The blame game has begun as Labor struggles to clear a logjam of legislation before the federal election. or signup to continue reading With 30 or so bills still before parliament and just one sitting week left in 2024, the Albanese government has taken aim at the Greens for stalling legislation. The minor party's objection to the Help to Buy shared equity scheme and incentives for build-to-rent have ignited Labor's ire as the government prepares to bring the bills for a final vote in the Senate in the upcoming days. "The Greens are going to the next election either as an effective party of protest, that has blocked and delayed action on things they say are important to them, or as a party that lets the government get on with addressing the housing needs of Australia," Housing Minister Clare O'Neil told ABC Radio on Monday. The two housing bills have struggled to attract the support of the opposition or the Greens, with Labor knocking back fresh demands from the minor party. Central to the Greens' updated position is funding for 25,000 "shovel-ready" homes not given the go-ahead under the first round of the Housing Australia Future Fund. Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather said his party had designed "a compromise offer that is popular, achievable and easy to accept, it requires no new legislation and sits broadly within government policy". Labor insists the demand is unlawful and would result in the construction of million-dollar homes that are not value for money and could try push through the bill without support from the Greens. "The time for this negotiation and conversation was six months ago," Ms O'Neil said. The federal government's attack on the Greens follows the Queensland state election. The minor party lost a seat in the October contest, bolstering hopes for a Labor resurgence in the state at the upcoming federal election. Meanwhile, the federal government will try court the opposition's support for its migration bill, which could result in the deportation of more than 80,000 people. A friendless crackdown on misinformation and disinformation has been shelved and gambling reforms have been pushed into 2025. Other proposals to establish an environment protection agency and cap the number of foreign student arrivals have reached a stalemate and cabinet minister have continued to point fingers. "You have populist, vote-grabbing parties like the Greens and the coalition," Resources Minister Madeleine King told ABC Radio. "We're trying to do the right thing for the Australian community, whereas they want to block this to be able to put out another TikTok. "It's absolutely disgraceful." To Labor's relief, the government is expecting wins on its aged care reforms and its social media age limit, with the former expected to attract opposition support. Under world-first legislation, Australians younger than 16 will be banned from social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and X. Labor will also be spruiking its Future Made in Australia plan, with its hydrogen and critical minerals production tax incentives to be introduced to parliament on Monday. The federal election is due to be held by May 17. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementLSU outlasts UCF 109-102 in triple-OT affair
Swinney and Brown at memorial service for ‘giant of a man’ Alex SalmondTitans are their own worst enemy as they fail again to string together wins
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Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard has "indefinitely suspended" its search for a 7-year-old boy who went missing in the Gulf of Mexico late last week on a boating trip with his father and a family friend. On Sunday evening, the Coast Guard said it was ending its search for Hunter Slezak after scouring air and sea for more than 65 hours to cover 2,042 square miles in an area "approximately the size of the state of Delaware," officials said. According to a Coast Guard spokesperson, the suspension was due to the expending of all available resources in search for Hunter unless new information arises that will help, AL.com reported. His father, Michael Slezak, 40, and Sam Wooley, 69, were found dead Saturday afternoon after their vessel the "Marty Ann" departed Friday from the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on Alabama's Dauphin Island and was last heard from that afternoon. An investigation is pending to determine what caused the incident but Coast Guard officials did not speculate. "Saturday afternoon, a Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island boat crew found a debris field approximately 9 miles south of Dauphin Island," according to a USCG report. On Sunday, Hunter's mother Megan Slezak in a Facebook post pleaded for help from anyone with a plane or boat willing to help look for her missing son prior to the search ending. A Mobile County Sheriff's Office flotilla launched Monday morning before 10 a.m. local time out of Bayou La Batre. "Coast Guard is searching the rest of today until nightfall for my precious Hunter," Megan Slezak said on social media. "After that they are ending their search parties." "I just need the closure of having his body to bury," the grieved wrote. "I didn't think my heart could shatter anymore then this but not at least being able to find my son's body is so incredibly painful. Momma hold your babies. They could be taken in a blink of an eye. This is THE WORST pain ever," she added. Michael Slezak was a coach at Semmes Middle School in Semmes, Ala. where he was the 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year. He taught 7th-grade math from 2017 until last year. The father and teacher "inspired our students to be better scholars, better athletes, and better individuals," read part of a statement by school officials. "Through every lesson taught, every practice led, and every word of encouragement, he made an impact on our community." An official GoFundme page has been setup for the family of Michael Slezak Read MoreTributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.Jay Monahan Bags $23M: Behind the PGA Commissioner's Payout
