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Federal Agencies Ordered to End Initiatives That Support ‘Gender Ideology’
The Trump administration has ordered agencies to shut down programs, grants and other initiatives that “promote or reflect gender ideology,” and that employees who work on them be placed on administrative leave, in the latest action to execute the president’s charge to root out “woke” ideology from the federal government.
In a memo from the Office of Personnel Management on Wednesday, agency heads were instructed to take sweeping actions stemming from an executive order that President Trump signed on Jan. 20 aimed at “defending women from gender ideology extremism” and “restoring biological truth to the federal government.”
The order required, among other provisions, that the federal government recognize only two sexes — male and female — and effectively eliminated any rights and recognition afforded to transgender Americans and others who don’t identify as the sex they were assigned at birth.
Among the directives in the new guidance were for agencies to review all programming, grants, contracts and other initiatives that “inculcate gender ideology” by Friday, and inform employees who work on such initiatives that they would be placed on administrative leave effectively immediately.
The memo also instructed agencies to remove all public-facing media that promoted their work on “gender ideology,” suspend employee resource groups and review their email systems to turn off features that prompt users to identify their pronouns. It mandated a review of all agency forms and communications that require an employee to identify a gender to ensure that only “male” or “female” could be chosen, and to replace any references to “gender” with “sex.”
The order instructed agencies to ensure that “intimate spaces” are “designated by biological sex and not gender identity.” The directive appeared to settle the case of whether, at least in the federal government, transgender Americans can use bathrooms, locker rooms and other spaces in accordance with their gender identity — an issue that has been the subject of debate and legal challenges for several years.
According to the executive order, “gender ideology” was defined as “the biological category of sex with an ever-shifting concept of self-assessed gender identity, permitting the false claim that males can identify as and thus become women and vice versa, and requiring all institutions of society to regard this false claim as true.”
The memo is the latest action the administration has taken to eradicate federal recognition of the rights of groups of Americans whom conservatives have argued infringe on the rights of others. It also fulfills Mr. Trump’s promise to restore “common sense” and halt efforts to “socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.”
Last week, the personnel office sent similar guidance related to programs that promoted diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, resulting in the mass shut down of programs and imminent layoffs of employees tasked with any work related to reducing systemic barriers to opportunity for women; Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American people; and people with disabilities.
In a recent directive, federal agencies have been ordered to halt all initiatives that promote or support what the administration refers to as “gender ideology.” This move has sparked controversy and debate among advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and those who believe in gender equality.The directive, issued by the White House, instructs agencies to review and end any programs, policies, or regulations that are based on the concept of gender as a social construct rather than a biological fact. This includes initiatives that aim to promote gender diversity, inclusivity, and equality in the workplace, education, healthcare, and other areas.
Critics of the directive argue that it is a step backward in the fight for equal rights for transgender and non-binary individuals, and could have harmful consequences for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. They point out that gender identity is a fundamental aspect of a person’s identity and should be respected and protected.
Supporters of the directive, on the other hand, believe that it is necessary to uphold traditional values and protect the integrity of biological sex. They argue that gender ideology is a threat to societal norms and could have negative effects on children and families.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of gender ideology is a divisive and complex one. It remains to be seen how federal agencies will respond to the directive and what impact it will have on efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity.
Tags:
- Federal agencies
- Gender ideology
- Government initiatives
- Gender politics
- Equality in government
- Gender identity
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Federal policy changes
- Gender equality initiatives
- Social justice movements
#Federal #Agencies #Ordered #Initiatives #Support #Gender #Ideology
Federal Agencies Ordered to Remove Pronouns from Email Signatures, What To Know
Federal employees across multiple agencies have been ordered to remove pronouns from their email signatures, marking the latest rollback of diversity initiatives under the Trump administration. Internal memos reveal a sweeping mandate tied to executive orders aimed at curbing DEI policies in government.
Employees across multiple federal agencies were directed to remove pronouns from their email signatures by Friday afternoon, according to internal memos obtained by ABC News. The mandate aligns with two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, which aimed to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.
Advertisement · Scroll to continueCDC Employees Given Deadline to Comply
A memo issued Friday morning by Jason Bonander, Chief Information Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), instructed staff to modify their email signatures by 5 p.m. ET the same day.
Advertisement · Scroll to continue“Pronouns and any other information not permitted in the policy must be removed from CDC/ATSDR employee signatures by 5 p.m. ET on Friday,” the message stated. “Staff are being asked to alter signature blocks by 5 p.m. ET today (Friday, January 31, 2025) to follow the revised policy.”
Similar Directives Across Federal Departments
The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a similar order to employees on Thursday, the same day the agency was dealing with the aftermath of the plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
According to sources familiar with the situation, employees were instructed to remove pronouns from all official communications, including government grant applications and email signatures.
The Department of Energy (DOE) also issued a comparable notice on Thursday. Employees were informed that the change was necessary to comply with Trump’s executive order, which called for the elimination of DEI-related “language in Federal discourse, communications, and publications.”
Extent of Policy Implementation Unclear
It remains uncertain whether employees in other federal agencies received similar instructions. Spokespeople for the DOT, DOE, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and CDC did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
The directive is the latest action in the Trump administration’s broader efforts to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives within federal institutions.
Trump’s Executive Orders and Their Impact
On January 30, 2025, Trump signed two executive orders aimed at ending what his administration described as “radical and wasteful DEI programs.” The orders sought to reinforce “biological truth” in federal policies and practices. These orders were explicitly referenced in the memos sent to agency employees on Friday.
