to participate in this year’s Annual Conference of the RBI Ombudsmen. The Reserve Bank has been organising this conference on or around the World Consumer Rights Day, that is, 15th March. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year with the aim of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. We organise this conference to reflect on our achievements with regard to consumer services and to deliberate on how to improve services and reduce grievances. We need to improve consumer services, not only because it is our duty to do so, but because it is in our selfish interest to do so. In this age of competition, we would not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers.
2. We have made tremendous strides in improving consumer services over the years. We have enabled internet banking and mobile banking. Most of the banking services, be it opening a deposit account, or taking a small loan have been digitised, adding to the convenience and speed. We are making record number of digital transactions through UPI and other means of digital payments. Many among the younger generation may have never visited a bank branch. We have even enabled opening of accounts using video KYC.
3. While we have enhanced customer experience over the years, the high number of customer grievances continues to be a matter of serious concern. I am told that last year (2023-24), the 95 Scheduled Commercial Banks alone received over 10 million complaints from their customers. If we take into account the complaints received at other RBI-regulated entities (REs), the number would be even higher. One may argue that this amounts to only four complaints per thousand accounts per year as there are about 2.5 billion bank accounts. But, for us, even one complaint is a cause of concern. We have 10 million complaints and with the rapidly growing customer base and expanding suite of products, this may grow, if we do not get our act together.
Customer satisfaction – a cornerstone for banking and other financial services
4. Excellent customer service, in fact excellent customer experience is a sine qua non in any service industry. Our effort should be to enhance the total customer experience. The experience should be such that there is no cause for a grievance that requires a redress. Let me state a fundamental truth: every complaint is a test of trust. When a consumer files a grievance – whether for a disputed transaction, a lapse in service, inappropriate pricing or charges or an unfair practice – it is a signal that our system has fallen short. Left unresolved, such issues can erode consumer confidence and tarnish the entire ecosystem.
5. I am reminded of a real story about customer service. Some of you, especially the management graduates, may have heard it but it is so appropriate for today’s theme that it is worth being retold. In the winter of 1975, in a town in Alaska, a man walked into a store and complained to the salesman present that the snow tyres that he bought some time ago were not holding. The salesman was a little puzzled. He said that he could not replace them but will check what he could do and went to the back of the store. Those of you, who have visited departmental stores in the USA, would know that refunds are processed at the back of the store. The salesman came back after some time and handed over some cash as refund and the customer left satisfied. Can anyone guess why this was unique, as no questions asked policy for refunds is fairly common in the USA? It is because the company in question is Nordstrom which does not even sell tyres. It sells apparel and shoes. But, for Nordstrom, customer comes first. Trusting him and winning his trust is more important than anything else.
6. Some say that this is not a true story. How is this possible? How could a company offer refund for a product which it never sold? Nordstrom, however, insists that this incident did take place. Nordstrom had acquired three stores from another company that sold miscellaneous articles including tyres. The customer did not realise that the store had changed and walked in with his complaint. The key message is that Nordstrom saw itself being in the business of customer service, and not just selling goods. We too need to realise that we are in the business of providing unalloyed customer service and not just selling banking and other financial services.
Top management to accord priority to customer service
7. I am sure you will all agree that we are indeed in the business of customer service. However, I suspect that we are not spending enough time on customer service and grievance redressal as a result of which not only are there a large number of complaints being received by banks and NBFCs but in the absence of satisfactory resolution, a large number of them are getting escalated to RBI Ombudsmen.
8. Let me give you some perspective. The number of complaints received under RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme increased at a compounded average growth rate of almost 50 per cent per year over last two years to 9.34 lakh in 2023-24. The number of complaints processed at the Office of RBI Ombudsman increased by 25 per cent from about 2,35,000 in 2022-23 to almost 2,94,000 in 2023-24. Not only are large number of complaints getting escalated, a large proportion of them – nearly 57 per cent of the maintainable complaints last year – required mediation or formal intervention by the RBI Ombudsmen. You would all agree that this is a highly unsatisfactory situation and needs our urgent attention.
9. I would, therefore, strongly urge all the MD&CEOs, Zonal and Regional Managers and the Branch Managers to spend some time every week, if not every day on grievance redressal. This is a must. All great CEOs find time to do it. We too must keep some time in our diary for improving customer service and grievance redressal.
Improving customer service systems
10. Customer complaints aren’t a nuisance – they are in fact opportunities to improve, innovate, and build trust. Handling them well can define your success. Each unresolved grievance is a missed opportunity for regulated entities to reaffirm customer trust and loyalty. It is also a warning signal as repeat complaints are often signs of systemic flaws. Today, complaints often surface on social media even before reaching official channels, highlighting the need for proactive measures.
11. The effort thus should be to not only resolve the complaints but also to ensure that the same type of complaint does not arise again. Many of the complaints like digital transaction disputes, unauthorized charges, or miscommunication frequently recur. These are clearcut symptoms of underlying issues in the overall customer service framework of the regulated entities. A thorough root cause analysis should be performed for each complaint so as to enable remedial action and avoid repetition of same type of complaint.
12. In fact, I would go a step further. Best service is not one in which there is no occasion for grievance redressal but one in which there is no occasion for the customer service department to step in. Systems should work seamlessly and conveniently so that customers do not have to call the branch or the customer service centre or talk to anyone in the Bank or NBFC. Systems have to be so user-friendly that customers can rely on self-service rather than being dependent on anyone else.
Improving internal grievance redressal systems
13. While improving systems to reduce grievances is important, setting up a robust grievance redressal system is equally important for all regulated entities. I would urge you all to review the same. While the regulations do not make any prescription for the organisational structure for grievance redressal, my experience suggests that there should be at least two levels for grievance redressal in large REs, with unresolved grievances getting escalated from the lower to the higher level. The highest level should be at a fairly high rank. This to ensure that requests do not get rejected without having been examined by a senior functionary who is empowered to take decisions in consumer interest. This will help reduce grievances getting escalated to the Ombudsman. It must also be ensured that there are sufficient number of grievance redress officers at all levels including in the Internal Ombudsman office.
