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Black America Web
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Ras Baraka Attends Status Conference For Newark Trespassing Case
Source: Andrew Burton / Getty Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is standing firm in the face of allegations that he forcibly trespassed into Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in New Jersey's largest city, on May 9. Following his status conference on Thursday, Baraka addressed a crowd of supporters outside the federal courthouse, speaking with passion and conviction. He vowed to fight the accusations that he and several members of Congress 'stormed' the facility last week. 'We did not violate any laws. We stood up for the Constitution of this country, the Constitution of the state of New Jersey. And we stood up for the local laws that were put together by the people of this city and by the people of this state,' said Mayor Baraka, as seen in a video shared by Frontlines. 'We cannot arrest people simply because they disagree with us. We cannot target people because their political views are separate from ours. We cannot subjugate people, take their pictures, mugshots, and fingerprints because we believe they're opposed to our positions,' Baraka added, according to the New Jersey Globe. 'That, ladies and gentlemen, is authoritarianism.' During Thursday morning's meeting, attorneys for Baraka and federal prosecutors agreed on a tentative timeline for the case, aiming for a mid-July trial date, according to the New Jersey Globe . Outside the courthouse, the 55-year-old Democrat told supporters he believes he's being targeted by the Trump administration due to his outspoken opposition to both the recently reopened immigration detention center in Newark and the administration's hardline immigration policies. Despite the charges, Baraka maintains he did not trespass. One day before his hearing, the mayor released video footage of the incident in question. The clip shows Baraka speaking briefly with a security guard outside the fenced entrance of Delaney Hall. After the brief exchange, the guard opens the gate, allowing Baraka to enter the premises without resistance. This reportedly happened moments before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents confronted and arrested him. 'This is the moment I was invited into Delaney Hall. Nobody was kicking or shoving like the coverage suggests. We were invited in,' Baraka—who is running in the June 10 primary for New Jersey governor—captioned his video post Thursday. Per the arrest followed several days of city officials, including Baraka, attempting to serve the GEO Group—the company that owns the immigration detention facility—with violation notices for allegedly refusing to cooperate with local code enforcement. Baraka first visited the facility early Friday morning around 7 a.m. with a city fire official to deliver the summonses. They accused the company— which is contracted by ICE—of operating the 1,000-bed facility in violation of city codes, including denying inspectors access and lacking an evacuation plan. Later that day, Baraka returned to the site to join three members of New Jersey's congressional delegation—Reps. Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman—who were conducting an oversight visit. According to the report, ICE security allowed Baraka and the city's attorney past the gate while the congressional members were already inside, as seen in the mayor's video. However, footage released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not capture this initial interaction. Last Friday, DHS officials claimed that Baraka, protesters, and several members of Congress, 'stormed' the facility in what it described as a 'bizarre political stunt.' Footage released by the department captured Baraka entering the gated area of Delaney Hall, separating the facility from a nearby parking lot where demonstrators had gathered. In the video, Baraka is seen speaking with security personnel who inform him that, unlike the congressional delegation, he is not authorized to enter the building and must leave the area or face arrest. Baraka and an aide then step back outside the gate at 2:39 p.m., greeted by applause and supporters shouting, 'Thank you, mayor.' Rep. Watson Coleman, still inside, tells him, 'We will be your eyes and ears.' Roughly four minutes later, body camera footage shows ICE agents rushing from the parking lot and arresting Baraka. The congressional representatives follow the agents as demonstrators and a city aide attempt to shield the mayor. One protester is seen falling to the ground after an ICE officer tries to pull her away. Amid the ensuing chaos, Baraka was separated from the crowd, handcuffed, and taken by two officers back into the gated area. He was later charged with trespassing, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail. According to the Associated Press , on Tuesday, Baraka briefly returned to the gates of Delaney Hall following Friday's arrest. But it's unclear why he returned. SEE ALSO: Queen Latifah Breaks Ground On Newark-Based Development Project It's A New Day: Ras Baraka Wins Newark Mayoral Race SEE ALSO Ras Baraka Attends Status Conference For Newark Trespassing Case was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Tahawul Tech
15-05-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