The internal communications also included guidelines on how employees should modify their email signatures in accordance with the new policy.
Employee Reactions to the Directive
While federal employees are expected to comply, at least one longtime civil servant expressed frustration with the directive.
“In my decade-plus years at CDC, I’ve never been told what I can and can’t put in my email signature,” said one recipient of the memo, who requested anonymity due to concerns about possible retribution.
A separate memo issued Wednesday by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed federal agencies to review email systems, such as Microsoft Outlook, and disable any features prompting users to include their pronouns.
Also Read: Why Is Kings High School Under Lockdown?
Recently, federal agencies have been ordered to remove pronouns from email signatures. This new directive has sparked discussion and debate among employees and the public. Here’s what you need to know about this change:1. The directive: The order came from higher-ups in the federal government, instructing agencies to remove personal pronouns such as “he/him,” “she/her,” or “they/them” from email signatures. The reasoning behind this decision is to promote a more professional and uniform appearance in communications.
2. Impact on employees: Some employees have expressed frustration and confusion over the directive, as they feel that using pronouns in email signatures is a way to show respect for individuals’ gender identities. Others see it as a non-issue and are willing to comply with the new guidelines.
3. Public response: The public response to this change has been mixed, with some praising it as a step towards inclusivity and others criticizing it as unnecessary and potentially harmful to transgender and non-binary individuals.
4. Alternative solutions: In response to the directive, some agencies are considering alternative solutions, such as adding a separate line for pronouns in email signatures or encouraging employees to include pronouns in their email signatures on a voluntary basis.
Overall, the removal of pronouns from email signatures in federal agencies is a controversial decision that has sparked conversations about inclusivity, professionalism, and personal expression. It remains to be seen how agencies will navigate this issue moving forward.
Tags:
- Federal agencies
- Pronouns
- Email signatures
- Government communication
- Diversity and inclusion
- Workplace policies
- Gender-neutral language
- Federal regulations
- Email etiquette
- Gender identity
#Federal #Agencies #Ordered #Remove #Pronouns #Email #Signatures
Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: How do law enforcement agencies use fingerprints to solve crimes? | Explained News
The confusion over the fingerprints lifted from the Bandra residence of actor Saif Ali Khan on January 16 prompted CM Devendra Fadnavis to ask the Mumbai Police Commissioner to give details to the media regarding the probe.
Senior Mumbai police officials have not clarified whether fingerprints lifted from the crime scene have matched that of accused Shariful Islam. However, they said not all fingerprints need to match that of the accused.
Here is a look at how fingerprint analysis works.
What is the controversy?
A controversy was sparked after some media reports claimed that the 19 fingerprints lifted from the crime scene did not match that of Shariful Islam, who allegedly stabbed Saif Ali Khan.
Although police have not denied the reports, sources told The Indian Express that it is not necessary that all the 19 fingerprints will match that of the accused. The police have claimed that they have enough evidence to prove that Shariful carried out the attack.
Mumbai police have also said that they have sent Shariful’s fingerprints to CID for analysis, and the report is awaited.
How do law enforcement agencies use fingerprints to establish the role of the accused?
Law enforcement agencies can lift fingerprints from a crime scene. In Maharashtra, this is done by either the state CID’s fingerprint experts or those who have been trained to do so by the CID.
Prints are often lifted from glass, metal, and plastic surfaces. Typically, the most vital part of the fingerprint is the top one-third part of the finger which has grooves.
Once prints are lifted, they are either digitally checked with the fingerprints of the accused or by a CID fingerprint expert, who can use the database of fingerprints of other accused arrested earlier. According to the Identification of Prisoners Act, law enforcement authorities can store the fingerprints of persons arrested in cases that carry a punishment of more than one year.
The Henry classification system is then used according to which there should be a match of 10 points for a fingerprint to be termed as a positive match, an official earlier overseeing the fingerprint bureau in CID told The Indian Express. In cases where the samples are smudged, the result is inconclusive.
Do all fingerprints at the crime scene have to match to establish the presence of the accused at the crime scene?
No. A crime scene could have fingerprints of several people apart from that of the accused and the victim. The police just require the fingerprints of the accused to establish their presence at the crime scene.
The recent Saif Ali Khan stabbing case has once again highlighted the crucial role of law enforcement agencies in solving crimes. One of the key tools that they use in their investigations is fingerprints.Fingerprints have been used as a method of identification for over a century, and they continue to be one of the most reliable forms of evidence in criminal investigations. Law enforcement agencies collect fingerprints from crime scenes, victims, and suspects, and use them to match against a database of known prints.
When a suspect is apprehended, their fingerprints are taken and compared to those found at the crime scene. If there is a match, it can provide irrefutable evidence linking the suspect to the crime. In the case of the Saif Ali Khan stabbing, fingerprints found at the scene could potentially lead to the identification and apprehension of the perpetrator.
Law enforcement agencies also use fingerprints to track the movements of suspects and establish timelines of events. By analyzing fingerprints found at multiple crime scenes, investigators can link different crimes to the same perpetrator.
Overall, fingerprints play a critical role in helping law enforcement agencies solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The use of this reliable and time-tested form of evidence is essential in ensuring that justice is served in cases like the Saif Ali Khan stabbing.
