Latest news with #GID
CBS News
07-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Denver's Ballpark General Improvement District hires new leader from Chicago Cubs' Wrigleyville
The Ballpark General Improvement District surrounding Coors Field in Denver began its ambassador program three months ago after businesses and residents chose to tax themselves to fund the GID. Its role is to help make the area safer and cleaner for residents and visitors. Now, the district has a new leader with a new vision. The search for its first executive director was national, but in a sea of more than 350 applicants it was a Ballpark neighborhood resident who got the job. Kate McKenna's first day was Wednesday but is already looking at ways to expand their efforts. Mckenna also lives in the area and has already seen an enormous change over the last three months. "The amount of what I call linger longer; people, positive loitering, the cleanliness, the friendliness, has just been tenfold," said McKenna. Kate McKenna CBS McKenna moved to the area from Chicago a year ago and was excited about the opportunity to lead the improvement efforts as the first executive director. "Strategically, we're looking for clean, green, and safe as our main initiatives. And I would say that my role is going to be pivotal in being the administration behind that, making sure that the promises are met, that the accountability is there, and that we maintain focus while bringing the community together. Really a liaison of sorts." She previously worked with the improvement district surrounding Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play, and will lean on their success as inspiration. Her hope is that more people will be drawn to the area year-round by supporting the neighborhood's culture and business. CBS "We do have that sort of heart and culture here, beyond just the MLB team. I think being able to replicate some of their successes by making sure that we're advocating and patronizing the small businesses before and after and during the games, if you earn a ticket holder, is really what's going to keep us in that forward momentum." The area could get a more colorful makeover in the future. "My personal desire is to paint everything," she said. "It's a very accessible and very positive change for any neighborhood. Even if it's just project-by-project basis, you're going to see a lot of new and exciting things in the area."
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King attends joint security exercise at Special Police Training Centre
His Majesty King Abdullah, Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, attends on Sunday a security exercise conducted jointly by the JAF, the General Intelligence Department, and the Public Security Directorate at the Special Police Training Centre (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, attended a security exercise carried out jointly by JAF, the General Intelligence Department (GID), and the Public Security Directorate (PSD) at the Special Police Training Centre. GID Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, PSD Director Maj. Gen. Obaidallah Maaytah, and Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Assistant for Operations and Training Brig. Gen. Naji Manaseer attended the exercise, according to a Royal Court statement. The exercise included a number of training scenarios, tasks, and security applications carried out by armed forces and security agencies personnel using technology, drones, and robots. His Majesty expressed pride in the advanced skills of the participants in military and security work, in addition to their professionalism and readiness to respond to various developments and challenges.
Jordan Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Lawmakers condemn ‘terror plot', reaffirm Jordan's stability ‘non-negotiable'
Members of the Lower House on Monday stress Jordan's sovereignty and unity, underscoring that the Kingdom is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and a national, Arab, Islamic, and moral legacy (JT file) - 'Jordanian unity woven by sacrifice, not slogans' AMMAN — Members of the Lower House on Monday stressed Jordan's sovereignty and unity, underscoring that the Kingdom is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and a national, Arab, Islamic, and moral legacy. In a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by members of the government team, MPs delivered firm messages in support of national unity and the Hashemite leadership, emphasising that Jordan's stability is non-negotiable, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 'Jordan is not a playground for the reckless or the lawless,' the lawmakers said, warning against any attempt to undermine the country's security or disrupt its social fabric. They also asserted that Jordanian unity is not rooted in slogans but in 'the sacrifices of martyrs, the dedication of soldiers, the dreams of mothers, and the struggles of fathers.' 