'In an industry where everyone agrees that survival depends on technology, the time to act is now.' – Maggie Slowik, IFS
Maggie Slowik and Andrew Burton, Global Industry Directors at IFS, have co-authored a compelling op-ed that examines why enterprises need to navigate the challenges of the current industry climate by utilising AI, sustainability, and innovation. Global industries are at a pivotal juncture. Rapid technological advancements, climate change, and intensifying cybersecurity threats demand urgent, strategic solutions. While many manufacturers recognize the transformative potential of technologies like Industrial AI, decision paralysis and reluctance to disrupt existing systems are holding many back. Manufacturers face a variety of pressures in a rapidly shifting landscape. In a study* of manufacturers from around the world, IFS found the top three challenges were technological advancements, cybersecurity threats, and climate change. These issues pose substantial risks, from operational disruptions caused by cyberattacks to supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate events like floods and droughts. Cybersecurity threats rank as a top concern for over a quarter of manufacturers, and for good reason. Interconnected systems and reliance on digital tools increase vulnerability to attacks. Companies are investing in secure technologies like cloud computing, which most manufacturing executives are prioritizing as the cornerstone of their digital transformation efforts. The other major challenge is how much climate change poses as an existential risk to certain industries. For example, food and beverage manufacturers face challenges as traditional crop-growing methods become less viable. To combat these risks, manufacturers are prioritizing operational resilience and investing in entering new markets to diversify and reduce dependencies. The pace of technological change has left two thirds of manufacturers categorised as digital laggards, reliant on outdated tools and processes. Yet, most executives believe that their companies would not survive more than three years without investing in new technologies. Where to start remains an issue for most manufacturers. Indecision has meant progress has been slow. We call this 'option paralysis', where everything is important and nothing is important. But change is coming and we will see manufacturers make strategic technology decisions and start to move forward at pace. Here is an outline of what we see taking place: The Role of Industrial AI in Driving Transformation While AI has been around for a few years, adoption has been slower than expected. Barriers including poor data quality, unclear benefits, and regulatory compliance concerns have held manufacturers back from embracing it. However, for companies that have overcome these obstacles, the benefits have been profound. Manufacturers that are pioneering the way forward by embracing Industrial AI gain real, tangible business improvements and competitive advantage. Manufacturers report that Industrial AI delivers significant improvements across production optimization, energy management, predictive maintenance, demand planning, customer service, and product design. Early use cases have found manufacturers driving a 50% boost in agility, a 44% rise in operational efficiency, and enhanced data-driven decision-making. An IFS industrial manufacturing customers recently said: 'AI and robotics can significantly expedite product development by shortening design iteration time, reducing prototyping efforts, and improving safety science. This allows manufacturers to bring products to market faster and stay competitive.' While early adopters are pulling away from those that are yet to fully embrace AI, we expect to see by 2030 AI fully integrated into core manufacturing systems like ERP platforms and IoT devices, driving efficiency at every level. Manufacturers must define the value of AI for their organisations and accept that risk is inherent in innovation. Risk has not always been easy, but to remain competitive, they must become less risk averse. GenAI Reshaping the Workforce While Industrial AI is embedding AI into business processes, data and applications, we are also seeing GenAI revolutionize the manufacturing workforce by automating routine tasks and augmenting human capabilities. For example, Gen AI-powered systems transform shopfloor workers by providing them access to data in a way they never had before, leading to quicker decision-making and more efficient operations. Consequently, we expect that over the next three years, GenAI will create a hybrid workforce enabling employees to focus on creativity, problem-solving, and strategic oversight. This will transform talent management. We know that talent retention remains a critical challenge, with a third of C-suite executives citing it as a top concern. We are also the cusp of the Silver Tsunami, where 20% of the workforce retires, leaving a huge skills gap. Couple this with the fact a large proportion of manufacturers report difficulty finding workers with the necessary expertise, particularly as advanced technologies like AI require specialised knowledge, then new approaches and policies are required. To address this, companies are adopting flexible work policies, investing in STEM education, and enhancing employer branding. In the next 2-3 years, many manufacturers plan to invest