14. I would also like to draw your attention to the misclassification of complaints as requests, queries, and disputes by the regulated entities. This results in the complainants’ grievances remaining unaddressed. Moreover, this is also a gross regulatory violation.
Major areas of service improvement
15. Let me now briefly allude to some of the major areas where we need to improve. These relate to KYC, digital frauds, mis-selling, and aggressive recovery practices.
16. As for KYC, we need to ensure that once a customer has submitted documents to a financial institution, we do not insist on obtaining the same documents again. Once the customer has updated his details, for example, his residential address, with one regulated entity of any financial sector regulator, it gets updated in CKYCR and other REs are notified of the updation. PML Rules made by the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance and RBI’s Master Directions on KYC mandate regulated entities to check the CKYCR system before seeking KYC documents for opening an account. However, most banks and NBFCs have not enabled the same in their branches/business outlets, causing avoidable inconvenience to customers. This may be facilitated early. This will be in the interest of all.
17. Another important issue connected to customer protection is rising digital frauds. It is a matter of great concern that innocent customers continue to fall prey to scamsters. While this could be attributed to rise in digital transactions and innovative methods adopted by fraudsters, lack of customer awareness is also a major reason for the same. To mitigate this menace, REs not only need to put in place robust internal controls but also enhance digital financial literacy.
18. The issues of mis-selling and aggressive recovery practices have been highlighted earlier too. In this context too, I would request you to keep consumer interest supreme.
Embracing technology – the AI way
19. Let me now come to the theme of this year’s conference: AI’s potential to revolutionize grievance redressal. We are entering an exciting era where technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can drive remarkable improvements in speed, accuracy, and fairness of complaint resolution.
20. AI can help categorize incoming complaints by urgency, complexity, or subject area, ensuring minimal delay in reaching the right people or the right team. AI can also help in optimising complaint routing. Further, it can assist in decision-making and reducing processing time.
21. Secondly, AI can be used to pinpoint systemic gaps by analysing both structured and unstructured data such as emails, chat logs, and call transcripts. This will aid in identifying training needs and guiding necessary process reforms. Using data from millions of consumer branch visits, call centre logs, mobile apps, and social media, a unified, AI-driven view of all these interactions can help identify common pain points more efficiently. Leveraging data analytics, sentiment analysis, and predictive models, AI can be used to analyse large volumes of data to detect spikes in issues – such as ATM failures or erroneous charges – and alert REs pre-emptively.
22. Lastly, in a linguistically diverse country like India, AI-driven chatbots and voice recognition tools can eliminate language barriers by operating in local languages. Moreover, the implementation of conversational AI in chatbots, voicebots, and advanced IVR systems can handle routine queries round the clock, thereby freeing people to focus on cases that require empathy and complex problem-solving.
23. In short, integrating AI at every stage – from complaint lodging to closure – can result in a seamless, efficient, and data-driven grievance redressal system. Such a framework not only reduces processing times and addresses repetitive complaints but also fosters equitable outcomes by mitigating human biases. It is time that the banking industry explores and pioneers the integration of technology – including AI – to strengthen the grievance resolution mechanisms and make it best in class across the globe.
Challenges and guardrails in AI driven grievance redressal system
24. While AI presents unparalleled opportunities, we need to be cognizant of the challenges and risks that its adoption poses. There are concerns on data privacy, algorithmic bias and complexity in AI-driven models. As we embrace AI in grievance redressal or any other process, we must also remain mindful of ethical considerations. Human oversight, bias mitigation and data privacy must be integrated into the AI Systems to ensure transparent and consistent outcomes.
Investing in human resources
25. While technology in all its forms is a powerful enabler, I would like to emphasise that it is no substitute for integrity, empathy, and human judgment. In a world increasingly driven by data, algorithms, and automation, it is all too easy to lose sight of the human element. Every transaction represents not just a number in a ledger, but the hard-earned savings of a family, the dreams of a small entrepreneur, or the lifelong savings of a senior citizen. It is, therefore, critical that REs continue to invest in human resources dedicated for customer service and grievance redressal. It is essential to invest in training of staff, especially in behavioural aspects of customer service. Moreover, the staff needs to be empowered to take decisions based on their judgement to redress consumer grievances, enhance customer satisfaction and win consumer trust.
RBI as a facilitator
26. In the end, I would like to assure you that, while we exhort you to provide services efficiently to customers, we in the Reserve Bank shall also provide various services, approvals, clarifications, etc. to the regulated entities in a timely manner. We already have a citizen’s charter. We are in the process of reviewing the charter. We will make the charter comprehensive to include all services that we offer either to the REs or directly to citizens. Moreover, we are reviewing the timelines for each service. It will be our endeavour to provide all approvals, etc. within the timelines. We are also making mandatory the use of PRAVAAH, which is RBI’s secure and centralised web-based portal for any individual or entity to seek authorisation, license or regulatory approval on any reference made to the Reserve Bank in a timely manner. This will help us in expediting the disposal of applications received by the Reserve Bank.
Conclusion
27. We stand at a pivotal juncture as India looks to realise its dream of a more resilient and inclusive Viksit Bharat. With the financial sector touching the lives of almost the entire population, we have a critical role. To succeed in this role, we must continue to enhance customer service and customer protection.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Betsy Sinclair, Professor and Chair of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis
As Americans’ social worlds grow further apart, stereotypes intensify – driving an even deeper wedge between red and blue America.wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Are you angry about politics right now? Seething? You’re not alone. According to the Mood of the Nation Poll by researchers at Penn State, 9 in 10 Americans can name a recent news event or something about American politics that made them angry.
Political scientists Steven Webster, Elizabeth Connorsand I have investigated what happens to people’s social networks – their friends, family and neighbors – when partisan anger takes over. For example, suppose your neighbor is a member of the opposite political party. You’ve always watered their plants when they go on vacation. Given the news these days and how angry you’re feeling, what will you say when they ask for help during their next trip?
