April 6, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan.
These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity.
G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.
G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue.
An example of calibration and validation of CoSMoS-COAST using historical satellite-derived shoreline data. The figure shows the extent of the CoSMoS-COAST U.S. South Atlantic Coast model transects (panel A—in green) with a zoomed in section of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (panel B), which shows a close-up of the 50 m transect spacing (green lines). Click “View Media Details” for the full explanation of the figure.
Wave-Driven vs. Sea-Level-Driven Coastal Change
Coastal change is influenced by a variety of processes, including wave action, sediment movement, storm overwash, and erosion of dunes and cliffs. While past shoreline retreat on open-ocean coasts has primarily been driven by waves, the study finds that sea-level rise is expected to play an increasingly dominant role in the future as global temperatures continue to climb.
Until now, few models have been capable of accurately and efficiently simulating the wide range of factors that drive long-term coastal change. In this study, new modeling overcomes these limitations by integrating historical satellite data, wave and sea-level projections, and large-scale shoreline-change patterns to predict how coastlines will evolve under different climate scenarios.
A Retreating Coastline
Using this advanced modeling approach, researchers found that under a 1.0-meter rise in sea level scenario, 63% of shorelines along the South Atlantic Coast are projected to retreat beyond the current extent of sandy beaches. Under a 2.0-meter rise, that number jumps to 94%, meaning nearly all sandy shorelines in the region could disappear or shift significantly inland.
These findings highlight the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems to rising seas. Without large-scale interventions—such as beach nourishment, dune restoration, or seawalls—many beaches could face severe erosion, leaving less natural protection against storm surges and flooding.
Implications for the Future
The study points to the urgency of planning for long-term coastal resilience. Coastal communities and policymakers will need to weigh difficult decisions about adaptation strategies, from managed retreat to costly engineering solutions.
By providing a scalable, data-driven model that captures historical shoreline behavior and future uncertainties, the new study offers a powerful tool for predicting coastal change and guiding climate adaptation efforts. As sea levels continue to rise, understanding where and how shorelines will retreat will be critical for protecting people, infrastructure, and ecosystems along the U.S. South Atlantic coastline.
Read the study, Scalable, data-assimilated models predict large-scale shoreline response to waves and sea-level rise, in Scientific Reports.
Alberta’s agri-food industry is shaped by exports, and the U.S. is by far Alberta’s – and Canada’s – most important trade partner. Alberta’s government is committed to protecting and growing this relationship.
In 2024, Alberta exported $9.3 billion in ag products to the U.S., a 4.3 per cent increase from 2023. Minister Sigurdson will engage in important discussions on how agriculture is beneficial on both sides of the border.
“Though the April 2 announcement from the Trump administration was a positive one for our province and country for the time being, some uncertainty remains and our relationship with the U.S. needs to be restrengthened. I want every ag producer and processor in our province to know that we have your back and will continue to advocate for your needs during these difficult times, and that is exactly what I intend to do in Washington this week.”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is committed to working with its national and international counterparts to advance shared interests and maximize efficiencies in the North American agri-food industry that can lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for producers, processors and consumers.
Minister Sigurdson will travel with one staff member. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Quick facts
The U.S. remains Canada’s and Alberta’s most valuable export market for agricultural products, including live cattle, beef, canola seed, meal and oil, and processed potatoes.
In 2024, these top five exports to the U.S. totaled $7 billion, a 5.7 per cent increase over 2023.
Canada is the most important market for many states, importing US$28.1 billion (C$38.5 billion) of agriculture and food products in 2024.
Alberta imports from the U.S. include fruits and vegetables, food products, live cattle and beverages.
U.S. demand for beef is strong with consumers eating about 60 pounds per capita in 2024.
In 2024, Alberta exported more than 400,000 head of live cattle to the U.S. and almost 90 per cent were for immediate slaughter.
Itinerary for Minister Sigurdson
April 7
Travel to Washington, D.C.
April 8
Meet with representative from the National Potato Council
Meet with presentative from The Fertilizer Institute
Working lunch with representatives from American Soybean Association, CropLife America, BASF, Bayer, Corteva and Nutrien
Meet with representatives from the American Farm Bureau
Meet with representative from the North American Meat Institute
Attend Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) Reception
April 9
Meet with Canadian Minister Counsellor (Economic Trade and Policy) and Counsellor (Agriculture)
Meet with representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture
Attend National Pork Producers Council Reception
April 10
Attend Cultivating Competitiveness: Positioning North America as a Strategic Agricultural Bloc Session
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Apr 6, 2025 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
Updated: Sun Apr 6 12:39:32 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 061239
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0739 AM CDT Sun Apr 06 2025
Valid 061300Z – 071200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI…CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN ALABAMA…WESTERN GEORGIA…AND THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE…
…SUMMARY… A wind-damage and isolated tornado threat is possible today across parts of the Southeast. Marginally severe wind gusts will also be possible in parts of the southern Appalachians into southern Virginia.
…Synopsis… Elongated upper troughing currently extends from the central Plains southwestward through northern Mexico. A shortwave trough embedded within this larger upper troughing is currently moving northeastward through OK, while another embedded shortwave trough exists farther west over northwest Mexico. The surface pattern features a modest low over east-central MS, with a cold front extending southwestward through southeast LA. An outflow boundary also intersects this low, extending northeastward into northern GA. An extensive line of thunderstorms exists along these boundaries in relatively continuous line from south-central MS into northeast AL.
The parent upper trough is forecast to gradually move eastward throughout the day, likely ending the period extended from the Ozark Plateau into central Mexico, with the embedded shortwaves making farther eastward/northeastward progression as well. The surface low is also expected to move gradually northeastward, with the cold front and associated convective line moving eastward throughout the day.
…Southeast… The airmass downstream of the ongoing convective line mentioned in the synopsis is characterized by dewpoints in the mid to upper 60s. Thermodynamic profiles are expected to remain relatively warm throughout the day, but the low-level moisture already in place should still support at least modest buoyancy ahead of the line as it progresses eastward. Though the strongest upper-level winds will be behind the front, sufficient mid-level flow parallel to the boundary combined with the modest buoyancy should maintain convective organization. Primary severe risk with this linear convection will be damaging gusts. Moderate to strong low-level flow is expected to persist along and ahead of the convective line as well, resulting in veering low-level wind profiles and enough low-level shear to support embedded supercells capable of wind damage and tornadoes.
As mentioned in MCD #425, some near-term (i.e. through mid-morning) increase in convective organization is possible, due to a persistence of the strong low-level flow and deepening meso-low. This increased organization would resultant in a greater potential for strong gusts and/or tornadoes.
…Southern Appalachians/Piedmont… Warmer air aloft is expected to have a greater influence over these regions. With less buoyancy anticipated through the morning/afternoon, convective intensity should remain muted. Given the strong shear across these areas, a few strong to severe storms may produce wind damage.
..Mosier/Kerr.. 04/06/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT
.html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Watch 131 Status Reports
STATUS REPORT #4 ON WW 131
VALID 061330Z – 061440Z
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES RIGHT OF A LINE FROM 45 SSE MEI TO 35 SE MEI TO 50 ENE MEI TO 20 ESE TCL TO 10 SSW GAD TO 30 ENE GAD TO 10 W RMG TO 20 E CHA.
..BENTLEY..04/06/25
ATTN…WFO…BMX…MOB…FFC…
&&
STATUS REPORT FOR WT 131
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
BARTOW CARROLL CHATTOOGA DOUGLAS FLOYD GORDON HARALSON HEARD PAULDING POLK $$
MSC041-061440-
MS . MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
GREENE $$
THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES. $$
STATUS REPORT #3 ON WW 131
VALID 061150Z – 061240Z
THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.
..KERR..04/06/25
ATTN…WFO…BMX…MOB…FFC…
&&
STATUS REPORT FOR WT 131
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
BARTOW CARROLL CATOOSA CHATTOOGA DOUGLAS FLOYD GORDON HARALSON HEARD MURRAY PAULDING POLK WALKER WHITFIELD $$
MSC041-111-153-061240-
MS . MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
GREENE PERRY WAYNE $$
THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES. $$
STATUS REPORT #2 ON WW 131
VALID 061045Z – 061140Z
THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.
..KERR..04/06/25
ATTN…WFO…BMX…MOB…FFC…
&&
STATUS REPORT FOR WT 131
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
BARTOW CARROLL CATOOSA CHATTOOGA DOUGLAS FLOYD GORDON HARALSON HEARD MURRAY PAULDING POLK WALKER WHITFIELD $$
MSC041-111-153-061140-
MS . MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
GREENE PERRY WAYNE $$
THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES. $$
STATUS REPORT #1 ON WW 131
VALID 060930Z – 061040Z
THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.
..KERR..04/06/25
ATTN…WFO…BMX…MOB…FFC…
&&
STATUS REPORT FOR WT 131
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
BARTOW CARROLL CATOOSA CHATTOOGA DOUGLAS FLOYD GORDON HARALSON HEARD MURRAY PAULDING POLK WALKER WHITFIELD $$
MSC041-111-153-061040-
MS . MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
GREENE PERRY WAYNE $$
THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES. $$
Top/Watch Issuance Text for Watch 131/All Current Watches/Forecast Products/Home
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Watch 132 Status Reports
Watch 132 Status Message has not been issued yet.