Kingsview Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of First Solar, Inc. ( NASDAQ:FSLR – Free Report ) by 35.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 1,022 shares of the solar cell manufacturer’s stock after selling 557 shares during the period. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in First Solar were worth $255,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of FSLR. AlphaMark Advisors LLC bought a new stake in First Solar during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC bought a new stake in shares of First Solar during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Kennebec Savings Bank purchased a new position in shares of First Solar during the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in First Solar by 411.1% in the 2nd quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 138 shares of the solar cell manufacturer’s stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new stake in First Solar in the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.08% of the company’s stock. First Solar Price Performance Shares of FSLR opened at $199.27 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a current ratio of 2.14. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $208.94 and a 200-day moving average price of $225.35. First Solar, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $135.88 and a fifty-two week high of $306.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.33 billion, a PE ratio of 17.16, a PEG ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 1.48. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Hsbc Global Res upgraded First Solar to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. Citigroup raised First Solar from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $200.00 to $254.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Susquehanna cut their price objective on shares of First Solar from $280.00 to $252.00 and set a “positive” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of First Solar from $315.00 to $280.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of First Solar from $245.00 to $210.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $279.04. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FSLR About First Solar ( Free Report ) First Solar, Inc, a solar technology company, provides photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions in the United States, France, Japan, Chile, and internationally. The company manufactures and sells PV solar modules with a thin film semiconductor technology that provides a lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV solar modules. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FSLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Solar, Inc. ( NASDAQ:FSLR – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for First Solar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Solar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
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Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Jones will join Minnesota’s practice squad less than a week after the Giants released the former No. 6 overall draft pick, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement hasn’t been finalized. Sam Darnold has helped the Vikings start 9-2. Jones joins Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien in Minnesota’s quarterback room. Rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy had season-ending knee surgery in August and a second procedure on his knee earlier this month. Jones went 24-44-1 as a starter in New York, with his best season in 2022 when the Giants went 9-7-1 and beat Minnesota on the road in the first round of the playoffs. Jones completed just 63% of his passes with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.WASHINGTON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) CEO David Goeckeler has been elected Chair of the SIA Board of Directors . SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms. " We are thrilled to welcome our new chair for 2025, David Goeckeler of Western Digital," said SIA President and CEO John Neuffer . "David possesses years of experience in the technology and semiconductor industries, and is an outstanding advocate for our work. He will be a fantastic leader of the SIA Board of Directors in 2025." Over more than four decades, Goeckeler has focused on innovating and growing industries ranging from semiconductors to global networking to enterprise software. As CEO of Western Digital, Goeckeler has led the company's transformation as a leading data storage producer in the industry. Prior to this, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Networking and Security Business, after starting his career at Bell Laboratories. Goeckeler was recently appointed Chairman of the U.S. Chamber's U.S.-Japan Business Council (USJBC). "Semiconductor innovation is the transformative backbone of everything from the smartphone in your pocket to hyperscale cloud infrastructure to artificial intelligence that uplift society and improve our quality of life," said Goeckeler . "As we grow our industry, the role of effective government policies is more crucial now than ever to accelerate innovation and expansion in this sector. Through partnership with my colleagues on the SIA Board, I look forward to strengthening our shared industry priorities in Washington and around the world." Media Contact Dan Rosso Semiconductor Industry Association 240-305-4738 drosso@semiconductors.org About SIA The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries and a key driver of America's economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms. Through this coalition, SIA seeks to strengthen leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration, and key industry stakeholders around the world to encourage policies that fuel innovation, propel business, and drive international competition. Learn more at www.semiconductors.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/western-digital-ceo-david-goeckeler-elected-chair-of-semiconductor-industry-association-302313650.html SOURCE Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)