We found that when someone is angry with the opposite party, they avoid people with those views. That can include not assisting neighbors with various tasks, avoiding social gatherings attended by people from the other side, and refusing to date people who vote differently. It means being disappointed if your son or daughter marries a supporter of the opposing party, and even severing close friendships or distancing yourself from close relatives.
We see that political anger disrupts ordinary life – coffee with a friend – as well as more major life decisions. Political anger breaks our social networks.
People rely on their relationships to understand our world – and to vote. The more we isolate ourselves from people who see things differently, the easier it is to misunderstand them, pushing us to separate even more.
Stereotype vs. reality
During the Obama administration, my collaborators and I asked a nationally representative sample of voters to describe their stereotypes about the opposite party. Our questions were intended to tap into perceptions of the other side’s lifestyles and cultural values, in addition to policy attitudes.
First, we wanted to establish each side’s actual views. Our 2012-2016 study asked around 1,300 Americans whether they agreed with statements that are often associated with one party or the other – including creationism, guns, taxes and eco-friendliness.
For example, 42.5% of all Republicans we surveyed agreed with the statement that “this country would be safer if every law-abiding citizen possessed a firearm,” versus 25.1% of independents and 14.2% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 38.7% of Democrats agreed that “this country would be better if every citizen drove an electric car,” compared with 22% of independents and 11.4% of Republicans.
Two months later, we went back to the same voters and asked them a different question: What percentage of Democrats and Republicans did they think would agree with these statements?
We saw dramatic evidence of stereotypes. For example, only 19% of Democrats agreed that all Americans should pay more taxes, but more than 80% of Republicans believed the percentage to be higher. The same pattern occurred with electric cars and firearms. Just over 42% of Republicans agreed that all “law-abiding” citizens should have a gun, but the typical Democrat believed the percentage to be 60%-80%.
Americans do not understand each other across the red-blue divide. Importantly, respondents with more ideologically extreme views themselves had less accurate perceptions of the other party.
Avoiding the Joneses
The more extreme our beliefs become, the harder it will be to understand our neighbors.
Suppose you are a Republican. You learn that your Democratic neighbors believe that everyone should drive an electric car, marijuana should be legal in all states, and universal health care should be available to all citizens. Or suppose you are a Democrat, and you learn that your Republican neighbors believe that humans and dinosaurs walked the Earth at the same time, that elementary school students should be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, and that a fence should be built between the U.S. and Mexico.
Would you want to be friends?
These hypothetical neighbors have stereotypical beliefs – and most Americans say they do not want those neighbors in their social networks. Specifically, according to our 2023 study, they reported not wanting to become friends, not having this neighbor over for a family meal, and not feeling comfortable allowing their children to play with the neighbor’s kids, among other activities.
Stereotypes don’t just drive individual people and families apart; they make neighborhoods less cohesive. We ascribe stereotypical beliefs to people who are members of the opposite party – and then we react to these stereotypes, not to our neighbors themselves.
Cutting off those in-person relationships isn’t just a problem for safety and friendliness around the block. It’s a problem for democracy because Americans need relationships with people whose politics are different than their own.
A majority of Americans have social circles that are politically homogeneous. Even in 2020, 53% of Republicans said that their network was exclusively composed of Donald Trump supporters, and 55% of Democrats said that their network was exclusively composed of Joe Biden supporters.
In her book “Through the Grapevine,” political scientist Taylor Carlson documents that approximately 1 in 3 American voters mostly learn about politics from socially transmitted information: news they get from talking with friends or scrolling on social media. Relying on these sources is particularly problematic in social networks that are homogeneous, as exposure to information from someone in your own party can lead people to have more extreme positions. Carlson’s work highlights that voters who rely on friends to shape their views rely upon a resource that is heavily biased.
In my own book “The Social Citizen,” I investigated the influence peers have on political decisions, from voting and donating to identifying with a political party. For example, if a neighbor knocks on your door and asks you to turn out to vote, you are 4%-11% more likely to go cast a ballot than if a stranger knocked on your door.
Democracy in action
What can we do to remedy the fractures? We need to understand each other.
The U.S. has a long tradition of political dialogue. Indeed, after a brutal election tested their friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson did not exchange letters for 11 years. But the pair resumed their correspondence in 1812 with Adams’ statement – later echoed by Jefferson – “You and I, ought not to die, before We have explained ourselves to each other.”
What Adams and Jefferson understood in the 19th century still applies to the divisions in American society today: Reconciliation requires understanding. These conversations are frequently painful and hard; data scientists have noted that Thanksgiving dinners with guests who cross party lines are frequently shorter. But as my own research shows, we are most able to persuade people with whom we have the closest ties.
Democracy challenges us to participate in more ways than simply by voting. It challenges everyone to understand those around us and seek what is in the collective best interest.
And we have the most influence over people in our social networks. So that friend you’re really angry with about their politics? It’s time to give them a call and have a conversation.
Betsy Sinclair 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.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is descending further into violence, with mounting civilian casualties in the West Bank and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UN’s top envoy for the region warned on Friday.
Sigrid Kaag, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (ad interim) briefed the Security Council on the latest report relating to resolution 2334 (2016), which calls for an immediate halt to Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
She detailed continued violations, escalating military operations and rising attacks against civilians, including deadly assaults by both Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.
Between 7 December 2024 and 13 March this year, at least 3,897 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, according to the enclave’s Ministry of Health, and 59 Israeli hostages are still being held captive by Hamas and other groups, according to Israeli sources.
In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations during the same period led to the deaths of 123 Palestinians, while 10 Israelis were killed in Palestinian attacks. Women and children were among the victims on both sides.
Israeli settler violence also continued to displace Palestinian communities.
“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the lethal attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including sometimes in the proximity and with the support of Israeli security forces, as well as by Palestinians against Israelis,” Ms. Kaag said.
“All perpetrators must be held accountable,” she stressed.