Top/Watch Issuance Text for Watch 132/All Current Watches/Forecast Products/Home
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL2
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 132 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1000 AM CDT Sun Apr 6 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southern and Eastern Alabama Florida Panhandle Western and Northern Georgia Coastal Waters
* Effective this Sunday morning and evening from 1000 AM until 600 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Severe storm potential, including a few supercells ahead of a convective line, may increase into the afternoon across the region, with the strongest storms posing a tornado risk aside from damaging winds.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles east and west of a line from 25 miles north of Atlanta GA to 50 miles east of Mobile AL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 131…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24030.
…Guyer
SEL2
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 132 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1000 AM CDT Sun Apr 6 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southern and Eastern Alabama Florida Panhandle Western and Northern Georgia Coastal Waters
* Effective this Sunday morning and evening from 1000 AM until 600 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Severe storm potential, including a few supercells ahead of a convective line, may increase into the afternoon across the region, with the strongest storms posing a tornado risk aside from damaging winds.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles east and west of a line from 25 miles north of Atlanta GA to 50 miles east of Mobile AL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 131…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24030.
…Guyer
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW2 WW 132 TORNADO AL FL GA CW 061500Z – 062300Z AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 25N ATL/ATLANTA GA/ – 50E MOB/MOBILE AL/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM E/W /22N ATL – 39WSW CEW/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24030.
LAT…LON 33988312 30678615 30678867 33988574
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU2.
Watch 132 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan
G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement
6 April 2025
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan.
These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity.
G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.
G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue.
Physical activity — primarily in the form of active play — promotes young children’s physical, mental, emotional and social health. It can also influence how active people will be later in life.
It’s recommended that pre-school children, aged three to four years, engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day, and that should include one hour of high-intensity, heart-pumping movement. Sedentary screen time should also be limited to less than one hour per day.
Despite this, many children in Canada and around the world do not meet recommended levels of physical activity and engage in far more sedentary screen time than recommended.
Early childhood educators (ECEs) play many important roles in helping young children grow and learn, and one of these roles is encouraging engagement in physical activity. Our research in the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab at Western University focuses on promoting physical activity of young children.
A large part of our research involves working with ECEs to create active child-care settings, where children are supported and encouraged to engage in the physical activity they need for their development. We believe providing physical activity training opportunities for ECEs is an essential first step towards reaching that goal.
Why kids aren’t moving
There are many barriers to promoting physical activity in child-care settings, including prioritization of academic outcomes and limited space or equipment.
For ECEs, the lack of formal training on the integral role of physical activity on children’s learning, health and development may present a key barrier.
Only 32 per cent of students in early childhood education programs in Canada have taken a course related to physical activity in their post-secondary degree.
Furthermore, ECEs across Canada have reported a lack of knowledge and confidence in their ability to incorporate physical activity opportunities into daily programming in child-care settings. This is the case even while ECEs have expressed interest in pursuing more training on these important subjects.
The TEACH course
We created the TEACH e-learning course (TEACH stands for Training EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity) to help bridge this gap.
This course aims to educate ECEs on the important role of physical activity in child development, and to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to implement physical activity within child-care environments.
The TEACH course was developed with both early childhood education experts and physical activity specialists to create comprehensive and relevant course content in four online modules. These include instructive videos, practical tips and “knowledge checks” (encouraging self-reflection on current knowledge and practices) for promoting physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour in child-care environments.
Important topics like outdoor and risky play are also covered in the course. It strives to overcome some of the other barriers to physical activity promotion in child-care settings, including suggestions for incorporating movement with limited space or equipment, as well as how to combine physical activities with other important skills like literacy and numeracy.
The TEACH course is endorsed by the Canada Child Care Federation as a resource which can be used for practising ECEs to help fulfil their annual professional development activity requirements.
Real-world results show promise
The course has been tested with 200 practising ECEs and 300 ECE students across Canada, and has been shown to increase ECEs’ knowledge, confidence and intentions to incorporate physical activity during the child-care day.
Not only that, but the positive changes in self-efficacy and confidence were sustained up to three months after completing the training. This shows that the e-learning course can have a lasting impact.
Both practising ECEs and those in training benefited from the TEACH course. Practicing ECEs, who could immediately apply their new knowledge and skills to their everyday work, maintained these gains more effectively when compared to the ECEs still in training.
The online format of the TEACH course increases accessibility of the course, as ECEs can work through the content in their own time, from anywhere. The online format also provides promise for the feasibility of expanding the course to a wider audience to be a cost-effective way to train a large number of ECEs, without much strain on resources.
Members of the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab have translated the TEACH course into French (TEACH-FR). They’re currently testing its impact on francophone ECEs across the country, to ensure this resource can eventually be made available to both English- and French-speaking ECEs across Canada.
Children’s engagement in physical activity and healthy movement while at child care matters — and can impact their health and development. The TEACH course can help improve educators’ knowledge and confidence in promoting physical activity opportunities in child-care settings, better equipping them for this challenge.
By providing training for ECEs on the importance of physical activity behaviours, as well as how to effectively program daily active play opportunities, we can help children to move more during their time in child care. This helps set the stage for future healthy active lives.
Myranda Hawthorne receives funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Sophie M Phillips receives funding from Children’s Health Research Institute and Mitacs.
Trish Tucker receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Children’s Health Research Institute.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Philip Mai, Co-director and Senior Researcher, Social Media Lab, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto Metropolitan University
Amid a Canadian federal election campaign focused in part on the country’s sovereignty, Canada’s two leading political parties are taking sharply different approaches to their advertising strategies. A close analysis of digital ad impressions on Facebook and Instagram reveals that the battleground is not just ideological, but demographic and geographic.
While both the Conservative and Liberal parties invest ad dollars in Canada’s most populous provinces, their strategies reveal a deeper story: Conservatives bet on Gen Z and Millennial voters, while Liberals double down on older voters and those in Francophone Canada.
We first observed these divergent strategies as part of an analysis conducted by the Ted Rogers School of Management Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. As part of our Election Transparency and Accountability initiative, we examined Canadian political ad spending on Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram, using PoliDashboard, the open-source platform we developed.
We conducted a detailed analysis of the ad impression data for the campaigns of all major parties. Here, we focus our findings on online ads purchased by the Liberal and Conservative parties, the current frontrunners in the polls.
Conservatives woo younger voters
Based on impressions data from Facebook and Instagram during March 23-30, the week after the election announced, there was a clear generational divide in digital outreach. The Conservatives devoted much of their messaging to Canadians under 45, while the Liberals appeared to focus more on those 55 and older.
A significant portion of Conservative Party Facebook and Instagram ad impressions came from men aged 25 to 34, who accounted for 16 per cent of all Conservative ad views. Additional impressions came from men aged 18 to 24, women aged 25 to 34, and women aged 35 to 44; each of these groups made up 10 per cent of the total impressions. This suggests an apparent effort by the Conservatives to connect with Gen Z and millennial voters.
In contrast, Liberal ads garnered higher impressions among older demographics, with women aged 65 and over accounting for the largest share (21 per cent) of total impressions. Women aged 55 to 64 and men over 65 each contributed 12 per cent of Liberal ad impressions. This distribution points to a strategic emphasis on older voters, a group known for reliably turning out on election day.
The estimated percentage of Meta ad impressions for Conservative and Liberals by demographic groups. (PoliDashboard/Social Media Lab), CC BY
While traditional wisdom suggests that young adults favour progressive politics and parties, public polling suggests that young Canadians are increasingly embracing conservatism amid a housing and affordability crisis. The Conservatives appear poised to channel young peoples’ economic dissatisfaction into votes, using online advertising to reach them.
Meanwhile, the Liberals appear to be consolidating support among those who have a longer history of voting, especially older women, who represent the largest age and gender cohort that is likely to vote for the party. It’s a tale of two electorates, and two very different strategies for winning.
Impression data alone doesn’t confirm explicit age or gender targeting, nor does it guarantee support. Sometimes, a demographic simply has more affinity for a party’s content, leading to more impressions. These numbers can reflect both how parties aim their ads and how voters gravitate toward what resonates with them most.
Regional divides
The differences between the parties extend beyond age and gender, and into geographic territory. Both campaigns prioritize ad spending in Canada’s most populous provinces — British Columbia, Ontario and Québec — but the way they distribute their focus tells its own story.
The Conservatives receive a larger share of their ad impressions from British Columbia, with 17 per cent of their total ad impressions; in comparison, the Liberals received just 11 per cent. The contrast is even sharper in Ontario, where 54 per cent of all Conservative ad impressions are concentrated, versus only 31 per cent for the Liberals.
This difference is likely a deliberate strategic targeting tactic. Ontario, home to 122 federal ridings (with about 36 per cent of all seats in the House of Commons), is a pivotal battleground. The Conservatives’ strategy appears to hinge on flipping key seats in the province, particularly in suburban and outer suburban areas that could decide the election. Combined with their reach with younger voters, this approach signals an all-in effort to gain ground where it counts most.