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Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, law enforcement agencies, fingerprints, solve crimes, forensic evidence, criminal investigation, crime scene analysis, DNA analysis, crime solving techniques, investigative procedures, criminal justice system.
#Saif #Ali #Khan #stabbing #case #law #enforcement #agencies #fingerprints #solve #crimes #Explained #NewsTrump advisers have discussed ousting independent watchdogs at several federal agencies: Sources
President Donald Trump’s top advisers have discussed ousting independent watchdogs — known as inspectors general — at multiple federal agencies, sources familiar with the conversations tell ABC News.
The conversations began during Trump’s transition period to the White House, but sources tell ABC News that it’s not clear if or when the moves are expected to occur.
A decision on whether or not to fire the IGs has not been made, and it’s not clear how many of the watchdogs Trump would seek to remove, the sources said.
Inspectors general can be fired by the president, but only after communicating a reason for the removal to both houses of Congress 30 days in advance. In 2022, Congress strengthened and expanded protections for inspectors general, making it harder to replace them with hand-picked officials and requiring additional explanations from a president for their removal.
While the politically-appointed leaders of agencies and departments come and go with each administration, an IG can stay and serve under multiple presidents.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
“It would essentially be removing this critical component of oversight and it really leaves the American public vulnerable to corruption and abuse of power,” Faith Williams, the director of the Effective and Accountable Government Program at the Project on Government Oversight watchdog group, told ABC News.
Trump installed political loyalists after firing multiple inspectors general during his first term in office — including five over six weeks in 2020 — in a move that was criticized by lawmakers and government watchdogs who accused Trump of attempting to erode safeguards and independent checks on the federal government.
President Donald Trump takes a question from a reporter during a news conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
In April of 2020, Trump fired Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community, telling reporters he did a “terrible job.”
Atkinson’s communications to Congress about a whistleblower complaint helped initiate the Ukraine impeachment inquiry against Trump, leading to his first impeachment by Congress. Trump was ultimately acquitted by the Senate.
“I thought he did a terrible job, absolutely terrible. He took a whistleblower report which turned out to be a fake report, it was fake, it was totally wrong. It was about my conversation with the president of Ukraine,” Trump said. “He took a fake report, and he brought it to Congress.”
Atkinson transmitted an intelligence official’s complaint to Congress that centered on Trump’s phone call urging Ukraine’s president to investigate the Biden family’s dealings in Ukraine. Democrats later impeached Trump for abusing his power in efforts to get Ukraine to investigate his political rival, and for obstructing the congressional investigation into the affair.
Trump said he fired State Department inspector general Steve Linick at the urging of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo — who was being investigated by the office.
“I don’t know anything about him, other than the State Department, or Mike in particular, weren’t happy with the job he was doing,” Trump said. “He asked me if that would be possible, and I said, ‘Sure, I’ll do that.’”
Earlier this year, President Joe Biden fired the inspector general of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Martin Dickman, following an investigation into workplace harassment and abuse, according to The Hill.
And President Barack Obama fired Gerald Walpin, the inspector general of the Corporation for National Community Service, in 2009. It followed Walpin’s criticism of a Justice Department settlement with then-Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who had been accused by his investigators of using AmeriCorps volunteers as chaffeurs and personal assistants. Johnson, a Democrat, had campaigned for Obama.
Since 1978, inspectors general have been tasked with investigating waste, fraud and abuse across departments and agencies. Nearly half of the 74 inspectors general in the federal government are nominated by presidents to serve in nonpartisan roles.
By law, an inspector general must be hired “without regard to political party and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations.”
Currently, there are nearly a dozen vacant inspector general positions for Trump to fill, including at the Treasury and Commerce Departments and the National Security Agency.
The inspectors general of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence resigned late last year, giving Trump the opportunity to nominate his own picks to lead oversight of the powerful national security agencies.
While an inspector general lacks prosecutorial power, IGs can identify possible criminal behavior and refer it for prosecution.
In 2021, the State Department IG determined that Pompeo and his wife broke ethics rules by asking staff to carry out personal favors. Pompeo defended his actions, arguing that they asked “small, simple” tasks of a “friend” who was a longtime aide.
In the past, Trump has defended the president’s authority to remove inspectors general — but the move could prompt political backlash.
In his first day in office, President Ronald Reagan dismissed more than a dozen inspectors general, and was accused by Republicans and Democrats of politicizing the roles, according to The New York Times.
The outcry led Reagan to hire some of the ousted watchdogs back into their roles, Williams of the Project on Government Oversight told ABC News.
“I would hope that there would be some outcry now” if Trump were to take action, Williams said. “One of Congress’s duties is oversight, and one of the ways it achieves that is by working with the inspector general community.”
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, a longtime advocate for inspectors general, told ABC News that IGs are “very important” to support Congress’ work as a check on the executive branch.
“Inspector generals are expected to be independent of political pressure, independent of the head of the agency, and to make sure the law is enforced and money is spent appropriately,” he said.
Trump’s first transition team also contemplated removing inspectors general: In 2017, the House Oversight Committee obtained an internal transition team email with instructions to inform IGs they were “being held over on a temporary basis.”
As president, Trump repeatedly complained about inspectors general and their work — once calling it “insane” that the Pentagon IG’s reports were publicly released.
“For these reports to be, to be given out, essentially — forget about the public — given out to the enemy is insane. And I don’t want it to happen anymore, Mr. Secretary. You understand that,” he said in a January 2019 Cabinet meeting to his then-acting Defense secretary, Patrick Shanahan.
ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa contributed to this report.
The Trump administration has reportedly been discussing the possibility of removing independent watchdogs at several federal agencies, according to sources familiar with the matter.This move is raising concerns among critics who fear that it could undermine the oversight and accountability mechanisms in place to prevent corruption and misconduct within the government.
The discussions have reportedly centered around the idea of replacing these watchdogs with individuals who are more aligned with the administration’s agenda, potentially compromising their independence and impartiality.
Critics argue that removing independent watchdogs could have far-reaching consequences for transparency and accountability in government operations, allowing for unchecked abuse of power and corruption.
It remains to be seen whether these discussions will lead to any concrete actions, but the mere fact that they are taking place has raised alarm bells among those who value the importance of independent oversight in ensuring good governance.
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Trump advisers, independent watchdogs, federal agencies, ousting, discussions, sources, government oversight, political news, Trump administration, inspector general, accountability
#Trump #advisers #discussed #ousting #independent #watchdogs #federal #agencies #SourcesOPM directs agencies to quickly comply with Trump’s return-to-office mandate
Agencies have until the end of the day Friday to revise their telework policies and begin ordering federal employees to work onsite full-time, according to a return-to-office memo from the Office of Personnel Management Wednesday evening.
OPM is recommending agencies target a 30-day deadline to be in full compliance with the return-to-office directive President Donald Trump signed on his first day in office. Trump’s executive order told agencies to return their federal employees to work at the office “as soon as practicable.” The order also called for agencies to end “remote work arrangements” and require employees to work in person full-time, while leaving room for some exemptions.
OPM’s latest memo offers further details on Trump’s initial executive order. Since the order only referenced remote work arrangements, and not telework arrangements, the Jan. 20 directive led to some initial confusion.
“The executive order is quite unclear in terms of exactly what it’s covering, because it does use the term remote work,” Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, told reporters during a press conference Tuesday.
For the federal workforce, “telework” and “remote work” are two distinct types of work arrangements for federal employees. Generally, federal employees with telework agreements are expected to report to their “official duty stations” on a “regular and recurring basis.” Remote agreements for federal employees, however, let employees work from an “alternative worksite,” and remote employees are generally not expected to report to work onsite at an agency.
OPM’s memo now calls for a full return to in-person work for a majority of currently teleworking federal employees. Agencies and federal supervisors can grant exemptions to the return-to-office mandate for individuals with a disability, a qualifying medical condition or another “compelling reason,” the memo states.
Additionally, employees who are located more than 50 miles away from an agency office should be designated to “the most appropriate agency office, based on the employee’s duties and job function,” the memo states.
OPM’s memo also tells agencies to submit their expected date for being in full compliance with the return-to-office directive. Agencies should notify all employees of Trump’s return-to-office mandate and have their telework managing officers oversee compliance with the guidance, OPM said.
The actual implementation of the mandate will likely vary by agency. But some agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, have already announced return-to-office directives for their teleworking employees as a result of Trump’s order this week.
Currently, 54% of the federal workforce works entirely onsite due to the needs of their jobs. Telework-eligible federal employees comprise about 46% of the federal workforce, and they are spending an average of 60% of their work hours in person, according to May 2024 data from the Office of Management and Budget. About 10% of federal employees work entirely remotely.
The move toward a more hybrid federal workforce began in April 2023 when the Biden administration called on agencies to strike a balance between in-person work and telework for eligible federal employees. But the Trump administration has taken a harder stance on returning to the office.
“The [presidential mandate] reflects a simple reality. The only way to get employees back to the office is to adopt a centralized policy requiring return-to-work for all agencies across the federal government,” OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell wrote in the memo. “Seeking to cajole individual agencies to try to get employees to return to the worksite has not succeeded.”
In the memo, Ezell also said fully in-person work is needed for better efficiency and accountability, as well as to fill federal office space.
“Virtually unrestricted telework has led to poorer government services and made it more difficult to supervise and train government workers,” Ezell wrote.
Critics of the full return-to-office mandate, however, said telework options have been available to eligible federal employees for years — well before the COVID-19 pandemic — and that they are an important tool for the federal workforce.
“The reality of this is that there has been bipartisan support for telework in the federal space for many, many years, because it’s been shown — in certain circumstances and when well-applied — to provide both for better performance and improved ability to recruit the best talent for federal positions,” Stier told reporters earlier this week.
“Telework began decades ago in the federal government as a smart, cost-effective program allowing agencies to downsize their office space and lower real estate costs,” Doreen Greenwald, national president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said in a statement. “Certain positions in the government have been eligible to telework part of each week for years — well before the pandemic — and they have done so successfully under strict supervision while being held to the same productivity and accountability standards as non-teleworking employees.”
Many federal employees themselves have also said they’re more productive while having the ability to telework, according to a recent survey Federal News Network conducted. Many respondents expressed concerns about a “one-size-fits-all” return-to-office policy having adverse impacts on productivity, efficiency, employee retention and more. When asked about office space, 44% of respondents said they were “extremely concerned” about their agencies having enough space to accommodate a full return-to-office mandate.
Federal unions have also pointed to existing provisions in collective bargaining agreements that secure telework arrangements for federal employees.