Islanders take losing streak into matchup with the SabresA WARM breeze drifts through the open balcony doors just as I’m lulled to sleep by the sound of waves splashing lazily against the shore. It’s November, I’m steeling myself for the festive season’s craziness, and I can’t think of a better way to relax before it all than this. 6 A lovely courtyard main pool lined with palm trees with plenty of sun loungers Credit: Supplied 6 Chill by Barcelo Teguise Beach’s sleek infinity pool Credit: Supplied 6 The resort’s rooms are modern and spacious Credit: Supplied A long weekend in Lanzarote was just the trick, where the sun shone in a clear blue sky and the balmy temperatures warmed my winter bones. Our getaway was to the wonderfully located Barcelo Teguise Beach, right on the seafront in Costa Teguise. This smaller resort on the island’s sunny east coast is known for its lovely golden sand beach and compact, walkable centre. And we loved the fact our adult-only hotel was right in the heart of the action. Read more on Lanzarote HAPPY HOLIDAYS Moment PRO-tourism protesters take to streets in hotspot Lanzarote Our room looked out over the bay and down below, and we could watch the morning joggers on the promenade and holidaymakers strolling day and night along the seafront’s many bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel’s Champs sports bar sits right on the promenade too, so you can enjoy all the benefits of the hotel’s all-inclusive package while still being in the midst of the town and beachfront. This 4H resort has a lovely boutique feel to it and welcomes a mix of nationalities — the majority British — with a relaxed, chilled atmosphere. There are two pools, a lovely courtyard main pool lined with palm trees with plenty of sun loungers and cabana beds as well as a rather swish infinity number on a terrace overlooking the seafront. Most read in Beach holidays MATES RATES Four affordable breaks for a mates' holiday with beach resorts and city hotels CHEAP AS CHIPS New £6.8million attraction to open in one of UK's cheapest seaside towns JET SETTER Jet2 launches flights to three new islands - and one you won’t have heard of QUICK DEAL The four top winter sun breaks to book right now from as little as £321pp There was of course some of the inevitable lounger-hogging for the sunniest spots but it was encouraging to see staff clear away towels if beds remained unoccupied for long periods. The vibe was calm with activities such as aqua aerobics and board games occasionally across the day from the hotel’s enthusiastic staff. Tiny Spanish named one of the best in the world in Brit-favourite holiday hotspot By night, guests gathered after dinner in the swish B-Lounge where there was live music and excellent cocktails . I was particularly impressed that the drinks were all premium brands, served with a flourish by the waiters at your table directly from the spirit bottle. The hotel offers B&B and half-board options as well as all-inclusive deals and the food was of good quality with plenty of choice. 6 We stopped for lunch at La Bodeguita del Medio in the middle of the market Credit: Supplied 6 Stroll around Teguise’s cobbled streets Credit: Supplied 6 Relax among the lava and lamps in the home of Spanish artist, architect and activist Cesar Manrique Credit: Supplied The main buffet restaurant, open in winter for breakfast and dinner, featured a different themed cuisine each night, as well as plentiful fresh salads and live cooking stations serving up everything from freshly grilled seafood to steaks. At lunch, those on all-inclusive could choose from the comfort pub classics at Champs or light local cuisine at the Breeze Gastro Pool Bar. I loved the Canarian cold tomato soup with slices of boiled egg and quality Iberico ham. Rooms — recently refurbished — were the perfect place to relax, too. Our junior suite came with a separate living room and two balconies — one with its own hot tub, the other with loungers. With plenty of storage space, USB sockets and rainfall shower with quality full-size toiletries, it really ticked all the boxes. The black and white loo rolls were a quirky touch — reflecting the island’s natural volcanic geography. Many of the hotel’s deluxe double rooms also feature a tub on the balcony. Unique natural beauty The resort’s classic Lanzarote architecture of brilliant white walls and vibrant green woodwork are of course part of the huge legacy of the Spanish artist, architect and activist Cesar Manrique. His passion for preserving the island’s unique natural beauty saw him lead the way in fighting overdevelopment when tourism boomed in the 1980s. His influence helped establish strict building regulations that remain in place to this day, that buildings must be low-rise and feature traditional colours with doors and windows in blue or green. And the great man played a significant role in the development of Costa Teguise itself. We wandered around the Pueblo Marinero, a complex of white-washed buildings with green wooden shutters and balconies that is home to a host of shops, houses and restaurants. Las Cucharas beach was developed in a way to respect the natural landscape, and even humble roundabouts in the town feature sculptures and other artworks. But that’s not to say you’re in a Disneyesque fantasy: there are still oodles of places to eat and drink with the inevitable Irish bars and tapas joints offering happy hour £2 pints and cocktails from £4.50. After a couple of days to relax, we took to our hire car to explore more of the island and Manrique’s influence. We rented a car through Cicar, picking it up easily from the airport. This Which?