Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to Namibia’s Founding Father and first President, Dr. Sam Nujoma, at the Heroes Acre memorial during his state visit to the country.
Remembering Dr. Nujoma as a visionary leader, the Prime Minister said he devoted his entire life to Namibia’s struggle for independence and laid a strong foundation for the nation as its first President. “His inspiring contribution to nation-building continues to motivate people across the world,” PM Modi noted.
Dr. Nujoma shared a close bond with India. His presence during the establishment of Namibia’s first-ever diplomatic mission — the SWAPO office — in New Delhi in 1986 is fondly remembered as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations.
IAM District 837 has officially opened the economic portion of high-stakes contract negotiations with Boeing Defense. The IAM Union represents more than 3,200 highly skilled members at facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill.
IAM Union members are the driving force behind Boeing’s military production, assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies. Their work plays a vital role in safeguarding national security and supporting U.S. and allied defense operations.
“Boeing’s success in defense depends on our members,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “These negotiations are about securing the future, for the workforce, for our families, and for American manufacturing.”
“We’re here to fight for the wages, healthcare, retirement, and job security our members have earned,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “This is about protecting families, jobs, and ensuring the people who build America’s defense are treated with the respect they deserve.”
IAM District 837 members’ priorities in this round of bargaining are focused on securing a contract that truly reflects the value of their labor and addresses critical workplace concerns:
General Wage Increases:Ensure Boeing jobs are seen as long-term careers, not just stepping stones.
Faster Pay Progression:Reduce the time it takes to reach top pay rates within labor grades.
More Paid Time Off:Increase vacation and sick leave to combat fatigue and support better work-life balance.
Stronger Retirement Benefits:Secure long-term retirement stability for our members and their families.
Improved Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA):Strengthen the formula so members aren’t left behind by rising inflation.
“The IAM will stand shoulder to shoulder with our members at Boeing Defense,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They’ve earned the right to a strong contract, and we will back them every step of the way.”
“Our members are the hands behind the mission, the people who make sure every system works, every bolt is tight, and every jet is ready,” said IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “It’s time Boeing shows us the same precision and respect in this contract.”
The 2025 negotiations come at a crucial moment. Boeing Defense continues to face intense global competition, program delays, and a tight labor market, making IAM members’ experience, expertise, and dedication more crucial than ever.
With the current contract set to expire on July 27, 2025, IAM District 837 members are standing united, ready to fight for a fair agreement that honors their contributions and secures their future.
The post IAM District 837 Launches Economic Contract Talks with Boeing Defense in St. Louis appeared first on IAM Union.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today filed suit to enforce Title IX and protect California female student athletes from unfair competition and reckless endangerment by male participation on female high-school sports teams.
According to the complaint, the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) have engaged in illegal sex discrimination against female student athletes by allowing males to compete against them, depriving these girls of the equal education and athletic opportunities afforded to them by federal civil rights law. Thus, the suit seeks declaratory, injunctive, and damages relief for violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.
As alleged in the complaint, the U.S. Department of Education’s “current allocation of funds to CDE for fiscal year 2025 totals approximately $44.3 billion, of which approximately $3.8 billion remains available for drawdown by CDE, including both discretionary grants and formula grants.”
“The Governor of California has previously admitted that it is ‘deeply unfair’ to force women and girls to compete with men and boys in competitive sports,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “But not only is it ‘deeply unfair,’ it is also illegal under federal law. This Department of Justice will continue its fight to protect equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.”
“Title IX was enacted over half a century ago to protect women and girls from discrimination. The Justice Department will not stand for policies that deprive girls of their hard-earned athletic trophies and ignore their safety on the field and in private spaces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “Young women should not have to sacrifice their rights to compete for scholarships, opportunities, and awards on the altar of woke gender ideology.”
“California is on the wrong side of the law and the wrong side of history,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “Women deserve dignity, respect, and an equal opportunity to compete on their own sports teams. The time for talk is over. California must comply with Title IX and end its civil rights violations against women. No person, no state, is above the law.”
CDE has authority over CIF and local school districts’ interscholastic athletic policies, and CIF oversees 1.8 million students and over 750,000 student-athletes in grades 9 through 12. The complaint is available here.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today filed suit to enforce Title IX and protect California female student athletes from unfair competition and reckless endangerment by male participation on female high-school sports teams.
According to the complaint, the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) have engaged in illegal sex discrimination against female student athletes by allowing males to compete against them, depriving these girls of the equal education and athletic opportunities afforded to them by federal civil rights law. Thus, the suit seeks declaratory, injunctive, and damages relief for violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.
As alleged in the complaint, the U.S. Department of Education’s “current allocation of funds to CDE for fiscal year 2025 totals approximately $44.3 billion, of which approximately $3.8 billion remains available for drawdown by CDE, including both discretionary grants and formula grants.”
“The Governor of California has previously admitted that it is ‘deeply unfair’ to force women and girls to compete with men and boys in competitive sports,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “But not only is it ‘deeply unfair,’ it is also illegal under federal law. This Department of Justice will continue its fight to protect equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.”