The Liberal Party, meanwhile, is doubling down in Québec — one of the largest and most culturally distinct provinces in the country — and where the Liberals are clearly on the offensive. Twenty-nine per cent of Liberal ad impressions are located in the province, compared to just three per cent for the Conservatives.
Québec has long been a stronghold for the Liberals, particularly in urban areas like Montréal. While the province can be volatile and deeply influenced by local issues, the Liberals’ heavy advertising push suggests they’re working to defend the 33 seats they currently hold and possibly add a couple of new seats.
Two parties, two visions
Liberals and Conservatives are both vocally aligned in their repudiation of United States President Donald Trump’s frequent allusion to Canada becoming the “51st state,” a sentiment shared by an overwhelming majority of the Canadian public.
With external pressure mounting from Trump’s tariff threats and democratic norms being tested across the border, this election isn’t just about policies or parties: it’s about protecting Canada’s independence, values and place in the world.
However, the trends we’ve identified paint a picture of two distinct campaigns playing to different strengths and chasing different voters. The Conservatives are betting on young, digitally engaged Canadians, especially in Ontario. The Liberals are reinforcing their support among older voters, and looking to hold ground in Québec, where cultural identity and party loyalty still carry significant weight.
Of course, ad impressions are only one part of the equation. Factors like grassroots efforts, candidate appeal and regional dynamics also play a major role. Still, the ad impression numbers provide a unique glimpse into each campaign’s strategy, and reveal the part of Canada each party believes it must win over.
Philip Mai receives funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage Digital Citizen Contribution Program.
Anatoliy Gruzd receives funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage Digital Citizen Contribution Program.
William Hollingshead does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Physical activity — primarily in the form of active play — promotes young children’s physical, mental, emotional and social health. It can also influence how active people will be later in life.
It’s recommended that pre-school children, aged three to four years, engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day, and that should include one hour of high-intensity, heart-pumping movement. Sedentary screen time should also be limited to less than one hour per day.
Despite this, many children in Canada and around the world do not meet recommended levels of physical activity and engage in far more sedentary screen time than recommended.
Early childhood educators (ECEs) play many important roles in helping young children grow and learn, and one of these roles is encouraging engagement in physical activity. Our research in the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab at Western University focuses on promoting physical activity of young children.
A large part of our research involves working with ECEs to create active child-care settings, where children are supported and encouraged to engage in the physical activity they need for their development. We believe providing physical activity training opportunities for ECEs is an essential first step towards reaching that goal.
Why kids aren’t moving
There are many barriers to promoting physical activity in child-care settings, including prioritization of academic outcomes and limited space or equipment.
For ECEs, the lack of formal training on the integral role of physical activity on children’s learning, health and development may present a key barrier.
Only 32 per cent of students in early childhood education programs in Canada have taken a course related to physical activity in their post-secondary degree.
Furthermore, ECEs across Canada have reported a lack of knowledge and confidence in their ability to incorporate physical activity opportunities into daily programming in child-care settings. This is the case even while ECEs have expressed interest in pursuing more training on these important subjects.
The TEACH course
We created the TEACH e-learning course (TEACH stands for Training EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity) to help bridge this gap.
This course aims to educate ECEs on the important role of physical activity in child development, and to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to implement physical activity within child-care environments.
The TEACH course was developed with both early childhood education experts and physical activity specialists to create comprehensive and relevant course content in four online modules. These include instructive videos, practical tips and “knowledge checks” (encouraging self-reflection on current knowledge and practices) for promoting physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour in child-care environments.
Important topics like outdoor and risky play are also covered in the course. It strives to overcome some of the other barriers to physical activity promotion in child-care settings, including suggestions for incorporating movement with limited space or equipment, as well as how to combine physical activities with other important skills like literacy and numeracy.
The TEACH course is endorsed by the Canada Child Care Federation as a resource which can be used for practising ECEs to help fulfil their annual professional development activity requirements.
Real-world results show promise
The course has been tested with 200 practising ECEs and 300 ECE students across Canada, and has been shown to increase ECEs’ knowledge, confidence and intentions to incorporate physical activity during the child-care day.
Not only that, but the positive changes in self-efficacy and confidence were sustained up to three months after completing the training. This shows that the e-learning course can have a lasting impact.
Both practising ECEs and those in training benefited from the TEACH course. Practicing ECEs, who could immediately apply their new knowledge and skills to their everyday work, maintained these gains more effectively when compared to the ECEs still in training.
The online format of the TEACH course increases accessibility of the course, as ECEs can work through the content in their own time, from anywhere. The online format also provides promise for the feasibility of expanding the course to a wider audience to be a cost-effective way to train a large number of ECEs, without much strain on resources.
Members of the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab have translated the TEACH course into French (TEACH-FR). They’re currently testing its impact on francophone ECEs across the country, to ensure this resource can eventually be made available to both English- and French-speaking ECEs across Canada.
Children’s engagement in physical activity and healthy movement while at child care matters — and can impact their health and development. The TEACH course can help improve educators’ knowledge and confidence in promoting physical activity opportunities in child-care settings, better equipping them for this challenge.
By providing training for ECEs on the importance of physical activity behaviours, as well as how to effectively program daily active play opportunities, we can help children to move more during their time in child care. This helps set the stage for future healthy active lives.
Myranda Hawthorne receives funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Sophie M Phillips receives funding from Children’s Health Research Institute and Mitacs.
Trish Tucker receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Children’s Health Research Institute.
As a researcher in psychology, I discovered (as have others) that the basic principles driving human behaviour are remarkably similar across a wide range of domains. They include child development, social psychology, psychotherapy and also politics. Now, as an emeritus professor, I am applying this knowledge to the wider-reaching application of ways to strengthen democracy.
Using research-based and realistic views of the degree of control we have over politics, I propose four actions for individuals in support of strengthening democracy.
1. Make voting social and celebratory
A yardstick of a healthy democracy is election participation, which has dropped over time and hovers around two-thirds of eligible voters, with slightly higher rates in Canada than in the United States. Human beings are by nature social and seek company, and that alone is a perfect reason to go voting together with family and friends; make it an event.
Sentiments like “my vote counts for little” are common. Nevertheless, we often see cliff-hanger results where tiny pools of votes count a lot.
In 2024 in British Columbia, for example, three out of 93 races showed the two leading parties apart by fewer than 225 votes. One of these battles was ultimately won with a 22-vote difference, which really mattered because it was the one seat needed to swing the entire election towards winning a majority in the legislature.
3. Use the word ‘us,’ challenge use of ‘they’
Some politicians use fearmongering as a deliberate strategy and label non-supporters or people who differ from them as dangerous. “They” get blamed for the world’s ills, and can be excluded, or worse.
Also, when dealing with issues like pollution, for example, remember that dirty air and water or radioactive waste don’t care about politically defined borders. They are all “our” garbage and “our” problem.
4. How to shift from ‘they’ to ‘we’
One proposition to help shift from “they” to “we” is to engage in new hobbies that excite you but involve people who are predictably unlike you. If you are a desk jockey by day, you might meet people with very different backgrounds when you join a hiking group or a woodworking co-op.
Also, by seeking consensus with others, you strengthen your own conflict-resolution skills. They can then be used in other places like marriage, condominium self-government, workplace politics or in holding groups of friends together.
Yet another way of actively adopting the idea of “us” is to join advocacy groups that work on topics important to you and your community. Participedia is a global platform for anyone interested in public participation and democratic innovation. They have explored hundreds of organizations in 159 countries.
Bottom line, neither heroic behaviour nor exceptional courage is required to engage in these readily available building blocks of a sustainable democracy.
Wolfgang Linden is affiliated with Council of Canadians, Fair Vote Canada; both not for profit, not aligned with a political party
The challenge, however, is that the wellness industry has few guardrails, allowing social media influencers and media personalities to position themselves as experts on well-being — sometimes without scientific backing.
In a space where personal opinions and untested strategies are often presented as facts, it can be difficult to distinguish between helpful guidance and misleading information.
Self-help books and bibliotherapy
One form of self-help that has gained attention is bibliotherapy, which uses books to support well-being. If you’re looking to improve your well-being, you may find yourself at your local bookstore or library scouring the shelves for a self-help book.
Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.
Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.
5 tips for choosing self-help books
Here are five key tips for choosing self-help books that are grounded in reliable evidence:
1. Consider the author’s credentials
Check the qualifications of an author before assuming their book is evidence-based. Keep in mind that writing a book doesn’t qualify an author as an expert.
Some self-help books are based on personal experiences rather than scientific research, and while lived experience can be valuable, it is not the same as strategies that have been tested to determine their efficacy.
Look for authors with academic credentials, like a PhD or doctor of medicine from a reputable school, rather than those claiming expertise solely through personal experience.
Many professional writers simply summarize existing research rather having conducted the research they are writing about. This can sometimes lead to oversimplification or misrepresentation of scientific findings.
A quick online search can help determine whether an author has the necessary expertise to offer credible, science-based advice.
The self-help category is one of the largest non-fiction book categories. (Shutterstock)
2. Don’t judge a book by its popularity
Just because a book is a bestseller or endorsed by celebrities doesn’t mean it’s grounded in science or evidence-based. Unlike academic research, which undergoes peer review before publication, self-help books are not always vetted for accuracy.