'Anyone who thinks they can tamper with our national security is delusional,' they said. 'Jordanians, of all origins and backgrounds, stand united behind their Hashemite leadership.' The session included a screening of video excerpts from speeches by His Majesty King Abdullah, which highlighted national principles and warned against individuals 'taking orders from abroad'. The footage also paid tribute to the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) and Jordan's security agencies. MPs expressed their full support for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein, and the Kingdom's security agencies, particularly praising the General Intelligence Directorate for its role in thwarting a 'cowardly' terrorist plot aimed at destabilising the country and threatening civil peace, according to Petra. The remarks followed the recent announcement by the General Intelligence Department (GID), which revealed that it had foiled a series of coordinated plots targeting Jordan's national security. The GID said that 16 suspects were arrested after close surveillance since 2021, involving attempts to manufacture rockets and drones, stockpile explosives and firearms, and recruit operatives for militant activities both locally and abroad. At the time, Minister of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani described the efforts as part of four major security cases, all of which have been referred to the State Security Court. Among the most alarming discoveries were covert facilities in Amman and Zarqa used to assemble rockets and drones with external support. One suspect was found hiding a Katyusha rocket in a residential area near the capital. Authorities also uncovered plans to store high-grade explosives such as TNT, C4 and SEMTEX-H. Investigations revealed that the suspects were affiliated with an unlicensed political organisation dissolved under Jordanian law. 'This was a deliberate attempt to undermine Jordanian sovereignty,' Momani said, emphasising that the plots had no justification and were rooted in ideological extremism. A televised report, including confessions and footage from the investigation, was later broadcast to inform the public. The lawmakers also issued a strong condemnation of what they described as attempts to hijack the Palestinian cause for subversive agendas. 'True resistance does not mean dragging Jordan into chaos,' they said. They also warned against populist tactics aimed at stirring unrest and manipulating public opinion, calling such efforts irresponsible and damaging to the national interest. MPs demanded the disclosure of any foreign affiliations of political parties and called for the strict enforcement of the Political Parties Law and the Anti-Terrorism Law. They urged legal action against anyone found to have participated in, supported, justified, or facilitated the foiled terrorist plot. They also stressed the importance of enforcing Article 127 of the Constitution, which confines the use of armed force to state institutions and prohibits the creation of any paramilitary groups outside that framework. Lawmakers also called on political parties to pledge full loyalty to the Hashemite monarchy and Jordanian identity, insisting that all party funding, both financial and intellectual, must be free from foreign influence or interference. Condemning the terrorist plot as 'a crime against national security,' they said Jordan's peace must be safeguarded at all costs. 'Loyalty to the leadership is the foundation of stability,' they noted, citing Islamic teachings that promote unity, prevent division and protect nations. They added that ensuring national security is a shared responsibility between the state and its citizens. Lawmakers also said that the suspects behind the foiled terrorist plot were affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, citing confessions made by the accused. They described such actions as a betrayal of the nation, aimed at targeting young minds, distorting Jordan's identity, and destabilising the country. 'This land is no place for mercenaries or chaos,' they declared. 'It belongs to those who have kept their oath and never betrayed the flag.'