“Title IX was enacted over half a century ago to protect women and girls from discrimination. The Justice Department will not stand for policies that deprive girls of their hard-earned athletic trophies and ignore their safety on the field and in private spaces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “Young women should not have to sacrifice their rights to compete for scholarships, opportunities, and awards on the altar of woke gender ideology.”
“California is on the wrong side of the law and the wrong side of history,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “Women deserve dignity, respect, and an equal opportunity to compete on their own sports teams. The time for talk is over. California must comply with Title IX and end its civil rights violations against women. No person, no state, is above the law.”
CDE has authority over CIF and local school districts’ interscholastic athletic policies, and CIF oversees 1.8 million students and over 750,000 student-athletes in grades 9 through 12. The complaint is available here.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JINAN, July 9 (Xinhua) — The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opened in Qufu, east China’s Shandong Province on Wednesday.
The two-day event, titled “Beauty in Diversity: Strengthening Mutual Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization,” is taking place in the birthplace of Chinese philosopher Confucius and has attracted more than 560 guests from over 70 countries and regions.
The forum agenda includes the following issues: the origin and prospects of civilizations, Confucian culture and its significance for the modern world, mutual assistance in the course of global modernization, the importance of family and social development through the prism of civilization, artificial intelligence and the future of human civilizations, traditional culture of the ancient Chinese kingdoms of Qi and Lu and world civilizations.
Dedicated to dialogue among world civilizations, the Nişan Forum serves as a platform for enhancing international cultural exchanges and cooperation. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, July 9 /Xinhua/ — Russia and China’s interaction within the BRICS framework is constructive in nature and is aimed at resolving issues of developing countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday, answering a question from a Xinhua correspondent about US President Donald Trump’s threats against countries supporting BRICS.
“The cooperation between Russia and China, both in BRICS and in general, is not directed against anyone. I would like to emphasize that our cooperation – between Russia and China – is of a constructive nature, it is aimed at strengthening the socio-economic, innovative and human potential of its participants, as well as at supporting the solution of real pressing problems and issues of developing countries,” she said, commenting on the results of the 17th meeting of the BRICS leaders that recently ended in Rio de Janeiro.
As M. Zakharova noted, the activities of the association are of keen interest, including among Western countries, for whom BRICS has become a “red rag”. “Not because we want to anger anyone, but because they themselves were initially aggressively inclined and, apparently, realized that their aggressive attitude was not justified. We have something to respond to. We are strong, and we have demonstrated this strength, but not in aggression, but in a constructive, creative approach,” the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
She recalled that Russia and China stood at the origins of BRICS and made an important contribution to its development and the creation of favorable conditions for the progressive sustainable economic growth of all states of the association, as well as the formation of a more just and balanced multipolar world order that would meet the needs of all countries and peoples without exception.
The Russian diplomat added that in matters of further expansion of bilateral cooperation within the BRICS framework, Russia and China are looking in the same direction and are ready to overcome all challenges shoulder to shoulder.
“We are focused on joint consistent work with Beijing to strengthen the authority of the association as one of the core mechanisms of global governance. Among the main tasks, of course, we see an increase in the role of developing countries and emerging market countries in multilateral institutions,” M. Zakharova specified, noting that in the context of a radical transformation of the global geopolitical landscape, Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction continue to develop dynamically and demonstrate high adaptability and stress resistance. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NANNING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Dou Wangui, a former Party member and vice chairman of the CPPCC (Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) Committee of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday for accepting bribery.
Dou Wangui was also stripped of his political rights for life and all his personal property was to be confiscated.
Dou Wangui was sentenced by the Second People’s Court of Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China. The investigation against him began in March 2024 and he was arrested in October of the same year.
The court found that between 2003 and 2022, Dou Wangui, while holding various leadership positions in Xinjiang, used his authority to benefit relevant entities and individuals by providing them with “favors” in matters related to contracting, mining, corporate business operations and career advancement, and received in return money and material goods totaling 229 million yuan (about $32 million).
By his actions, Dou Wangui caused serious damage to the interests of the state and the people, but the court recognized his admission of guilt and repentance, as well as the return of illegally obtained income, as mitigating circumstances, follows from the court ruling. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The UK Met Office has given storms forenames for the past decade as part of an effort to raise public awareness of extreme weather before it strikes. Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly from burning fossil fuel, which are raising global temperatures by trapping more heat in Earth’s atmosphere.
These extreme heat events aren’t named in the UK. Should that change?
Effective communication strategies are necessary to make people aware of upcoming heatwaves and help them understand how to reduce their risk. Spain started naming them in 2023, with Heatwave Zoe. Italy has a longstanding but unofficial tradition of naming heatwaves according to mythology and classical history.
The results include Lucifero (Lucifer, another name for the devil) and Cerbero (Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the underworld in Greek myth), popularised by the private weather service il Meteo (ilmeteo.it).
Severe heatwaves in summer 2023 and 2024 prompted a campaign to name heatwaves after fossil fuel companies, to increase awareness of their role in climate change.