A book’s success may be driven by marketing, emotional appeal or trendy ideas rather than solid scientific evidence.
3. Consider where a book is shelved
Bookstores and libraries categorize self-help books in a variety of sections, including health, wellness, well-being and new age. While some books in these categories are evidence-based, you might consider looking under the science and nature section instead.
Exploring beyond traditional self-help sections can increase the likelihood of you finding books based on credible, scientific evidence.
4. Be open to different topics
Self-improvement is not limited to a single aspect of life. Well-being is a multifaceted construct with some experts including nine or more dimensions, including but not limited to physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, financial, environmental, occupational and cultural.
When searching for a self-help book, consider exploring a well-being dimension that you may not know much about to expand your knowledge. This can contribute to a more well-rounded sense of personal development. Or, consider a topic that you want to know more about from a scientific perspective.
You might consider looking for wellness books outside the health, wellness, well-being and new age categories. (Shutterstock)
5. Think critically about what you read
Even evidence-based books may report findings that are surprising or contradictory. If you read something that seems contrary in a book, seek out additional sources to verify the claims for yourself.
The most credible self-help books will include a list of references to original studies that allow you to verify claims for yourself and draw your own conclusions. The extra-benefit of these references is that they can also serve as a gateway to additional resources on the topic.
A pathway to better health and well-being
Reading offers a number of benefits for well-being, including helping cognitive function, reducing stress, improving sleep quality and quantity, improving mood, and decreasing blood pressure.
Although reading is often considered a solitary activity, it can also be a way to connect with others. Being part of a community can help reduce social isolation, decrease loneliness and increase connectedness.
Book clubs, in particular, can provide a way for you to reap the benefits of reading and community. I created the the Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club at Carleton University.
I select evidence-based books on various aspects of well-being and self-improvement as Professor Pozzulo’s Picks. I also interview the authors of the books I select on my Reading for Well-Being podcast.
Each month, members receive a newsletter announcing my pick and a link to the digital platform where my review is posted including a discussion board where club members can share their thoughts about the book. There are no fees and all are welcome to join.
Whether reading alone or with a group, the benefits of books extend far beyond their pages. So pick up a book and start your journey toward a healthier and more connected life.
Happy reading!
Joanna Pozzulo receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
If you ask Patrick Doherty (PHARM ‘24) what he did during his time at UConn’s School of Pharmacy, you might want to first ask what hedidn’t do – because the list of what Pat didn’t do at UConn is quite short.
From energizing crowds at basketball games as Jonathan the Mascot, to hurdling teammatesthrough the air as a cheerleader, to working long nights as a bartender at Huskies – all while pursuing his passion for pharmacy – Pat took on every role he could.
As a lifelong Husky fan, Pat had his eye on UConn growing up, but it wasn’t until high school that he knew he belonged at UConn’s School of Pharmacy. Interested in science and accessible healthcare during high school, Pat felt compelled to make a difference in his community and be part of something bigger than himself: “Pharmacy is constantly driving innovation in healthcare through new treatments.” With this newfound passion for pharmacy, which he knew would grow stronger at UConn, Pat realized he couldn’t continue to just root for the Huskies – he had to be a Husky!
Ben takes a try at Basketball (Emerson Ricciardone)
Once a pharmacy student at UConn, Pat took his new title as a Husky very seriously. During his freshman year, while getting acclimated to a demanding schedule at the School, he decided to take on the exciting role of being Jonathan the Mascot, trading in his lab coat for a ten-pound Husky head when he needed to de-stress.
Although he gave out endless high-fives and took picture after picture with fans at action-packed basketball and football games, Pat longed for the sense of camaraderie he had felt while on his high school basketball and golf teams. This was around the time when a friend of his suggested he try cheerleading, to which he was hesitant: “I’ll admit, I didn’t think cheerleading was a sport before coming to UConn.” But Pat, having never said no to an opportunity before, took a risk and tried out for the cheerleading team.
Once a pharmacy student and a cheerleader at UConn, Pat began to feel like UConn was truly his home. “It was almost like having two families – a cheer family and a pharmacy family.”
His cheer family took him to the NCA Championships in December (a national cheerleading competition), the 2022 Women’s Final Four, the 2022 Men’s Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, and countless football games – his favorite being UConn vs. West Point.
Ben in the lab with his classmates
On the other hand, Pat’s pharmacy family provided many academic and professional opportunities: a proud member of Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity (AZO) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacy, he fostered connections and grew his curiosity. As a Pharmacy Leaders’ Track Scholar and part of No Friends Left Naloxone (a club focused on opioid overdose awareness), Pat also cultivated new interests in the medical field. These involvements, along with the opportunity to create customized dosage forms for patients during an advanced compounding class and his internship at Hartford Hospital – he knew he was destined to work in a hospital setting, helping patients throughout their lives.
While Pat enjoyed both his cheer and pharmacy families at UConn, he also made sure to find opportunities outside of these groups, becoming an active member of the Paint Club and intramural basketball. During his sophomore year, Pat decided to pick up a job working as a bouncer at Huskies. The bar quickly realized, however, that Pat was too nice to be cut out for the job, so he was moved behind the bar and worked as a bartender for two years.
So, at this point, you might be asking yourself how Pat managed to fit so much into his schedule. To that, Pat emphasizes time management skills and the connections he fostered during his time at UConn. Adhering to a rigid schedule, Pat made sure to keep calendars, to-do lists, and timetables while taking advantage of any downtime he had to study. “Scheduling time to study in between workouts, practice, and class helped me retain the information better and improve my exam scores.” Pat even studied for exams on buses and planes going to games!
Ben and his team cheer during a game
But while strict schedules and calendars helped Pat find the time, it was really the friends and connections he made at UConn that gave him the motivation to pursue his passions. Frequenting the School’s library, Pat would find time to talk to friendsbetween classesand form study groups with close friends.Pat’sfirst year in the Pharm.D. programyear was especially rough, as this wasthe first year of the pandemic, buthis classmates and professors helped him tremendously.“WithSchool of Pharmacyprofessors, I never felt like just a number.”
Now a Yale Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident while pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, Pat manages his time and thrives in his new roles thanks to the lessons he learned at UConn.
“The School’s curriculum set me up for success, and I learned how to manage my time.” – Pat
Pat also credits the School and his cheerleading team for teaching him hard work, determination, and the skill of managing interpersonal relationships. In line with all his roles at UConn and now, Pat’s biggest piece of advice for current students at the School is to set unreasonable goals and work on them until they become reasonable. But while transforming unreasonable goals into reasonable ones and inspiring others to do the same, Pat encourages himself and current students to “never take anything too seriously and always find time to laugh.”
Being a Husky Isn’t a Title, It’s a Lifestyle: Cathy’s Legacy
Just one conversation with Cathy Bouchain (BS PHARM ‘85), and you’ll quickly see how much she is a true testament to ‘Once a Husky, Always a Husky.’ An excellent athlete and scholar in high school, Cathy turned down acceptance to prestigious schools, including Yale, to become one of the founding pioneers of the UConn Basketball legacy while also finding her passion for pharmacy. Forty years later, UConn is grateful Cathy chose to be a Husky – not a bulldog!
Cathy Bochain during her days as a member of the UConn women’s basketball team (Cyril Morris / UConn Athletics Photo).
Growing up in Plainfield and graduating third in her class, Cathy balanced schoolwork and athletics with ease. Excelling in science and math but knowing very little about pharmacy, she decided to challenge herself by attending UConn’s School of Pharmacy: “You know, I like challenges, and I heard that pharmacy school was hard.” Although Cathy didn’t have the easiest time adjusting to the academic rigor of the program, she worked hard her first two semesters at UConn, even earning a 4.0 GPA in her first professional year. Over time, she developed the time management skills and support system that allowed her to thrive, ultimately graduating 8thin her class and as the all-time leader in scoring and steals in university history for women’s basketball.
For Cathy, her success on the court and in the classroom was interdependent: “I was a jock in my classes and a nerd on the court.” Because of her busy basketball schedule, Cathy learned to tailor her studying to what mattered, going to professors for advice on the most important material. When she knew the key material, she would form study groups with her classmates and act as a teacher, strengthening her learning through teaching.
As President of The Rho Chi Society (a National Honor Society for Pharmacy), she grew to be even stronger leader, both for her classmates and teammates. While her classmates sat at the front of the class, furiously jotting down notes, Cathy knew to sit in the back where she could take focused notes and easily come in late or leave early for practice without distracting anyone. This mutual relationship helped Cathy achieve better grades during her basketball season, as she wassodetermined to find that perfect balance.
Bochain, right, with teammate Mary Ellen Langfield ’83 (UConn Athletics Photo).
It wasn’t always balancing the two settings that made success possible, Cathy explained, but the people within the environments. During basketball games, her classmates would form their own cheer section with decorated signs. Cathy’s professors even let her join their basketball pickup games, where she grew closer to them and became more comfortable asking for help.
