Latest news with #TimReid
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Factbox-What are the 'less lethal' weapons used by law enforcement in Los Angeles protests?
By Tim Reid WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Law enforcement officials in Los Angeles began deploying "less lethal" munitions on Sunday as they clashed with crowds protesting federal immigration raids. "Less lethal" or "less-than-lethal" weapons are designed to cause pain and discomfort, normally to disperse hostile crowds, but have caused serious injury and death in the past. Here is a list of the less lethal weapons that have been deployed in Los Angeles in recent days, according to Reuters witnesses and the Los Angeles Police Department. SPONGE ROUNDS Media outlets, and a reporter hit in the leg by a projectile on Sunday, have said LAPD officers have been firing rubber bullets, a metal casing covered in rubber. In fact, the LAPD do not use rubber bullets, the department told Reuters. Instead, the LAPD uses foam rounds, a condensed sponge projectile that resembles a hard Nerf ball. One version, which has a plastic body with a hard foam nose, is fired from a 40mm launcher and usually aimed directly at a target. A second version, fired from a 37mm launcher, disperses five foam baton rounds toward the ground in front of a hostile crowd once an unlawful assembly has been declared, before bouncing up into the crowd. It is not to be fired directly at individuals, the LAPD said. Both are designed to cause pain on impact without penetrating the skin. Police are forbidden from aiming sponge rounds at the head, neck, groin, and spine. BEAN BAG ROUNDS Bean bag rounds are normally 37mm cloth bags filled with 1.4 oz of lead or rubber pellets. They are fired from shotguns and spread out as they fly toward the intended target. They are designed not to penetrate the skin but to cause an impact hard enough to render a target temporarily immobile. FLASH BANGS Flash bangs, otherwise known as "distraction devices" or "noise flash diversionary devices," produce an ear-piercing bang and bright light to disorient targets by temporarily disrupting their sight and hearing. They are often used to target protesters who have become violent in a section of a crowd, and also to allow police to enter a section of a crowd to extract offenders. One type of flash bang device that has been used in Los Angeles is the 40mm aerial flash bang. These are launched into the air and ignite above the heads of protesters. TEAR GAS Tear gas, one of the most common riot control tools, is designed to temporarily incapacitate people by causing excessive irritation to the eyes, nose, lungs, and skin. It can cause temporary blindness, streaming eyes and nose, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Tear gas canisters usually contain CS gas, a chemical compound, or OC gas, which stands for oleoresin capsicum, the active ingredient in pepper spray. PEPPER SPRAY Pepper spray, which has similar impacts as tear gas, is sprayed from a handheld canister and is often used when police come into close quarters with rioters or are engaged in hand-to-hand encounters. It mainly irritates the eyes, causing temporary blindness. PEPPER BALLS Pepper balls mirror the effects of pepper spray, but are delivered in a projectile similar to a paintball. On impact, it bursts open, releasing powdered OC into the air. Police often do not fire pepper balls directly at a person, but at street signs, onto buildings or into the ground to cause them to burst open. BATON Known as the oldest less lethal weapon, the baton has been used for crowd control for decades. Police officers have been using batons to push and strike protesters in recent days.
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
REAL names Rick Bennett new president, CEO
Regina Exhibition Association Limited has named Rick Bennett its new president and CEO. (Photo courtesy: REAL) The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) has named Rick Bennett its new president and CEO. Bennett comes to REAL with over 20 years of international executive experience in hospitality, sports, tourism, and venue operations. 'Rick brings a powerful combination of global experience and people-first leadership,' said Jaime Boldt, chair of the REAL Board of Directors. 'He's the right leader to guide REAL through this next phase of growth, bringing stability, energy, and long-term focus. 'REAL is more than a venue operator; it's a driver of Regina's economic and cultural life. Rick's appointment signals a renewed commitment to delivering value for residents, partners, and the broader community,' Boldt added. The organization made the announcement following a stretch of interim and temporary leaders since the departure of former CEO Tim Reid in early 2024. Bennett replaces Trent Fraser, who stepped into the Interim CEO Role in April.