However, there is limited evidence to indicate whether this would be effective in encouraging people to take proper safety precautions during heatwaves, such as staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm, closing the curtains of sun-facing windows during the day and making sure to have enough water if travelling and looking out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated, such as elderly people living alone.
To explore how effective naming heatwaves might be, my research team conducted online experiments with 2,152 people in England and 1,981 people in Italy.
Lucifer is scarier than Arnold
Participants were asked to imagine that next summer, they were to receive a warning that a heatwave was about to affect their country. Participants were randomly assigned information about an event that was was either unnamed, given a threatening name (Lucifer/Lucifero), or a more neutral name (Arnold).
Then they were asked how much of a risk they though that the event would pose and the actions they would anticipate taking. English participants were also asked about their thoughts on storm-naming practices in the UK and whether they felt that this should be extended to heatwaves.
We found that naming a heatwave had no effect on the intention of people to take protective measures against it in either country. In Italy, there was no difference between how people perceived the unnamed heatwave and Lucifero, but Arnold was judged to be slightly less concerning and severe.
This suggests that, while naming a heatwave does not increase concern, departing from Italy’s established convention of using threatening names does reduce it slightly.
Our participants in England rated Lucifer as more severe and concerning than an unnamed heatwave, though not by much. When asked about their thoughts on naming weather events more broadly, English participants tended to agree that naming storms made people more likely to engage with weather warnings, but only a minority were in favour of naming heatwaves. Overall we found that, while some people were generally supportive of naming weather events, others worried it could sensationalise them.
It probably won’t help much
We did not find enough evidence to support naming heatwaves in the UK.
Despite a large sample, we found only a very small effect on perceived risk and did not detect any greater intention to take safety precautions for a named heatwave. We also found that responses differed between England and Italy.
Heatwaves can cross national borders. The fact that there are national differences in how people respond to naming them could lead to unintended differences in how people interpret the risk in different places.
And unlike storms, which usually take place over a single day with a clearer start and end, heatwaves can last from days to weeks – it’s not always clear whether a prolonged hot spell is one heatwave or a series of them, which could lead to confusion if named.
Heatwaves are an opportunity to discuss the risks posed by climate change. But naming heatwaves risks coming across as sensationalist to some members of the public. This might have the opposite effect, and make people less likely to heed safety messaging about severe heat.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
A sudden spell of heavy rain battered Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and a red alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD, in its latest advisory, warned that the weather system moving eastward is expected to bring moderate rainfall across most parts of the region, with isolated pockets likely to witness heavy downpours over the next few hours.
Light to moderate rain had already begun in several eastern parts of Delhi by evening, and conditions were rapidly intensifying.
Authorities have flagged a high risk of localized flooding on roads, particularly in low-lying areas across Delhi-NCR. Several underpasses in vulnerable zones may face temporary closures due to rising water levels, while traffic movement across key stretches is expected to slow down significantly.
The IMD cautioned that heavy rain could lead to occasional reductions in visibility, especially for motorists navigating slippery and waterlogged roads, raising the risk of accidents and extended traffic snarls. Daily life and outdoor business operations are also likely to be impacted.
In addition to urban disruptions, the downpour could potentially damage plantations, horticultural assets, and standing crops. Temporary structures and weak constructions, particularly in informal settlements, may suffer partial damage due to strong winds and water seepage.
The IMD has urged residents to follow all advisories issued by civic authorities and to avoid non-essential travel. People are advised to stay indoors, keep doors and windows securely shut, and avoid taking shelter under trees during the storm due to the risk of lightning.
Meanwhile, the IMD also issued an orange alert for the national capital, forecasting moderate rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning across Delhi and adjoining areas. The day’s maximum temperature was expected to settle around 35°C, with the minimum hovering near 24°C.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
9954th Meeting (AM)
The Security Council will hold its monthly open briefing on Yemen today. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Summer Nasser, Chief Executive Officer, Yemen Aid, will brief. The meeting is expected to cover multiple challenges Yemen faces on the political, humanitarian, and economic fronts.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended a seminar on the development of capital markets in Hong Kong and Korea as well as a business luncheon on the second day of his visit in Seoul, Korea.
At the Hong Kong-Korea Capital Markets Conference, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong’s financial market has shown strong resilience over the past two years, with continued capital inflows, a robust stock market and a significant increase in bank deposits.
He added that amid profound changes in the global political and economic environment, Hong Kong is regarded as a safe harbour for global capital, characterised by transparent, stable and predictable policies, and its efficient connectivity with China and other Asian markets.
He also shared information with the conference participants about Hong Kong’s strategies and initiatives in developing digital assets, including licensing regimes for digital asset platforms and stablecoins.
At the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon, with the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Tokyo) as the cohost, Mr Chan noted that in the first half of this year alone, Hong Kong welcomed over half a million Korean visitors, a year-on-year growth of 25%.
Additionally, he stated that the number of foreign and Mainland companies reached a record high in 2024, with the number of Korean companies growing by 9% in particular.