“I think everybody was rooting for me.” – Cathy
And when it came to her team, everyone strived for academic success. From studying on buses to grabbing a bite to eat and studying for a few hours after practice, Cathy’s teammates leaned on each other for support, both as teammates and students of the University. And all this studying paid off: “I remember that during my senior year,our team had the highest GPA in the Big East.”
After graduating from the School, where she spent her last two years as a grad assistant to the team while completing rotations and internships, Cathy received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and became a registered pharmacist. Her passions for basketball and pharmacy have been lifelong, creating a successful career in retail pharmacy while playing on a women’s basketball league in Manchester and local travel teams for many years. Aside from playing, Cathy has found adventure in restoring historic homes and hiking the Appalachian trail, and she plans to coach a youth basketball league called Frog Rock after sheretires. She has also found adventure in her own family, raising three children with her partner Anne – all of whom are successful in their own endeavors.
Cathy talks during a recent interview (UConn Photo)
Cathy remains strongly connected to UConn’s basketball program, staying close with Chris Dailey, Peggy Walsh Myers, and other basketball greats that remain etched in the Huskies’ basketball legacy. She is grateful for every opportunity to connect with the program and is especially fond of a recent memory—a basketball alumni dinner at Geno Auriemma’s house. Geno is also fond of Cathy, having been picked up from the airport by her for his initial interview for head coach in 1985.
Looking back on all her years of service and leadership within and outside of the UConn community, Cathy remains appreciative of the lessons she learned and the people she met while at the School. Having worked with college-aged pharmacy students throughout her career, and having been one herself, Cathy understands how overwhelming balancing everything can feel. Her biggest message? “One day at a time.” If you take college one day at a time, Cathy advises, you don’t have to look at the whole picture.And when needed, always ask for help!
Ben: From a UConn Family, Creating a UConn Family
For Ben Gottsche (PHARM ‘28), being a Husky wasn’t just a choice – it was destiny. Growing up in a small Connecticut town with parents who both attended UConn, blue was in his blood even before he was born. Ben was confident that UConn would be a perfect combination of “academics, athletics, and personal connection.” As a junior, actively involved in the School of Pharmacy and UConn’s Men’s Club Lacrosse Team, he’s a testament of this ideal combination.
Not only was UConn part of Ben’s family legacy – pharmacy was, too. Growing up, Ben saw firsthand how his dad thrived as a pharmacist and his mom as a nurse. With both parents in healthcare, Ben gradually became interested in the mix of science, problem-solving, and patient care the field of pharmacy offers. While looking at pharmacy programs in high school (with a little help from his dad, who graduated in 1997 from UConn’s School of Pharmacy,), Ben picked UConn – or more accurately, UConn picked Ben.
Headshot of Ben in his professional attire (Spencer Sloan)
Now, as a junior at the School, Ben is proving why UConn picked him. An active member of AZO and the Dean’s Student Liaison Committee(DLSC), he prides himself on his connections with alumni, professors, and classmates while also coordinating communication between Dean Hritcko and fellow classmates. Most proud of the relationships he’s built during his time at UConn, Ben also serves as a peer advisor for pre-professional students, mentoring students first starting out in the program who are eager to build connections of their own.
Ben isn’t just a leader in the School – he’s a leader on the field. A lifelong lacrosse player, Ben was initially drawn to the sport because of its sense of family. “What initially drew me to the sport was the camaraderie – there’s something about the way a team comes together and relies on each other that really interests me.” When Ben started playing lacrosse at six years old, he had no idea where it would take him. But now, as president of the Men’s Club Lacrosse Team, he’s making his six-year-old self proud. From managing league regulations to navigating brand deals, Ben handles all the logistical components of the team. His favorite memory with the team has been their trip to New Orleans, where they had the opportunity to play against LSU, Texas Tech, and Tulane, all while finding time to explore Bourbon Street and the city’s culture and food.
Ben can’t pick just one favorite memory when it comes to the School of Pharmacy, though many of his best memories revolve around attending class and studying with a small, dedicated group of classmates and friends. It’s this close-knit community that provided him with support during his first semester in the Pharm.D. program. During this challenging transition, Ben leaned on his AZO community, connecting with older students and learning time management skills.
Ben on the lacrosse field (Louis Magnuson)
When asked about balancing his time between academics and athletics, Ben emphasizes the connections he’s made above all else: “Everyone is interconnected in ways that you wouldn’t imagine.” Through these connections, Ben has formed two families – referring to his lacrosse family as “mom and dad” and his pharmacy family as “brother and sister.” Whether it’s pushing each other at practice, traveling for games, or spending time together off the field, Ben finds the friendships with his lacrosse team to be a huge source of support. This support, in turn, has helped him connect to his pharmacy family. With his class consisting of only around 70 students, Ben has forged meaningful relationships with his classmates who share similar goals. And when he does face difficulties, he takes advantage of the School’s support system, including the Student Educational Assistance (SEA) study resources, which have helped him stay on top of coursework while managing his commitments and participating in various study groups within the School.
Ben receives an award from Dean Hritcko (Spencer Sloan)
Because Ben still has three more years as a Husky, he’s looking forward to more opportunities to expand his passions. He plans to use his knowledge and network to establish a presence in the pharmacy industry by seeking out internships and opportunities that will help him gain hands-on experience.
He’s also excited about broadening his interests by taking a sign language class: “I’ve had an interest in it and thought it would be a fun and useful skill to learn.” Currently,Ben works for Hartford Healthcare in the emergency department, helping with patient medications and deliveries. In the future, he plans to explore the pharmacy industry’s manufacturing side.
As a leader in his many roles, Ben is no stranger to giving advice. When talking about the students in the School of Pharmacy and student-athletes, he emphasizes the importance of time management and building strong social networks: “Plan ahead, set priorities, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.” Whether it’s teammates, classmates, or mentors, having a solid support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and feeling connected. To be successful, Ben surrounds himself with people who inspire and challenge him.
“Surround yourself with people who push you to succeed both on and off the field.”– Ben
From energizing the crowds at Gampel tosetting records and shooting high,to beingbotha player and president of a team, thesestudents– past, present, and future–continueto makeUConn’s School of Pharmacyproud,truly embodying their blue blood in academics and athletics
UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons
UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment after successful completion of a major testing programme.
Hypersonic engine being tested
UK scientists complete major hypersonic propulsion test, enabled by close collaboration between UK government, industry and US government.
The propulsion system is set to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept.
233 test runs were carried out at a number of hypersonic speeds, marking a critical step forward in UK Defence capabilities.
This research aims to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030 through the MOD’s Team Hypersonics (UK) programme. This will provide a transformational capability that delivers operational advantage for the future UK armed forces.
National security is a foundation of this government’s Plan for Change and today’s news comes after the Prime Minister announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.
A joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) together with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and supported by industry partners including UK SME Gas Dynamics Ltd, carried out 233 successful static test runs at the NASA Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA.
This extensive testing was part of the UK’s Hypersonic Weapons Programme, and took place over six weeks involving real-time data analysis to refine design aspects and boost propulsive performance.
The trial explored several design variations, ensuring the propulsion system’s readiness for future system design updates. The engine is poised to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept and successfully demonstrated the performance of the high-speed air-breathing engine – enabling greater ranges than a conventional rocket – advancing the UK’s hypersonic weapon capabilities.
The tests spanned the full flight Mach number range from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, validating the robustness of the engine design and paving the way for future upgrades.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the future.
This milestone moment on hypersonics research, supported by British scientists and British small businesses, demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.
Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:
This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration. The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL0
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 130 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 135 AM EDT Sun Apr 6 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Far Western North Carolina Southeastern Tennessee
* Effective this Sunday morning from 135 AM until 700 AM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Convective line currently moving through middle TN is expected to continue eastward into southeastern TN and eventually far western NC over the next several hours. Low-level shear across the region is expected to remain strong enough to support occasional bowing within this line, with an attendant threat for damaging gusts and a few tornadoes.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 25 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles west northwest of Chattanooga TN to 30 miles southeast of Knoxville TN. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 128…WW 129…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Mosier
SEL0
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 130 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 135 AM EDT Sun Apr 6 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Far Western North Carolina Southeastern Tennessee
* Effective this Sunday morning from 135 AM until 700 AM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Convective line currently moving through middle TN is expected to continue eastward into southeastern TN and eventually far western NC over the next several hours. Low-level shear across the region is expected to remain strong enough to support occasional bowing within this line, with an attendant threat for damaging gusts and a few tornadoes.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 25 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles west northwest of Chattanooga TN to 30 miles southeast of Knoxville TN. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 128…WW 129…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Mosier
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW0 WW 130 TORNADO NC TN 060535Z – 061100Z AXIS..25 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 35WNW CHA/CHATTANOOGA TN/ – 30SE TYS/KNOXVILLE TN/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 20NM N/S /34WNW GQO – 27SSE VXV/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 35588577 35878362 35158362 34868577
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU0.