-recommended hire car provider is a gem. I paid £155 for five days. We were pleased to be offered an upgrade and all their cars come with no insurance excess. There’s even a handy Cicar app to help you with audio guides to the island’s main attractions Lisa Minot There is even a handy Cicar app to help you with audio guides to the island’s main attractions. Just a ten-minute drive took us to Manrique’s former home and studio in Taro de Tahiche, which is now the headquarters of the foundation dedicated to preserving his legacy. Also a museum displaying his art and personal collections, the astonishing house is built into a lava field with rooms and even a pool garden carved out of the natural volcanic formations. Sunday is also the best day to visit the inland town of Teguise — its narrow, cobbled streets host a weekly market selling handmade crafts including pottery, ceramics and jewellery from local artisans as well as your standard souvenirs, food and Canarian cheeses and meats. We stopped for lunch at La Bodeguita del Medio in the middle of the market, paying just £16.50 for a generous platter of six tapas dishes plus a basket of bread, enjoying plump prawns, spicy chorizo sausage and crisp potatoes. With clear roads and little traffic, in just half an hour we were admiring the astonishing, stark lava fields and volcanic craters in the Timanfaya national park. Read more on the Scottish Sun SIP SIP HOORAY Exact time Coca-Cola truck arrives in Scotland tomorrow for Xmas tour FESTIVE CHEER Scots Xmas market tops London's Winter Wonderland as 'most stunning' in UK Manrique’s influence continues here — he designed many of the buildings in the park including the El Diablo restaurant where chefs cook over the heat of the dormant volcano. Here, you can tuck into grilled dishes including chicken and chorizo in the Manrique-designed dining room with stunning views all around. GO: LANZAROTE GETTING / STAYING THERE : Seven nights’ half-board in a deluxe double room with hot tub is from £881pp including flights from Stansted on January 14, 2025, 22kg luggage and transfers. Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester departures also available. See jet2holidays.com . MORE INFO : See barcelo.com/en-es/barcelo-teguise-beach .
Since J. Edgar Hoover died in 1972 — after 48 years of leading the FBI — the seven men chosen to lead the premier law enforcement agency had previous experience as senior lawmen, senior federal prosecutors and federal judges. If President-elect Donald Trump has his way, the agency will instead be headed by a political loyalist who has pledged to use his powers to target the president’s political opponents. Kash Patel, 44, is a former junior-level federal prosecutor who was a White House aide in Trump’s first administration. That’s drawing scrutiny not just from Democrats, but from at least one Senate Republican. RELATED STORY | Mother of Pete Hegseth reportedly told son he was an 'abuser of women' in email South Dakota Republican Mike Rounds expressed support for current FBI Director Chris Wray — who Trump appointed after firing predecessor James Comey in 2017. “The president has the right to make nominations, but normally these are for a 10-year term. We'll see what his process is and whether he actually makes that nomination,” Rounds said Sunday during an interview on ABC News’ “This Week.” It would also be the second time Trump removed an FBI director before the end of the congressionally mandated 10-year term, which is designed to allow FBI directors to outlast the presidential administration. Since the end of the first Trump Administration, Patel has been actively engaged with the Make America Great Again movement supporting Trump. He was also one of the select group of supporters who accompanied Trump during the trial earlier this year in Manhattan that led to Trump being convicted of 34 felony counts related to falsifying corporate documents. RELATED STORY | Here's who Trump has asked to join his administration He has also said that a charity he operates provides financial help to families of people charged in connection with the January 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol. In an interview with conservative strategist Steve Bannon, Patel said he and others “will go out and find the conspirators not just in government but in the media.” ”We’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections,” Patel said, referring to the 2020 presidential election in which Biden, the Democratic challenger, defeated Trump. “We’re going to come after you, whether it’s criminally or civilly. We’ll figure that out. But yeah, we’re putting you all on notice.” In an interview earlier this year on the “Shawn Ryan Show,” Patel vowed to sever the FBI’s intelligence-gathering activities from the rest of its mission and said he would “shut down” the bureau’s headquarters building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., and “reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’” Rounds, meanwhile, praised Wray and said he saw no reason he should be removed. “Chris Wray, who the president nominated the first time around — I think the president picked a very good man to be the director of the FBI when he did that in his first term,” Rounds said. “When we meet with him behind closed doors, I've had no objections to the way that he's handled himself, and so I don't have any complaints about the way that he's done his job right now.