Latest news with #Locke
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Volvo South Africa hands extended maintenance plan to XC60
Extended plan from three to seven years is, however, for a limited time only. All versions of the Volvo XC60 now come with an extended maintenance plan. Picture: Volvo Volvo Cars South Africa is offering customers an extended maintenance on all new XC60 models for a limited time. This applies to all variants, including the mild-hybrid B5 and the plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge. This new seven-year/140 000 km maintenance plan replaces the current three-year/60 000 km. This is available nationwide until the end of September 2025, subject to vehicle availability. 'Extending the maintenance plan of the XC60 reflects Volvo Car South Africa's focus on long-term vehicle care and customer value,' Grant Locke, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa says. 'It forms part of our broader commitment to delivering an ownership experience that matches the quality of our vehicles and the needs of today's drivers.' NOW READ: Volvo approves three new models for 2025 and a surprise 2026 arrival Locally, the XC60 remains one of Volvo's most popular models. 'The XC60 recently became the best-selling model in the brand's history. Since its launch in 2008, it has achieved more than 2.7-million global sales, surpassing even the iconic 240,' added Locke. The maintenance plan covers all scheduled services, including labour, parts, and software updates, as per Volvo's recommended service schedule, providing owners with added confidence and control over running costs. NOW READ: Plug-in hybrid Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge still shock and lots of awe
The Province
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Province
Surrey police hiring 'disrupted' by Mayor Brenda Locke's legal challenge, board says
Surrey Police Board is 'playing the blame game' by saying their recruitment was affected by the judicial review, says Mayor Brenda Locke. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke flanked by Surrey Police Service Chief Norm Lipinski. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke's failed legal attempt to block the transition to a municipal police force is partly to blame for why the move away from the RCMP may now need to extend into a third year, the city's police board says. 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 by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, 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 by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, 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 Earlier this month it came to light that Locke had written a letter to the provincial Public Safety Ministry in June to express her dismay that she wasn't consulted after she said she learned that the province had asked the federal government to extend the RCMP's presence in Surrey until the end of 2027. Locke said the city was always told the transition would be complete at the end of 2026. Members of the police board this week confirmed to Postmedia News that the Surrey Police Service has indicated it will not be ready to fully police the city until the end of 2027. Sonia Parmar, the board's vice-chairperson, said in a statement that a primary reason for the delay was Locke's failed constitutional challenge of provincial legislation forcing the transition. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Parmar said that because of the challenge, which ran from late 2023 into 2024, the board had to pause its work, which wasn't resumed until January, when a new board was appointed. 'Anything that's created uncertainty over the last few years … would affect recruiting and hiring,' added Jason Kuzminski, the board's interim executive director. The two-year timeline of the official handover of policing authority in 2024 'was an understanding and an assumption that didn't factor for the pause on the board (during) the judicial review,' he said. Had the board not been paused, Kuzminski said, they would have 'been in a better position' to meet the timeline. Reached Friday, Locke said this claim by the police board is simply an excuse for not meeting the target. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The Surrey police board is new. They clearly don't know the background of what has happened. The commitment of two years was when they became (police of jurisdiction) in 2024, so I would say they're just looking for an excuse and that's on them. If they want to start pointing fingers, I think that's irresponsible,' Locke said, noting the board seems to be 'playing the blame game.' The Surrey Police Service is denying that it ever agreed to a two-year timeline. 'Since Surrey Police Service became police of jurisdiction on Nov. 29, 2024, SPS has said that the transition will take approximately three years. That would take the timeline to 2027,' media relations officer Sgt. Tige Pollock said in a statement on Friday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Pollock added that the SPS never asked the province to extend the stay of RCMP in Surrey. B.C.'s Public Safety Ministry confirmed the agreement between the province and the federal government to complete the transition is Nov. 29, 2026. While no official request has been made to extend the RCMP stay in Surrey for an extra year, the ministry said that all parties, including the SPS and the city, are 'aware of the potential need' to keep the federal police force longer than planned. Brenda Locke said: The premier (David Eby) and ministers have always said this will not cost the City of Surrey taxpayers, so we will hold them to that.' Photo by B.C. Government A more reasonable explanation for the delay in meeting the target is the lack of spots available at the Justice Institute of B.C. for police training, Locke said. Less than 50 spots a year are provided for Surrey officers to train at the school, resulting in a waiting list, she said, adding that the province needs to increase the budget for the 'desperately' underfunded institute. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. How much it will cost to keep the RCMP around for an extra year is not yet known. That depends on how many Mounties will be needed in 2027, the mayor said. The city hasn't heard back from the province since Locke's June 19 letter expressing concern about the extension, city manager Rob Costanzo said Friday. 'There is something I have relief on,' Locke said. 'The premier (David Eby) and ministers have always said this will not cost the City of Surrey taxpayers, so we will hold them to that.' In July 2024, the city and the province agreed to a commitment from the B.C. government to provide up to $250 million to Surrey, $100 million more than originally offered. The city would get this at $30 million a year until 2029 and an extra $20 million per year from 2029 to 2034 if salary costs for the SPS exceed what it would be had the RCMP remained to prevent residents from footing the bill. When the police of jurisdiction changed from the RCMP to a municipal force, the SPS had 431 officers, which was below the city's requirement of 785, Costanzo said. While the Surrey police works toward its 860-officer goal — it had 552 as of June 30 — the RCMP remains in parts of Surrey. smoman@ Read More Sports Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Whitecaps News
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rumor: This Agatha All Along Hero Could Return in Avengers: Doomsday
A WandaVision and Agatha All Along character may join the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, according to a new report. The update hints at a surprising return. Recent comments from a longtime associate suggest Joe Locke is involved in a Marvel project. That project is currently filming in London, which aligns with Doomsday's production schedule. Avengers: Doomsday rumored to feature Joe Locke's Wiccan Joe Locke may reprise his role as Billy Maximoff in Avengers: Doomsday. Stage actor Steven Sater recently hinted at Locke's involvement, referring to a Marvel project. During a TikTok live, Sater mentioned that Locke was unavailable during a recent trip to London because 'he's doing a Marvel movie.' While Locke's involvement has not been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, Avengers: Doomsday is the only known Marvel film currently in production in London, unless certain Secret Wars scenes are also being filmed simultaneously. Locke played Wiccan in Agatha All Along (2024). In the series, he gained magical abilities and helped Agatha Harkness battle Death. The story ended with Agatha sacrificing herself and returning as a ghost to assist Billy in finding his brother, Tommy. Marvel is expected to continue that storyline in the upcoming Disney+ series Vision Quest. Locke's potential film appearance could add another layer to his arc. Leaked concept art from early 2025 reportedly showed Locke's Wiccan alongside the Young Avengers. The Russo Brothers denied that the artwork was connected to their version of Avengers: Doomsday. Still, speculation continues that the film may introduce or tease the Young Avengers. Locke himself has commented on his long-term commitment to Marvel, stating he 'signed for [his] whole life' (via The Playlist). Given that Doomsday will feature characters from across the MCU and the X-Men universe, the addition of a magic user like Wiccan could support the expanding team dynamic. Neither Marvel Studios nor Locke has addressed the comments publicly. Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is scheduled to release on December 18, 2026. Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype. The post Rumor: This Agatha All Along Hero Could Return in Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on Mandatory. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Laysla De Oliveira to Star in ‘Cowboy,' the Debut Feature From Midland's Cameron Duddy (Exclusive)
Laysla De Oliveira is slated to co-star in upcoming rodeo flick Cowboy, the directorial debut feature film from Cameron Duddy, bass player for country band Midland, The Hollywood Reporter can reveal. De Oliveira (Lioness, Locke & Key, Guest of Honour) joins a cast that had already included Ben Foster, Rudy Pankow, Gabriel Basso, Midland lead singer Mark Wystrach and retired NFL veteran Taylor Lewan. More from The Hollywood Reporter Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham's Only Studio Album Gets Upcoming Reissue and Digital Release Alicia Keys Officially Launches 'Hell's Kitchen'-Inspired Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation Scooter Braun's Response to Still-Angry Taylor Swift Fans on Catalog Purchase: "They Made the Horrible Miscalculation That I Care" Cowboy follows the story of Foster's Lee 'Babe' Midnight, described as a 'washed-up rodeo legend drifting between small-time shows and shady deals' who ends up becoming a mentor to Pankow's young aspiring rodeo rider Clif Casey. De Oliveira will play Alejandra, Lee's ex-girlfriend and mother to an 11-month-old son. Other than De Oliveira, Cowboy also adds Simon Rex (Red Rocket), Carlos Pratts (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, McFarland, USA) and Cameron Sault in supporting roles, the latter of whom is making his acting debut. Rex will play Lee's former rodeo partner who's now wheel chair-bound following a