“OPM’s guidance explicitly states that collective bargaining obligations and applicable law must be met when carrying out the president’s memorandum, so hybrid work schedules detailed in our collective bargaining agreements remain legally binding,” American Federation of Government Employees spokesperson Tim Kauffman said in an email to Federal News Network. “Should agencies implement policies contrary to our contracts, employees should comply, but we as a union will be prepared to file grievances.”
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The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a directive to federal agencies instructing them to quickly comply with President Trump’s return-to-office mandate. This directive comes as the administration pushes for a full return to in-person work for federal employees, despite concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.In the memo, OPM Acting Director Michael Rigas emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and efficient transition back to the office for federal workers. The directive outlines specific steps that agencies must take to meet the administration’s deadline for a full return to in-person work.
Many federal employees have expressed concerns about returning to the office, especially as the Delta variant continues to spread and cases of COVID-19 rise. However, the OPM directive makes it clear that agencies must prioritize compliance with the return-to-office mandate.
It remains to be seen how federal agencies will navigate the challenges of returning to in-person work in the midst of a pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, employees and agencies alike will need to remain flexible and adaptable in order to ensure a safe and successful transition back to the office.
Tags:
OPM, Trump return-to-office mandate, government agencies, compliance deadline, workplace safety, remote work policies, federal employees, telework options, office reopening guidelines, COVID-19 protocols
#OPM #directs #agencies #quickly #comply #Trumps #returntooffice #mandateMonumental Sports & Entertainment Taps Three Best-in-Class Agencies to Support New Capital One Arena Project
Monumental partners with KLUTCH Sports Group, Legends, and Elevate to help lead landmark arena project and create world-class fan experience
Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2025) – Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced today three industry-leading agencies to help lead the execution of a brand-new, completely modernized Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. Renowned partner companies KLUTCH Sports Group and United Talent Agency will help guide MSE’s commercial partnership strategy, global premium experiences company Legends will support MSE’s premium sales efforts, and full-service strategy, design, and execution agency Elevate Creative will offer expertise on brand messaging, team activation, and sponsorship integration.
Today’s announcement comes as MSE formally begins construction on the new Capital One Arena, having received unanimous approval on the development and finance agreements from the D.C. Council last month for the three-year, $800+ million arena transformation. MSE is taking a 360-degree approach to planning a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new standard for fan experience and technological innovation.
“As we embark on the creation of a brand-new Capital One Arena, we are proud to partner with KLUTCH Sports Group, Legends, and Elevate—three of the most respected and innovative agencies in the industry,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE. “Their expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our arena, ensuring we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our fans, partners, and community. With their support, we are poised to create a world-class venue that will redefine the fan experience for years to come and set a new standard for sports and entertainment in the D.C. region and across the country.”
KLUTCH Sports Group & United Talent Agency
MSE has partnered with KLUTCH Sports Group and United Talent Agency to enhance its commercial partnership strategy for the reimagined Capital One Arena. KLUTCH will play a pivotal role in the valuation and packaging of the arena’s new partnership offerings, aligning with MSE’s vision to transform the venue into a state-of-the-art entertainment hub. As a trusted extension of MSE’s Global Partnerships team, KLUTCH will leverage its vast network and industry-leading expertise to support the sales and development of strategic partnerships across all Monumental properties and platforms. With a proven track record of maximizing value for premier brands, KLUTCH is an ideal fit to drive innovative partnerships that will elevate the fan experience and provide unprecedented opportunities for sponsors.
“At KLUTCH, we pride ourselves on forging innovative partnerships that amplify the value of premier brands, and this collaboration is a testament to that mission,” said Andrew Feinberg, KLUTCH’s Head of Global Partnerships. “Together, we’re setting the stage for a new era of sports and entertainment in the nation’s capital.”
Legends
With a proven history of delivering transformative results in sports and entertainment venues, Legends will play a key role in advancing the premium sales strategy for MSE and the new Capital One Arena. Legends will provide comprehensive premium sales and marketing support, including an in-house team that will work closely with MSE’s sales staff to drive success throughout the three-year construction project. Legends will focus on supporting the success of MSE’s growing volume of premium seat offerings, including The Vaults, set to debut in October 2025. The team will also oversee the development of two new small group premium seating clubs and a fully reimagined suites business in the later phases of the arena transformation. Legends is uniquely positioned to help MSE redefine the premium fan experience at Capital One Arena and take the VIP experience to new heights.
“At Legends, we embrace the opportunity to partner with great people on ambitious projects on the biggest stages. The transformation at Capital One Arena embodies this, representing a bold step forward for Monumental Sports & Entertainment,” said Mike Ondrejko, President of Global Sales, Legends. “We’re honored to collaborate with their world-class team to introduce a redefined premium experience to the great market of Washington, D.C.”
Elevate Creative
Owing to their extensive expertise in creating engaging, immersive brand experiences and integrating sponsorships into world-class venues, MSE has chosen Elevate Creative to drive branding and sponsorship integration strategy for the new arena, supporting MSE’s marketing group in shaping the overall brand vision for the venue. A key aspect of Elevate’s work will include developing compelling storytelling and brand experiences for the arena project – as seen with the noted Where Monuments Meet Momentum campaign, which debuted in December 2024 – as well as collaborating with MSE to ensure seamless brand and sponsor integration throughout Capital One Arena, with special focus on premier spaces like the United Globe Club and Lounge.