Settlement expansion continues
She also reported that Israeli planning authorities advanced or approved about 10,600 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank, including 4,920 in East Jerusalem. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures also accelerated in the region.
“Citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, Israeli authorities demolished, seized, sealed or forced people to demolish 460 structures, displacing 576 people, including 287 children and 149 women,” Ms. Kaag said.
Israel’s aid blockade of Gaza
Ms. Kaag further reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to remain dire.
Though 57,000 metric tons of food aid were delivered in the first month of the ceasefire, Israel halted all humanitarian and commercial supply entries on 2 March, worsening food, water and medical shortages.
At least 600,000 Gazans now lack access to clean water after Israel cut power to a desalination plant.
In addition, between 12,000 and 14,000 people, including over 4,500 children, require urgent medical evacuation, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
Echoing the Secretary-General’s call for the urgent resumption of negotiations to reinstate a ceasefire, Ms. Kaag also underscored the need for unimpeded humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip and for the immediate and unconditional release of remaining hostages.
Two-State solution
Concluding her briefing, Ms. Kaag reiterated the UN chief’s call to establish a political framework that outlines tangible, irreversible and time-bound steps to be taken by Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
“The occupation must end as rapidly as possible,” she said, stating that a viable two-State solution – Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side-by-side in peace and security, “is long overdue”.
“The United Nations will continue to support all efforts towards that goal.”
What is your technology, what is innovative about it, and how will it change the world? These are the initial questions the innovation management team at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) asks researchers when they have new inventions with commercialization potential.
Researchers submit their innovative ideas as records of invention (ROI) or software records, thus initiating a collaborative review and discussion with members of NREL’s Technology Transfer Office and Office of General Counsel. Technologies that pass muster and show potential for measurable market impacts may move on to the multiyear process with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to secure the patent rights necessary to bring yesterday’s ideas into today’s practical use.
In Fiscal Year 2024, researchers at NREL submitted a record-breaking 294 innovations, representing potentially patentable inventions or copyrightable software. This remarkable level of innovation productivity resulted in 46 awarded U.S. patents and 12 NREL-enabled startup companies—an unprecedented amount of growth for this DOE laboratory focused on integrated energy solutions for an affordable and secure energy future.
To Eric Payne, licensing executive lead for the tech transfer office, NREL’s record year signals that researchers are more engaged than ever before in the commercialization process as a means for their research to have impact.
“NREL scientists are among the most inventive in the national lab system, and this record year reflects their continued dedication to having commercial impacts in the U.S. energy economy,” Payne said.
A subtle, yet crucial, distinction about patents, Payne explained, is that they are “a snapshot back in time” of the research NREL was conducting three to five years ago.
“Patent issuances are actually a lagging indicator of innovation, because if you think about the timeline, a researcher will first file an ROI. We typically file a patent application about six to 12 months after that, and then the patent application is pending within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for at least two to five years,” Payne said.
The process can sometimes take even longer, partly due to the volume of applications received at the U.S. Patent Office and partly due to the complexity of the technology itself. The more complicated the technology, the more time it takes for a patent application to be examined, with NREL’s team of patent attorneys expertly navigating the prosecution process. Because research at the laboratory is often early stage, researchers will typically use this waiting period to continue developing their technologies toward market readiness.
In the case of FY 2024, the “oldest” awarded patent originated from an ROI submitted in 2014, though most patents were initiated in 2019 or later.
So, what was cutting edge at NREL five years ago? In short: NREL’s origins as a solar research institute still shine, accompanied by advances in wind, hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy fields. The patents overwhelmingly represent improvements in the efficiency of energy systems and manufacturing processes to make technology easier to scale and cheaper to use. New materials and advanced composites were introduced, and methods that reduce the amount of energy needed to power everyday lives were proposed.
Protecting Power Grids From Cyberattacks
With the rise of new technologies, power grids are becoming more vulnerable to advanced malware capable of infiltrating a utility company and toggling the on/off switch of electricity for millions of customers at once, remotely.
Joshua Rivera and Vivek Kumar Singh, two researchers at NREL’s Cybersecurity Research Center, aim to get ahead of these threats by exploring how modern cybersecurity concepts—like cloud-based programs, process automation, and even artificial intelligence—can be applied to the energy grid to make it more resilient.
This thought led to the Cybersecurity Research Center’s first patent, issued in February 2024, titled “Network visualization, intrusion detection, and network healing.” Rivera and Kumar Singh are coinventors along with NREL’s Adarsh Hasandka and Joshua Van Natta.
The patent proposes a system that detects, visualizes, and mitigates anomalies in power grids automatically. The system’s rapid response lies in the rule-based, model-based, and AI-driven methods it was developed with. By comparing incoming data to preestablished models, plotted by the team, the system can immediately trigger corrective actions when disruptions are found.
Vivek Kumar Singh (presenting) describes the NREL-patented tool for protecting power grids. Photo from Vivek Kumar Singh, NREL
The team’s ROI for the technology was initiated in 2019, “at the right place and the right time,” according to Rivera and Kumar Singh.
“In 2019, we were trying to capture the moment; we were forecasting that people were really going to care about AI,” Rivera added. “Terms like virtualization, software-defined networking, automation, and orchestration are common in IT and cloud security for ensuring resilience. So, we set out to adapt those philosophies with these new detection methodologies and apply them specifically to power systems. By combining them, we realized we could create something truly novel at the time.”
As electrical grids become more connected and vulnerable to online threats, cybersecurity is now a core component of energy systems rather than an afterthought. To refine and bring technologies like this patent to market, the team said that partnerships and collaborations will be essential.
“This patent required a diverse team of people with different domain expertise and different capabilities,” Rivera said. “The more collaboration and involvement we get from others, the more likely we can build something that will be successful.”
Matereal’s NIPU Foam Replaces Traditional Polyurethane
For retired NREL researcher Phil Pienkos, his renewable, nontoxic polyurethane product, trademarked as Polaris, came closer to commercialization in FY 2024 with a new patent for the technology.
