Latest news with #Westland
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Michigan man convicted of supporting ISIS, possessing destructive device
A Michigan man accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and having a destructive device has been found guilty by a federal jury. Aws Mohammed Naser, 37, formerly of Westland, was convicted Tuesday after a five-week trial. A jury found Naser guilty of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and being a felon in possession of a destructive device. According to evidence presented at his trial, Naser became radicalized and posted "extreme Salafi-Jihadist ideological content" on YouTube, later forming a relationship with Russell Dennison, who officials say was an "aspiring Salafi-Jihadist preacher." The two traveled to Iraq together in early 2012, according to federal attorneys. Naser returned to Michigan in August 2012, while Dennison visited Syria and joined a terrorist organization that officials say was a precursor to ISIS. Naser reportedly made plans to join Dennison and attempted twice to leave the U.S. for Syria. Dennison is believed to have been killed in 2019 while with ISIS. Officials say Naser first attempted to fly to Syria from Detroit Metro Airport in November 2012 but was denied boarding. He later reportedly bought a one-way ticket from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Beirut, Lebanon, in January 2013. Shortly before his flight to Lebanon, Naser allegedly robbed a gas station and then took a bus to Chicago, where he attempted to board a flight with $2,000 but was denied boarding and returned to Michigan. Naser was later charged and convicted of armed robbery and served three years in prison. Following his release from prison and unable to travel to join ISIS, officials say Naser focused on how he could support ISIS from the U.S. Naser reportedly created social media accounts and joined ISIS supporters' private rooms, groups and chatrooms. The groups were by invitation only, and officials say Naser received and viewed official ISIS media reports and publications. Naser allegedly also began experimenting with operating drones and manufacturing explosives. In October 2017, the FBI searched his home and vehicle and reportedly found a "readily assembleable destructive device." "Defendant Aws Mohammed Naser is a bombmaker and self-avowed 'son of the Islamic State' — a vicious foreign terrorist organization hell-bent on murdering Americans and destroying our way of life," said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. "Naser tried to travel and fight for ISIS overseas but was turned away. So, Naser turned his fight inward on America, gathered drones, and built a bomb in his basement. But our office is dedicated to finding and applying the full force of the law against any terrorist, like Naser, plotting to harm Americans." Naser faces up to 20 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and up to 15 years for possessing a destructive device.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Shawn Pugh Spotlighted in Exclusive Interview: 'Showing Up for People, One Step at a Time'
Customer experience leader shares honest lessons on loyalty, leadership, and the quiet power of presence Westland, MI - June 3, 2025 - Customer experience professional and operations expert Shawn Pugh has been featured in a compelling new interview titled Showing Up for People, One Step at a Time. The piece highlights Pugh's humble but powerful approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, loyalty, and consistency over flash or hype. Known for his calm demeanor and hands-on leadership style, Pugh reflects on his early roots in Flat Rock, Michigan, his training as a certified firefighter, and how those experiences shaped his approach to high-stress environments. 'Firefighting teaches you to stay calm when things go sideways,' he shares. 'That helps a lot in business too.' The interview captures Pugh's belief that good leadership doesn't have to be loud. It can be quiet, steady, and grounded in care. 'Whether it's customers or teammates, I try to show up. That's it. Show up and listen,' he says. From early morning routines to handwritten task lists and a firm commitment to listening, Pugh's approach focuses on building trust and creating meaningful connections—both in the workplace and in life. He shares stories of professional missteps, including the moment he lost a valued employee due to a communication gap. Instead of deflecting, he reflects: 'That changed how I lead. Now I make time to listen—no matter how busy things get.' Pugh also discusses the tools that help him stay organized—like Trello—and the habits that keep him centered, such as stepping outside or hitting the golf course when things get overwhelming. 'You can't focus when you're drowning. Sometimes the best thing to do is walk away, breathe, and reset.' Showing Up for People, One Step at a Time paints a picture of a leader who isn't chasing headlines but who is deeply committed to the people around him. Through consistency, compassion, and a grounded sense of purpose, Shawn Pugh reminds us that leadership is not about being in charge—it's about taking care of those in your charge. About Shawn Shawn Pugh is a customer experience manager and operations leader with a background in firefighting and community service. Based in Michigan, he brings a calm, steady approach to high-pressure roles, focusing on loyalty, team development, and personal connection. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and his dogs. To read the full interview, click here. Contact: shawnpugh@ Media Contact Contact Person: Shawn Pugh Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
A cult with cars? I'm inside this automotive clubhouse, soaking up a cool vibe
Tucked neatly behind a series of industrial complexes, studios and garages in Leaside, Toronto, lies RCLUB, a mysterious and somewhat misunderstood automotive social club. Some say their memberships cost upwards of $15,000. Others say it's an exclusive members club only for the fortunate few who own one of the world's great cars. The truth? It's a hub for all who love anything to do with automotive culture, and it provides its members a community to share in their passions. Since its creation in 2019, RCLUB (as in Our Club) has grown and evolved, while still staying true to its roots. Built upon the vision of founder, Adam Westland, to offer a luxury car-sharing platform, the club provided members with the opportunity to borrow high-end cars whenever they pleased. (Westland has a background in IT infrastructure design for hotel chains.) The model has since changed and the members have stayed. The shift in gear from supercar borrowing to automotive social club really started to ramp up over the past six months through the partnership of Nick Cassells, 42, and his wife, Whitney Bloom, 37, as they joined up with Westland. 'Today, the club has really evolved into this large community of auto enthusiasts' says Bloom. 