“At Elevate Creative, we’re committed to delivering exceptional experiences that connect with sports fans and create lasting memories and meaningful impact,” said Drew Bryant, Chief Creative Officer of Elevate. “We combine the precision of design with the spark of emotion to craft stories — that’s where the magic happens. Partnering with Monumental Sports on this project is a true honor. Our collaboration brought their vision to life in a way that not only energizes fans and engages partners, but also shines a light on both their legacy and where they’re headed. This is the kind of work that reminds you why you do what you do.”
In addition to the agency partners unveiled today, in October, MSE announced that Clark Construction Group, Gensler, and CAA ICON would serve as partners in the delivery of the transformation of Capital One Arena. CAA ICON is serving as the overall project manager, Gensler is leading design efforts, and Clark Construction will oversee building construction as MSE works to deliver a best-in-class experience for fans and a world-class destination for its athletes.
Additional information about the brand-new Capital One Arena is available HERE.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading sports and entertainment family. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About KLUTCH Sports Group
Founded in 2012 by CEO Rich Paul, KLUTCH Sports Group is a premier agency representing some of the world’s biggest athletes across major professional sports. KLUTCH’s unique, 360 approach helps clients at any stage of their career maximize opportunities across the rapidly changing entertainment, media, and business landscape, and provides strategic support in partnerships, branding, communications, social responsibility, and more. With proven expertise in the intersections of sports, entertainment, and culture, KLUTCH connects top teams, major leagues, and properties with global brands. In 2019, KLUTCH partnered with the leading global talent and entertainment company UTA, and in 2024, was named one of GQ’s 20 Most Creative Companies in the World.
About Legends
Legends is a global premium experiences company that works with some of the most iconic and innovative brands in sports and entertainment to deliver exceptional experiences for fans worldwide. The company offers partners a 360-degree data and analytics-fueled service solution platform to drive revenue, heighten their brand, and execute their vision. Founded in 2008, Legends works with marquee clients across professional sports, collegiate, attractions, entertainment, conventions, and leisure. Legends is the industry leader in designing, planning, and realizing exceptional experiences in sports and entertainment. Follow Legends on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
About Elevate
Elevate is an award-winning, full-service consulting firm supporting high-performing organizations in sports and beyond with innovative, data-driven, revenue-generating solutions. Elevate’s unparalleled combination of agency and operating experience, along with proprietary technology solutions, data sources, and software products, maximizes efficiencies in Consumer Insights, Research, Strategy and Analytics; Brand Consulting and Activation; Partnership Sales and Consulting; Executive Talent Strategy, Recruitment, Performance, and Organizational Optimization; Creative Consultancy and Experiential Design; Property, Premium Hospitality, and Ticketing Strategy and Sales; Feasibility and Revenue Consultation for New and Renovated Venues; and more. Established in 2018 to provide comprehensive solutions to organizations across the global sports and entertainment ecosystem; today, the agency supports over 1,000 of the world’s most ambitious organizations across sports, entertainment, media, technology, gaming, lifestyle, and consumer sectors. For more information, follow Elevate Experiences on Instagram and TikTok and Elevate on X (@OneElevate_), LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment has announced that they have selected three top-tier agencies to help bring their vision for the new Capital One Arena project to life. The chosen agencies – a design firm, a construction company, and a marketing agency – are all recognized as leaders in their respective fields.With this powerhouse team on board, Monumental Sports & Entertainment aims to revitalize the iconic Capital One Arena and create a truly world-class entertainment destination in the heart of Washington, D.C. The project will encompass a wide range of upgrades and enhancements, including state-of-the-art technology, improved seating and amenities, and innovative fan experiences.
“We are thrilled to partner with these best-in-class agencies to help us realize our vision for the new Capital One Arena,” said a spokesperson for Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We believe that their expertise and creativity will be instrumental in transforming the arena into a premier entertainment destination that will delight fans and visitors alike.”
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project as it continues to take shape. Monumental Sports & Entertainment is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and patrons, and with this team of top agencies at the helm, there’s no doubt that the new Capital One Arena will be a truly monumental achievement.
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Top agencies gear up for K-pop group debut rush this year
A promotional poster for JYP Entertainment’s new boy group KickFlip / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
By Lee Gyu-lee
JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, BigHit Music, and other K-pop agencies are preparing to launch new groups in 2025, promising another successful year for the K-pop music scene.
JYP is the first on the list, finally announcing the start of pre-debut promotions for its new seven-member boy group, KickFlip.
During the 2024 MAMA Awards, held in Los Angeles last November, the agency’s head Park Jin-young unveiled the group, saying he is “finalizing preparations for the debut of KickFlip set to launch next year.”
The group’s name refers to a skateboarding technique, in which a rider rotates the board 360 degrees with the toes.
“The seven-member group KickFlip, which has become JYP’s new face, will make a spectacular start to 2025 with the ambition to forge new ways without being bound by existing conventions, just like rotating a board forward,” the agency said in the release.
Among seven members, four of them are the finalists from the 2021 music survival show “LOUD,” which Park joined hands with PSY to scout members to make their debut. The top five finalists for JYP Entertainments were Lee Gye-hun, Amaru, Keiju, Lee Dong-hyeon, and Yoon Min. But Yoon left the agency last year to debut as a solo under another label, Howtouse.
The group was scheduled to begin its debut project on Wednesday and drop promotional content. However, due to the tragedy of the Jeju Air plane crash, the agency has postponed the schedule to Jan. 6.
