Latest news with #Basham
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Gang Patch Ban: 6052 charges laid, 132 patches seized, 426 gang warrants executed in six months
– Undertaken 426 searches of gang targets (Warrant: 175; Warrantless: 251) – Seized 89 firearms from gang members. - Seized 637 insignia items (including 132 patches). Police Minister Mark Mitchell praised the work, saying the legislation was working. 'Police around the country have done an outstanding job at enforcing the new gang laws,' Mitchell told the Herald. Police Minister Mark Mitchell during his walkabout with a police beat section in Wellington. 'It's proved to be an exceptional tool for police to roll over the top of gangs, and take back control of our streets. 'No longer do we see gang patches in public causing fear and intimidating law-abiding Kiwis, compliance remains high, and gang members have been sent a very clear message that police control the streets, not the gangs.' Basham, who heads police investigations agreed with his minister. 'To be fair to the gangs, we asked them to use good judgment if not, there would be consequences,' Basham said. Police conducted more than 500 meetings with gang leaders and communities prior to the legislation coming into force in late November. Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham. 'And for the most part they have complied with the legislation. 'There are some gang members that have been convicted and a few of those charges are being defended. 'But the convictions and prosecutions are just one measure. The success is what we are observing in communities, that that fear and intimidation from gangs has significantly reduced over the past six months. 'To me, that's the most obvious key to the success.' Black Power life member Denis O'Reilly. Photo / Paul Taylor Black Power life member Denis O'Reilly said gangs had been compliant. 'I was half expecting a big blow up but gang leadership has been intelligent enough and the police have done a great job by rallying those gang leaders to comply,' O'Reilly said. 'I was in Auckland for a Black Power league match and there was no visible gang insignia – not even T-shirts. 'Yet when they went back to their clubrooms, they were able to put on their patches.' O'Reilly said while gang friction was always in the wind, because rivals are not running into each other in town, there is less confrontation. 'Because the gangs are not annoying the public, they are not annoying each other as much,' he said. Basham said gang leaders had also been very clear to their members that losing their patches comes 'with consequences of threats of violence to fines'. The Herald has been told loss of a gang patch can cost the gang member up to $5000. Basham said of the 132 gang patches seized, police would ask the court to order the destruction of them if the owners are convicted. What gang tangi looked like before the November 21, 2024 legislation came into force. He said the extra resource given to the police meant they could react and also activate tough and clear responses to gang activity, utilising good gang intelligence. 'There are a number of other tools, like the Firearm Prohibition law, and powers that come that will make it difficult for gangs to operate,' Basham said. 'We know many of the gangs here are involved in organised gang activity. 'One hundred of the 500 extra police were earmarked for the gang units. Seventy-seven have, or will go into the district gang disruption units and 20 in the national gang unit in Wellington. 'You will see more police engagement working with gangs at gang tangi and as we observe high level of compliance, we can refocus our effort on where gangs are involved in violence, firearms and drugs. The real enemy are the cartels. Yes the gangs are involved in the distribution but where's it coming from? Lifetime Black Power member Denis O'Reilly 'Gangs are involved in a large scale in the methamphetamine distribution.' But O'Reilly says it's not solely the gangs that police should be concerned about over the drug trade. 'The real enemy are the cartels. Yes the gangs are involved in the distribution but where's it coming from? Offshore and the border controls are only now starting to see just how much unprecedented meth is coming here via the cartel. 'The real drug enemy is not within but from the outside. It's the foreign players who promise the young guys the earth, but don't explain you can only see it from 6 foot under. 'All police see is this gang mist.' Basham said the police objective was to prevent crime and if needed acts of strength, like they did in Ōpōtiki, would be utilised to support communities. Last October, officers executed 30 search warrants 'targeting identified people believed to be involved in a North Island-wide drug distribution network'. Twenty-eight people were arrested, and illegal drugs and firearms were also seized. Police were criticised by some MPs and also whānau caught up in the raids in the Bay of Plenty town for allegedly being too aggressive. Basham said police made no apologies for wanting to rid communities of violence and drugs. 'Preventing crime and harm is a major part of our focus,' he said. 'Like what has happened in Ōpōtiki, where police have come in and supported communities,' he said. 'We will continue to do that with the enforcement to help communities build resilience to drugs and crime. 'We are a modern policing service and proud how we police in 2025. We are evidence and intelligence led and this last six months and our ability to work in communities, reflects who we are and what's possible. 'We are positive about this legislation and committed.' 'If you look at the purpose of the Act and its intention on having an impact on how gangs operate and fear and intimidation, it's been successful and we have had a lot of feedback from the community and police. 'As an organisation, we want people to not only feel safe but be safe and leading up to the new legislation, we had observed behaviours around gang tangi which caused concerns across New Zealand. 'I think we have seen a significant reduction in that behaviour around those types of gatherings. 