Developed with Tao Dong and Lieve Laurens of NREL, Pienkos’ non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foam can be made from readily available oils, such as linseed or soybean oil, as well as oils derived from algae or food waste. It is synthesized without petroleum-based chemicals and isocyanates: hazardous chemicals that are known to cause irritation, asthma, and severe lung issues. And its end product offers both recyclable and biodegradable options for polyurethane used in everything from textiles, automotive interiors, mattress cushioning, and more.
Phil Pienkos (right) holds a prototype of his non-isocyanate polyurethane material, while Eric Payne (left) holds the patent license agreement that helped Pienkos form his company, Matereal. Photo from Eric Payne, NREL
This latest patent, “Non-isocyanate polyurethane products and methods of making the same,” specifically addresses the method of making NIPU foam. By increasing the reaction speed between amines and cyclic carbonates, the building blocks of the material, researchers have made NIPU foam synthesis more comparable to conventional polyurethane production, which is crucial for uptake by industry partners.
“It’s got regulation push. It’s got market pull,” Pienkos said of the opportunities for commercialization. “It’s got everything.”
As of summer 2024, Pienkos’ startup company, Matereal, had completed a round of seed funding, raising $4.5 million to continue Polaris’ development after early partnerships with brands like Patagonia, the outdoor company, and Tempur Sealy, the mattress company.
Ocean Wave Energy Converters Make a Splash
Two patents issued in the last fiscal year centered on marine energy and the conversion of the ocean’s waves into “something more useful,” said Blake Boren, a senior engineer on NREL’s water power research and development team—be it electricity or desalinating seawater into drinkable fresh water.
Boren was a lead researcher on the patent titled “Flexible wave energy converter,” also known as a flexWEC, a device that can bend, flex, and/or stretch to generate electricity from ocean waves. Where traditional wave energy converters are typically rigid and move within one degree of freedom, a flexWEC is innately able to move in several degrees of freedom and can therefore interact with a broader range of ocean wave periods and frequencies than what would otherwise be directly possible. With many small energy transducers embedded across the device, instead of concentrated at central point, the flexWEC can better adapt to changing wave environments and continue operating even if some transducers fail.
A prototype of the inflatable pump Jenne built in his garage. Photo by Scott Jenne, NREL
“If a couple of the smaller energy transducers fail, it’s not ideal, but the overall energy conversion structure should largely still operate as intended, and in that way, flexible wave energy converters could be more robust than a more conventional WEC,” Boren said.
The flexWEC is an ocean wave energy converter based on distributed embedded energy converter technologies (DEEC-Tec), a new type of marine energy innovation that was patented in September 2022 by Boren and Jochem Weber, chief engineer for NREL’s water power program, also named on the new patent.
Dale “Scott” Jenne’s FY 2024 patent, “Inflatable pressure absorption wave actuated pump,” also described a wave energy converter, though based on a different mechanism than the flexWEC. After six years of working on desalination technologies, Jenne—a multidisciplinary research engineer on the water power team—noticed a common theme.
“Almost every wave energy converter that I had worked with or analyzed was, in some way, pumping a fluid. And a lot of companies earlier on were using what we call hydraulic systems: a piston that is pushing up and down, then that motion runs a motor, which can then run a generator,” Jenne said.
But hydraulic systems are expensive, prone to leaks, and rely on rigid parts like gearboxes that could break over time, leading Jenne to question, “How do you simplify that process and make a system that pumps water with the simplest mechanism possible?”
The result, a prototype Jenne built in his garage with $150 of supplies, is a modified version of a diaphragm pump that relies on the kinetic energy of a moving wave to pressurize a bag. Squeezing the bag then forces air through a column to generate electricity. The inflatable pump has no moving parts and reduces the complexity of mechanical systems with hydraulic seals. And the prototype’s low-cost build implies the technology could be scaled inexpensively.
NREL researchers Blake Boren and Stephen Chamot (from left to right), with Isabel Hess, a Ph.D. student from the University of Florida, do final checks to the distributed embedded energy conversion technology (DEEC-Tec) equipment before testing it in the Wave Tank at the NREL Flatirons Campus. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL
In December 2024, Jenne’s team applied for a Technology Commercialization Fund grant from DOE to advance the inflatable pump for high-pressure scenarios, like those needed for desalination.
In both cases, the flexWEC and the inflatable pump hold promise for generating energy from the harsh environment of ocean waves, particularly in areas affected by hurricanes or in remote coastal areas that lack reliable infrastructure. Ocean wave energy has unique advantages in niche applications like those, filling in gaps where wind and solar renewables are less effective. Demonstrating that WECs can succeed in smaller-scale systems—such as powering oceanographic sensors for data collection, desalinating seawater, or supplying energy to microgrids in island communities—could build momentum for larger-scale applications of marine renewable energy technologies in the future.
Solar Panels, Minus the Lengthy Setup
Innovations in solar energy technologies represented a majority of the patents NREL acquired in FY 2024, mirroring the growing role solar plays in the global electricity market at-large. As the most abundant renewable resource, solar is predicted to account for 40% of the U.S. electricity supply by 2035 and 45% by 2050.
One standout solar technology comes from researchers Bryon Larson and Obadiah Reid of NREL’s chemistry and nanoscience program. Their patent, “Microwave photoconductance spectrometer and methods of using the same,” describes a technique to analyze materials used in photovoltaics (PV) quickly and efficiently, without needing to build a full solar panel device first.
The device could help solar panel manufacturers implement real-time quality control monitoring on production lines and facilitate more efficient research on PV materials beyond silicon. Where traditional silicon solar panels have established metrics for quality, new materials, such as perovskites, are less well characterized and require more meticulous processing to achieve optimal performance.
Reid and Larson’s spectrometer works by aiming microwaves at a film of semiconducting material. When the waves bounce back, they are carrying information about the material’s quality at high speed, allowing manufacturers to adjust factors to improve the material’s conductivity in real-time. The spectrometer is built to incorporate into a future where solar panels are manufactured on a roll-to-roll press akin to a newspaper printing press.