“For Korean enterprises, Hong Kong’s unique advantage of connecting with both the Mainland and the world can create new opportunities in finance, innovation and technology, digital economy, film and entertainment, and more.”
After meeting Financial Services Commission Chairman Kim Byung-hwan, the Financial Secretary held discussions with representatives from the Korea Venture Capital Association and the private equity sector.
During such discussions, Mr Chan learnt about Korea’s industry ecosystem and asset allocation strategies, while introducing them to the investment opportunities in Hong Kong across the stock market and the innovation and technology landscape.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 09, 2025 FDA Publish Date: July 09, 2025 Product Type: Animal & VeterinaryFood & BeveragesFoodborne Illness Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description Elevated levels of copper
Company Name: CHS, Inc. Brand Name:
Brand Name(s) Payback®
Product Description:
Product Description Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster
Company Announcement CHS Inc. is voluntarily recalling seven tons of Payback® Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster due to potentially elevated levels of copper. Symptoms of copper toxicity in sheep include lethargy and anemia, grinding of teeth, thirst, off feed/poor appetite, pale to yellow mucous membranes, red/dark purple colored urine and recumbency. Death usually occurs one to two days after onset of clinical symptoms. Continued feeding of this product may result in serious illness or death. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. This product was manufactured at the CHS facility in Great Falls, Mont., and distributed to dealers in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming after February 19, 2025. The product was sold directly to dealers where end-use customers may have purchased the products. The product is bagged in 40 lb. Payback Champion feed bags that display the Payback brand. The affected lot number and label date can be found on the feed label below the feeding directions. The following product lot number and label date are included in this recall.
Product Name
Lot Number
Label Date
Payback® Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster
M#134300
02/14/25
No other lot numbers or feed products manufactured at the CHS facility in Great Falls, Mont., are involved in this voluntary recall. After receiving a customer report claiming this product may have resulted in illness or death, the company immediately began investigating and initiated the voluntary recall of the feed identified with the above lot number as it may contain elevated levels of copper. Customers who have purchased this product should immediately stop using it and return it to their local dealer for a full refund. Customers with questions should contact CHS at ANProducts@chsinc.com. About CHS CHS Inc. creates connections to empower agriculture. As a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, CHS serves customers in 65 countries and employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide. We provide critical crop inputs, market access and risk management services that help farmers feed the world. Our diversified agronomy, grains, foods and energy businesses recorded revenues of approximately $39 billion in fiscal year 2024. CHS is committed to reducing our impact on the planet, finding and developing new solutions in agriculture and energy, and investing in ways to build a better future for our owners, customers, employees and communities.
U.S. production of uranium concentrate (U3O8) in the first quarter of 2025 totaled 310,533 pounds U3O8, down roughly 65,000 lbs from fourth quarter of 2024.. This quarter’s total uranium production occurred at six facilities, two in Wyoming (Lost Creek Project and Ross CPP), two in Texas (Alta Mesa Project and Rosita), one in Nebraska (Crow Butte) and one in Utah (White Mesa Mill).
U.S. production of uranium concentrate (U3O8) in the first quarter of 2025 totaled 310,533 pounds U3O8, down roughly 65,000 lbs from fourth quarter of 2024.. This quarter’s total uranium production occurred at six facilities, two in Wyoming (Lost Creek Project and Ross CPP), two in Texas (Alta Mesa Project and Rosita), one in Nebraska (Crow Butte) and one in Utah (White Mesa Mill).
Residents and visitors are invited to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of the Isle of Wight at a special event hosted by the Museum of Island History in Newport’s Guildhall.
As part of the national Festival of Archaeology, the museum will open its doors free of charge from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 19 July.
A highlight of the event is a new display featuring artefacts unearthed by The Vectis Searchers, the Island’s long-standing metal detecting club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
These fascinating finds — often held in private collections — offer a rare glimpse into the Island’s past, with objects discovered in fields and gardens across the community.
Visitors are encouraged to bring along their own archaeological discoveries for expert identification by the Isle of Wight’s finds liaison officer.
There will also be a chance to learn more about the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a British Museum initiative that records archaeological finds made by the public.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to get hands-on and discover more about our special Island history,” said a spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Heritage Service.
“With handling artefacts to explore and a free museum trail for families, it’s a perfect day out for all ages.”
The Festival of Archaeology, organised by the Council for British Archaeology, runs from 19 July to 3 August and features hundreds of events across the UK, both in-person and online.
The Newport event is part of this nationwide celebration of heritage and discovery.
The Museum of Island History is located at the Guildhall, High Street, Newport, PO30 1TY, and is normally open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.
A new flythrough has revealed what the Castle Car Park and the Eye of York could look like.
Amendments to the existing Castle car park and Eye of York planning application have now been submitted.
The key changes include:
a new green park
introducing a dedicated space for children to play
replacing the paved event space with 30 Blue Badge parking spaces to replace existing parking – two of which will have electric vehicle charging points
reducing the costs of the overall scheme to ensure it is deliverable.
