Latest news with #Training
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Protesters line highway in Florida Everglades to oppose ‘Alligator Alcatraz'
A coalition of groups including environmental activists and Native Americans advocating for their ancestral homelands converged outside an airstrip in the Florida Everglades on Saturday to protest the imminent construction of an immigrant detention center. Hundreds of protesters lined part of U.S. Highway 41 that slices through the marshy Everglades — also known as Tamiami Trail — as dump trucks hauling materials lumbered into the airfield. Cars passing by honked in support as protesters waved signs calling for the protection of the expansive preserve that is home to a few Native tribes and several endangered animal species. Christopher McVoy, an ecologist, said he saw a steady stream of trucks entering the site while he protested for hours. Environmental degradation was a big reason why he came out Saturday. But as a south Florida city commissioner, he said concerns over immigration raids in his city also fueled his opposition. 'People I know are in tears, and I wasn't far from it,' he said. Florida officials have forged ahead over the last week in constructing the compound dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz' within the Everglades' humid swamplands. The government fast-tracked the project under emergency powers from an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis that addresses what he casts as a crisis of illegal immigration. That order lets the state sidestep certain purchasing laws and is why construction has continued despite objections from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and local activists. The facility will have temporary structures such as heavy-duty tents and trailers to house detained immigrants. The state estimates that by early July, it will have 5,000 immigration detention beds in operation. The compound's proponents have said its location in the Florida wetlands — teeming with alligators, invasive Burmese pythons and other reptiles — makes it an ideal spot for immigration detention. 'Clearly, from a security perspective, if someone escapes, you know, there's a lot of alligators,' DeSantis said Wednesday. 'No one's going anywhere.' Under DeSantis, Florida has made an aggressive push for immigration enforcement and has been supportive of the federal government's broader crackdown on illegal immigration. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has backed Alligator Alcatraz, which Secretary Kristi Noem said will be partly funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Native American leaders in the region have seen the construction as an encroachment onto their sacred homelands, which prompted Saturday's protest. In Big Cypress National Preserve, where the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport is located, 15 traditional Miccosukee and Seminole villages remain, as well as ceremonial and burial grounds and other gathering sites. Others have raised human rights concerns over what they condemn as the inhumane housing of immigrants. Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans. 'The Everglades is a vast, interconnected system of waterways and wetlands, and what happens in one area can have damaging impacts downstream,' Friends of the Everglades executive director Eve Samples said. 'So it's really important that we have a clear sense of any wetland impacts happening in the site.' Bryan Griffin, a DeSantis spokesperson, said Friday in response to the litigation that the facility was a 'necessary staging operation for mass deportations located at a preexisting airport that will have no impact on the surrounding environment.' Until the site undergoes a comprehensive environmental review and public comment is sought, the environmental groups say construction should pause. The facility's speedy establishment is 'damning evidence' that state and federal agencies hope it will be 'too late' to reverse their actions if they are ordered by a court to do so, said Elise Bennett, a Center for Biological Diversity senior attorney working on the case. The potential environmental hazards also bleed into other aspects of Everglades life, including a robust tourism industry where hikers walk trails and explore the marshes on airboats, said Floridians for Public Lands founder Jessica Namath, who attended the protest. To place an immigration detention center there makes the area unwelcoming to visitors and feeds into the misconception that the space is in 'the middle of nowhere,' she said. 'Everybody out here sees the exhaust fumes, sees the oil slicks on the road, you know, they hear the sound and the noise pollution. You can imagine what it looks like at nighttime, and we're in an international dark sky area,' Namath said. 'It's very frustrating because, again, there's such disconnect for politicians.' Seminera writes for the Associated Press.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MoU signed for fire testing and training centre at IIT-P