“The technique is contactless, so you are essentially pointing a probe at a running web of material that is moving very rapidly,” Larson said. “The faster you run the printing press, the higher the yields in solar panel production—per hour, day, or year. That’s important because, in a manufacturing setting, the less downtime you have, the more likely you’ll be profitable.”
After the ROI was filed in 2018, DOE selected Reid and Larson’s spectrometer for its Small Business Innovation Research grants where industry competed to advance the technology. Oregon-based Tau Science Corporation adapted the team’s research tool into a commercial prototype, and along the way, Reid and Larson made the technology even better. Though their original spectrometer is 1,000 times more sensitive than traditional methods, today’s version is even more precise, enabling research into higher-quality perovskites, cadmium telluride, and other trending semiconducting materials.
Chemistry researchers Bryon Larson (left) and Obadiah Reid demonstrate a commercial prototype of their microwave spectrometer. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL
Reid predicts that as the solar industry adopts roll-to-rolling printing—projected to be a $50 billion annual market in the next two decades—the microwave spectrometer will naturally transition to industrial applications.
“I have pretty high hopes that it will be adopted by research laboratories because it is super useful as a way of characterizing the material you’re making before going all the way to a full device,” Reid said. “If that happens, if the people developing the materials are trained with this particular technique, they’re going to want that same feedback in their systems when they join industry.”
These and NREL’s remainingpatents from FY 2024 have been added to an ever-expanding portfolio of technologies that Payne’s office is managing, including 750 patented technologies and 700 commercial and open-source software records. Each invention isavailable for licensingthrough NREL’s Technology Transfer Office.
Green Party Leader welcomes ban of executive parties from Belfast Pride
Mal O’Hara, Green Party Leader said “This is a welcome decision by Belfast Pride. LGBTQ+ people have been betrayed and gaslit by the executive parties for too long. An lgbtq+ strategy has been promised since 2007 but never delivered. The most recent Programme for Government fails to mention lgbtq+ inequality beyond a vague commitment to bringing forward ‘social strategies’. Funding for our life saving lgbtq+ organisations has been piecemeal and ad hoc rather than strategic and focused. Almost all progress on lgbtq+ equality has come from Westminster or the Courts. The final straw was the announcement of the puberty blocker ban via tweet, which removes healthcare from trans and non-binary young people meanwhile the Executive have done precious little on the crises of trans healthcare.”
Mal continued “Pride started as a riot. It is our biggest public event to demonstrate for liberation, equality and celebration. If the Executive Parties make progress on trans healthcare, fund our sector organisations, stands up to backlash and bring forward a strategy, then I will be the first to advocate welcoming these parties back.”
Mal finished by saying “Pride is not a photo opportunity for political parties who have had power for 27 years and not used that power to make the lives of lgbtq+ people better.”
ENDS
Press enquiries – Mal O’Hara on 07540790663
The new North Prospect Family Hub is opening this month, with families invited to come along to the official launch event.
Located on North Prospect Road, the new Family Hub is celebrating with an afternoon of free games, activities and entertainment for children and young people on Thursday 27 March between 1pm and 4pm.
The new hub is run by LARK, which also manages Morice Town Family Hub, and is the eleventh and final hub to open in Plymouth.
In 2023, Plymouth City Council was awarded a share of £300 million from the Government to help develop the Family Hubs and establish Start for Life, a programme providing support to parents for the first 1001 days of their child’s life, starting from pregnancy.
Family Hubs have developed the support previously offered by children’s centres and help families from conception until children are 19 years old, or up to 25-years-old for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and friendly environment to families and there’s a range of support on offer including antenatal classes, activity sessions, parenting programmes, breastfeeding support and practical help from a wide range of professionals.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our Family Hubs are so important, providing a supportive environment and professional advice to families with children of all ages within their communities.
“I’m delighted about the launch of the new North Prospect Family Hub, which is the final hub to open in the city. We now have eleven hubs across Plymouth and I would encourage all parents and carers to find their local hub and reach out to see what support is available – our Hubs are here to make sure you get the help you need in the right place, at the right time.”
Kirsty Mole, Family Hub Lead at LARK, said: “We are so excited after a busy few months with our move from The Beacon, to be opening on North Prospect Road in the heart of our community.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us with this move, from volunteers to local councillors, and a huge thank you to our local families for their patience whilst we have been moving.
“We welcome children, young people and families into our Hub and have a range of support available as well as providing links with other agencies for help and advice. Our team have lots of knowledge and are experienced in working in our area for many years. We are really proud of our new Hub and hope that you will come along and celebrate with us.”
The other Family Hubs in Plymouth are:
Nomony Family Hub, Cattedown
The Barn Family Hub, Barne Barton
Rees Family Hub, Plympton
Four Woods Family Hub, Crownhill Road
Green Ark Family Hub, Devonport
Manor Street Family Hub, Stonehouse
Southway Family Hub
Whitleigh Family Hub at Four Greens Community Trust
Please be aware of the following temporary road closures and restrictions on the day of the event Sunday March 23 between 8.30am and 11am:
Jack Hayward Way closed its entire length in both directions. Waterloo Road closed its entire length in both directions. Staveley Road closed at its junction with Waterloo Road. Stafford Street closed northbound between its junctions with Cannock Road and Waterloo Road/Stafford Road. Dunstall Road closed between its junctions with Dunstall Hill and Waterloo Road/Stafford Road. Stafford Road closed northbound between its junctions with Stafford Street and Oxley Moor Road. South Street closed between its junction with Leverton Rise and Stafford Road. Gorsebrook Road closed between its junction with Stafford Road to Opposite 125a. Oxley Moor Road closed its entire length in both directions. Probert Road closed between its junction for Oxley Day Centre and its junction with Oxley Moor Road. Green Lane closed between its junctions with Blakely Rise and Aldersley Road. Aldersley Road closed in both directions between its junctions with Green Lane/Oxley Moor Road to side of property 124. Hordern Road closed its entire length in both directions. Craddock Street closed in both directions between its junctions with Gatis Street and Hordern Road/Hunter Street. Hunter Street closed its entire length in both directions. Clifford Street closed at its junction with Newhampton Road West. Newhampton Road West closed in both directions between its junctions with Denmark Close and Newhampton Road East. Kingsland Road closed its entire length in both directions. Newhampton Road East closed its entire length in both directions. Devon Road closed its entire length in both directions. Park Road East / Park Road West closed (anti-clockwise) in both directions between its junction with Dixon Road and Lansdowne Road. (Access/Egress to West Park Hospital to be managed/maintained between Connaught Road and Hospital Entrance via Stop/Go system and operatives on site. Access/Egress between Southgate and Park Avenue to be managed/maintained via Stop/Go system and operatives on site.) Lansdowne Road closed its entire length in both directions.