'Senior police have said to me they have not seen anything like it to what we were seeing before the legislation to what we are seeing now.' Basham said the anti-gang legislation was 'a tool among a suite of tools' police could use to make an impact on criminal behaviour. He said police also had received some intelligence that the patch ban had 'de-escalated some gang confrontations'. That included police hearing anecdotally that even gang members felt safer. 'I think some gang members themselves feel safer when they go into town to do their groceries, or drop their kids to school,' he said. 'We had a lot of engagement with gangs before this legislation was rolled out and we were clear of what was coming and wanted to be transparent. 'To their credit, many gangs have taken those conversations we had on board. 'It was clear what would happen if they breached the law.' Joseph Los'e is an award-winning journalist and joined NZME in 2022 as Kaupapa Māori Editor. Los'e was a chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News, covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and prior to joining NZME worked for urban Māori organisation Whānau Waipareira. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar Returning In A New Role: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE Tag Team Champion Doug Basham is reportedly expected to return to WWE next month. This time, however, it would be in a special coaching role. reports that the current belief among people at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, is quite strong. They believe Basham will be coming into work as a Guest Coach for the company in June 2025. This latest news supports an earlier report from PWInsider a few weeks ago. That report had first mentioned that such a guest coaching role for Basham had been talked about within WWE circles. Basham is well-remembered by many WWE fans for his time in the company during the early to mid-2000s. He was a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion alongside his storyline brother, Danny Basham, as the successful and often controversial Basham Brothers tag team. Their presentation on WWE SmackDown included a memorable period as part of JBL's "Cabinet" faction. During this time, they adopted a more distinct, S&M-inspired look as "Co-Secretaries of Defense." STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT - JANUARY 28: A WWE logo shines from the WWE world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT - JANUARY 28: A WWE logo shines from the WWE world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and board of directors following allegations of sexual assault in a Connecticut lawsuit. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. More The Basham Brothers were also very prominent figures in WWE's former main developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). In OVW, they honed their skills and held the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions, showing their early promise. As a guest coach at the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center, Basham would likely work closely with current NXT Superstars. He could help them improve a wide range of their abilities. This would probably include focusing on their in-ring technical skills and match psychology. It could also involve helping them develop their characters and better understand the unique demands of television production in WWE. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation His years of experience, especially in tag team wrestling and performing distinct characters on a national stage, would provide a rich source of knowledge. The talent in NXT could learn a lot from his direct experiences in the wrestling business. The addition of guest coaches like Basham is a common practice for WWE. It allows the developmental talent to learn from various veterans with different styles and career paths. This often helps the younger wrestlers gain new perspectives and refine different aspects of their overall performance. WWE fans will be interested to see if the company officially confirms this reported guest coaching stint for Basham. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Sheffield United have worst play-off record in English football history – but Blades cult hero backs them to break curse
SHEFFIELD UNITED legend Chris Basham believes Chris Wilder will break the club's play-off curse and lead them back into the Premier League. Four losses in five games towards the end of the season wrecked the Blades' chances of going up automatically as Leeds and Burnley took the top two spots. 5 Sheffield United lost the play-off semi-final in 2022 to Nottingham Forest on penalties Credit: Getty 5 Kenny Miller celebrates scoring for Wolves in the 2003 Division One play-off final - one of FOUR Blades play-off final defeats Credit: Getty 5 Kyle Walker was part of the United team that lost the 2009 Championship play-off final to Burnley Credit: Getty 5 Blades legend Chris Basham has backed his old side to triumph this time Credit: Getty NINE play-offs, either in League One or the Championship, and lost the lot — the worst record of any team in EFL history. Only Huddersfield, Brentford and Preston (ten) have played more but they have all tasted success at least once. The Blades have also reached four finals and failed to score in any. They face READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But Basham, 36, said: 'Records are there to be broken and if anyone can do that it's Chris and this group. 'The manager has set some records already this season. 'Wilder has broken records here before, whether it is winning streaks or leading us to ninth in the Premier League, our highest finish. So he'll not be daunted, neither will the team. 'They have had a great season when you consider this is very much a new team. He's gone about his business well and the fans love him. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'They just had that crazy week where they lost three matches. But they now have a great opportunity in the play-offs.' Wilder agrees and is adamant history counts for nothing. Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clash He said: 'There's negativity in football right the way through, isn't there? In everything, whatever club you're at. "So everybody has to deal with that, but there's no negativity in this group. 'I'd rather be sat on the beach having achieved something, but I had a taste of it in 2010 and people always talk about it being the best way to go up 'But we've got two unbelievably tough games before we can even start to think about that. 'I've got too much respect for the game and the opposition to think that this is going to be straightforward, because it isn't. 'We've got to deal with two difficult games against a talented group of players who we've seen here at Bramall Lane, and played two tight games against this season. And I am expecting this to be no different over the next four or five days. 'We're going there to try and get a win and if they need a win coming up the road, then they'll be trying to do that as well. There'll be no negative approach. 'We believe we can compete with any team in the division, and our away record has been outstanding.' 5 Basham had a fantastic Blades career, making 394 appearances, before his career was ended when he dislocated an ankle at Fulham in 2023. During that decade he won promotion to the Championship and twice to the Premier League. Basham's testimonial was at Bramall Lane on Sunday between a Blades legends team and Sky Sports select side. Proceeds went to Weston Park as part of the charity's attempts to secure a breakthrough MRI simulator cancer scanning machine. The former defender admitted: 'It was an awful injury and such a shame to have my career ended like that." BRISTOL CITY v SHEFFIELD UNITED VERDICT JUSTIN ALLEN'S guide to the Championship semi-final... United have had a good season. They finished the season averaging two points per game — before their points deduction — but have missed out to Leeds and Burnley, who both amassed ONE HUNDRED! BLADES fans were gutted not to get promoted automatically after they lost four of their last six games — crucially three in a row to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth. I always fear for a club that misses out on automatic promotion but they have had the time to mentally reset. They are up against a Bristol City side that just about clung on to their play-off spot after just one win in their last five games. Sheff U won 2-1 in October at Ashton Gate but the Robins were brilliant in the March return, although they needed a late leveller. The Blades should edge this over two legs. A big performance from Championship player-of-the-season Gus Hamer will be needed — but City carry a threat through Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti. (First leg, Thursday May 8, 8pm; second leg Monday, May 12, 8pm)
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former U.S. Customs Chief Endorses CustomsTrace AI™ as Critical to National and Economic Security
ScanTech AI's New Platform is Being Designed to Address Critical Vulnerabilities in National Security Infrastructure Atlanta, GA, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ScanTech AI Systems Inc. (the "Company" or "ScanTech AI") (Nasdaq: STAI), a global innovator in non-intrusive, fixed-gantry CT (Computed Tomography) screening technologies, announced that the development of its groundbreaking CustomsTrace AI™ platform has been endorsed by former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Ralph Basham as critical to both national and economic security. Basham, who also previously served as Director of the U.S. Secret Service, stated, 'As the former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I can attest that this technology could be a vital tool in safeguarding our nation from a wide range of threats and vulnerabilities—whether related to terrorism or our capacity to identify and assess tariffs, which are critical to our economic security.' This powerful endorsement comes on the heels of ScanTech AI unveiling the development of CustomsTrace AI™, a pioneering application being engineered on over a decade of technological advancement, poised to redefine customs intelligence, compliance, and supply chain transparency. The platform's sophisticated commercial goods validation system is purpose-built to address urgent and emerging trade compliance challenges. Advanced capabilities will be designed to validate commercial goods against their respective tariff and harmonization codes, in an effort to adhere to the President's updated tariff policies and enhance visibility into potential risks. Beyond protecting economic interests, CustomsTrace AI™ is also designed to support national security objectives by identifying illicit contraband shipments that might otherwise slip through traditional screening methods. ScanTech AI expects to release the product in Q3/Q4 of 2025. Key differentiators of the CustomsTrace AI™ system include: Advanced Imaging Technology: Utilizing ScanTech AI's patented gantry architecture, CustomsTrace AI™ is expected to offer rapid and precise product recognition without disrupting trade flow. Cost Efficiency: Automated validation of harmonization codes and tariffs is anticipated to reduce manual processing time, leading to quicker clearance, reduced demurrage fees, and lower warehousing costs. AI-Powered Accuracy: Highly refined algorithms are anticipated to deliver industry-leading detection and classification capabilities, outperforming legacy systems currently reliant on outdated methods like canine detection. ScanTech AI has strategically assembled a world-class leadership team and Technical Advisory Committee to support the launch and long-term growth of the CustomsTrace AI™ platform. Our Chief Science Officer, Dr. Alfred Forbes, will oversee the final phase of technical refinement. ScanTech AI has assembled a dynamic business development team and an impressive, high-caliber Technical Advisory Committee and Board of Directors to guide market adoption. This powerhouse team includes nationally recognized leaders in customs, border protection, and logistics: Ralph Basham – Former Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Robert