This follows public engagement on the revised concept designs which took place during summer 2024. Design consultancy, BDP, reflected priorities including accessibility, heritage and maintenance in the updated design.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said:
“This is an important step forwards for the project which aims to transform one of the most historic parts of the city centre.
“These plans seek to create a versatile public space where people of all ages want to spend time, making it greener and more accessible, as well as more affordable and deliverable, when compared to previous plans. We are sensitive to the area and its history and that is reflected in the plans which honour some of the more difficult aspects of our past.
“We also want this to be a space for all and as well as a number of accessible features, these plans include retaining 30 blue badge parking spaces, following public feedback.
“We will continue to listen as this project moves through the planning process.”
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture said:
“We are working to transform this area from a car park to a people park.
“These plans have been shaped by comments from local people, disabled groups, businesses and other stakeholders.
“Our proposals include new play areas for families – something people have been asking for more of in the city centre, and green open space for people to relax and take some time out.
“Our aspiration is for this historic site to be a free, welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy, away from the bustle of the city”.
Matthew Costa, Landscape Architect Director at BDP, said:
“We’ve listened carefully to what people want from this space and continue to shape the design around the community vision.
“The updated plans aim to make the area greener, easier to get around, and more enjoyable for everyone – whether you’re coming to relax, play, or meet others. It’s about turning the Castle Gateway into a place that feels like an inclusive, cultural and nature-rich part of the city again.”
The planning application can be found using this reference 22/00209/FULM and comments can be made via the statutory planning process before at the Planning Portal. People can also email comments to planning.comments@york.gov.uk or post to Development Management, City of York Council, West Offices, York YO1 6GA.
A report will be taken to the council’s Executive later this year, seeking a decision to close Castle car park, approval to procure a contractor to deliver the scheme, setting the delivery budget and timeframe, plus provide updates on other Castle Gateway schemes.
A new report has warned rising temperatures due to climate change pose serious health risks to the city’s population.
‘Heat in the City: Our Health in a Warming Leeds’ – this year’s annual report by Director of Public Health, Victoria Eaton – highlights the growing threat of heat-related illness and calls for collective city-wide action to protect residents now and in the future.
Leeds has seen record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including the 2022 heatwave when the city hit 40 degrees Celsius (C) for the first time.
The report warns of the link between hot weather and a rise in hospital admissions and deaths – as seen in the 2022 heatwaves, when an estimated 2,985 died in England during the hottest periods.
Extreme heat can make breathing harder and put extra strain on the heart, circulatory system and kidneys as they work to cool the body, with vulnerable groups – such as older adults, children, pregnant woman, people with long-term health conditions – most at risk.
Densely-populated, inner-city areas, where manmade surfaces such as concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, greenspace is reduced and tall buildings block airflow, creates a phenomenon known as the ‘urban heat island effect’, where temperatures can be up to 8 degrees Celsius (C) hotter than in rural areas.
Increasing temperatures due to climate change also introduce new threats such as longer pollen seasons, increased asthma cases during thunderstorms and the potential spread of diseases such as Lyme disease from ticks and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika.
The report highlights some of the creative projects and initiatives already happening across the city to combat climate change, including work to enhance biodiversity such as through the creation of the city centre ‘Aire Park’ and the planting of 100 community orchards – with Leeds set to reach the most in the UK outside of London – as well as the distribution of hot weather packs for people most at risk.
Key recommendations for city-wide action within the report include:
Expanding access to cool spaces;
Integrating more heat resilience into urban planning;
Continuing to prioritise investment in energy-efficient housing;
Raising public awareness of the impacts of heat on health as well as ensuring frontline workers have the tools they need to support vulnerable groups.
Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said “Rising temperatures affect everyone but the health risks aren’t equal.
“People in our most deprived and densely-populated areas – especially older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with long-term conditions – face the greatest risks.”
Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said “Climate change is a health crisis. The choices we make today will shape the wellbeing of future generations.
“Together we can create a Leeds that not only adapts to rising temperatures but thrives in spite of them.”
The report was praised by the Association of Directors of Public Health as “particularly innovative,” and supports Leeds’s ambition to become the UK’s first net-zero city by 2030.
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
[embedded content]
To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, clickhereor the image above.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a business meeting to consider the nominations of Usha-Maria Turner to be Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs and David Wright to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and 32 Committee Resolutions to approve prospectuses from the General Services Administration (GSA).
Both nominations were favorably reported by the EPW Committee, and the GSA resolutions were approved by voice vote. The nominations head to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.
Below is theopening statementof Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
“I want to thank everybody for attending today’s business meeting to vote on the nominations of David Wright to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Usha-Maria Turner to be EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs.
“I will support both of these nominees this morning.
“As our nation’s independent nuclear safety regulator, the NRC is critically important to our energy future. Congress directed the NRC to be more efficient and we expect the NRC, under the leadership and direction of the Chair and the Commission, to accelerate this work.