Morocco World
16-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UK Seeks to Boost Cooperation with World-Cup Co-Host Morocco to Unlock Business Opportunities
Rabat – Morocco's 2030 World Cup co-hosting rights are contributing to the country's position as a leader at many levels, including business and trade. The UK announced this week its interest in unlocking business opportunities through boosting ties and cooperation with Morocco, which was confirmed as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup along with Spain and Portugal. Earlier this week, UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson answered an MP's question on the country's steps to strengthen trade ties with Morocco, stressing that the Department for Business and Trade is 'committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco.' This effort comes in line with the UK-Morocco Association Agreement the two countries signed in 2019 post-Brexit. 'Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,' the minister stated, stressing the importance of Morocco as a co-host of the World Cup. 'An example of the opportunities for further UK-Morocco business partnerships comes with Morocco co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, where opportunities are emerging for British businesses,' she concluded. In a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF) Tim Reid expressed his country's determination to seize the World Cup opportunity and the projects it brings to the country. 'In Morocco, we are focusing on World Cup-related projects as we are keen to be part of this exciting adventure,' he noted, outlining the agency's £5 billion commitment to Moroccan projects, positioning the kingdom as a strategic launching point for British commercial interests throughout Africa. He stressed how UKEF is determined to contribute to Morocco's projects, whether infrastructure or energy plans. 'Whether you are a government official considering a new infrastructure project or a private company with ambition in energy efficiency, we can help. In return, we ask for a commitment to sourcing at least 20% of the contract value from the UK,' Reid told MWN. In October 2024, a UK delegation visited Morocco to explore the country's World Cup preparatory campaign as well as to discuss ways to boost ties with the North African country at all levels. The delegation included 12 British companies, interested in Morocco's projects related to the global tournament. Tags: UK and Moroccoworld cup 2030
Top Gear
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Sunderland's gigafactory has been given a £1 billion boost
Business The funding will support 1,000 jobs, building batteries for 100,000 EVs a year Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Off the back of a reduced tariff negotiation with the US comes more good news for the UK car industry. This time, in the form of cash money investment – to the tune of £1 billion – into AESC's Sunderland-based gigafactory. The electrifying move is set to support a 1,000-strong workforce manufacturing batteries to go into up to 100,000 electric cars annually, and erm, actually get the thing (pictured) under final construction. Advertisement - Page continues below The gigafactory is expected to be operational later this year and will have a capacity of 12 gigawatt-hours (GWh). That whopping finance pot is a cumulative value from banks including Standard Chartered, HSBC and SMBC, plus more equity directly from Japanese battery manufacturer AESC. You might like Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: 'This investment follows hot on the heels of the landmark economic deal with the US which will save thousands of jobs in the industry. 'This investment in Sunderland will not only further innovation and accelerate our move to more sustainable transport, but it will also deliver much-needed high quality, well-paid jobs to the North East, putting more money in people's pockets.' Advertisement - Page continues below Tim Reid, boss of the UK's Export Finance (the country's export credit agency) added: "This hugely exciting project is a prime example of how export financing is a powerful tool for unlocking growth opportunities for British exporters and strengthening local economies. "We're proud to join forces with partners to back this pioneering gigafactory that will help cement the UK's prowess as an EV battery-making force for years to come." Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Morocco World
02-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UKEF CEO Tim Reid: Morocco Serves as Strategic Gateway to African Markets
Doha – British export credit is making inroads across North Africa with an ambitious financing package, as Morocco accelerates preparations for major sporting events and a wider continental expansion. From transformative rail projects and airport upgrades to new sports infrastructure, renewable energy, and green hydrogen initiatives, the country's booming development pipeline is drawing heightened interest from global financiers. Tim Reid, Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF), recently conducted an official visit to Morocco in April. During his trip, the second to the country, Reid met with government officials and private sector leaders, seeking to identify new avenues for collaboration and investment. Granting an exclusive interview to Morocco World News (MWN), Reid outlined the agency's £5 billion commitment to Moroccan projects, positioning the kingdom as a strategic launching point for British commercial interests throughout Africa. This substantial financial envelope was announced in late 2022. It provides support for both public and private sector initiatives across the country. 'Whether you are a government official considering a new infrastructure project or a private company with ambition in energy efficiency, we can help. In return we ask for a commitment to sourcing at least 20% of the contract value from the UK,' Reid stated. The British export credit agency has pinpointed World Cup-related developments as a key focus area. This interest aligns with Morocco's massive $23 billion investment program triggered by the upcoming global sporting events. 'Typically, the kind of things we help with concern infrastructure like rail and roads, or energy such as new renewable projects,' Reid conveyed. 'In Morocco, we are focusing on World Cup related projects as we are keen to be part of this exciting adventure,' he noted, referring to Morocco's preparations to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Continental ambitions accelerate through Moroccan partnership Reid remarked that UKEF views Morocco not only as an important market in itself but also as a strategic entry point to broader African opportunities. 'Morocco is important to us for its own potential but also a gateway to Africa. Many Moroccan companies and banks have presence across the African continent which will allow UKEF to support further opportunities in African countries,' he explained. The agency has established a robust presence across Africa with country heads based in six countries: Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa. With over 100 years of experience, it operates as the world's leading export credit agency. According to Reid, UKEF currently maintains a total exposure of £10 billion in Africa, providing approximately £1 billion annually to support various projects across the continent. François Pannetier, Regional Head for Africa, accompanied Reid during his Moroccan tour, indicating UKEF's serious commitment to expanding its African portfolio. The visit follows a prior stop in Egypt. 'Africa represents 1/3 of UKEF's global pipeline,' Reid disclosed, revealing the continent's strategic importance to British export finance operations. Reid acknowledged that while UKEF has not yet finalized any transactions with Moroccan companies, the agency remains engaged in 'productive discussions with Moroccan companies regarding a diverse range of sectors in the country and beyond, especially in West Africa.' Sustainable development at the center As part of his visit, Reid met with various stakeholders, including the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Benguerir, where discussions centered on energy and sustainability projects. He also held talks with Brahim Benmoussa, Secretary General of Morocco's Ministry of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies, exploring collaborative opportunities both within Morocco and across Africa. UKEF's approach remains 'sector agnostic,' open to supporting projects in all sectors except fossil fuels, while maintaining flexibility regarding UK content requirements with the condition of utilizing the UK supply chain. The agency is particularly interested in sectors including renewable energy, water infrastructure, transportation, and digital transformation—areas that match Morocco's national development priorities. The growing economic relationship follows the UK-Morocco Association Agreement that came into force three years ago, which has helped boost bilateral trade to its highest level of £3.8 billion (approximately 46 billion MAD). Beyond the financial side, the Xlinks project represents another cornerstone of the Rabat-London partnership, aiming to deliver Moroccan solar and wind power to Britain through what would become the world's longest undersea cable. With a $29.9 billion total investment, it plans to establish 11.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in Morocco's Guelmim Oued Noun region, connected via a 4,000-kilometer undersea cable to southwest England. On the ground, UKEF operations in Morocco are coordinated by Country Head Meriem Bennani, who focuses on identifying viable opportunities and building relationships with key stakeholders. Reid stressed that potential partners don't need to present perfect proposals, just viable projects and a willingness to discuss how British suppliers could provide support. Read also: Morocco's Southern Provinces: 'A New Green Growth Corridor to the UK' Tags: Morocco UK relationsTim ReidUK Export Finance