There will be a vehicular diversion route westbound via Tettenhall Road, Lower Street, Codsall Road, Birches Road, Duck Lane, Pendeford Mill Lane and Wobaston Road.
A vehicular diversion route for eastbound traffic is via Cannock Road, M54 and Stafford Road.
The latest trends in global supply chains will be the focus of a three day event hosted by the University of Aberdeen Business School this summer.
From exploring the use of AI and Blockchain, understanding supply vessel logistics and establishing new supply chains in emerging markets; through to raising awareness of the environmental, social and governance requirements in value chain planning, the event is part a new MBA Residential series.
Supported by the Development Trust Student Experience Fund, it will bring together MBA students from Aberdeen, Qatar and those studying online for a comprehensive programme of lectures and on-site industry visits.
In addition to visiting the National Decommissioning Centre, ANM Group and Peterhead Port Authority, delegates will hear from speakers including Rex Gu, Global Head of Finance, Contract Logistics and E-Commerce Logistics at A.P. Moller – Maersk; Alan Buhamba, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Energy in the Government of Uganda; Cyril Bruce-Cathline, New Business Management for Europe and Africa at Fugro; and Yingli Wu, Managing Director (China) at Wrist Ship Supply. They will also be joined by Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
This event provides a unique opportunity for students across the MBA cohort to network, engage and enhance their understanding of supply chain resilience directly from industry.” John Storm, Director of MBA Programmes at the Business School
“In today’s interconnected world, supply chain resilience is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity,” said John Storm, Director of MBA Programmes at the Business School and event moderator.
“The challenges of geopolitical instability, resource scarcity and technological integration demand agile and adaptable networks. Yet, these very challenges also present opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and enhanced collaboration, paving the way for more resilient and efficient global supply chains.
“This event provides a unique opportunity for students across the MBA cohort to network, engage and enhance their understanding of supply chain resilience directly from industry.”
Supply Chain Resilience in the Age of ESG takes place at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College campus from 4-6 June 2025. Free to attend, register to express your interest here.
Bridging the gap between academia and key industry sectors at the heart of the North East of Scotland’s economy is the key aim for three new business development executives at the University of Aberdeen.
The three new posts have been created by the 430-year-old institution in order to build and strengthen links and partnerships with the business community across energy, health and life sciences, and digital and creative industries.
It’s hoped that the initiative will foster greater collaboration as part of a wider drive by the University to support regional economic development.
Responsible for the health and life sciences portfolio is Dr Marina Kovaleva who boasts 25 years in the sector working within academia and biotech and pharma companies.
Marina pioneered the discovery of new drug therapies developed from the shark immune system, leading to the first preclinical study on shark-based drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and designing targeted tumour therapies. This research was spun out into the biotech company Elasmogen Ltd in 2016, of which Marina is a founding team member.
Marina has degrees in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine obtained from universities in Russia and Germany.
Taking on the digital and creative industries brief is Dr Allison Noble who has held various roles in both government and the charity sector.
Following roles involving helping NHS health boards address vaccine hesitancy and develop clear travel guidance during the pandemic and sustainability research with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Allison comes to the University after two and a half years with Research Data Scotland (RDS). With RDS, Allison helped restructure the organisation’s information architecture and implemented AI safely at an institutional level whilst working with bodies such as National Records of Scotland, Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland.
These appointments demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for the region’s ambition to be an innovation-driven economy, leveraging our world-class research expertise to support business.” Professor Pete Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement
Her doctorate from the University of Southampton investigated how music streaming platforms and their algorithms impact the creation, distribution, and consumption of music.
Aberdeen Geology and Petroleum Geology graduate, Dr Ian Brightmore, will be the lead for energy. He returns to the University, where he also obtained his PhD, with 15 years of international operator experience in the UK continental shelf, Norwegian continental shelf, Kurdistan and Barents.
Ian worked as geologist with ExxonMobil in Norway and Houston before returning to Aberdeen to take a position with Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) and has worked for numerous international operators since in the capacity of exploration geologist.
Dr Liz Rattray, University of Aberdeen Interim Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research and Innovation, said: “There is an abundance of cutting-edge research being carried out at the University of Aberdeen which could have real and immediate benefits for industry.
“The challenge is having key individuals in place with an overview of vital areas – such as energy, health and life science and digital and creative industries – who can act as a single point of contact between industry requirements and our researchers they could be collaborating with.
“The appointment of our three new business development executives to cover these key industry sectors is crucial to maximising collaboration, fostering long-term industry links and promoting the expertise that the University of Aberdeen boasts – to the benefit of all parties.”
Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement, said: “These appointments demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for the region’s ambition to be an innovation-driven economy, leveraging our world-class research expertise to support business.
The University of Aberdeen hosts the largest concentration of academic researchers in the North of Scotland and the new business development executives will work with industry to understand their problems, before connecting them to the relevant academic experts, and providing advice on the most appropriate mechanism to facilitate joint work.”
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Residents are being encouraged to join in the ongoing drive to make Sunderland cleaner and greener by taking part in the Great British Spring Clean.