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Share this Story : City of Ottawa worker fired after audit uncovers kickback scheme with landlords Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Local News City of Ottawa worker fired after audit uncovers kickback scheme with landlords The auditor general's investigation found that, beginning as early as October 2023, six landlords began receiving inflated rent payments. Get the latest from Blair Crawford straight to your inbox Sign Up Author of the article: Blair Crawford Published Dec 02, 2024 • Last updated 51 minutes ago • 3 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. City of Ottawa auditor general Nathalie Gougeon launched her investigation after receiving a tip to the city's fraud and waste hotline earlier this year. Photo by Tony Caldwell / POSTMEDIA Article content A city employee has been fired and another has resigned after a city audit discovered a kickback scheme to fraudulently pay landlords inflated rents for housing families in need. Article content Article content Auditor general Nathalie Gougeon launched her investigation after receiving a tip to the city’s fraud and waste hotline earlier this year. Her investigation, with help from forensic auditors at Ernst & Young, found a city caseworker had colluded with landlords to pay rents from an emergency housing fund administered by the city that were as much as 63 per cent above market value. In return, the landlords paid more than $22,000 to the caseworker in kickbacks. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Gougeon delivered her report to the city’s audit committee at its Dec. 2 meeting. That afternoon, city managers were to meet with Ottawa police who will decide whether to begin a criminal investigation. Gougeon’s investigation found that, beginning as early as October 2023, six landlords — four individuals and two corporations — began receiving inflated rent payments. All six were overseen by a single individual landlord. The caseworker is identified only as Employee A in the report. Employee A had a family member who also worked for the city, identified as Employee B, who received the kickback payments from the landlords beginning in January 2024. Both Employees A and B had previously worked with the landlord, but never disclosed that relationship to the city, a breach of the city’s code of conduct policy, Gougeon said. Investigators also examined text messages between Employee A and the landlord. “Is there anyway you can put a couple in there and get me a higher rent like $2300 or what can we do on this thing? It’s a one bedroom apartment, if you get me the rent, of course the bonuses will be much larger,” read one such message. Evening Update The Ottawa Citizen’s best journalism, delivered directly to your inbox by 7 p.m. on weekdays. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Evening Update will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “Without information to justify the legitimacy of the payments made by the Landlord to Employee A, we observed multiple factors that indicate that these payments are consistent with a kickback scheme designed to provide a benefit to both the Landlord and Employee A,” Gougeon wrote in her report. The rents were paid with federal, provincial and municipal money through emergency housing programs administered by the city. Gougeon said her investigation was limited in scope, but identified “in excess of 20” rental agreements linked to the kickback payments. The report included three examples: a two-bedroom unit in Beacon Hill South that rented for $2,900, or 38 per cent above the $2,100 market value; a three-bedroom unit in Pineview that rented for $4,050, or 46 per cent above the $2,775 market value; and a three-bedroom unit in Ledbury/Heron Gate/Ridgemont that rented at $4,050, or 63 per cent over the $2,491 market rate for similar units in the area. The city has terminated all relationships with the landlords involved, as recommended by the auditor general, and is developing a transition plan for tenants who were affected. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “This is going to be a slow process. We’re not looking to see any people back out on the street,” Gougeun said. “It’s being done to ensure the city’s reputation is kept intact.” The investigation also found that Employees A and B started up a moving company during the kickback period that profited by moving clients into the apartments with inflated rents. While caseworkers are supposed to examine lease agreements and provide clients advice on whether the rent being charged is fair, ultimately it is the clients themselves who decide whether to accept the agreement. Nevertheless, the city says it will do whatever it can, including civil lawsuits, to try to recoup the money. “As you can imagine, I was, and our team was, horrified when we were told by the auditor general of this investigation,” Clara Freire, general manager of the community and social services department, told the committee. “We took action right away.” The auditor general made six recommendations to the city to improve record keeping and staff training about the city’s code of ethics, all of which were accepted. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The fraud and waste hotline receives about 1,000 tips a year, of which about 350 are investigated, Gougeon said. River Ward Coun. Riley Brockington asked Gougeon if the kickback scheme would ever have been detected if the whistleblower had not contacted the fraud and waste hotline. “Very bluntly — highly unlikely,” she replied. 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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Jake Paul in action against Mike Tyson fight during LIVE On ... [+] Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024) Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision on Friday, November 15, in the main event of Netflix’s grand kickoff for live sports streaming. The event drew more than 108 million viewers and garnered Tyson and Paul massive paydays. With Tyson likely headed for retirement and Paul seemingly entertaining potential challengers, here is a list of four potential opponents who could be next for The Problem Child. