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NoneAs the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) aims to be up and running next summer — a year ahead of its initial mid-2026 projection — the new police force is looking to recruit from in-province agencies and beyond. said it “has seen interest from all over the country, including provinces like BC, Alberta, and Manitoba and also from individuals here in Saskatchewan.” By the time the service is up and running, it anticipates there will be drawn “from both inside and from outside the province.” Opposition shadow minister for policing and public safety Nicole Sarauer said this speaks to some of the concerns raised by her party — that the money for the SMS would be better spent shoring up exigent “They are poaching from already existing police forces to fill their allotment of officers,” said Sarauer. “If we’re just shuffling a group of police officers from one type of policing body to another type of policing body in Saskatchewan, it doesn’t actually address the concerns that people have about crime in this province.” Regional locations for the SMS are still up in the air, as is the cost, but the provincial headquarters are already operational in Prince Albert. The NDP estimated that “at least $14 million has been wasted on planning for the Service to date.” Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Tim McLeod presented a different figure in an emailed statement. “Our government has been transparent with costs,” said McLeod. “To date, $5.6 million has been spent in building the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.” The SMS was first announced in 2022 as a means to “enhance law enforcement presence across the province,” stated an SMS news release issued Thursday afternoon. The government previously said the marshals service will have an annual budget of $20 million once operational. The SMS has already hired Chief Marshal Rob Cameron, Deputy Chief Marshal Rich Lowen and Civilian Deputy Chief Thomas Sierzycki, along with two superintendents and three inspectors, according to the release. “As we continue to approach our eventual deployment in Saskatchewan, it’s important to our service that we maintain these positive relationships with other enforcement agencies,” said Cameron in the press release. “We will continue to engage with municipal and First Nations communities and other partners so we can best serve the province.” As for a governing mandate, the SMS will focus on higher crime locations in Saskatchewan. The intention is to “detect, disrupt, and deter” criminal activity,” locate “high-risk and prolific offenders” as well as people with outstanding warrants, offer assistance to exigent police services, and conduct investigations pertaining to farming and agriculture.

Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughingIs Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughing

Bank of America signs again with FIFA for US-hosted Club World Cup that still has no TV deals

Bank of America signs again with FIFA for US-hosted Club World Cup that still has no TV dealsTrump threatens 100 PERCENT tariffs on BRICS countries

Employees’ representatives in the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) , cutting across political boundaries, attacked the EPFO authorities for not implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict on higher pension even after two years. In a detailed note submitted to the meeting of the CBT held here on Saturday (November 30, 2024), the EPFO said it had issued pension payment orders to just 16,282 out of the 17,48,775 subscribers of the Employees Pension Scheme who opted for higher pension. The EPFO told the meeting that it has rejected 2,60,352 applications so far. Trade union representatives R. Karumalaiyan of the CITU and S.Mallesham of the BMS raised the issue in the meeting. Union Labour Minister and CBT Chairman Mansukh Mandaviya asked the officers present to expedite the processing of the applications for higher pensions. He assured the trade union leaders that strict action would be taken against officers who slow down the process. Mr. Karumalaiyan also raised the issue of increasing the minimum PF pension, to which the Minister said the Centre was considering various options on this proposal. The EPFO said in a status note on the implementation of the November 2022 Supreme Court verdict, a copy of which is with The Hindu , said the calculation of pension was being undertaken in the same manner as was done for normal pensioners — those contributing up to the wage ceiling. No change in calculation method The CBT members had questioned the proposal to calculate the pension on a pro rata basis, and argued that such a method would be against the top court verdict. The EPFO said in the note that there is “no separate formula in the EPS 1995 for members who will be eligible for pension on higher wages in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court. Therefore, the same methodology of pro-rata determination of pensionable salary, taking average monthly pay drawn during contributory period of service in the span of 60 months preceding the date of exit from the membership of the pension fund for post September 1, 2014 retirees, will be utilised for calculation of pension on higher wages.” The EPFO said that over ₹1.8 lakh crore was needed to settle 50% of the applications for higher pension. It said that while the actuarial analysis/ study can be completed only after all the applications are finally processed, interim actuarial evaluations will continue for every 50,000 demand letters issued. “Evaluation of sample data of around 38,000 applicants for pension on higher wages shows a deficit of around ₹9,500 crore i.e. approximately ₹25 lakh per person. An initial estimate suggested that approximately a sum of ₹ 1,86,920 crore will be depleted out of the fund on settlement of even as less as 50% of the Joint Options (post 2014 cases) received.” The EPFO said its head office was regularly monitoring the processing of applications for validation of joint options by the field offices. “The field offices have been conducting webinars, video conferences and public outreach programmes to educate the applicants and the employers. So far, more than 3,000 meetings/ webinars have been conducted with the employers. Special help desks have also been set up in all the field offices to assist the applicants,” the EPFO said. Published - November 30, 2024 11:26 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit India / pension and welfare / wage and pension / Delhi