Boy group dearALICE is set to release its official debut single this year. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment also announced that it will be debuting a new girl group within the first quarter as it announced big plans for its 30th anniversary this year. This will be the first girl group in five years since aespa.
“SM has been building intellectual properties (IP) of artists across all generations of K-pop through not only existing artists but also continued debuts of new artists. And we will strengthen our artist lineup further through the debut of a new girl group,” Jang Cheol-hyuk, the co-CEO of the agency said in the release.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we plan to present various projects including concerts, albums, and merchandise for the many fans who have loved SM, so please look forward to it.”
SM’s first British boy group, dearALICE, is also set to make its official debut. Last November, the agency announced that it had inked a partnership with the U.S. label gamma. to release the five-piece act’s debut single in the coming months.
BigHit Music and Starship Entertainment are preparing to make their next boy group. BigHit held a global audition in 2023 to scout for talents to follow BTS and Tomorrow X Together, and IVE’s agency, Starship, launched an open audition “2025 New Kids On The STARSHIP,” last July, with the goal to debut a new boy group in 2025.
A concept photo of UDTT’s pre-debut single “RETRY” / Courtesy of SW Entertainment
Star composer and producer Yoon Il-sang will be presenting a new girl group, UDTT, this year. The five-pieced group is comprised with contestants from survival shows “Girls Planet 999,” “Universe Ticket,” and “My Teenage Girl.”
It has been gearing up for its official debut with a webtoon, following the group’s debut story, and releasing a pre-debut single “RETRY” to draw fans’ anticipation.
The finalists from the music competition show “Make Mate 1” are set to make their debut under the name NouerA. The seven members — Gihyeon, Junpyo, Hyunjun, Yuseop, Lin, Fan and Miraku — inked a deal with the agency Nouer Entertainment, led by the former BigHit Entertainment head CEO Chae Young-gon, who spearheaded the rise of BTS.
The group has been gaining attention even before its official debut this month, thanks to its popularity from the audition show. It held its first fan meeting event in Japan in September and released a pre-debut single, “MU,” in December.
A concept photo of NouerA’s pre-debut single “MU” / Courtesy of Nouer Entertainment
The new virtual boy group, SKINZ, is set to make debut, according to Bridge Entertainment. The seven-membered group is preparing for its debut album, joining hands with the star producer EL CAPITXN, who previously worked with BTS, IU and NCT.
The group recently unveiled a teaser during SBS’ year-end music festival Gayo Daejeon on Dec. 25, giving a glimpse of its energetic and mischievous concept.
Are you ready for the next big K-pop group debut rush? Top agencies are gearing up to introduce new talent to the industry this year, and fans are eagerly anticipating what these groups have to offer.With the success of groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE, the K-pop industry is more competitive than ever. Agencies are putting in the work to train and promote their trainees, hoping to create the next big sensation.
From powerhouse companies like SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment to rising stars like Big Hit Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, everyone is vying for a piece of the K-pop pie.
Keep an eye out for teasers, debut announcements, and more as these agencies prepare to showcase their newest groups to the world. Who will be the next breakout stars in the K-pop scene? Stay tuned to find out!
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Gov. Gianforte, State Agencies File Suit Over Yellowstone National Park’s Bison Management Plan – Northern Ag Network
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte and two state agencies filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration to challenge Yellowstone National Park’s (YNP) Bison Management Plan.
Together with Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Governor Gianforte is suing to halt the implementation of YNP’s Bison Management Plan. The complaint alleges that the adoption of the plan by the National Park Service (NPS) violates several federal laws.
“The National Park Service has repeatedly and consistently failed to engage with the State in a meaningful and transparent manner as required by law throughout the planning process,” Gov. Gianforte said. “NPS has not given us a fair shake and has ignored concerns raised by the State. We will always defend our state from federal overreach.”
The State of Montana has raised concerns about the Bison Management Plan since 2022, when NPS first announced its intent to draft a plan. In 2023, Gov. Gianforte criticized Yellowstone National Park’s bison management alternatives, citing YNP’s lack of cooperation with the State of Montana, deficient and misstated analysis, and failure to meet its own mandates.
“The Department of Livestock is committed to preventing, controlling and eradicating animal disease,” DOL Director Mike Honeycutt said. “Given the way NPS has ignored feedback from Montana, we have major concerns about potential threats to animal health from the possible spread of brucellosis.”
“Bison represent a complex and contentious issue with both livestock producers and wildlife advocates,” FWP Director Christy Clark said. “We had hoped for and asked for a better and more transparent process in developing this EIS. Those requests were ignored.”
Earlier this year, the governor sent a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and NPS leadership to express his disappointment with the agencies for a lack of cooperation, writing, “YNP has avoided substantive, collaborative discussions with the State’s scientists and technical advisors at every turn.”
The complaint may be viewed here.
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Office of the Governor
In a recent development, Governor Gianforte and several state agencies have filed a lawsuit over Yellowstone National Park’s bison management plan. The controversy surrounds the management of the park’s bison population, with the state arguing that current policies are not sufficient to prevent the spread of disease and protect Montana’s livestock industry.The lawsuit alleges that the park’s bison management plan violates state laws and agreements, and seeks to compel the National Park Service to revise its policies to better align with Montana’s interests. Governor Gianforte has stated that the current plan poses a risk to the state’s economy and agricultural industry, and that more effective measures are needed to manage the bison population.