“Through Chairman Wright’s leadership, the NRC has taken some initial, positive steps. The Commission updated its Mission Statement, reduced the timeframe to approve new nuclear licenses, and is addressing unique regulatory challenges with new reactor designs.
“I will work in a bipartisan manner to hold the Commission, including Chairman Wright, accountable to expedite their efforts while maintaining their focus on ensuring nuclear safety.
“In response to questions for the record I submitted jointly with Ranking Member Whitehouse, Chairman Wright affirmed that he is committed to preserving the NRC’s independent authority to license and oversee the civilian use of nuclear material. I appreciate that commitment and will support Chairman Wright’s nomination.
“I will also vote for Usha-Maria Turner to lead the EPA’s Office of International and Tribal Affairs.
“Her experience in energy and environmental regulatory affairs makes her well prepared to represent the EPA around the world and with our Tribal partners. I urge my colleagues to support these nominations.
“I also encourage my colleagues to support the 32 GSA resolutions that authorize important repair and alternation projects and leases across the country.”
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 July 9, 2025
Cotton Introduces Bill to Eliminate Challenges to Countering China
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today introduced the Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act, legislation that would establish environmental waivers for commercial projects deemed necessary to counter the Chinese Communist Party by the Secretary of Defense.
“Current environmental laws put our readiness to counter Communist China at risk and waste taxpayer dollars on projects that stall out and die on the vine. This bill will create jobs, better arm and prepare our soldiers, and spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently,” said Senator Cotton.
Text of the Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act may be found here.
The Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act would:
Establish a waiver for activities related to countering the threat of Communist China.
July 9, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario, Department of National Defence
On July 7, 2025, the Government of Canada awarded two contracts for a total value of $169,187,671.90 to CACI, Inc. – FEDERAL as part of the second phase of the Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) Urgent Operational Requirement. This is a critical new capability to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed on Operation REASSURANCE.
This contract includes the integration and mounting of the CUAS onto a new light armoured tactical vehicle platform, as well as in-service support for the systems for up to 10 years.
As the international security environment changes, the Government of Canada is continually working to equip CAF personnel with the capabilities they need to protect Canada and its national interests. The CUAS capability will provide CAF members with improved protection against smaller hostile uncrewed aircraft systems through detection, identification, tracking, and degradation and defeat using integrated vehicles with sensors and effectors.The CUAS capability will provide CAF members with improved protection against smaller hostile uncrewed aircraft systems through detection, identification, tracking, and degradation and defeat using integrated vehicles with sensors and effectors.
Peterborough, Ontario, July 9, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Emma Harrison Hill, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, and Jeff Leal, Mayor, City of Peterborough.
Date: July 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Board Room, 2nd floor City Hall 500 George Street North Peterborough, ON K9H 3R9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour, ‘The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’, during his one-day state visit to the African nation.
The award was presented by the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, at a special ceremony, marking a new milestone in the ties between the two nations.
Accepting the award, the PM dedicated it to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the historic and enduring partnership between India and Namibia. “I accept this honour with deep gratitude, and I dedicate it to the people of India and the timeless bond our two countries share,” the Prime Minister said, expressing his heartfelt thanks to Nandi-Ndaitwah and the people of Namibia.
PM Modi is the first Indian leader to receive this honour.
Established in 1995, the award recognises distinguished service and leadership. It is named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique desert plant found only in Namibia that symbolises resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of its people.
This is PM Modi’s 27th international honour, the fourth during his ongoing five-nation tour and the second in less than 24 hours.
NIWC Pacific announced the winners of a prize challenge on July 2 following a competition of the Cyber Resilient Systems Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (held in mid-June on the South Carolina campus of NIWC Pacific’s sister command — NIWC Atlantic.
Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA
Headline: IMCA Member Survey 2025 – the results are in!
IMCA is committed to continuously improving the value we provide to our Members.
This is why we launched our IMCA Member Survey in March to hear your views about IMCA, and the value you get from IMCA membership.
This feedback is essential to help us shape our future initiatives, to refine the benefits of IMCA membership, and ensure IMCA continues to deliver the value that you need.
So, thank-you to everyone who filled in the survey. Your input has given us a wealth of data and insights covering every aspect of our work.
While we continue to analyse the results, we want to share a few of the headline findings, and to let you know about some new initiatives we are introducing in response to your feedback.
Some Members told us that they found it hard to make the most of their IMCA Membership, either because they weren’t sure how, or because they didn’t have the time. Members also told us that they struggled to attend IMCA’s in-person events. We have launched a new series of online IMCA Member briefings to help Members understand and access the benefits of IMCA Membership, and we will explore other ways of making our events more accessible in 2026.
Just one-third of IMCA Members are aware of IMCA’s advocacy work on behalf of the marine contracting sector – with the International Maritime Organization, with the European Union, and with national governments and regulators. We will step up our communication of this work, and will launch a new Advocacy Hub on the IMCA website to share news and resources from our campaigns.