Patna: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday between the Building Construction Department (BCD) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P) for establishing the 'Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research'. Kumar Ravi, BCD's Secretary, presided over the ceremony. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 17.36 crore. The exchange of MoU took place between chief engineer (design) Reza Waris Warsi and IIT-Patna's director T N Singh. Engineers and other officials from the department were present at the ceremony. The proposed facility will support the selection of modern fire safety equipment for current and future projects of the BCD, evaluate material fire resistance, analyse post-fire structural damage, implement retrofitting solutions, and investigate fire propagation patterns. Addressing the event, Ravi emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing fire safety at govt buildings. He noted that the upgraded institute, unique in the North Eastern region, will benefit from IIT's expert guidance for secure building construction. "The Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research will be situated within IIT Patna's premises, marking it as one of the few such facilities nationwide. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo The department will construct the necessary infrastructure, while IIT Patna has provided the laboratory space without charge," he said. He indicated that the BCD would cover all operational costs, including human resources, training, equipment maintenance, and repairs for the initial five-year period. "IIT Patna will contribute through expertise, faculty support, and technical guidance in research activities," the Secretary added. Officials said the centre will also provide engineer training in fire safety and engineering, rescue protocols, post-fire damage assessment, strengthening techniques, and protective measures during fire incidents. The facility will study fire effects on building structural components, fire spread behaviour in multi-storey buildings, and assess the fire resistance of local construction materials. Patna: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday between the Building Construction Department (BCD) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P) for establishing the 'Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research'. Kumar Ravi, BCD's Secretary, presided over the ceremony. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 17.36 crore. The exchange of MoU took place between chief engineer (design) Reza Waris Warsi and IIT-Patna's director T N Singh. Engineers and other officials from the department were present at the ceremony. The proposed facility will support the selection of modern fire safety equipment for current and future projects of the BCD, evaluate material fire resistance, analyse post-fire structural damage, implement retrofitting solutions, and investigate fire propagation patterns. Addressing the event, Ravi emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing fire safety at govt buildings. He noted that the upgraded institute, unique in the North Eastern region, will benefit from IIT's expert guidance for secure building construction. "The Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research will be situated within IIT Patna's premises, marking it as one of the few such facilities nationwide. The department will construct the necessary infrastructure, while IIT Patna has provided the laboratory space without charge," he said. He indicated that the BCD would cover all operational costs, including human resources, training, equipment maintenance, and repairs for the initial five-year period. "IIT Patna will contribute through expertise, faculty support, and technical guidance in research activities," the Secretary added. Officials said the centre will also provide engineer training in fire safety and engineering, rescue protocols, post-fire damage assessment, strengthening techniques, and protective measures during fire incidents. The facility will study fire effects on building structural components, fire spread behaviour in multi-storey buildings, and assess the fire resistance of local construction materials.
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Can't wake at 4 am, used to sleeping till 8: UP cop's bizarre resignation letter
Days after receiving his appointment letter from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a newly recruited constable in Uttar Pradesh decided he had enough of police life and wanted to resign. The reason? He couldn't wake up at 4 am for training as he was accustomed to sleeping until 8 the fifth day of his training, the constable, accompanied by his father, marched into the Superintendent of Police (SP) office in Deoria to put in his papers. At the office, he requested a meeting with SP Vikrant asked about the reason, the constable candidly told the SP's public relations officer (PRO) Dr Mahendra Kumar, that he was not used to waking up early in the morning. The recruit said he had a habit of sleeping till 8 am, and the rigorous training throughout the day was proving to be too difficult for him.'HOLDS DEGREE, WANTS TO BECOME TEACHER' His father said his son, who holds a degree, wanted to become a teacher and is used to studying all day. He said the physical rigours of police training did not excite him following a counselling session by Dr Mahendra, the young recruit eventually had a change of PRO underlined that such teething problems in training sessions were natural and things would gradually become a long discussion, the constable decided not to proceed with his resignation and left the office without meeting the Uttar Pradesh Police constable recruitment process was completed earlier this month. Training has begun across the June 15, Union Home Minister Amit Shah distributed appointment letters to the newly selected constables in Lucknow in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Deoria, the new recruits are undergoing a Joint Training Course (JTC). After completing one month of training, they will be sent to other centres for a nine-month advanced training session, following which they will be given official postings.- EndsMust Watch