Jordan Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Lawmakers condemn terror plot, reaffirm loyalty to Hashemite leadership
Members of the Lower House on Monday stress Jordan's sovereignty and unity, underscoring that the Kingdom is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and a national, Arab, Islamic, and moral legacy (JT file) 'Jordanian unity woven by sacrifice, not slogans' AMMAN — Members of the Lower House on Monday stressed Jordan's sovereignty and unity, underscoring that the Kingdom is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and a national, Arab, Islamic, and moral legacy. In a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by members of the government team, MPs delivered firm messages in support of national unity and the Hashemite leadership, emphasising that Jordan's stability is non-negotiable. 'Jordan is not a playground for the reckless or the lawless,' the lawmakers declared, warning against any attempt to undermine the country's security or disrupt its social fabric. They also asserted that Jordanian unity is not rooted in slogans but in 'the sacrifices of martyrs, the dedication of soldiers, the dreams of mothers, and the struggles of fathers.' 'Anyone who thinks they can tamper with our national security is delusional,' they said. 'Jordanians, of all origins and backgrounds, stand united behind their Hashemite leadership.' The session included a screening of video excerpts from speeches by His Majesty King Abdullah, which highlighted national principles and warned against individuals 'taking orders from abroad'. The footage also paid tribute to the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) and Jordan's security agencies. MPs expressed their full support for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein, and the Kingdom's security agencies, particularly praising the General Intelligence Directorate for its role in thwarting a 'cowardly' terrorist plot aimed at destabilising the country and threatening civil peace. The remarks followed the recent announcement by the General Intelligence Department (GID), which revealed that it had foiled a series of coordinated plots targeting Jordan's national security. The GID said that 16 suspects were arrested after close surveillance since 2021, involving attempts to manufacture rockets and drones, stockpile explosives and firearms, and recruit operatives for militant activities both locally and abroad. At the time, Minister of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani described the efforts as part of four major security cases, all of which have been referred to the State Security Court. Among the most alarming discoveries were covert facilities in Amman and Zarqa used to assemble rockets and drones with external support. One suspect was found hiding a Katyusha rocket in a residential area near the capital. Authorities also uncovered plans to store high-grade explosives such as TNT, C4 and SEMTEX-H. Investigations revealed that the suspects were affiliated with an unlicensed political organisation dissolved under Jordanian law. 'This was a deliberate attempt to undermine Jordanian sovereignty,' Momani said, emphasising that the plots had no justification and were rooted in ideological extremism. A televised report, including confessions and footage from the investigation, was later broadcast to inform the public. The lawmakers also issued a strong condemnation of what they described as attempts to hijack the Palestinian cause for subversive agendas. 'True resistance does not mean dragging Jordan into chaos,' they said. They also warned against populist tactics aimed at stirring unrest and manipulating public opinion, calling such efforts irresponsible and damaging to the national interest. MPs demanded the disclosure of any foreign affiliations of political parties and called for the strict enforcement of the Political Parties Law and the Anti-Terrorism Law. They urged legal action against anyone found to have participated in, supported, justified, or facilitated the foiled terrorist plot. They also stressed the importance of enforcing Article 127 of the Constitution, which confines the use of armed force to state institutions and prohibits the creation of any paramilitary groups outside that framework. Lawmakers also called on political parties to pledge full loyalty to the Hashemite monarchy and Jordanian identity, insisting that all party funding, both financial and intellectual, must be free from foreign influence or interference. Condemning the terrorist plot as 'a crime against national security,' they said Jordan's peace must be safeguarded at all costs. 'Loyalty to the leadership is the foundation of stability,' they noted, citing Islamic teachings that promote unity, prevent division and protect nations. They added that ensuring national security is a shared responsibility between the state and its citizens. Lawmakers also said that the suspects behind the foiled terrorist plot were affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, citing confessions made by the accused. They described such actions as a betrayal of the nation, aimed at targeting young minds, distorting Jordan's identity, and destabilising the country. 'This land is no place for mercenaries or chaos,' they declared. 'It belongs to those who have kept their oath and never betrayed the flag.'