Watch 130 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (10%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Low (20%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (10%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Low (10%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (10%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
Mod (40%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL9
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 129 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1025 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Central Louisiana Southern and Central Mississippi
* Effective this Saturday night and Sunday morning from 1025 PM until 500 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts to 80 mph possible Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…An intensifying line of thunderstorms over western Mississippi will track eastward overnight across the watch area. Damaging winds will be the main concern, but a few of the storms along the line may also pose a risk of tornadoes.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 20 miles east northeast of Tupelo MS to 35 miles southwest of Mc Comb MS. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 125…WW 127…WW 128…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
SEL9
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 129 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1025 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Central Louisiana Southern and Central Mississippi
* Effective this Saturday night and Sunday morning from 1025 PM until 500 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts to 80 mph possible Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…An intensifying line of thunderstorms over western Mississippi will track eastward overnight across the watch area. Damaging winds will be the main concern, but a few of the storms along the line may also pose a risk of tornadoes.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 20 miles east northeast of Tupelo MS to 35 miles southwest of Mc Comb MS. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 125…WW 127…WW 128…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW9 WW 129 TORNADO LA MS 060325Z – 061000Z AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 20ENE TUP/TUPELO MS/ – 35SW MCB/MC COMB MS/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /51WSW MSL – 30NE BTR/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 34388757 30829004 30829173 34388932
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU9.
Watch 129 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Mod (30%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (20%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)
Washington, D.C. — As the wildland firefighting workforce continues to face increasing uncertainty as a result of the Trump Administration’s reckless attacks on federal employees, Congressman Joe Neguse, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet are re-upping calls to overhaul federal wildland firefighter compensation and benefits. Their bill Tim’s Act—named in honor of Tim Hart, a brave smokejumper from Cody, Wyoming who tragically lost his life on May 24, 2021, while battling the Eicks Fire in New Mexico—bolsters recruitment, retention, and well-being within this vital workforce.
“Federal wildland firefighters are our nation’s unsung heroes. This workforce is underpaid and undervalued, despite putting their lives on the line to protect our homes, families, and communities. Unconscionable. We’re calling on Democrats and Republicans alike to take decisive action to implement much-needed reforms in how we recognize their sacrifices, and join us in championing Tim’s Act,” said Congressman Neguse. “Congress has now finally enacted a permanent pay fix, but the work continues as we now turn to other critical issues—addressing recruitment and retention, housing, mental health benefits, rest, recuperation, and the overall well-being of our nation’s wildland firefighting workforce.”
“As climate change fuels increasingly frequent and destructive wildfires across the West, we rely more and more on wildland firefighters to protect our homes and communities,” said Senator Bennet. “These brave firefighters deserve support for their mental and physical health and more time to recover. This legislation ensures they receive the benefits they deserve for their life-saving work.”
Neguse has worked tirelessly to spearhead bipartisan, bicameral efforts to permanently increase pay for federal wildland firefighters, first implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration in 2021, including, most recently, championing the reintroduction of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. After Congressional Republicans delayed action for over a year—tying this common-sense pay reform to government funding negotiations—the measure has finally been codified into law. However, federal wildland firefighters working for agencies like the Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) now are still at risk of mass layoffs and reduction in force measures initiated under the Trump administration.
Neguse and Bennet are working to build on recent bipartisan actions to increase federal wildland firefighter pay to help address the other challenges facing this workforce through Tim’s Act, including improving hazardous duty pay, supporting enhanced pay management oversight and retirement benefits, and boosting firefighter physical and mental well-being by ensuring firefighters receive paid rest and recuperation leave.
Federal wildland firefighters are severely overworked and underpaid, often tasked with laborious and grueling conditions to protect communities across the country. Tim’s Act takes a holistic approach to recognizing the immense sacrifices made by this workforce.
Background
Since taking office, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) has worked tirelessly to bring federal resources home to communities recovering from disaster and to advocate for increased support for wildland firefighters, wildfire prevention, and forest management.
In 2021, Neguse successfully enacted elements of Tim’s Act through the implementation of theBipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created a new classification series specifically for wildland firefighters, temporarily increased pay, and established new support systems for firefighters through mental health services. In the 118th Congress, he also spearheaded bipartisan, bicameral efforts to address this issue head-on and permanently increase pay, championing both Tim’s Act and theWildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. These pay provisions were codified by Congress’s most recent continuing resolution bill, paving the way for additional steps to ensure this workforce receives the compensation and benefits they deserve
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)
New Orleans, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter proudly stood with more than 2,000 residents of Louisiana’s Second Congressional District as part of the national Hands Off mobilization—an inspiring, peaceful demonstration led by a coalition of passionate community organizations committed to protecting democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law.
“I was honored to stand among so many engaged, courageous citizens and to lend my voice to this powerful call for justice and accountability,” said Congressman Carter. “This movement was led by incredible grassroots organizations, and I was proud to be one of the speakers amplifying the voices of the people.”
The Hands Off mobilization, which took place simultaneously in cities across the country, was a response to rising concerns about attacks on American democracy, the judiciary, and fundamental freedoms.
“The people have spoken—loudly and clearly,” Congressman Carter continued. “We will not allow an unelected billionaire and an out-of-touch president to tear down what generations have worked so hard to build. This is our democracy, and we’re going to fight for it. Peacefully. Powerfully. Together.”
Congressman Carter reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the people of Louisiana and the nation to defend democratic values and ensure that liberty, justice, and opportunity remain within reach for all.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)
Washington—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee and a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, released the following statement:
“The Senate’s passage of the amended House resolution is a critical step forward. However, with $5.8 trillion in costs and only $4 billion required savings in their instructions, I cannot vote for it. We can and must do better. Let’s come together next week to craft a fiscally responsible solution.”
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 128 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 830 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Alabama Southern Middle Tennessee
* Effective this Saturday night and Sunday morning from 830 PM until 300 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts to 75 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A cluster of supercell thunderstorms over northeast Mississippi will track across the watch area with a continued risk of tornadoes and damaging winds. Other strong to severe storms will also move across the watch area through the early morning hours.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles west southwest of Muscle Shoals AL to 105 miles northeast of Huntsville AL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 123…WW 124…WW 125…WW 126…WW 127…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW8 WW 128 TORNADO AL TN 060130Z – 060800Z AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 35WSW MSL/MUSCLE SHOALS AL/ – 105NE HSV/HUNTSVILLE AL/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM N/S /36WSW MSL – 48NNW GQO/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 35348819 36508546 34918546 33758819
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU8.
Watch 128 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Mod (30%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (20%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (80%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana
April 5, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana
April 5, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba Group of Companies
April 5, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba Group of Companies
April 5, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana
April 5, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana
April 5, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana
April 5, 2025
Previous news Next news
Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana
As part of his working visit to the Republic of Cuba, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening ceremony of the branch of the Southern Federal University (SFedU) in Havana. This is the first branch of a Russian university in the republic.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel have repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership between the countries.
“Our countries have long been friends and cooperate in various fields, including science and education. And today, here in Havana, we are ceremoniously opening the first branch of a Russian university on Cuban soil – the Southern Federal University. This is a historic event. Cuban students will be able to master advanced supplementary education programs in Russian and prepare for admission to Russian universities. The first students will begin classes in the next academic year. We have a huge responsibility: to ensure a bright future for our countries, their prosperity and sovereignty – technological, financial, cultural and ideological,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the implementation of this important project, especially noting the President of the Southern Federal University Marina Borovskaya and the Rector of the University of Havana Miriam Nicado Garcia.
Dmitry Chernyshenko also presented certificates for the purchase of computer equipment to students and scientists, wishing them success in their work and studies.
During the opening ceremony of the branch, the rector of the University of Havana, Miriam Nicado Garcia, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of SFedU. Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the rector, noting her outstanding achievements and contribution to the development of the university.
Also in the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko, an agreement was signed between the University of Havana and the Southern Federal University on the free use of the premises of the branch building for the educational process.
SFedU President Marina Borovskaya expressed confidence that the opening of a SFedU branch at the University of Havana will take the interaction between the universities to a new level.
“The University of Havana is our long-standing friend and reliable partner. We are already solving a number of joint research and educational tasks, successfully exchanging experience. Last year, Cuban students and university staff visited SFedU, where they not only got acquainted with the university, but also underwent training, collected information for their research projects, found colleagues from SFedU, with whom they joined forces to continue their research. The opening of the SFedU branch in Havana will give impetus to even closer cooperation in many scientific fields,” Marina Borovskaya emphasized.
Another important event of the visit to Havana was Dmitry Chernyshenko’s participation in the ceremonial departure of the first vehicle from the UAZ assembly line in Havana.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this joint project became possible thanks to the support of the presidents of Russia and Cuba. Now SUVs, light trucks and minibuses will be produced here, on a modern conveyor. The production capacity of the line is up to one and a half thousand cars per year. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the project will become a serious support for the Cuban economy and will strengthen cooperation between the countries.
In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba group of companies, one of whose key partners is the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The Deputy Prime Minister familiarized himself with the educational and industrial expositions presented at the exhibition.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas
April 4, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas held the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission
April 4, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko during the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission
April 4, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas during the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission
April 4, 2025
Previous news Next news
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas
The 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in the capital of Cuba, Havana. The co-chairs were Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas.
The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of energy, industry, tourism, agriculture, technology, education, culture and sports, as well as issues of implementing promising investment projects. Following the meeting, 13 documents were signed, including the final act and cooperation agreements.
Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked Ricardo Cabrisas for the warm welcome of the Russian delegation in Havana and stressed that Russia expects the visit of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in May 2025. Earlier, the President of the Republic accepted an invitation sent on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I would like to note with great satisfaction the regularity of the meetings of the intergovernmental commission. This allows us to work effectively to advance key issues on the bilateral agenda. We highly value the trusting and constructive political dialogue at all levels, including the highest. We intend to further strengthen Russian-Cuban relations in a wide range of areas: in the field of industrial cooperation, trade and humanitarian cooperation, exchange of experience and transfer of Russian technological developments, joint scientific research,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the support provided to Cuba, including the emergency measures program to minimize the consequences of the energy crisis that occurred on the island at the end of last year.
In addition, according to Dmitry Chernyshenko, the educational sphere is an integral part of bilateral cooperation. Last year, over 60 agreements were concluded between Russian and Cuban universities. From 2023 to the present, eight open education centers for the study of the Russian language have been operating on the island. In 2024, Russian universities opened two geological classes in Cuban universities, as well as a Center for the targeted training of specialists in the field of energy and electronics. As part of the current visit of the Russian delegation, the work of the branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana will be launched.
It is planned to continue work on expanding the portfolio of bilateral investment initiatives, the total number of which currently exceeds 100. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the resumption of deliveries of Russian cars to Cuba. In 2024, over 180 units of mechanical engineering products were exported to the island.
Within the framework of agro-industrial cooperation, a project for processing Russian wheat at a Cuban flour mill is being implemented for the second year in a row. The possibility of Russian business participation in the modernization of the sugar industry in Cuba is being considered.
The tourism industry continues to develop. In 2024, the Russian tourist flow to Cuba remained at the level of the record 2023 and amounted to 160 thousand people. At the same time, the number of Cuban citizens who visited Russia last year increased by more than 50%.
“To solve the challenges we face today, it is extremely important to have the support of reliable partners and allies, such as the Russian Federation. The current meeting of the intergovernmental commission is a suitable platform for studying the proposals that are on the negotiating table. I am confident that the meetings will yield concrete results that will help strengthen the relations between our countries,” said Ricardo Cabrisas.
On the Russian side, representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and other departments also took part in the meeting of the IPC.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL7
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 127 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 635 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Central and Western Louisiana Southeast Texas
* Effective this Saturday night from 635 PM until Midnight CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms will remain possible across the watch area through the evening, with the strongest cells capable of damaging winds and a tornado or two.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles east and west of a line from 5 miles north northwest of Monroe LA to 70 miles southwest of Fort Polk LA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 122…WW 123…WW 124…WW 125…WW 126…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
SEL7
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 127 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 635 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Central and Western Louisiana Southeast Texas
* Effective this Saturday night from 635 PM until Midnight CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms will remain possible across the watch area through the evening, with the strongest cells capable of damaging winds and a tornado or two.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles east and west of a line from 5 miles north northwest of Monroe LA to 70 miles southwest of Fort Polk LA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 122…WW 123…WW 124…WW 125…WW 126…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW7 WW 127 TORNADO LA TX 052335Z – 060500Z AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 5NNW MLU/MONROE LA/ – 70SW POE/FORT POLK LA/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /4NNW MLU – 48WNW LCH/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 32589103 30339300 30339502 32589309
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU7.
Watch 127 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (50%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (30%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (10%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (10%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — Last night, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Senate Republicans’ budget resolution that funds Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s tax handouts for billionaires at the expense of working people.
Heinrich pushed to amend Republicans’ resolution by repeatedly voting to lower costs for families — particularly as Trump’s tariffs push America to the brink of a recession. Heinrich and Senate Democrats also worked to block cuts to Medicaid, extend the tax credits for health care premiums, and prevent millions of Americans from losing health insurance, protect Social Security, and reverse cuts to the Social Security Administration, including cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE.
Heinrich additionally led an amendment with U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to prevent the sale of our public lands as Congressional Republicans publicly discuss public lands sales to fund their tax breaks for billionaires. Republicans blocked it.
“Republicans’ budget resolution is a massive tax handout for Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire donors. It has one aim: Billionaires win, American families lose.
“Throughout the night and into the early morning, I fought back, introducing and voting for dozens of amendments to shield New Mexico families from Republicans’ harmful legislation. Amendments that would rescind President Trump’s tariff taxes if the price of groceries, medicine, and other household goods increase, protect Medicaid by blocking Musk’s DOGE cuts that threaten rural hospital closures, reverse cuts to Social Security, and prevent the sale of our public lands to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Republicans blocked every single one of them.
“When Republicans had the opportunity to go on the record and show the American people whose side they’re on, they put their billionaire donors on a pedestal and threw working people under the bus. Rather than putting New Mexico families first, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their Republican enablers in Congress are tanking our economy, pushing us into a recession.”
Last night, Senate Republicans blocked Heinrich’s efforts to:
Fight Increasing Costs, Including From Trump’s Tariffs
Senate Republicans voted against:
Rescinding President Trump’s tariff taxes that increase the price of groceries, medicine, and other household goods.
Protecting food assistance for kids and seniors, who are otherwise significantly harmed by rising grocery prices.
Preventing essential services for children, families, and seniors from being defunded to give massive tax cuts to billionaires.
Protecting agriculture programs that support farmers and rural economies.
Prioritize Working Families Over Billionaires
Senate Republicans voted against:
Providing tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses while ensuring large corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.
Preventing tax handouts for people making over $100 million a year.
Preventing tax handouts for people making over $500 million a year.
Preventing tax handouts for people making over $1 billion a year.
Preventing tax handouts for corporations making over $1 billion a year.
Preventing more than $37 trillion from being added to the debt in 30 years—more debt than has accumulated over the past 249 years.
Protect Medicare and Medicaid
Senate Republicans voted against:
Stopping cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
Preventing cuts to Medicaid that could lead to rural hospital closures, increased costs for people with private insurance, and higher rates of uncompensated care.
Protecting Americans from losing health care through Medicaid, including seniors, children, families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and military families.
Preserving access to health care by preventing cuts to Medicaid that could lead to loss of benefits or coverage, and slashed provider payments.
Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare.
Extending the health care premium tax credits created in the Affordable Care Act to prevent millions of Americans from losing health insurance.
Safeguard Social Security
Senate Republicans voted against:
Reversing cuts to the Social Security Administration, including cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE.
Preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from closing Social Security field and regional offices, preserving access to benefits for seniors and people with disabilities.
Preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from limiting access to Social Security phone services to protect seniors’ access to Social Security benefits.
Protect Our National Security and Provide Disaster Relief
Senate Republicans voted against:
Protecting service members by prohibiting the use of Signal and other commercial messaging applications for sharing information on the timing, sequencing, or weapons to be used related to impending U.S. military operations.
Prohibiting any reduction in U.S. security assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) role in providing nonpartisan and long-term disaster relief to disaster survivors.
Support Our Farmers and Federal Workers
Senate Republicans voted against:
Ensuring contracts made with our farmers are honored.
Protecting legally binding collective bargaining agreements and the right to organize for federal workers.
Below is a total list of amendments that Heinrich filed to amend Republicans’ budget resolution to cut taxes for billionaires at the expense of working people:
Amendment to prevent the sale of public lands.
Amendment to lower housing costs for Americans.
Amendment to reduce Department of Veterans Affairs wait times for 136,000 veterans per day.
Amendment to reduce Social Security Administration wait times for 344,000 Americans per day.
Amendment to scale up American manufacturing by supporting small and medium-sized manufactures enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance.
Amendment to recruit and hire additional wildland firefighters.
Amendment to exempt federal wildland firefighters and personnel from hiring freezes and reinstate federal wildland firefighters and personnel fired by Trump, Elon Musk, or DOGE.
Amendment to increase forest health and wildfire mitigation forest treatments to support wildland firefighting.
Amendment to hire reforestation crews and promote the recovery of burned forest land to support healthy watersheds, outdoor recreation, and timber resources.
Last month, Heinrich attempted to amend Republicans’ prior resolution by offering an amendment to reinstate blocked grants for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure law enforcement can hold predators and abusers accountable. Republicans voted against his amendment. Watch Heinrich’s video here.
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee in requesting documents from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to determine the veracity of U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his nomination hearing. The senators’ letter comes as recent public reporting has raised questions as to whether Mr. Blanche testified truthfully to senators at the hearing and in written Questions for the Record , regarding his knowledge of plans to dismiss the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“As you are aware, all nominees who come before the Senate Judiciary Committee provide testimony under oath. It is a federal crime to ‘knowingly and willfully’ provide ‘any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation’ while under oath with respect to ‘any investigation or review, conducted pursuant to the authority of any committee,” wrote the senators. “Congress has an obligation to investigate whether Mr. Blanche provided untruthful testimony before the Judiciary Committee, including whether a referral to the Department of Justice for a criminal inquiry is warranted.”