Extra.ie
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Everything you need to know ahead of Dua Lipa's Aviva show
Dua Lipa is bringing her Radical Optimism tour to Dublin, as she plays a sold-out show in the Aviva Stadium. The English/Albanian singer will be heading to the Aviva on Friday (June 27) to kick off a huge weekend of concerts at the stadium, with over 50,000 people expected to attend. Dua Lipa will be playing the Aviva Stadium this Friday (June 27). Pic: Ian West/PA Wire Dua Lipa plays the Aviva Stadium on Friday, June 27, with supporting acts Dove Cameron and Alessi Rose. Doors to the show open at 5pm, with the support acts set to come on from around 6pm. The DART will be the easiest way to get to the Aviva, with a stop just minutes from the stadium. Pic: Sam Boal / There are several ways to get to the Aviva Stadium for the gig, with organisers saying that traffic and parking delays are inevitable — meaning that it's important that you plan accordingly. DART: The DART is the easiest way to get straight to the Aviva, with Landsdowne Road train station being less than a minute's walk from the stadium's southern end. Large crowds will be expected, though, so plan accordingly. There are also extra DART services running on the night of the show. LUAS: The LUAS is another way to get there, with the green line serving south Dublin. However, it's a tidy step from most of the stops on the green line. Speaking from experience, you'll get there in about 30-40 minutes if you get off at Charlemont, so it's best to bring the walking shoes if you're heading via LUAS. BUS: The following Dublin Bus routes will be operating a full service near the Aviva stadium: 4, 7, 7a, 39a, 145 and 155. CAR: If you really want to drive, there will be no car parking at the stadium for security reasons. There are car parks around the city, such as Q-Park, but spaces will be limited. Dua will be performing from her new album as well as the classics. Pic: David Fisher/Shutterstock Going off her previous tracks on earlier shows, this is Dua Lipa's expected setlist (SPOILERS!) Training Season End of an Era One Kiss Break My Heart Whatcha Doing Levitating These Walls Maria Illusion Pretty Please Electricity Hallucinate Physical Falling Forever Love Again Be The One Happy For You Anything For Love Encore: New Rules Dance the Night Don't Start Now Houdini Security wise, under 16s must be accompanied by adults over the age of 25. Standing tickets are available to those aged 14 or over, but if you're under 16 you must be accompanied by an adult. Bags bigger than A4 in size will not be permitted, while banned items include umbrellas, large-lens professional cameras, flagpoles, selfie sticks, sticks for banners, anything that could be used as a weapon, bottles, glass vessels, cans, flasks, frisbees, illegal substances, scooters, skateboards or other skates, laser devices, prams or pushchairs, inflatable or folding chairs, suitcases, laptops, illegal merchandise, hampers and cool boxes, air horns, and all animals except service dogs and guide dogs. As for the weather, Met Éireann have said that it will be damp and rather unseasonably windy, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle possibly heavy at times in the west and north. Drier and brighter intervals will increase towards the evening, with highest temperatures of 17C to 20C.
Zawya
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Al Jabr Trading Company supports hands-on EV training at Wadi Al-Dawasir Technical Institute
Dammam, Saudi Arabia — As part of its ongoing commitment to technical education and social responsibility, Al Jabr Trading Company provided a new JMEV GSE electric vehicle from JMC to the Secondary Industrial Institute in Wadi Al-Dawasir. This contribution supports the institute's 'Electric Vehicle Training' initiative launched by its Department of Engines and Vehicles. The four-day training program included specialized workshops and intensive hands-on sessions covering EV components, operating mechanisms, routine maintenance, safety systems, and advanced technologies. Trainees conducted direct technical inspections on the vehicle, gaining practical skills that prepare them for the job market. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goal to promote sustainable, eco-friendly transportation and empower national talent to keep pace with the latest automotive technologies, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. The JMEV GSE model stands out as one of JMC's top electric vehicles, combining modern design, efficient electric performance, and high reliability. It features a robust lithium battery with a 500Km range, fast-charging capabilities, smart interior systems, and advanced safety features — making it ideal for applied training environments. In recognition of Al Jabr's efforts, Eng. Mousa bin Abdulqader Al-Safran, representative of the institute, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Jabr, Vice President of Al Jabr Trading Company. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Al Jabr said: "We take pride in our collaboration with national educational institutions and believe in supporting programs that enhance students' skills and prepare them for the evolving automotive sector — especially as the world and Saudi Arabia transition towards electric vehicles. We will continue working to expand the availability of EVs in the Kingdom as part of our strategic plan to provide sustainable, future-ready transport solutions.'