Perez – Former Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mike McGarrity – Former Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division, FBI Bill Aldridge – Former Division President, Cargo Services Group; Founder, US Consolidated Limited (acquired by DHL) About ScanTech AI ScanTech AI Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: STAI) has developed one of the world's most advanced non-intrusive 'fixed-gantry' CT screening technologies. Utilizing proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, ScanTech AI's state-of-the-art scanners accurately and quickly detect hazardous materials and contraband. Engineered to automatically locate, discriminate, and identify threat materials and items of interest, ScanTech AI's solutions are designed for use in airports, seaports, borders, embassies, corporate headquarters, government and commercial buildings, factories, processing plants, and other facilities where security is a priority. For more information, visit and Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'), and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ('Exchange Act'), including statements regarding ScanTech AI's management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects or strategies regarding the future, including development of the CustomsTrace AI™ platform and any subsequent future effects or events if that platform is successfully developed, possible business combinations, revenue growth and financial performance, product expansion and services. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Additionally, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'may,' 'will,' 'could,' 'would,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'ongoing,' 'target,' 'seek' or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations and beliefs made by the management of ScanTech AI, in light of their respective experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and their potential effect on ScanTech AI, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting ScanTech AI will be those that it has anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the parties) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including product and service acceptance, regulatory oversights, research and development success, and that ScanTech AI will have sufficient capital to operate as anticipated. Should one or more of these risks of uncertainties materialize, or should any of the assumptions of ScanTech AI prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed under the heading 'Risk Factors' and in other sections of the filings of ScanTech AI (and its predecessor, Mars) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), and in the current and periodic reports filed or furnished by ScanTech AI (and its predecessor, Mars) from time to time with the SEC. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, based on the information available to ScanTech AI as of the date hereof, and ScanTech AI assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may otherwise be required under applicable securities laws. Contact:ScanTech AI Systems White, CFOjwhite@ Investor & Media Relations Contact:International Elite Capital Zhang +1(646) 866-7928 annabelle@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Analysts See Profit Pressure For Williams-Sonoma In 2025, But Brand Strength Remains Intact
Analysts revised the price forecast for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) following fourth-quarter results reported on Wednesday. The company reported revenue grrowth of 8% year over year to $2.46 billion, beating the consensus of $2.35 billion. Adjusted earnings per share of $3.28 came above the analyst consensus of $2.93. For 2025, Williams-Sonoma net revenue is expected to range from -1.5% to +1.5%, comps from flat to +3.0%, and operating margin between 17.4% and 17.8%, including a 20bps impact from the prior year's extra week. Wedbush analyst Seth Basham maintained a Neutral rating and lowered the price forecast from $190 to $170. The analyst writes that the company's FY25 operating margin guidance was disappointing due to tariff headwinds. Basham notes that investors had anticipated tariff pressures, but the biggest disappointment was the extent of the headwind. Nevertheless, the company has demonstrated strong management of its variable cost structure and has consistently achieved incremental savings in sourcing and supply chain, even after annualizing significant tailwinds, thus reducing margin downside risk, adds the analyst. Basham expressed his disappointment that the company reiterated its medium-term operating margin guidance (mid-high teens) due to the tariff uncertainty. Also, Telsey Advisory analyst Cristina Fernandez retained an Outperform rating and cut the price forecast from $230 to $220. The analyst says that the results showcased the strength of its brands and diverse product offerings, driving a 3.1% comp growth. This positive momentum appears to continue into the first quarter, with April being a key month due to the Easter calendar shift, adds the analyst. Fernandez writes that while the 2025 operating margin guidance was slightly below expectations, it accounts for all known tariffs and still reflects strong profitability compared to peers. Moreover, Morgan Stanley analyst Simeon Gutman maintained Williams-Sonoma with an Equal-Weight rating and cut the price forecast from $195 to $185. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF (NASDAQ:SMCF) and Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (NYSE:XMHQ). Price Action: WSM shares are down 0.24% at $165.87 at the last check Thursday. Read Next:Image via Shutterstock. Date Firm Action From To Mar 2022 Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight Feb 2022 Gordon Haskett Upgrades Hold Accumulate Jan 2022 RBC Capital Upgrades Sector Perform Outperform View More Analyst Ratings for WSM View the Latest Analyst Ratings Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Analysts See Profit Pressure For Williams-Sonoma In 2025, But Brand Strength Remains Intact originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