Jordan Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Silent sentinels: Knights of truth
At the heart of the turbulent Middle East, where complex political and security threads intertwine, Jordan stands tall thanks to its well-established national institutions that defend its borders and safeguard its stability. At the forefront of these institutions, the General Intelligence Department stands out as a fortress and protective barrier, whose members silently and selflessly write the most remarkable stories of sacrifice and dedication for the sake of the nation's security and the safety of its citizens. This vital role is clearly demonstrated in thwarting attempts targeting Jordan's security and stability, including resolutely confronting groups seeking to threaten the country's integrity through illegal activities. The arrest of cells planning to manufacture aircraft and missiles within Jordanian territory is conclusive evidence of the vigilance of the security services and their high intelligence capabilities in detecting malicious intentions and thwarting them in the bud. These preemptive operations reflect the General Intelligence Department's commitment to protecting Jordan from any potential threats and ensuring it remains a safe and stable oasis in the face of regional and international challenges. These achievements reinforce confidence in Jordan's ability to safeguard its security and protect its citizens from anyone who would dare to tamper with its security and stability. This vital role is clearly demonstrated in thwarting attempts targeting Jordan's security and stability, including resolutely confronting groups seeking to threaten the country's safety through illegal activities. The arrest of cells planning to manufacture aircraft and missiles within Jordanian territory is conclusive evidence of the vigilance of the security services and their high intelligence capabilities to detect malicious intentions and thwart them in their infancy. These preemptive operations reflect the General Intelligence Department's commitment to protecting Jordan from any potential threats and ensuring it remains a safe and stable oasis in the face of regional and international challenges. These achievements reinforce confidence in Jordan's ability to safeguard its security and protect its citizens from anyone who would dare to tamper with its security and stability. Discussing the General Intelligence Department (GID) is not merely a review of the role of a security agency; it is a tribute to the men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting Jordan from all threats, both domestic and foreign. They are the silent knights of truth who work behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, leaving their clear mark in preserving security and stability and facing challenges with professionalism and competence. The GID was founded on solid foundations of loyalty and belonging to the nation and the Hashemite leadership. It has evolved over the decades to keep pace with the latest technologies and methods in intelligence work. This venerable institution has built a distinguished international reputation thanks to the competence of its staff, its ability to accurately analyse information, and its ability to anticipate events before they occur. The pivotal role played by the GID in preserving national security is undeniable. In the face of growing regional challenges and cross-border terrorist threats, this department has demonstrated its superior ability to uncover criminal and terrorist plots and thwart them in their infancy. The strenuous efforts of its members in gathering and analyzing information, and coordinating with other security agencies, represent the first line of defence for the nation and its citizens. The role of the General Intelligence Department extends beyond security to encompass other vital aspects of the Kingdom's stability and prosperity. It plays a significant role in supporting economic and social development efforts by providing the intelligence information necessary for sound decision-making. It also contributes to strengthening Jordan's regional and international standing through its close relationships with counterpart intelligence agencies around the world. What distinguishes the Jordanian General Intelligence Department is its high professionalism and commitment to the ethics of intelligence work. Its members are subject to the highest standards of training and qualification, possess superior analytical skills and the ability to work under pressure. They are also committed to the law and respect for human rights, and are aware of the responsibility they bear in preserving the nation's security and the safety of its citizens. Praising the role of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department is not just a national duty; it is an acknowledgment of the tremendous efforts made by these unknown soldiers for the sake of the nation's progress and pride. They are truly the knights of truth, working silently and with dedication, making sacrifices so that Jordan remains an oasis of security and stability in a turbulent environment. We also extend our respect and appreciation to our valiant armed forces and our vigilant security services, the protectors of the homeland. We are proud of you, and with your efforts we feel secure. In every arena and field, you prove that you are Jordan's protective shield, the eyes that never sleep, protecting its pure soil and the safety of its citizens. Your sacrifices are a beacon illuminating the paths of pride and dignity, and your loyalty to the homeland and the Hashemite leadership is the pulse of our hearts. With your steadfastness and determination, Jordan remains proud and impervious to all challenges. You are the knights of truth who defend the homeland and, with your blood and sacrifices, create a new dawn of security and stability. May your arms be blessed, and may God protect and care for you, heroes. You are the pride of Jordan and the symbol of its strength and resilience. Finally, we can only extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all members of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department, its leadership, officers, and individuals, for their sincere efforts and dedication to serving the nation. They are truly the watchful eye that guards Jordan, the trustworthy hand that protects its gains, and a symbol of silent giving that deserves our utmost respect and appreciation. May God protect Jordan, its leadership and people, and protect the knights of truth in the General Intelligence Department. Hasan Dajah is professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Page 2