in digital tools and training programmes to future-proof their workforce. Training programmes will empower employees to collaborate with AI systems, interpret complex data, and leverage AI tools for strategic advantage. This transformation will create a workforce equipped to harness AI's potential while retaining human ingenuity as a cornerstone of the industry. Sustainability and Circularity: The New Imperative Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of industrial strategy. Circularity—designing products for reuse and recycling—is gaining traction as companies strive to minimise waste and comply with stringent regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will play a pivotal role in advancing circularity by providing detailed, blockchain-secured information about the environmental impact of products, their composition, their production and history. From 2027, industrial and electric vehicle batteries will be the first products to have mandatory DPPs. Other product categories, including textiles, are expected to follow by 2030. DPPs will enhance transparency, streamline recycling processes, and align with consumer demands for sustainable goods. AI will also drive sustainability efforts. For instance, AI-powered systems can optimize energy usage and reduce waste during production, helping companies achieve both environmental and cost-saving goals. We expect to see circularity really take off as organisations look to drive their sustainability efforts further and faster, Localised Production and Resilient Supply Chains Global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions from geopolitical instability and extreme weather. As a result, nearly half (49%) of manufacturers are shifting toward a more localized production model. Localized, automated facilities near key markets will allow manufacturers to reduce transportation costs, emissions, and risks associated with long supply chains. These facilities will have to rely on cutting-edge technologies like additive manufacturing and robotics to maintain and improve efficiency while meeting local market demands. A Call to Action towards 2030 We will see the starting gun sound for manufacturers to adapt or risk obsolescence. The age of accelerations and a sense of urgency will drive manufacturers to prioritize digital transformation, AI adoption, and workforce development to gain substantial rewards. In an industry where everyone agrees that survival depends on technology, the time to act is now. By overcoming inertia, aligning strategies, and embracing innovation, manufacturers can turn challenges into opportunities, leading the sector toward a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Painting your patio pink will boost your mood – 4 ways to make your house a feel-good refuge
WHEN it comes to colour, grey is a goner and pink is in. But you don't have to ditch your silver sofa or repaint sensibly-shaded walls. 6 When it comes to colour, grey is a goner and pink is in 6 Dopamine Decor by Kate Rose Morgan, published by Ebury Press at £25 Credit: Penguin Random House Interior stylist Kate Rose Morgan says adding a pop of colour to dull decor can give your pad – and mood – an instant boost. 'It took me a long time to realise that colour and joyful surroundings had a huge impact on my wellbeing, behaviour and mood,' she says. 'It wasn't until I went through some hard times a few years ago that I truly appreciated how much colour did for my heart and soul.' If your home needs an injection of colour, you needn't blow the budget. From a £1 hack to boost your living room to a Extracted from Dopamine Decor by Kate Rose Morgan, published by Ebury Press at £25. © Kate Rose Morgan, Photography by Andrew Burton. £26 PATIO REVAMP A COUPLE of years ago I decided to paint my patio slabs pink. You need masonry paint for this and, just to warn you, painting a patio can be time-consuming – even with a foam roller. Most read in Fabulous 6 A couple of years ago I decided to paint my patio slabs pink Credit: Rustoleum But the results look amazing and it is a lot cheaper than getting a whole new patio laid. Over time, you will need to give it a fresh coat due to wear and tear. Always give the area a good sweep and clean beforehand. I would use a primer on slabs, too. TRY IT: 5L GoodHome Nara smooth matt masonry paint, £26, B&Q The secret feature you can use to stop draughts coming through your patio doors - and it's on some windows too PLANT POWER I THINK it's always a good idea to add some natural elements to my home. I do this to balance the heavy use of colour. 6 I think it's always a good idea to add some natural elements to my home Credit: Asda Don't worry if you are not the green-fingered type. There are lots of artificial plants you can use – you won't be able to tell the difference. Most supermarket flowers are really reasonable and they last. I can promise you, even the simplest of flowers will add colour and warmth to a space. TRY IT: Welcoming bunch of daffodils, Asda, £1 ADD WHITE GOODS WOW I ADDED vinyl wrap to my fridge so the colour matches the rest of my kitchen – fridges are expensive at the best of times, but try finding a coloured fridge on a budget. Vinyl is a cheap and easy way to get that colour match. 6 I added vinyl wrap to my fridge so the colour matches the rest of my kitchen Credit: B&Q Plus it is great for renters, because it is totally removable. When it comes to removing it, use a hairdryer. TRY IT: D-C-Fix matt sage green vinyl self-adhesive film, £8, B&Q CREATE A RAINBOW NOT only are sun catchers so wonderfully pretty to look at but they do their job . . . they capture rays of light that create an array of colours in a room. I have one in my bedroom as well as one in my kitchen. 6 Add rainbow window film to your windows, so when the light hits them the room will have multicoloured effects Credit: Amazon When the sun hits them, it is the most beautiful thing. It's like they add a touch of magic to the room. You can also add rainbow window film to your windows, so when the light hits them the room will have multicoloured effects. Read more on the Irish Sun Gorgeous. TRY IT: 3D rainbow window Film, £6.99, Amazon