This legal action underscores the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities over wildlife management in Montana, and highlights the challenges of balancing conservation efforts with the needs of local communities. It remains to be seen how this lawsuit will impact the future of bison management in Yellowstone National Park. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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Gianforte, state agencies file lawsuit over Yellowstone NP bison management plan
(Article updated with additional reporting from MTN Senior Political Reporter Jonathon Ambarian.)
A new lawsuit filed by Gov. Greg Gianforte and two state agencies is challenging the bison management plan adopted by Yellowstone National Park (YNP) in July 2024.
A press release from the Office of the Governor says Gianforte, the Montana Department of Livestock, and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks are suing to halt implementation of the plan. They argue the plan would undermine the state’s attempts to manage conflicts with bison and that the federal government hadn’t given Montana a reasonable opportunity to participate in the planning process.
The complainants further allege that the adoption of the plan by the National Park Service (NPS) violates several federal laws. The release says the state has raised concerns about the bison management plan since NPS first announced it was drafting a plan in 2022.
WATCH PREVIOUS: NPS announces decision on bison management plan in Yellowstone National Park
NPS announces decision on bison management plan in Yellowstone National Park
“The National Park Service has repeatedly and consistently failed to engage with the State in a meaningful and transparent manner as required by law throughout the planning process,” Gov. Gianforte stated in the release. “NPS has not given us a fair shake and has ignored concerns raised by the State. We will always defend our state from federal overreach.”
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the National Park Service and its director Charles Sams and YNP Superintendent Cam Sholly are all named as defendants in the case.
In July, NPS announced it had adopted a new bison management plan after an environmental review process that started in 2022. They said it would allow them to address new scientific information and changed circumstances since the last plan was adopted in 2000.
The new plan calls for managing the Yellowstone bison herd at between 3,500 and 6,000 animals. It drew immediate criticism from state leaders, who said they wanted the herd managed at around 3,000 animals—the population size included in the 2000 plan.
In its lawsuit, the Gianforte administration claimed a larger herd threatens to damage the landscape on Yellowstone’s northern range and to threaten Montana’s efforts to protect livestock from bison infected with brucellosis. They said the review process was rushed and left Montana with too little time to provide input on the proposed options.
Gianforte had made previous claims of a lack of cooperation from NPS and Yellowstone in a July letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, in which he wrote, “YNP has avoided substantive, collaborative discussions with the State’s scientists and technical advisors at every turn.”
WATCH MORE: Montana Governor and Park Superintendent clash over Yellowstone Bison
Montana Governor and Park Superintendent clash over Yellowstone Bison
YNP Superintendent Cam Sholly spoke with MTN News in July and addressed Gov. Gianforte’s claims, maintaining that Montana was not being shut out.
“I offered for the state to present its own alternative that we would include in the analysis. That didn’t happen,” he said.
Sholly said that the park was doing enough to stop bison from spreading brucellosis and that keeping the population at 3,000 bison as the state wanted could threaten the herd.
To read the full text of the state’s complaint, click here.
The final bison plan adopted by NPS in July was the second among three alternatives that were considered. More than 27,000 comments were received during the 2023 public comment period, according to NPS.
In a recent development, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and state agencies have filed a lawsuit over the Yellowstone National Park bison management plan. The lawsuit challenges the federal government’s decision to expand bison grazing in the park, citing concerns about the potential impact on private property and public safety.Gianforte and state officials argue that the increased bison population in the park could lead to more conflicts with landowners and pose a threat to livestock and agriculture in the surrounding area. They also claim that the federal government did not adequately consider the potential risks associated with expanding bison grazing.
The lawsuit is just the latest chapter in the ongoing debate over bison management in Yellowstone National Park. While conservationists and some Native American tribes support efforts to increase the bison population and restore them to their historic range, others are concerned about the potential implications for local communities and industries.
It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold, but one thing is clear: the issue of bison management in Yellowstone National Park is far from settled. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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- Montana state agencies Yellowstone bison management
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Cloud Computing Agencies Need To Incorporate Key Practices To Ensure Effect…
Cloud Computing Agencies Need To Incorporate Key Practices To Ensure Effect…
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iveness and SecurityCloud computing agencies have become an essential part of modern businesses, providing a variety of services that help streamline operations and improve efficiency. However, with the increasing reliance on cloud technology, it’s crucial for these agencies to incorporate key practices to ensure effectiveness and security.
One of the most important practices that cloud computing agencies need to adopt is regular security audits and assessments. By regularly assessing their systems and identifying potential vulnerabilities, agencies can proactively address security risks and prevent data breaches. This includes implementing strong encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, and monitoring tools to detect any suspicious activity.
Another key practice is ensuring data compliance and privacy regulations are followed. With the increasing focus on data protection laws such as GDPR and HIPAA, it’s essential for cloud agencies to adhere to these regulations and protect their clients’ data. This includes implementing data retention policies, conducting regular audits, and obtaining proper certifications to demonstrate compliance.
Additionally, cloud computing agencies should prioritize disaster recovery and backup solutions to ensure business continuity in case of any unforeseen events such as natural disasters or cyber attacks. By implementing robust backup procedures and disaster recovery plans, agencies can minimize downtime and data loss, ultimately safeguarding their clients’ operations.
Overall, by incorporating these key practices, cloud computing agencies can enhance their effectiveness and security, providing clients with reliable and secure services that meet their business needs.
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