“At the time of his hearing, Mr. Blanche was a private citizen and not an employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Two days before his hearing, news broke that the DOJ intended to drop criminal corruption charges against Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City. Senator Welch asked Mr. Blanche if he was aware of the instructions to dismiss the charges, and Blanche responded, “I have the same information you have. It appears it was, yes.” In response to Senator Coons’ question regarding the basis for the dropping of charges, Mr. Blanche stated, “I have no idea.” And in response to Senator Booker’s written Questions for the Record, Mr. Blanche stated in writing that he didn’t know why the charges in Mayor Adams’ case were dismissed,” the senators added. “However, recent reporting suggests that Mr. Blanche may have been aware of the orders to dismiss the case against Mayor Adams almost two weeks before he testified.”
In their letter, the Senators requested the following documentation from the Justice Department:
Copies of all documentation and records that reference or discuss Todd Blanche in the possession of the Department of Justice related to the decision to dismiss the criminal charges in United States v. Adams, 24 CR 556 (S.D.N.Y.).
Copies of all communications between and among then-Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III and Todd Blanche relating to the decision to dismiss the criminal charges in United States v. Adams, 24 CR 556 (S.D.N.Y.).
The letter was signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 126 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 715 PM EDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southeast Kentucky
* Effective this Saturday evening from 715 PM until 1100 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…A small but fast-moving bow echo will track into southeast Kentucky this afternoon, posing a risk of damaging wind gusts and perhaps a tornado.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 30 statute miles north and south of a line from 65 miles west southwest of London KY to 25 miles east northeast of London KY. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 122…WW 123…WW 124…WW 125…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector 24045.
…Hart
SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 126 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 715 PM EDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southeast Kentucky
* Effective this Saturday evening from 715 PM until 1100 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…A small but fast-moving bow echo will track into southeast Kentucky this afternoon, posing a risk of damaging wind gusts and perhaps a tornado.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 30 statute miles north and south of a line from 65 miles west southwest of London KY to 25 miles east northeast of London KY. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 122…WW 123…WW 124…WW 125…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector 24045.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW6 WW 126 TORNADO KY 052315Z – 060300Z AXIS..30 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 65WSW LOZ/LONDON KY/ – 25ENE LOZ/LONDON KY/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 25NM N/S /54WSW LOZ – 25ENE LOZ/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24045.
LAT…LON 37158516 37658366 36788366 36288516
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU6.
Watch 126 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (20%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Low (10%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (10%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
Mod (50%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Ballroom inspections and mahjong sessions may not be what automatically springs to mind when you consider Hong Kong’s appeal to visitors. Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism – MICE tourism, for short – is not about being conventional, however.
Recently, nine representatives from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, hailing from Germany, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere, embarked on a five-day MICE tourism study mission in Hong Kong, at the invitation of the Tourism Board.
Their first stop was a Wan Chai hotel that opened late last year. The delegation inspected its banquet halls, suites and facilities, and enjoyed an unexpected highlight – an impromptu mahjong session in the games room that gave them a taste of one of the most popular Chinese pastimes.
The group then proceeded to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) where they were shown around several exhibition venues and meeting rooms, learning about their layout and design, as well as the centre’s transport connectivity, and took the opportunity to gaze out over Victoria Harbour.
Multiple facets For MICE visitors – whether squeezing in sightseeing activities around conferences or enjoying company incentive trips – riding the 130-year-old Peak Tram remains an essential Hong Kong experience, of course.
Having ascended Victoria Peak by tram, the delegation embarked on a nostalgic journey through 1970s–80s Hong Kong at the Peak Tower museum, before marvelling at magnificent panoramic views of the city’s famous skyline and Victoria Harbour from the Sky Terrace.
The group then descended to Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, where they performed the ritual of touching the holy deer statue with gold foil to seek blessings. All in all, they were able to immerse themselves fully in Hong Kong’s commercial, cultural and religious facets in a single day.
The tour participants represented diverse clients across sectors ranging from government to technology and pharmaceuticals, and are responsible for planning events across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They said their experiences in Hong Kong would inform future decisions about staging professional conferences and summits in the city.
Lasting impressions Among the delegation was Jocelyne Mulli, managing director of a German organiser of professional conferences. Her firm has been using Hong Kong as its springboard into the Asia-Pacific region since 2012.
Though a frequent visitor to Hong Kong and to the HKCEC, she said her latest trip had opened her eyes to ongoing upgrades and more flexible service offerings in the city. In particular, she praised Hong Kong’s fusion of heritage and modernity, applauding its sustained achievements in MICE tourism development over the years.
“You are a hub, you are a base, and you are in the best place to welcome international delegates,” she said. “It is not everywhere that you have ballrooms, venue spaces of such size. You have a multilingual society and you have these historical aspects.”
For his part, Alejandro Ramirez Tabche, the CEO of a Mexican event planning company, said that seeing specific venues for himself had made him realise Hong Kong is the perfect MICE destination. Describing the city as “gorgeous”, he said he would recommend it to his peers as a location for holding events without hesitation.
“Hong Kong is always a top destination and people experience real fun and happiness,” he enthused. “And also, you have luxurious hotels, good food and good attractions. The people are so kind and they are very eager to help anytime.”
While in Hong Kong, the group also explored the Old Town Central neighbourhood’s blend of modern and historic elements, visited the giant panda twins at Ocean Park, and toured the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, gaining a full appreciation of the city’s diverse offerings.
Robust revival MICE tourism has emerged as a key driver of high-value travel to Hong Kong, with the city welcoming over 1.42 million overnight MICE visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 10%. Their average spending per capita outperformed overall overnight visitor expenditure by about 40% and catalysed growth across sectors including convention services, retail, dining and entertainment.
The Tourism Board is adopting a multipronged approach to developing MICE tourism, sparing no effort to secure major events for Hong Kong, while also inviting global conference organisers to experience the city’s MICE facilities and tourism assets first-hand.
Tourism Board Director & Business Development Team Lead of MICE Phoebe Shing outlined that the organisation has been successful in bidding for and facilitating 56 large-scale MICE events in Hong Kong this year, including 16 which are debuting in the city. The events span sectors ranging from innovation and technology to fintech, medical science and aviation.
“In June, Hong Kong will host the International Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 annual meeting for the first time,” she said. “For the aviation sector, we will welcome Routes World 2025 in September, and also Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 in December.”
These events are projected to attract approximately 170,000 MICE visitors from the Mainland and overseas, with total participation reaching 260,000.
Ms Shing added that with MICE tourism’s robust recovery, coupled with the ongoing restoration of international flight capacity, further growth in MICE visitors is expected.
“The Hong Kong Tourism Board will continue to promote MICE tourism, striving to bring more MICE events to Hong Kong. We will also solidify Hong Kong as the world’s meeting place in order to attract more high-yield visitors to our city.”
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL5
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 125 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 450 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southeast Arkansas Northeast Louisiana Central and Northern Mississippi Southwest Tennessee
* Effective this Saturday afternoon from 450 PM until Midnight CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will track northeastward across the watch area through the evening hours, as low-level wind profiles intensify in a very moist and unstable airmass. Tornadoes and locally damaging wind gusts are the primary threats.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 75 miles north northeast of Tupelo MS to 25 miles southeast of Monroe LA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 122…WW 123…WW 124…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
SEL5
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 125 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 450 PM CDT Sat Apr 5 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southeast Arkansas Northeast Louisiana Central and Northern Mississippi Southwest Tennessee
* Effective this Saturday afternoon from 450 PM until Midnight CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will track northeastward across the watch area through the evening hours, as low-level wind profiles intensify in a very moist and unstable airmass. Tornadoes and locally damaging wind gusts are the primary threats.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 75 miles north northeast of Tupelo MS to 25 miles southeast of Monroe LA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 122…WW 123…WW 124…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW5 WW 125 TORNADO AR LA MS TN 052150Z – 060500Z AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 75NNE TUP/TUPELO MS/ – 25SE MLU/MONROE LA/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /52NW MSL – 22SE MLU/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 35278737 32259087 32259258 35278915
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU5.
Watch 125 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (10%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (50%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Low (10%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (>95%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Premier David Eby has released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement that it plans to raise softwood duties against Canadian producers to 34.45%:
“The U.S. Department of Commerce announced yesterday that they are going to more than double countervailing duties imposed on Canadian softwood lumber, driving up housing costs for Americans who voted for a President who promised to lower costs.
“This is an attack on forest workers and British Columbians. I know that during hard times it is often the workers who pay the price. To every forestry worker in British Columbia hearing the news of this impending increase to softwood lumber duties, know this: We have got your back and your government will fight for you.
“In Canada, the continued unjustified softwood lumber duties, combined with additional U.S. tariffs and other trade actions, have united Canadians. We have friends and family in the United States who need Canadian lumber to build or rebuild their homes, and both Canadians and Americans need an end to this trade dispute.
“We will, as always, work with the other provinces and territories, the forest sector and the federal government to fight this most recent decision through all avenues available to us, at the first possible opportunity.
“I am meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday, April 7, 2025, and I plan on raising this issue with him directly. B.C. workers and their families depend on the jobs that these tariffs are targeting, and we hope to see the same Team Canada approach to protecting them, just like with the automotive and steel industry jobs in Ontario and Quebec.
“We will continue to work with business, labour and First Nations leaders to seek approaches to defend the hard-working forestry workers of B.C., their families and the industry as a whole from the increasingly hostile actions of our largest trading partner.”