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
commercetools Announces Full Agenda for Elevate - The Global Commerce Summit™ 2025
Miami Beach event returns May 20–22nd with powerhouse keynotes, product innovation, and a growing ecosystem of global customers and partners BOSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- commercetools, the most versatile platform for enterprise commerce innovation, today announced the full speaker lineup and agenda for Elevate – The Global Commerce Summit™ , taking place May 20–22, 2025, in Miami Beach, Florida. This year's summit focuses on thriving amidst constant change, spotlighting how industry leaders leverage composable commerce and strategic AI to drive meaningful transformation, improve customer experiences, and unlock growth. Featuring global retailers, visionary manufacturers, healthcare pioneers, and leading tech innovators, this year's program offers practical insights from companies redefining modern commerce. Attendees will hear firsthand from commercetools CEO Andrew Burton, Co-Founder Dirk Hoerig, Chief Product Officer Shiri Mosenzon Erez, Chief Customer Officer Eric Speciel, and CMO Jen Jones, alongside executives from PetSmart, Sephora, Google Cloud, Liverpool, Bausch + Lomb, and more. 'Commerce isn't slowing down, therefore companies must accelerate their ability to innovate while driving greater efficiency,' said Andrew Burton, CEO of commercetools. 'Elevate brings together leaders who are successfully navigating change, purposefully integrating AI, and reshaping their businesses to move faster, scale smarter, reduce costs, and adapt boldly.' Across two days of programming, attending industry leaders, developers, and decision-makers can expect practical conversations and sharp perspectives, hands-on learning, and boundary-pushing ideas. Attendees can expect sharp perspectives on the rise of agentic commerce, the convergence of B2B and B2C, and how enterprises are redesigning their approach to speed, scale, and customer connection. Following last year's sold-out debut, Elevate has quickly become a proving ground for commerce innovation. That spirit continues with the 2025 commercetools Awards, spotlighting the customers and partners setting a new bar for digital transformation, such as accelerating global launches, unifying customer experiences across multi-channel touchpoints, and delivering world-class customer loyalty and engagement programs to boost conversions and revenue. Among this year's customer finalists are organizations redefining what's possible with composable commerce, streamlining complex supply chains, accelerating time to market, and delivering unified, high-impact experiences across channels. This year's nominees include: Team of the Year: BSH, Sephora Best Commerce Transformation in Manufacturing/Distribution: LabelVie, Shamrock Foods Best Commerce Transformation in Retail: L.L. Bean, Destination XL, Pet Valu Fastest Commerce Transformation: FLEETLOOP, LabelVie, Shamrock Foods, Scheels Best Transformation for Unified Commerce: Destination XL, Screwfix From pipeline and delivery excellence to cross-regional collaboration, commercetools will also recognize partners whose work is driving measurable impact across the ecosystem. This year's partner award nominees include: AMER Partner of the Year: Apply Digital, Orium, Valtech APAC Partner of the Year: AKQA, Levo, Royal Cyber EMEA Partner of the Year: IBMiX, IMPACT Commerce, Incentro ISV Partner of the Year: Algolia, Contentful, Stripe Most Impactful Accelerator: Aries Solutions, Lab Digital, Orium Fastest Implementation: Orkester, Royal Cyber, Valtech To view the full agenda or register for Elevate 2025, visit: About commercetools commercetools is the leading enterprise commerce platform built to power innovation and versatility for the world's leading brands. Our composable, cloud-native technology provides the flexibility to design tailored, scalable commerce experiences across any channel, at any scale — whether in stores, on social media, through connected devices, or in augmented reality. By removing the constraints of legacy systems, commercetools enables companies to innovate freely, personalize at scale, and quickly launch new channels to meet the evolving demands of their customers. As trusted partners to brands like Audi, Danone, Eurail, NBCUniversal, and Sephora, commercetools helps its customers set the pace of innovation, deliver exceptional experiences, and achieve sustainable growth. With commercetools, businesses don't just adapt to change — they lead it. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE commercetools