Members gave us excellent feedback on new services that IMCA could introduce to serve its Members, and key industry issues that IMCA should focus on over the next two to three years. These areas included training and continuing professional development, attracting the next generation of talent to join our industry, guidance on meeting new environmental regulations, and supporting Members as they implement AI and new technology in their operations. We will feed these insights into the development of IMCA’s new strategy, which will be launched at the end of this year.
We will publish a more detailed report on the results of the Member Survey, and the actions we are taking in response, as part of our Annual Impact Report, which will be published this Autumn.
IMCA Member survey headline results
Who did we hear from?
We received survey responses from 525 people working for 272 Member businessesand organisations. The responses from different regions, different types of Member (contractor, supplier, etc), and from different divisions (marine, diving, etc) was in proportion with IMCA’s global membership, making this a strong, representative sample.
This is good, but we want to do even better in 2026. We aim to engage with every one of our 800+ Member companies next year – through our annual IMCA Member Survey, through more frequent and targeted ‘pulse’ surveys, by making our events more accessible, and by expanding our network of regional experts and Member engagement directors.
More than 85% of respondents said they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their company’s IMCA Membership.
We asked Members to say, on a scale of one to 10, how likely they would be to recommend IMCA membership to a colleague. The results gave us an average score of 8.5 out of 10, and a ‘net promoter score’ of 46.1
These are very strong results, and demonstrate the value of IMCA Membership across our different divisions and areas of work. However, we are not complacent, and using the insights contained in this Member survey we aim to improve on these numbers in 2026.
Diving Equipment Manufacturer, Middle East & India
IMCA is influential because it plays a central role in shaping industry standards, promoting safety, and guiding best practices across the global marine contracting and diving community. Its guidelines are widely respected and adopted, giving contractors and operators a common framework to work within. IMCA’s influence extends beyond documentation – it creates a platform for collaboration, drives regulatory conversations, and brings stakeholders together to elevate operational quality and safety. For many of us in the industry, IMCA is a benchmark for compliance, credibility, and continuous improvement.
Which Member benefits do IMCA Members value the most?
Benefit of IMCA Membership
Average score (/10)
Access to IMCA’s technical guidance, information notes, and codes of practice
9.0
Safety flashes and statistics
9.0
Briefings on legal, policy, and regulatory topics
8.3
The opportunity to attend IMCA events and technical seminars
8.0
IMCA’s advocacy with energy companies, governments, regulators, and the International Maritime Organization
8.0
The opportunity to support IMCA’s work, including through IMCA Committees and Working Groups
8.0
Networking and business development
7.8
Dynamic Positioning practitioner assessment and diving supervisor CPD (continuous professional development)
7.5
Running the eCMID vessel auditing system
7.0
The publication and sale of logbooks for key offshore personnel
6.8
The certification of diving-related supervisory roles
6.5
We asked Members to rate the importance of IMCA Member benefits by giving each benefit a score of between one and 10. We were pleased to see that Members valued our core services – our industry-leading technical library, our focus on driving improvements in safety at work, our program of technical seminars and regional events, and our advocacy work on legal, policy, and regulatory issues – most highly. None of this work would be possible without the support, time, and expertise of our Members, whether through volunteering on IMCA Committees or Working Groups, or submitting data and incidents to us to support the safety of the offshore sector as a whole.
“IMCA has a proven pedigree in representing all areas of the offshore Energy contractor base to establish harmonised working practices and the sharing of information.” – Contractor, Europe
Where can we do better?
While 71% of Members said they felt involved with IMCA, 19% did not. Barriers to greater engagement were lack of time, the location of IMCA events, and because Members did not know how to get involved.
To help address these challenges, we have launched a new series of online IMCA Member briefings to help Members understand and access the benefits of IMCA Membership, and we will explore other ways of making our events more accessible in 2026.
“A vital association which helps to maintain specific safe working standards with a considerable variety of documentation support” – Diving Company, South America
While one-third of Members were aware of IMCA’s advocacy work on behalf of the marine contracting sector – with the International Maritime Organization, with the European Union, and with national governments and regulators – 41% were either mostly or completely unaware.
We will step up our communication of this work, and will launch a new Advocacy Hub on the IMCA website to share news and resources from our campaigns.
“IMCA sets Industry best practices for its members and the marine industry as a whole, which is also seen as best practice by global regulators.” – ROV supplier, Europe
For further information on the IMCA Member Survey please contact IMCA’s Membership Services Group at membership@imca-int.com.
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Energy Education Foundation Talks to DC Mag about New “Mobile Educational Experience” for Students
On 18 June, the Energy Education Foundation (EEF) held a “sneak peek” event at Transocean’s Houston facility showcasing the EnergyXP project, which centers on the development of a “mobile educational experience” for students across the U.S. A modified van, which is set to be fully functional this fall, will be outfitted with tablets and other learning devices that will teach students about the science of energy and the ways in which energy interacts with their everyday lives.
In this video taken from the event, DC spoke with Fernando Hinojosa, Director of Education and Museum Ops at the EEF, about the EnergyXP project, as well as Mitchell Massey, Senior Strategist at 900 Lbs of Creative, the design agency that collaborated with EEF on the content development. Mr Hinojosa talked about the EEF’s motivation to bolster energy education, while Mr Massey talked about some of the technologies that will be installed in the EnergyXP van and the interactive learning experiences being designed.