The Danish government has unveiled a significant increase in defence spending for Greenland, shortly after US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the Arctic territory. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that the investment, which amounts to a “double-digit billion” figure in kroner, equates to at least $1.5bn (£1.2bn). Poulsen characterised the timing of the announcement as an “irony of fate,” following Trump’s statement on Monday that the ownership and control of Greenland was an “absolute necessity” for the United States. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, hosts a major US space facility and holds strategic importance for the US due to its location on the most direct route to Europe. The island is also rich in mineral and oil reserves. The planned defence package will fund the purchase of two new inspection ships, two long-range drones, and two additional dog sled teams. It will also support the expansion of staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and the upgrade of one of the island’s three primary civilian airports to accommodate F-35 fighter jets. Poulsen noted that Denmark had not invested sufficiently in the Arctic in recent years, emphasising that the government is now prioritising a stronger presence in the region. While the precise cost of the package has not been disclosed, Danish media estimates place it at around 12-15bn kroner. The announcement comes just a day after Trump reiterated on his Truth Social platform that the United States deems Greenland’s control essential for national security and global freedom. In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede firmly stated, “we are not for sale,” though he welcomed continued cooperation and trade, particularly with neighbouring countries. Analysts suggest that the defence package had been under discussion for some time and should not be seen as a direct reaction to Trump’s remarks. However, they note that Denmark has been slow to expand its military capacity in Greenland, and should it fail to protect the territory’s waters from encroachments by China and Russia, there could be growing US demands for greater control. Army Major Steen Kjaergaard of the Danish Defence Academy speculated that Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland could have influenced Denmark’s decision. He believes that Trump is using the pressure of international demands to encourage Denmark to enhance its Arctic military capabilities without directly taking control of Greenland, which relies heavily on subsidies from Denmark. Trump’s previous suggestion in 2019 to purchase Greenland was met with a strong rejection from local leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who described the proposal as “absurd.” This led to the cancellation of a planned state visit to Denmark. The idea of acquiring Greenland is not new; it was first proposed during President Andrew Johnson’s administration in the 1860s. Follow us on:

Dec. 29—For those whose New Year's resolution is to get in better shape or just do more outdoor activities, the state has the ideal way to ring in the new year. Guided hikes are scheduled on Jan. 1 in Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County and Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County. The guided hikes are part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources First Day Hike initiative of more than 70 guided hikes in 46 state parks and one forest district on New Year's Day. Staff with the DCNR and forest bureau staff, as well as volunteers will lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles. Some hikes can be longer depending on the park and its terrain, the state said. It is recommended that hikers were appropriate clothing and bring water. "First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the year by immersing yourself in Pennsylvania's natural spaces," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. For those wanting to join the Point State Park hike, which will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., meet at the entrance to the Fort Pitt Museum. Details for the hike at Ohiopyle State Park, which will be from 10 a.m. to noon, will be available when hikers register. To register, call the state park office at 724-329-8591. Those joining the guided hike at Laurel Hill State Park near Trent, will be to go a four-mile guided hike from 1 to 3 p.m.,beginning at the visitors center. A 2 1/2 -mile family hike also is planned. For more information, call the park office at 814-352-8649. Guided hikes also are being offered at Cook Forest State Park near Clarion, Moraine State Park near New Castle and Raccoon Creek State Park near Hookstown. For more information on those hikes, visit the DCNR website at pa.gov/agencies/dcnr.html and click on the Find an Event link on the right side of the website. Hikers are invited to share their experience on social media using #FirstDayHikes. First Day Hikes are organized by the National Association of State Park Directors to promote healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks,the DCNR stated. Many of the state parks also have self-guided hikes, story walks, and adventure labs available in all four seasons, DCNR said. Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com . (c)2024 The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) at www.triblive.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Rams' offense is struggling, but the defense has put LA on the brink of an NFC West title LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right when the Los Angeles Rams' offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Greg Beacham, The Associated Press Dec 29, 2024 12:55 PM Dec 29, 2024 1:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts after a defensive stop during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right when the Los Angeles Rams' offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Although the Rams (10-6) are closing in on an NFC West title and another playoff berth with a five-game winning streak, the way they're doing it makes their postseason prospects quite unpredictable. The methodology has been strange, but the results are not: After holding off Arizona 13-9 on Saturday night, Los Angeles has won nine of 11 and is very close to claiming its fourth division title and sixth playoff berth in coach Sean McVay's eight seasons. “I’m proud of this group and the way they battled back,” Matthew Stafford said. “A lot of people doubted us, and a lot of people wrote us off at 1-4. To be able to sit here with our record what it is right now, I feel proud of this group.” The Rams hadn't held three straight opponents to single-digit scoring since 1975, but rookie coordinator Chris Shula's defense has done it with a strong front and a little luck on the back end, including the last-minute interception by Ahkello Witherspoon on a pass that deflected off star Arizona tight end Trey McBride's head at the goal line. Kyler Murray threw it before McBride was probably ready because Shula had called a zero blitz on first down at the Los Angeles 5. “I want to make more plays to make sure they don’t have to do as much as they did (against Arizona), but I’m proud of them,” Stafford said of the Rams' defense. "It’s awesome to watch where they were in training camp to where they are now. Shula is doing a hell of a job. We all knew he would. Those guys are playing hard for him.” But the Rams have scored more than 21 points just once during their five-game winning streak, their longest since their Super Bowl championship season in 2021. They’ve managed only three touchdowns in their last three games while scoring fewer than 20 points each time out, although that stretch includes games played in the rain (San Francisco) and in subfreezing temperatures (New York Jets). Against the Cardinals in Inglewood's ideal weather, the Rams’ offense still produced one TD, a season-worst 12 first downs and only 257 total yards — 139 fewer than Arizona. The running game struggled again, as it often does when all five starting offensive linemen aren't healthy, while the entire roster aside from Puka Nacua combined for just seven receptions for 60 yards — a surprising number for a McVay offense. “I don’t think there’s one thing I can point to,” McVay said Sunday. “I could go on and on about some of the things, starting with me, but then also about our execution in terms of getting connected in the run game, targeting the right way, making sure that the ball is going where it should go, and guys that I know are capable of playing the way that we’ve seen. If they do that, then I know that it’s not as far as sometimes it can feel like. But ultimately, we’ve got to do it.” What's working The young front four remains the strength of the defense. Jared Verse had a tremendous game on the edge against Murray and Arizona's running game, while fellow rookie Braden Fiske and second-year pros Kobie Turner and Byron Young all recorded sacks. What needs help The Rams again failed to establish the running game despite never trailing Arizona. Kyren Williams got his second-fewest carries of the season (13, with just five in the second half), while rookie Blake Corum was barely involved. Los Angeles' 3.9 yards per rush is the second-lowest mark in the NFL even though Williams began Sunday third in the league with 1,299 yards. Stock up Witherspoon not only made the game-saving interception, but the eight-year veteran who went unsigned until September also has seized the starting cornerback job from Cobie Durant, who didn't play on defense against the Cards despite being healthy again. McVay said Witherspoon's play during Durant's brief injury absence resulted in the change. Stock down Cooper Kupp had one catch against Arizona, and he has just 12 receptions in the past five games, matching the least productive five-game stretch of his eight-year career. Stafford has said the Rams need to get their Super Bowl 56 MVP more involved, and Kupp says he's healthy — yet it isn't happening. Injuries McVay believes the Rams stayed healthy outside of a stinger for rookie safety Kam Kinchens, but they felt the absence of RT Rob Havenstein, who injured his shoulder last week during an unpadded practice. Backup Joe Noteboom committed three holding penalties and got beaten repeatedly. Key number 4 — Stafford's consecutive games without taking a sack. That's the longest streak of his 16-year career, yet he has only one 200-yard passing game in that stretch. Next steps The Rams began Sunday preparing as if they'll play the Seahawks (9-7) next Saturday, although the game could happen a day later. McVay won't show his cards, but if the Rams have clinched, they seem likely to rest several regulars for the playoffs. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Greg Beacham, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. scores again as Jaguars beat Titans 20-13 for rare series sweep Dec 29, 2024 1:04 PM Raiders' Brock Bowers breaks 2 records, including Mike Ditka's 1961 rookie tight end mark for yards Dec 29, 2024 12:54 PM Eagles QB Kenny Pickett forced out against Cowboys with injured ribs Dec 29, 2024 12:17 PM