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - JUNE 19: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. gestures during a fight against Anderson ... [+] "Spider" Silva as part of the Tribute to the Kings at Jalisco Stadium on June 19, 2021 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) The former world middleweight champion and second-generation star is way past his prime. However, at 38, he’s 20 years younger than Tyson, and he fought four months ago, taking a unanimous decision over MMA fighter Uriah Hall. Chavez has called out Paul on multiple occasions, including a recent Instagram post that concluded with, “Jake, it’s time.” Because of Chavez’s built-in fanbase ( 750,000 followers on Instagram ), which has carried over from his legendary father’s diehard following, he can make a strong case to MVP Promotions that he should be Paul’s next opponent. iOS 18.1.1—Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users Leak Reveals Trump Crypto Bombshell As Bitcoin Suddenly Surges Toward $100,000 Price Could Matt Gaetz Get His House Seat Back—Or Be Named Senator? What To Know After He Bails As Trump’s Attorney General Pick This fight would be winnable for Paul but would represent a step up in competition compared to Tyson and most of the opponents The Problem Child has faced in his boxing career. Tommy Fury Tommy Fury during a press conference at Leonardo London. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. ... [+] (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) The British boxer is the only man who has defeated Paul in a boxing match. The two met in 2023, and Fury won by split decision. Fury is the younger brother of boxing superstar Tyson Fury, and he’s scheduled to fight former MMA fighter Darren Till in January 2025. "He's only got one defeat and that's to me, so it's inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring,” Fury said on Wednesday. "I know I'm going to be an improved fighter, and with him, the [fights] he's taking and what he's doing, I'm not sure if he's going to improve that much." If Fury beats Till, there is a definite story in that rematch. It’s a fight that could be sold as one Paul has a chance of losing—which is something millions of people would tune in to see. Canelo Alvarez LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Canelo Alvarez speaks during a press conference after defeating ... [+] Edgar Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) A fight between Paul and Canelo could challenge the bout with Tyson in terms of pure viewership. Canelo is nearly as famous as Tyson but is more current because he’s active and still considered one of the best fighters in the world. This fight would be extremely risky for Paul because he would be incredibly overmatched in skill and experience. Paul is a naturally bigger man than Canelo, but his size advantage isn’t likely to negate what the Mexican icon has in boxing acumen. Canelo has the kind of loyal fanbase who will show up to watch him fight anyone. The concept of him protecting the sport from someone viewed as an outsider is one that can easily be sold. The problem with this fight is that Paul would be at a massive disadvantage, which, in his position, represents a risk he doesn’t need to take. Conor McGregor Conor McGregor at the "Road House" Premiere as part of SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals held at ... [+] the Paramount Theatre on March 8, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hubert Vestil/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images) The biggest and most appropriate opponent on this list is McGregor. A Paul-McGregor fight would likely be the biggest combat sports event in history. It’s also a fight that Paul probably should win if it is contested in a boxing ring. McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr. unsuccessfully back in 2017, and he is the smaller man. He has also not appeared to be in fighting shape—mentally or physically—as of late. Nevertheless, he is still a straw capable of stirring the proverbial drink. The major drawback for this fight is McGregor’s contract with the UFC. He still has two fights left on his current deal, and the UFC has seldom allowed fighters under contract to pursue these kinds of outside ventures. This issue is part of the reason Francis Ngannou left for the Professional Fighters League. That said, the UFC made an exception with McGregor for the Mayweather fight because of the size of the event. It’s beginning to look less likely McGregor will return to the UFC’s Octagon, and one wonders if they would be interested in co-promoting a fight like this with MVP Promotions to capitalize on McGregor’s drawing power.
As technology markets rapidly commoditize, new research insights from Info-Tech Research Group highlight how smarter, more agile procurement methods enable quicker, more efficient purchasing decisions in a market defined by constant innovation and disruption. The recently published resource from the global research and advisory firm offers IT leaders actionable strategies to streamline procurement, reduce evaluation timelines, and maintain a competitive edge. TORONTO , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group explains in a new industry resource that traditional procurement processes are proving inadequate for IT leaders tasked with navigating rapidly commoditizing technology markets. In the firm's new blueprint, Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services , Info-Tech highlights how outdated methods, lengthy evaluations, and resource-intensive approaches can hinder organizations from adapting to fast-paced innovation. The resource will equip IT leaders with the tools needed to streamline procurement cycles to save time, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge in a landscape being rapidly shaped by exponential technological change. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.