High level description of systems and components distribution into redundant groups (e.g. narrative description of both the normal operation mode and the failed operation mode).
Source: Offshore Gangways, DNVGL-ST-0358, DNV GL, September 2017. Global Standards
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Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal for the redevelopment of the former landfill site to comprise a Data Centre development (B8 (Data Centre)) of up to 72,000 sqm (GEA) delivered across 2 buildings. The scheme includes site wide landscaping. The Data Centre buildings include ancillary offices, internal plant and equipment and emergency back-up generators and associated fuel storage.
The development will also include cycle and car parking, internal circulation routes, soft and hard landscaping, security perimeter fence, lighting, earthworks, sustainable drainage systems, ancillary infrastructure and a substation.
But that’s precisely what happened last summer. Erik Allebest, CEO of the world’s largest online chess site, Chess.com, asked me to investigate former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik’s concerns about the long winning streaks of top player Hikaru Nakamura.
Kramnik argued that these streaks had very low probability and were therefore very suspicious and “interesting.” He didn’t quite accuse Hikaru of cheating, but the implication was clear. Feelings were running high, with Kramnik’s supporters posting angry comments (often in Russian) about cheating as many Chess.com players and Hikaru partisans dismissed the accusations.
Who was right? Who was wrong? Who could say?
Allebest asked me to conduct an independent, unbiased statistical analysis to see just how unlikely those chess winning streaks actually were.
Statistician Jeffrey Rosenthal responds to questions about statistics for WIRED in a video that has received 2.4 million views since February 2022.
Calculating probabilities
To sort this out, I first had to calculate the probability of each player winning or tying each game. Different players can have very different abilities, and more advanced players have a greater chance of defeating less experienced opponents. But just how great?
Chess.com assigns a chess rating to each player after each game, and these ratings were shared with me. My analysis suggested that a certain logistic — or s-shaped — curve function provided an accurate estimate of each game’s probabilities.
Furthermore, deviations from this probability in successive game results were approximately independent, so the influence of one game on the next could be safely ignored. This gave me a clear probability of each player winning each game.
I could then analyze those winning streaks that had provoked so much ire. It turned out that Hikaru, unlike most other top players, had played lots of games against much weaker players. This gave him a very high probability of winning each game. But even so, should he have such long winning streaks, sometimes more than 100 games in a row?
Testing randomness
To check this, I conducted some Monte Carlo simulations, which repeat a test with random variations.
I wrote computer programs to randomly assign wins and losses and draws to each of Hikaru’s games, according to the probabilities from my model. I had the computer measure the most surprising winning streaks each time. This allowed me to measure how Hikaru’s actual streaks stacked up against what we should expect.
I found that in many of the Monte Carlo simulations, the
simulated results included streaks just as unlikely as the actual ones.
This demonstrated that Hikaru’s chess results were just about what might
be expected. He had such a high probability of winning each game, and had played so many games on Chess.com, that such long winning streaks were likely to emerge according to the rules of probability alone.
Responses to findings
I wrote up a brief report of my findings, and sent it to Chess.com.
It ran a news item on its site, which elicited many comments, mostly supportive.
Hikaru then posted his own video commentary, also supporting my analysis. But meanwhile, Kramnik posted a 29-minute video criticizing my research.
Kramnik did include some substantive points, so I wrote an addendum to my report to address his concerns and show that they would not effect the conclusion. I also converted my report into a formal paper, which I submitted to a research journal.
I then got busy with my teaching duties and put the chess controversies
out of my mind until I received a response in December. It consisted of three referee reports and editor comments, with detailed comments totalling six single-spaced pages.
I also then discovered that Kramnik had posted a second 59-minute video critiquing my addendum and raising additional points, too.
I was glad to have my findings published in a prestigious statistics journal, thus giving them a formal stamp of approval. And perhaps, at long last, to settle this particular champion-level chess controversy.
Jeffrey S. Rosenthal receives research funding from NSERC of Canada, but received no compensation from Chess.com or anyone else for this work.
July 9, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Canada’s government was elected on a mandate to spend less and invest more. A crucial part of delivering those savings is eliminating inefficient red tape – outdated and overly complicated regulations that raise costs, reduce productivity, and stifle economic growth.
Today, the Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board, launched a Red Tape review of regulations across federal departments and agencies with regulatory responsibilities.
As part of this review, Ministers will review regulations in their portfolios and propose actions and measures to eliminate red tape –– including removing outdated regulation, reducing duplication with provincial rules, and making it easier to access and deliver services. The review will be overseen by the recently created Red Tape Reduction Office, and within 60 days, Ministers will report to the President of the Treasury Board on their organizations’ progress and next steps.
A leaner, more focused government will make regulations more efficient, services more effective, and unlock more private capital for Canadian workers and businesses – to build the strongest economy in the G7.