From Friday 21 March to Sunday 6 April, the City Council is encouraging residents to help make a difference by joining one of the many clean ups taking place across Sunderland’s green spaces, footpaths, parks and beaches as part of the Great British Spring Clean.
Organised litter picks are taking place across Sunderland North, East, West, Coalfield and Washington. Taking part will not only help keep Sunderland tidy but also help protect the environment and wildlife.
The City Council is encouraging individuals, schools, local groups, and businesses to take part in these. Representatives from the council will be providing necessary equipment to support clean-ups and keep communities litter-free.
Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people sign up to be involved with this year’s Great British Spring Clean.”
“We know most residents take pride in where they live and want to live in a clean and tidy city by disposing of their litter properly. It’s a shame to see that there are some irresponsible people who are spoiling it for everyone else.”
“While we will continue to crackdown littering and fly-tipping, these planned clean-ups are a brilliant way for residents to do their bit. I encourage everyone to pick up a bag and take part.”
Sunderland City Council’s robust approach to keeping the city litter free and clean for its residents, wildlife, and the environment has seen it issue more than 100 litter and fly-tipping fixed penalty notices in the last year.
For any residents wanting to do their bit to help clean up the city, joining an organised litter pick is a great way to tackle litter in Sunderland.
The Great British Spring Clean is organised by Keep Britain Tidy, a charity which encourages cities across the country to eliminate litter, end waste and improve their local beaches, parks, and streets. Over 31.6 million people in the UK said ‘litter-free’ streets would help them love where they live. As well as 72% of UK adults agreeing that seeing litter makes them less proud of their neighbourhood.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “We are so grateful for the game-changing support from Sunderland City Council.”
“The Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic way for councils to support residents to really show their pride in where they live, and connect with like-minded people, while taking serious and immediate action to protect the environment on their doorstep.”
“During this year’s campaign, we are highlighting that the environment belongs to everyone, and that everyone is welcome to join in with our activities and celebrate the 10th Great British Spring Clean.”
“We are humbled to see our army of #LitterHeroes volunteers carrying out these acts of kindness to make the planet a cleaner, safer place for our future generations.”
Anyone who wants to get involved and organise their own litter pick and find out more can visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean and using the hashtags #GBSpringClean #LoveWhereYouLive
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
NRS apprentice Keely Salter wins top national award
Keely Salter, a Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) apprentice, has been named the UK’s nuclear skills apprentice of the year 2025.
Craig Boothy from Westinghouse and host Colin Murray present Keely Salter with her overall apprentice of the year award
A plant technician at Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire, Keely won the intermediate level apprentice of the year award at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards, before also going on to be named overall UK nuclear apprentice of the year 2025.
The UK Nuclear Skills Awards, organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Skills, take place to highlight excellence in the sector and showcase stars of the present and future. Winners were announced at an event in Manchester on 20 March 2025.
Chris Lloyd from Ureno, host Colin Murray and NRS mentor Sav Lagana present Keely Salter with her intermediate level apprentice of the year award
Keely, who focused on health physics and radiation protection during her apprenticeship, said:
To have won these awards shows that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. I am appreciative and grateful for everyone who has supported my journey in the nuclear sector.
NRS Chief People Officer John Vickerman added:
We are truly proud of Keely for the work she’s put in to make her apprenticeship such a success. She deserves all the recognition these awards bring, alongside her mentor Sav Lagana and all the Oldbury team who show commitment to support and develop those who will take forward delivery of our nationally important decommissioning mission in the future.
Our NRS apprenticeship programme represents a strong investment in our early careers skills pipeline, supporting the national nuclear skills goal to double the number of apprentices and graduates every year.
Recruitment is currently open for apprenticeship opportunities at NRS sites across the UK, with up to 40 positions available in 2025. This is in addition to 23 opportunities already advertised for the Dounreay site in Caithness. The full list of vacancies and information about how to apply is available on the Energus website here.
The annual ban on pruning elm trees in Saskatchewan begins April 1 and runs until August 31. The ban is in place to help stop the spread of Dutch elm disease (DED).
DED is a fatal tree disease caused by a fungus spread by elm bark beetles. As the weather warms, the beetles become more active and are attracted to fresh cuts on trees. Pruning during this time increases the chances of an infection and puts your elms at risk.
Pruning trees before or after the ban period helps keep them healthy and better able to resist all kinds of diseases, including DED. Pruning also removes the dead and dying wood where elm bark beetles breed, reducing beetle numbers.
Pruning incorrectly can damage your trees and spread diseases. If you hire someone to prune your trees, check their qualifications. Anyone who prunes elm trees commercially must have completed a recognized training program or be supervised by someone who has.
It is allowed to completely remove an elm tree during the ban period, but it’s important to dispose of all elm wood properly, as soon as possible. Contact your local municipality to find out where the designated wood disposal site is in your area.
Because transporting wood can also spread DED, as well as other insects and diseases, it’s illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm firewood. Provincial regulations also restrict the use, transport, storage and sale of elm logs.
For more information, contact your municipality, the Ministry of Environment’s Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or visit: saskatchewan.ca/forestry.
Trade infrastructure and transportation corridors enable Canada to get its products to global markets. That is why the Government of Canada is making investments to open new potential markets through the Arctic and secure reliable surface transportation through northern Manitoba.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Honourable Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced an investment of $175 million over five years to support operations and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) and pre-development activities at the Port of Churchill, owned by Arctic Gateway Group (AGG).
AGG is a partnership of 29 First Nations and 12 isolated communities served by HBR in Northern Manitoba. The Hudson Bay Railway is critical to Indigenous reconciliation, connecting communities, and economic development, including the development of critical minerals and tourism, in northern Manitoba. Both the HBR and the Port of Churchill play an important role in ensuring supplies reach northern Manitoba and Nunavut.
Canada is strongest when we are united. There should be one Canadian economy, not thirteen. Creating one Canadian economy will create higher paying jobs, improve affordability, and strengthen our national security.