'I think that's what's so great about the community at RCLUB, it's just really inclusive. It's not just a car club; it's a social club.' Now the club screams family and community, almost as loudly as the V10s of the Lamborghinis parked out back roar when they arrive. 'We both have full time jobs. but we are passionate about the RCLUB community and while it's busy with a three-year-old, a nine-month old and a dog), we are dedicated to keeping our unique car culture alive … even if it means stretching the boundaries of time,' says Bloom, who works for Meta. Cassells spent a decade at Labatt, where he learned how to create an atmosphere to make people feel welcomed. He attended culinary school at George Brown. 'Nick is always working to ensure the clubhouse, like his kitchen, is clean and fuelled with good energy,' says Bloom. The injection of Cassells' hospitality expertise invigorated the club. Even with its hidden location, and some confusion surrounding it since its change of direction, the 'exclusive' members car club has managed to grow to become the largest individually held and locally owned one in Canada. I went along to take in the Miami Formula One viewing party to sample the vibe. Some of the cars parked outside diverted partygoers' attention. A trio of Lamborghinis, in particular, caught the eye. I said I'd like to film some rolling footage of the Lamborghini squad. A club member jumped into action and rallied the three owners for a drive. He even hopped in at the wheel of my parents' Honda Fit, so I would be free to capture the moment through my lens as we took over the Bayview extension for a Sunday afternoon drive. It was generous of them to do this for a young photographer and highlights the large heart of this automotive family. I won't dwell on the features of the club: the mechanic bays, car storage, cars to swap and test, SIM racing, live events and discounts on parts and tires. What truly makes this club stand out is the inclusive vibe its members have built. Perhaps a line from the 'Fast & Furious' franchise will capture it best: 'Everyone becomes family. It's like a cult with cars.' — Aimes in 'Fast X.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Westland Insurance unveils essential wildfire guide to prepare for 2025 fire season
New guide offers actionable steps to boost safety and resilience ahead of wildfire threats Surrey, BC/Territories of the Coast Salish (Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen First Nations), May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As we enter the 2025 wildfire season, with multiple wildfires being monitored across the country, Westland Insurance is releasing an essential guide to wildfire preparedness and recovery to educate Canadians to take immediate steps to safeguard their families, car, homes, and businesses, helping them face the season with greater resilience and confidence. The guide provides practical, easy-to-understand advice on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires. It highlights several items for consideration, including: Prevention tips on making homes more fire-resistant by creating a wildfire protection plan, including effective landscaping and securing entry points. Detailed steps for preparing an emergency kit tailored to individual family or business requirements. Suggestions for staying informed with real-time wildfire updates and evacuation notices in each province. AAdvice on actions to take during necessary evacuations and accessing emergency support. Westland Insurance is committed to helping Canadians stay one step ahead this wildfire season. With the release of its wildfire guide, the company is empowering individuals and businesses to take meaningful action before, during, and after a wildfire. Whether it's reviewing insurance coverage, navigating the claims process, or simply knowing where to start, Westland's trusted advisors are available to support local communities in protecting what matters most and rebuilding with confidence. Learn more about wildfire preparedness and explore the full range of comprehensive insurance solutions by visiting - 30 - About Westland Insurance Group Westland Insurance Group is one of the largest and fastest growing insurance brokers in Canada. Trading over $4 billion of premium, Westland continues to expand coast to coast. Westland's brokers provide expertise and advisory-based services across commercial, personal, employee benefits, farm, and specialty insurance segments. The company's mission is to protect individuals, businesses, and communities across Canada with trusted advice and tailored insurance solutions. As a Canadian-based company, Westland is proud to support local communities, Canadian jobs, and a strong economy. For more information, please visit CONTACT: Westland Insurance Group Ltd. mediaenquiry@ in to access your portfolio
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Pre-tax profits down £2m at Co Tyrone horticultural business
Westland Horticulture's results for the year ending September 1 2024 show that the company's turnover remained around £228m between the last two financial years, while costs increased in a number of areas. Westland has been in business since 1990, and the Dungannon-based firm has grown to become one of the UK's largest horticulture businesses. In the last two accounting periods, turnover fell only by a fraction of a percent, going from £228.9m to £228.4m. The strategic report attached to the accounts describes the sales in the period as stable, with growth being a long-term objective. Distribution and administrative costs went up in the same time period, however, by a cumulative total of over £4m. These were offset by a slight drop in cost of sales, as it fell from £166m to £163m. There was positive movement on the company's balance sheet, as cash in bank and at hand went up over by £10m to £43m. The amount of money owed to creditors due within 12 months fell by over £30m to a final figure £56.4m. Employee numbers fell slightly between the two years, with the average monthly number of employees going down from 788 to 764. The costs related to employment remained stable during the same timeframe, from £37.4m to £37.1m. Total directors' remuneration also went up a small amount, from £1.1m to £1.2m. Overall, the company's profit before tax went down slightly in the period, falling from £18.9m earned in 2023, to a total of £16.9m in 2024. In the directors' report, the leaders of the firm say they expect the company to continuing generating cash in the coming accounting period: 'The directors have considered the group and company's financial performance and cash flows for the period to August 31 2026, including modelling sensitivities that consider the risk of reductions in revenues and increased costs due to more adverse trading conditions and inflationary costs. 'These financial forecasts and sensitivities show the group and company are expected to continue to be cash generative taking account of possible changes in trading performance and will continue to operate within their facilities and meet their obligations as they fall due for the period to August 31 2026.'