riding accident, while Pratts will play another successful rodeo rider. Sault will play Steve, 'a rough and rowdy member of the road dogs group Vaqueros Galacticos' who Like Sault himself, is deaf. Sault was discovered through Deafinitely For All Entertainment, a Deaf founded production company focused on highlighting the deaf and hard of hearing community in the entertainment business. Cowboy is the first picture coming out of Paint Horse Pictures, a new banner out of Range Media Partners' Nashville division. Duddy and Midland are management clients at Range's Music division, which also represents artists including Shaboozey, Jack Harlow and Noah Cyrus. When first announcing Cowboy last month, Paint Horse said it is looking to 'produce films deeply rooted in Americana and its pioneering spirit, bringing compelling narratives from the backroads to big screens.' Prior to his feature-length debut, Duddy was also a respected music video director, directing the videos for hits like Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' 'Uptown Funk,' Mars' '24K Magic, Fifth Harmony's 'Worth It' and John Mayer's 'Last Train Home,' among others. Cowboy's screenplay comes from Adair Cole, based on a story Duddy wrote with Midland guitarist Jess Carson. 'This is a personal story for me,' Duddy said in a statement when the film was announced in June. 'It's a film about what it takes to grind it out on the road chasing your dreams, and the emotional and physical toll it takes on all of us, most of all the people we love.' Cowboy's producers include Endgame Entertainment's Lucas Smith, Range executives Matt Graham and William Lowery, Ian Bryce of Ian Bryce Productions and Sydney Allen of Paint Horse. Foster is also executive producing with David Keinath and Jordan Yospe for DFA entertainment. The other executive producers include Brightlight Productions' Shawn Williamson and Endgame's James D. Stern. Range Select is co-representing the film's global film rights alongside UTA's Independent Film Group. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Greatest Needle Drops in Film History The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best Solve the daily Crossword
The Advertiser
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Australia's frustration with motor insurance grows
Australians are fed up with motor vehicle insurance, with complaints about stalled claims surging as parts and labour shortages drag on repair times. Motor insurance was Australia's most maligned financial product in 2024, with total complaints jumping by a third in the year to June 30, 2025, according to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. "A lot of issues there around shortages in both labour and parts are impacting that, but clearly there's a lack of communication and really helping consumers through that period," AFCA chief ombudsman David Locke told AAP. Consumer credit insurance complaints jumped 184 per cent, which included add-on products such as loan termination insurance, tyre insurance, and coverage for missed payments. "Some of this was covered in the banking royal commission years ago, and we're still dealing with some some of these complaints," Mr Locke said. Total insurance complaints surged 17 per cent to more than 34,000, while complaints about financial or investment advice jumped 18 per cent to 4200, after the collapse of several investment funds now under investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. "We've seen examples of advisers recommending products because of financial incentives, particularly around self-managed super funds," Mr Locke said. The authority reported 100,745 complaints in 2024/25, an easing from a record of nearly 105,000 the year before. "This number is still way too high, and financial firms need to do a better job of resolving issues," Mr Locke said. Banking and finance complaints fell nine per cent to roughly 54,600, helped by a near-halving of scam-related complaints on the year before. Superannuation complaints fell by 16 per cent to 6164, as issues around claim handling delays dropped by 39 per cent. "The reduction in superannuation complaints is a positive sign ... but we're still concerned that the top three issues relate to service quality and we urge superannuation funds to improve service standards," Mr Locke said. The authority has received roughly 570,000 complaints since it was established in 2018 following the Royal Commission into Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services, and has since helped consumers secure 1.8 billion in compensation or refunds. Australians are fed up with motor vehicle insurance, with complaints about stalled claims surging as parts and labour shortages drag on repair times. Motor insurance was Australia's most maligned financial product in 2024, with total complaints jumping by a third in the year to June 30, 2025, according to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. "A lot of issues there around shortages in both labour and parts are impacting that, but clearly there's a lack of communication and really helping consumers through that period," AFCA chief ombudsman David Locke told AAP. Consumer credit insurance complaints jumped 184 per cent, which included add-on products such as loan termination insurance, tyre insurance, and coverage for missed payments. "Some of this was covered in the banking royal commission years ago, and we're still dealing with some some of these complaints," Mr Locke said. Total insurance complaints surged 17 per cent to more than 34,000, while complaints about financial or investment advice jumped 18 per cent to 4200, after the collapse of several investment funds now under investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. "We've seen examples of advisers recommending products because of financial incentives, particularly around self-managed super funds," Mr Locke said. The authority reported 100,745 complaints in 2024/25, an easing from a record of nearly 105,000 the year before. "This number is still way too high, and financial firms need to do a better job of resolving issues," Mr Locke said. Banking and finance complaints fell nine per cent to roughly 54,600, helped by a near-halving of scam-related complaints on the year before. Superannuation complaints fell by 16 per cent to 6164, as issues around claim handling delays dropped by 39 per cent. "The reduction in superannuation complaints is a positive sign ... but we're still concerned that the top three issues relate to service quality and we urge superannuation funds to improve service standards," Mr Locke said. The authority has received roughly 570,000 complaints since it was established in 2018 following the Royal Commission into Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services, and has since helped consumers secure 1.8 billion in compensation or refunds. Australians are fed up with motor vehicle insurance, with complaints about stalled claims surging as parts and labour shortages drag on repair times. Motor insurance was Australia's most maligned financial product in 2024, with total complaints jumping by a third in the year to June 30, 2025, according to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. "A lot of issues there around shortages in both labour and parts are impacting that, but clearly there's a lack of communication and really helping consumers through that period," AFCA chief ombudsman David Locke told AAP. Consumer credit insurance complaints jumped 184 per cent, which included add-on products such as loan termination insurance, tyre insurance, and coverage for missed payments. "Some of this was covered in the banking royal commission years ago, and we're still dealing with some some of these complaints," Mr Locke said. Total insurance complaints surged 17 per cent to more than 34,000, while complaints about financial or investment advice jumped 18 per cent to 4200, after the collapse of several investment funds now under investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. "We've seen examples of advisers recommending products because of financial incentives, particularly around self-managed super funds," Mr Locke said. The authority reported 100,745 complaints in 2024/25, an easing from a record of nearly 105,000 the year before. "This number is still way too high, and financial firms need to do a better job of resolving issues," Mr Locke said. Banking and finance complaints fell nine per cent to roughly 54,600, helped by a near-halving of scam-related complaints on the year before. Superannuation complaints fell by 16 per cent to 6164, as issues around claim handling delays dropped by 39 per cent. "The reduction in superannuation complaints is a positive sign ... but we're still concerned that the top three issues relate to service quality and we urge superannuation funds to improve service standards," Mr Locke said. The authority has received roughly 570,000 complaints since it was established in 2018 following the Royal Commission into Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services, and has since helped consumers secure 1.8 billion in compensation or refunds. Australians are fed up with motor vehicle insurance, with complaints about stalled claims surging as parts and labour shortages drag on repair times. Motor insurance was Australia's most maligned financial product in 2024, with total complaints jumping by a third in the year to June 30, 2025, according to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. "A lot of issues there around shortages in both labour and parts are impacting that, but clearly there's a lack of communication and really helping consumers through that period," AFCA chief ombudsman David Locke told AAP. Consumer credit insurance complaints jumped 184 per cent, which included add-on products such as loan termination insurance, tyre insurance, and coverage for missed payments. "Some of this was covered in the banking royal commission years ago, and we're still dealing with some some of these complaints," Mr Locke said. Total insurance complaints surged 17 per cent to more than 34,000, while complaints about financial or investment advice jumped 18 per cent to 4200, after the collapse of several investment funds now under investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. "We've seen examples of advisers recommending products because of financial incentives, particularly around self-managed super funds," Mr Locke said. The authority reported 100,745 complaints in 2024/25, an easing from a record of nearly 105,000 the year before. "This number is still way too high, and financial firms need to do a better job of resolving issues," Mr Locke said. Banking and finance complaints fell nine per cent to roughly 54,600, helped by a near-halving of scam-related complaints on the year before. Superannuation complaints fell by 16 per cent to 6164, as issues around claim handling delays dropped by 39 per cent. "The reduction in superannuation complaints is a positive sign ... but we're still concerned that the top three issues relate to service quality and we urge superannuation funds to improve service standards," Mr Locke said. The authority has received roughly 570,000 complaints since it was established in 2018 following the Royal Commission into Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services, and has since helped consumers secure 1.8 billion in compensation or refunds.
